CAE Extra : Lesson 3: Formal letters -reference

• English
• Middelbare school
• havo, vwo
• Leerjaar 4,5

1.3 Other happiness idioms?

Idiom: 

Jump for joy

Meaning

Be very happy and excited about something that has happened

Example:

Rowena jumped for joy when she heard she had won first prize

How to write a character reference: Would  Donald make a good English teacher for CAE 1?

A character reference: 220-260 words

Donald Trump has applied for a job teaching English at Werenfridus. The job involves teaching pupils aged 15-17 and to prepare them for the CAE.  You have been asked to provide a character reference for your acquaintance, Donald. 

You should say how long you have known him and include a detailed description of his character. You should also give reasons why he would be suitable for the job.

Write your reference in 220-260 words in an appropriate style. 

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Extra help for the writing assignment

Start with a formal opening convention:

If you do not know the name of the person you are writing to, then use

Dear Sir or Madam,

To whom it may concern,

If you do know the name of the person you are writing to, then use

Dear Mr. Skywalker,

Dear Mrs. Corrigan,

organise your paragraphs

1. How long have you known Donald for?
2. Mention his previous experience relevant to the job.
3. Mention his good points, use descriptive adjectives to describe his character: 
4. include other information RELEVANT to his application

To conclude

Use concluding sentences:

In my opinion Donald would make an excellent English teacher for CAE 1 

I have no hesitation in recommending Donald to the Werenfridus School.

I highly recommend Donald as the new teacher for CAE 1

Closing Conventions

Yours faithfully - If you started your letter with- Dear Sir or Madam / To whom it may concern.

Yours sincerely - If you know the name of the person you are writing to.

Yours truly - can be used in both situations

How to make your language sound more formal

https:

https:

Informal>Formal (understatement)
The room was absolutely freezing

Informal>Formal
If there's a problem call me (inversion)

Informal>Formal
I'll pick you up from the station (non idiomatic language)

Informal>Formal
The waiter hadn't cleared the tables (passive)