Formal letters part one

iTrackR EdFormal LettersInformal or formal language Plan, draft and edit formal letters Using a thesaurus to improve writing

1What do you know about writing formal letters? Write a short phraseFormal Letters Part OneObjectives:

Reading:To identify the differences between formal and informal English

Writing:To produce first draft letter To use a thesaurus to improve vocabularyThe following session has been designed to help you to develop your independent study skills, Functional English writing content and to set your own goals and targets through self assessment.

Formal Letters Part OneYou need to be able to understand and produce different types of texts that either: inform, instruct, persuade or describe something.

Persuasive texts really want you to DO something (eBay)Instructive texts want to tell you HOW to do something (set up PC)Descriptive texts want you to picture what they are describing (holiday postcard)Informative texts really want to TELL you about something or to ADVISE(inform parent)When you write a formal letter, you dont only have to make sure it looks right. You have to use the right type of language as well.

A formal letter needs to give the information you want to give in the clearest way, using formal language.Understanding Informal and Formal LanguageIs this formal or informal language? nd sme }xx sn!I mizd u vry mch, I cwtcu 2nite.

If your purpose is important and you do not know the reader very well, you usually write in formal English.If your purpose is not important and you do know your reader well, you usually write in informal English.

InformalFormalBox ACollege application formLetter to college requesting course informationEmail to a friendLetter to your local MPHoliday postcard to friendEmail complaining to local council about recyclingNote to neighbourText message to parent/guardianText message to teacherMemo to all staffLetter cancelling subscription, ie gym membershipIn pairs, list items from Box A into either formal or informal columns.

Formal lettersI can just make a call on my mobile. Why write a letter?

Writing a letter is often better than making a phone call because:For your FS English writing assessment, you may be asked to write a formal letter on general topic that will not necessarily be linked to your vocational area. It could be any topic.

Formal lettersThe assessment for writing letters follow a strict set of rules, which are described in the following slides.

In pairs, list the errors in the letter above.How not to write a formal letter1 mistakes waysuttonsurrysm1 1bx

hello sir

I see this job advertised for bar staff in your pub. I have put my applications form and CV in the envelope. I has very good people skills and hope to here from you soon shorty.

Yours sincerely

I D Know9Formal Letter Layout

Dont jump in and get all those ideas onto one page, make a plan first or you could end up in a muddle. Stage 1 Plan your letter

Plan your letter by using a either a mind map or bullet points; write the main topics and arrange them under headings.

This will help me to organise ideas, where I can plan what I want to say in my letter.Stage 1 Plan your letterWhen you are making your plan, you do not need to write in full sentences.Stage 2 first draftOnce you have done your planning you are ready to start writing, using your notes to begin your first draft. Organise your letter so that each paragraph covers a different point in your list.Make sure the first sentence of each paragraph contains the most important point.Dont worry about it being perfect just yet, just have a go at writing a first attempt.Remember to use effective adjectives and verbs.

A thesaurus book looks like a dictionary with the words placed in alphabetical order, you look up the word and it has a list of synonyms next to it. Using a thesaurusSynonyms are words with similar meanings. Nice adj. Agreeable, attractive, charming, delicate, delightful, fine, good, lovely, pleasant, polite.Dont repeat the same word, over, over and over again. Try using a thesaurus to help you vary your vocabulary.

14If you are using a PC follow the instructions below to access the thesaurus to help you vary your vocabulary.Using a thesaurusFirstly, place the cursor over the word you would like to change and right click.Secondly, click on synonyms and a list of alternatives will be given.Finally, click on the selected word, which will replace the original word in your document

15Stage 3 - RedraftingRead sentence by sentence, making sure that each line makes sense.

You may find that some sections are unnecessary and can be deleted, while you may find that other sections will require a bit more text.Tick where you have covered a point in the bullet point list.Tick where the order of paragraphs follow each other in logical order.

Stage 4 - ProofreadingHlleoI am wtrinig you tihs cvoer ltteer bceusae i ralely wnat tihs job. I'm a good wroekr and can tpye vrey radealbe paeprs. Smoetmies i do mix up the mdidle ltteers thugoh.

Tahnks for yuor cnosdireaiton. Hpoe to haer form you soon shorty.

Notice how you can read the whole thing even though most of the words are spelled wrong?

RememberIf you proofread your own work it is easy to read what you think is there rather than what you have actually written.Miss Marks The Examiner

Mistakes to avoid ......All sentences begin with a capital letter and end with a full stop. Think about them when you write particularly the word I. Ensure that you have used a capital for the pronoun I Remember: that a formal letter needs at least three paragraphs!Plan and draft writing (Wt/L1.1)Present information in a logical sequence (Wt/L1.3)Use language suitable for purpose and audience (Wt/L1.4)Proof-read and redraft writing for accuracy and meaning (Wt/L1.6)

Formal LettersIndependent Study choose your task from complaints section Formal Letters Part I Workbook

Home ImprovementHow can your partners letter be improved?

Why would your changes be an improvement?

Goal SettingSet own goals by creating a chart showing:

What I know about the topic...What I want to know...What I have learnt...

Plenary & Self AssessmentReview learning objectives:

Reading: Were you able to identify the differences between formal and informal English?

Writing: Were you able to plan and draft a formal letter?

Did you use a thesaurus to vary your vocabulary?

Did you complete your goal setting chart?22