1. Language skills

2. Emails, faxes, and letters Please answer these questions:  Do you write emails, faxes, or letters in English?  What do you write about?  Do you have problems writing in English? If so, what problems?

3. contents The outline of an informal letter An example of an informal letter The outline of a formal letter An example of a formal letter Some useful phrases Some useful phrases (cont.) Sample Writing and saying dates

4. The outline of an informal letter Introduction Main parts In the main parts, you can talk about where you live, who you live with, what do you do, what you like, your hobbies and interests, what you’re doing at the moment… Ending You can say “I’m looking forward to hearing from you!”, “see you soon”, etc. You can end a letter to a friend with Best wishes or Regards, or Love, if you know them well. Your signature

5. An example of an informal letter Dear Maria I’m very pleased that we’re going to be penfriends. I live in an area of London called Maida Vale. It’s quite near the centre, but there are parks nearby where I take my dog, Mickey, for a walk. I live with my parents and my younger brother, Paul. My father works for the post office and my mother has a part-time job as a nurse. I go to the local comprehensive school, where I have a lot of friends. I like most subjects, but not all of them! In the evenings I sometimes visit friends or stay at home and listen to music, and at the weekends I like going swimming or horse-riding. At the moment I’m working very hard because I have exams soon, so I’m spending a lot of time in the library! I’m looking forward to hearing from you! Write soon! Best wishes Francis Dones

6. The outline of a formal letter Your address (not your name) The name and address of who you are writing to. Remember to write the date on your right. The greeting Introduction Main parts Concluding comment The ending Your signature

7. An example of a formal letter  Please read the letter, separate the different parts and write them in the correct order. Rua Luis de Deus 18, 3000 Coimbra, Portugal. 29 th March 2006. The Principal, The Oxford English College, 234 Hilton Rd, Eastbourne BN4 3UA. Dear Sir or Madam, I saw your advertisement for English classes in this month’s English Today magazine and I am interested in coming to your school this summer. I have studied English for three years but I have never been to England and I feel that this is now necessary, especially, to improve my pronunciation. Please could you send me more information about your courses, and am application form? I would also like some information about accommodation. I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible. Your faithfully, Ana Maria Fernandes.

8. Some useful phrases Starting In reply to (your fax received…) Thank you for (your fax of…) Following (your phone…) Saying why you’re writing I am writing (to enquire about…) I am pleased (to confirm…) This letter is (to thank/to reply to…) Requesting Would you please (tell me…) I’d love to… I ‘d be grateful if you can… Would you mind… Could you possibly…

9. Some useful phrases Attaching documents (email) I attach… let me know if you need anything else. Enclosing documents (letter) I enclose (a copy of…) Giving bad news I am sorry (to inform…) I’m afraid I’ve got something to tell you… Apologizing I apology for (the delay…) I’m sorry about (the mistake…) I’m so sorry… Ending Please contact me again (if you…) Let me know (if you need anything else) I look forward to… See you soon.

10. Sample Dear Mr Grady This letter is to thank you for the invitation to your Cross-cultural Training Seminar in Prague on 19 and 20 September. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend as I will be away on business. Would you please tell me if you are planning to repeat the seminar at a later date as I would be very interested to attend. Yours sincerely Pert Sovak

11. Writing and saying dates British English 14 October 2007 or 14 th October 2007 (14/10/07) Her birthday in on the ninth of December. Her birthday is on December the ninth. American English October 14, 2007 (14/10/07) Her birthday is December 9 th.

12. Thank you