Unit 1. writing

Types of letter
Making a request
Giving an apology
Making a complaint
Making suggestions
Giving information
If your letter is giving information
Introductory paragraph
Information
Offer more information (if appropriate)
Closing paragraph
1. If you don’t know the name of the addressee.
Beginning
Dear Sir,
Dear Madam,
Dear Sir / Madam,
Ending
Yours faithfully,
2. If you know the surname of the person but he/she is not a close friend.
Beginning
Dear Mr. Jenkins,
Dear Ms. Lang,
Dear Dr. John,
Ending
Yours sincerely,
3. If the person is a friend
Beginning
Dear Sue,
Dear Michael,
Dear Lan,
Ending
Best regards,
Best wishes,
Love,
Introductory paragraph
Greet the addressee (if he/she is your friend).
Tell the addressee who you are ( if he/she does not know you).
Thank the addressee ( if he/ she has sent you a letter or done something else for you).
Explain your reason for writing.
Writing task
An Australian colleague is going to your country for a conference. He/she will spend several days in your hometown, and has written a letter to you asking for advice about things to see and do there.
Write a letter to the colleague telling what he/she should see and do while he/she is in your hometown.
You should write at least 150 words.
A Complaint letter
If your letter is making a complaint
Introductory paragraph
Explain problems
Say what you think the addressee should do.
Closing paragraph
Appropriate language
I must complain about…
I am not satisfied with…
I feel something should be done about…
The closing paragraph
Mention what the addressee will do

I think you should pay special attention to this matter immediately.
I look forward to receiving your reply soon.
Writing task
You booked a two-week holiday to Sydney with Fly-by-Night Travel. You are not happy with the holiday – the flight was delayed, the hotel was noisy, and so on.
Write to Fly-by-Night Travel to complain about the holiday giving details about the problems. Request some compensation or refund.

A request letter
If your letter is making a request
Introductory paragraph
Explain the situation
Details of your request
Closing paragraph

Appropriate language
Could you please…
Would it be possible to…
I would be grateful if you would…
Would you mind…
I wonder if you could…
The closing paragraph
Mention what the addressee will do
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
I look forward to your prompt response.
Thanks for your help.
Please write soon.
Writing task
You have lost your credit card.
Write to the manager of the bank. Explain where and how you lost the card and any other relevant details. Request the manager to cancel the old card and to send you a replacement.
An apology letter
If your letter is giving an apology
Introductory paragraph
Explain why you must apologize
Alternative plan (if appropriate)
Closing paragraph
Appropriate language
I’m terribly sorry, but…
I am afraid I…
I must apologize about…
I must apologize about not…
I am very sorry but…
I am sorry about…
I am sorry about not…
The closing paragraph
Make a final apology
Once again, I am sorry for any inconvenience caused.
Please accept my apologies once more.
I hope I did not cause you too much trouble.
Sorry again!
Writing task
The course director of your previous college has invited you to attend a party for new students, and he has also asked you to give a talk about studying overseas. You have an important examination on the same day so you can not attend the party.
Write to the director to apologize and to explain why you can not attend. Suggest another date when you could give your talk.
A suggestion letter
If your letter is making suggestions
Introductory paragraph
make first suggestion
Provide an alternative to this suggestion or make a second suggestion.
Closing paragraph
Appropriate language
I’d like to suggest that…
May I suggest that…
Perhaps we could…
Could you please…
How about…
What about…
Why don’t we…
Let’s…
The closing paragraph
Say you hope you have been helpful
I trust these suggestions have been useful.
I hope these suggestions help.
Offer more help
Please let me know if I can help any further.
If there is anything else I can do, please call.
Writing task
A friend is going to a TAFE college in Australia and he/ she has written a letter to you asking about useful information.
Write to him/her suggesting what he/she should do before he/she go. Also mention some problems he/she might have when living and studying in Australia.