Speak

out Pre-intermediate

Writing Reference © Pearson Educación, S.A., 2012

1

Speakout Pre-intermediate

W

RITING

R

EFERENCE

U

NIT

10

Writing a formal letter; using formal expressions

Formal language is very different from informal language. Sometimes we use formal language
and sometimes we use informal language; it depends on the person that we are writing to.

1 In the following situations, is it more appropriate to use formal or informal

language?

1 a note to your brother
2 a report your boss
3 a text message to a good friend
4 a letter to your daughter’s teacher
5 a post-it on your desk

2a) Read a letter written by a parent to a head teacher. Underline words and

expressions that are not appropriate because they are informal.

Hey Jules,

Just a quick word about the poor quality of teachers at Churchill School. Many of them
explain their subject very badly and do not motivate their students. I take my son to
school everyday and I see that your teachers dress very badly. Also, they often come late to
class, sometimes students are left to do nothing while waiting for the teacher to show up. I
think it’s important for your guys to show a good example to the kids.

Anyway, you need to contact me right now about this.

Cheers mate,

Mr. John Greene

(father of Emily Greene, year 10)

b) Match the underlined expressions to their formal equivalents.

1 I look forward to hearing from you.
2 I am writing
3 Yours faithfully
4 Dear Sir
5 In addition to this

Speak

out Pre-intermediate

Writing Reference © Pearson Educación, S.A., 2012

2

3 Complete the reply with the appropriate expressions.

1

_______________

,

2

_______________

about your letter concerning the quality of teachers at the school. I

have full confidence in the dedication and professionalism of all our staff.

3

_______________

,

I would like to inform you that our school has one of the best academic records in the
country.

4

_______________

if you want to discuss this question in more detail.

5

_______________

,

Julian Redpath

Julian Redpath

Julian Redpath

Julian Redpath

(head teacher)

Practice

4 Write a formal letter to the head teacher of your local school. When students finish

school they behave badly and steal from local shops. You often see students in the
street when they should be in classes.

Before you write

Think about:

•

What points do you want to make?

•

What do you want the head teacher to do?

•

What language can you use from exercise 2?

Writing plan

•

Explain why you are writing.

•

Say your main point.

•

Give example.

•

Ask for some action.

•

Close in a formal way.

Check your writing

Have you used formal language?

Have you organised your letter appropriately?

Have you followed the writing plan?

Have you checked the text for possible grammar and vocabulary mistakes?