1.

Formal Language

Full sentences

Thank you for creating time in your schedule to meet with the team today.

Proper grammar and vocabulary

The estimated arrival date of the shipment is Saturday, October 4.

No contractions

could not

No idioms.

Would you please assist me with this task?

Passive voice

The invitation has been extended to join us for dinner.

No phrasal verbs

Please resolve the concern.

Common phrases spelled out fully

As soon as possible

No (or rarely used) exclamation marks

Mostly declarative or interrogative sentences

Have you given her a call to inquire?

2. informal language

Short sentences
Thanks for meeting with us.

Lack of formal grammar and vocabulary; using slang

Your box isn't even going to show up for at least another week or so.

Contractions

couldn't

Idioms

Do you want to give me a hand with this?

Active voice

I told them they could come to eat with us.

Phrasal verbs

Figure it out.

Abbreviations

ASAP

Exclamation marks!

Imperative commands

Call her and ask.

There are various types of letters such as: letters of complaint, letters asking for/giving
information, letters of request, letters asking for/giving advice, letters of invitation,
letters accepting/refusing an invitation, letters expressing
congratulations/thanks/regret/sympathy, letters giving news, letters of apology,
letters of application for a job and letters to the editor providing
solutions/suggestions.
A good letter should consist of:

a) an appropriate greeting (Dear Peter, Dear Mr Ford, Dear Sir/ Madam.);

b) an introduction clearly stating the reason you are writing;

c) a main body in which the subject is developed. Begin a new paragraph for each main
point:

d) a final paragraph in which you sum up the topic or express your wish for something
to be done; and

e) an appropriate ending (Yours/Best wishes, + first name, Yours sincerely, Yours

faithfully, + full name).

Style in Letters

The characteristics of formal style in letters are:

- the greeting (Dear Mrs Lee, Dear Sir.)

- frequent use of the passive

- formal language (complex sentences, non-colloquial English)

- no abbreviated forms

- the ending (Yours sincerely, Yours faithfully, Jason McNeil)

The characteristics of informal style in letters are:

- the greeting (Dear Alex, Dear Dad,)

- informal language and style (idioms, colloquial English)

- abbreviated forms, pronouns omitted

- the ending (Yours/Love/Best wishes/Regards, Anthony)

Notes

- Informal (friendly) letters have only one address (yours) whereas formal letters have
two (yours and the recipient's). Friendly letters begin with Dear + first name and end
with Love Yours Best wishes + first name.

- Formal letters begin with

a) Dear Sir/Madam and end with Yours faithfully + full name or

b) Dear Mr/Mrs + surname and end with Yours sincerely + full name.

- Semi-formal letters can begin with Dear Mr/Mrs + surname and end Best wishes
Yours + first name/full name

2. Asking for/Giving Advice

Letters asking for or giving advice can be formal, informal or semi-formal depending
on the situation. A letter asking for advice can be sent to a friend, a consultant or an
advice column in a magazine. Details of the problem should be mentioned. A letter
giving advice should contain suggestions introduced with appropriate language.

Useful Language for Letters Asking for Advice

- Opening Remarks (Formal): I am writing to ask if you could help me with/ I would
appreciate it if you could give me some advice about / I am writing to ask for your
advice/ I would be grateful if you could offer your advice/ Could you possibly offer your
advice / I wonder if you could help me with a problem, etc. (Informal) I'm writing to ask
for your advice / Can you give me your advice/ I've got a problem and I need your
advice, etc.
- Closing Remarks: (Formal) I would appreciate it if you could give me your advice as
soon as possible/look forward to receiving your advice/ It would be of great help if you
could advise me, etc. (Informal) What do you think I should do?/ Please let me know
what you think I should do. / Please tell me what to do, etc.

Useful Language for Letters Giving Advice

- Opening Remarks: (formal) Thank you for your letter requesting/I am writing in reply
to your letter asking for advice about / I hope the following advice will be of some help to
you, etc. (informal) I just got your letter and I think I can help you/1 was sorry to hear
about your problem. Here's what I think you should do, etc.

- Suggestions can be introduced with expressions such as: (Formal) I strongly

recommend that / I would suggest that /I believe the best course of action is/ I would
advise you to / You should/You ought to / If I were you I would (Informal) Why don't
you/You should/You ought to / It would be a good idea to / What you should do is
.../How about.../I think you should.../ The best advice I can give you is..., etc.

- Closing Remarks: (Formal) I trust you will accept this advice / I hope this will be of
help / I would very much like to know if this was helpful (Informal) Hope this has
helped/Let me know what happens, etc.

Task:

Asking for Advice

1. You are considering applying for a job in a new city, but you’re unsure if it’s
the right decision. Write a letter to your friend asking for advice. Mention
your concerns about moving and your thoughts about the job.

Dear [Friend's Name],

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to seek your advice about a significant
decision I am currently considering. A job opportunity has come my way in [City Name],
and while it appears to be a great chance to advance my career, I am unsure whether
moving to a new city is the right step for me at this stage of my life.

The position itself is closely aligned with my long-term professional goals, offering not
only excellent growth potential but also the chance to work with a highly reputable
organization. However, as exciting as it sounds, the idea of relocating comes with its own
set of challenges.

One of my main concerns is adapting to an unfamiliar environment. I worry about

leaving behind the comfort of my current lifestyle and the strong support network I have
here. Building new relationships and finding my footing in a new place seems daunting.
Additionally, the cost of living in [City Name] is significantly higher, and I am unsure
whether the salary offered would be sufficient to maintain a decent standard of living
while also saving for the future.

Given your practical approach to such matters, I would truly value your perspective. Do
you think it would be wise to take this leap and embrace the opportunity? Are there
specific factors I should weigh before making a decision?

Thank you in advance for your guidance. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Full Name]

2. You’re struggling with time management while balancing schoolwork and

extracurricular activities. Write a letter to a friend asking for tips on how to
stay organized and manage your time better.

Dear [Friend's Name],

I hope you are doing well. I am writing to ask for your advice on an issue I have been
struggling with recently. Managing my time effectively has become increasingly
challenging as I try to balance my schoolwork with extracurricular activities, and I feel
like I am constantly falling behind.

Despite my best efforts to stay organized, I often find myself overwhelmed by the sheer
number of tasks that need to be completed. Deadlines seem to approach faster than I
anticipate, and I rarely have time to unwind or focus on activities that bring me joy. This
lack of balance has begun to affect my overall productivity and motivation.

I know that you have always been excellent at managing your time and staying on top of
your commitments, so I thought you might have some helpful tips or strategies to share.
Specifically, I would love to know how you prioritize tasks, deal with distractions, and
create a schedule that allows you to be both productive and relaxed.

If there are any tools or techniques that have worked particularly well for you, I would be
eager to hear about them. Your advice would mean a lot to me as I navigate this
challenging period.

Thank you for taking the time to help me. I look forward to hearing your suggestions and
putting them into practice.

Best wishes,
[Your First Name]

3. You’re planning to buy a new gadget, but you’re not sure which one to
choose. Write a letter to your tech-savvy friend asking for their opinion and
recommendations.

Dear [Friend's Name],

I hope this letter finds you in great spirits. I am writing to seek your advice regarding a
purchase I am planning to make soon. As someone who is tech-savvy and always up-to-
date with the latest gadgets, I thought you would be the perfect person to guide me in
making an informed decision.

I am currently looking to upgrade my existing device, as it no longer meets my needs. My

primary requirements include [e.g., a high-quality camera, long battery life, and ample
storage capacity]. Additionally, I would prefer a device that offers excellent value for
money without compromising on performance or reliability.

The problem is that the market is flooded with so many options, each claiming to be the
best. I have read numerous reviews online, but the information often feels contradictory
and overwhelming. This is why I believe your firsthand experience and insights could be
incredibly helpful.

Could you recommend a specific brand or model that you think would suit my needs? If
you have recently come across any reliable reviews or have personal experience with a
device that stands out, I would greatly appreciate it if you could share your thoughts.

Thank you in advance for your assistance. I trust your advice and look forward to hearing
your recommendations.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Full Name]

Giving Advice

4. Your friend has written to you asking for advice on how to improve their
English skills. Write a letter giving them tips on effective ways to practice
speaking, writing, and listening.

Dear [Friend’s Name],

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing in response to your request for advice on
how to improve your English skills. Developing proficiency in speaking, writing, and
listening requires consistent effort and effective strategies, which I am happy to share
with you.

To enhance your speaking skills, I strongly recommend practicing daily conversations

with native or fluent speakers. Joining language exchange programs or participating in
online speaking groups can provide you with ample opportunities to practice.
Additionally, recording yourself while speaking and reviewing your performance will
help identify areas for improvement.

For writing, maintaining a journal in English is an excellent way to practice. Write about
your daily activities, thoughts, or opinions on various topics. I would also suggest using
online platforms to receive feedback from others. Moreover, reading high-quality articles
or essays and analyzing their structure can significantly improve your writing style.

Improving listening skills requires regular exposure to authentic English materials.

Listening to podcasts, watching movies, or following news channels in English can be
both enjoyable and educational. Focus on understanding the context and noting down
unfamiliar words to expand your vocabulary.

I trust these tips will be helpful to you. Please feel free to reach out if you need further
assistance or clarification. I am confident that, with persistence, you will achieve your
goals.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
 5. Your friend is feeling nervous about an upcoming job interview. Write a
letter to them offering advice on how to prepare, stay confident, and make a
good impression.

Dear [Friend’s Name],

I hope this letter finds you in good spirits. I understand that you are feeling nervous about
your upcoming job interview, and I am writing to offer some advice that I hope will ease
your anxiety and help you succeed.

First and foremost, thorough preparation is essential. Research the company’s

background, mission, and values to demonstrate your interest and alignment with their
goals. Practice answering common interview questions and prepare specific examples
that highlight your skills and achievements.

To stay confident, focus on your strengths and remind yourself of your qualifications.
Visualizing a successful interview can help boost your self-esteem. Additionally,
practicing deep-breathing exercises before the interview will calm your nerves and
improve your focus.

Finally, making a good impression is crucial. Dress professionally and arrive at least 10
minutes early to show punctuality and reliability. During the interview, maintain eye
contact, listen attentively, and respond thoughtfully to questions. Expressing gratitude to
the interviewer at the end of the session leaves a positive and lasting impression.

I believe that following these suggestions will significantly increase your chances of
success. Please let me know how the interview goes—I am confident that you will
perform brilliantly.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Full Name]