Writing a letter of complaint

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 2

Letter of Complaint

Index

Prior knowledge

How to

Testing knowledge

Get to work

Today's objective

You are able to use the right tone of voice.

You are able to use appropriate language.

You are able to write a letter of complaint 

Knowledge about a letter of complaint

Parts of a Letter of Complaint

Part 1: Introduction, why are you writing?

Part 2: Dissatisfaction, what is your complaint about? Include evidence of what is going on

Part 3: Solution/call for action

Part 4: Salutation

DO'S

Use calm and polite language

Indicate the problem/give an option/solution

Proper and formal language

Be concise and to the point

DON'TS

Contractions

Informal language (slang)

Spelling/grammar mistakes

No threats or warnings

Unimportant details

What is understood under proper and formal language? (Write down a few words or a sentence)

What is understood under calm and polite language? (Write down a few words or a sentence)

What is the most difficult part about the letter of complaint? F.E.: Lay-out; correct grammar and spelling; tone of voice; addressing; coherence; formality; contractions; something else

B2 Writing

You are able to:

• Include all details that are asked 
• Coherence (signal and linking words)
• Vocabulary (familiar and unfamiliar)
• Grammatically correct writing
• Spelling is correct 
• Lay-out is pleasant to read and well structured
• Know who you are writing to

Example B2 Writing

• However, therefore, moreover, furthermore etc. 
• Make references in the text (Name, he, she, they, etc) 
• Aquire, experience, until, necessary, recommend.
• For every paragraph leave an open space (Don't give them titles)
• Dear Mrs Jones, / Dear Sir or Madam, Yours sincerely / Yours faithfully, Kind regards,

Assignment

See Brightspace for assignment details

DONE? Give feedback 

Switch assignments with your neighbour.

Answer the questions below the assignment.

Done? Give feedback to each other

Is everything included?

Give 2 compliments (what went well?)

Give 2 pointers of improvement (what could go better?)

Recap of the goals
Write down your answers:

Which tone of voice is needed?
What is considered appropriate language?