1. Writing a formal letter
Task
Writing a formal letter

2. Skills building 1:changing or correcting a text
Let’s first do an interesting game called------
“Chinese whisper”

3. The key
The sentence that “the man who laughs last laughs the best” is a useful motto.

4. Conclusion
When we are asked to pass information, we usually make mistakes. We need to:
1 correct grammatical errors and spelling mistakes
2 make changes to the information in the text
3 change the style or the tone

5. Tips for listening Read the questions or instructions carefully
Listen closely when spelling is given
Pay attention to words or phrases that express contradiction, such as
No, I don’t think so.
That’s not right.
And I think it should be…

6. Step 1: confirming information
1 What does GM stand for?
2 What is GM food?
3 Is it the same as natural food?
Listen and make notes about GM food

7. Skills building 2: conducting a discussion
How to ask for people’s opinions
e.g. What do you think? / Don’t you think so? /Do you agree? / Is that your opinion too?
How to introduce new ideas into the discussion
e.g. Another argument is that… / Don’t forget… / On the other hand, … /We can also… / But what about…?

8. Step2: reporting back to a science journal
In step 1, we’ve learned a lot about GM food, first, let’s invite a student to say something briefly about GM food.
Then, you can discuss with your group members and finish step 2.

9. Feedback of step 1 & 2
Now that we have finished step 1 and 2, you must have learned a lot about GM food. Now comes our next task:
Prepare an interview between a student and the scientist to talk about GM food using the vocabulary of part B on page 55.
Then finish part C and D after class.

10. Skills building 3: writing a formal letter
The basic elements and format of a formal letter
e.g. your address / the date / receiver’s name, job title and address / formal greeting / formal ending / your name and signature

11. Skills building 3: writing a formal letter
Some useful phrases to start and end a formal letter:
Start: With reference to… / Thank you for… /In reply to… / I am writing to inform you …
End: I would be grateful if you could… / I hope you would… / I look forward to hearing from you soon. / If you require any further information…
Label the different parts of the letter.

12. Step 3: writing a letter about GM food
Read the first letter and ask students to list the main points about GM food.
Read the second letter and ask students to list the main points about GM food.
Combine the points together what we’ve learned from Step 1 & 2, then finish Part B on page 57. You can discuss with your group members.

13. Homework
Write a formal letter to the head office of the supermarket chain. You may mention:
Your opinions about GM food
The pros and cons of GM food
Any concerns your group brought up in step 2, part D
What do you think the supermarket should do