CPE Letter

• Onderwijswetenschappen
• WO
• Studiejaar 3

CPE Writing 

Writing a letter

Today's Lesson

• How to write a CPE formal letter
• CPE Letter: Structure & example
  
• How to write a CPE informal letter
• CPE Letter: Structure & example
  
• CPE Letter: Useful Phrases

Conventions

There are several conventions that you should follow when writing formal or official letters.

See if you can remember them...

Which salutation do you use if you don't know the recipient?

Which salutation do you use if you do know the recipient?

Which information should you always give in the introductory paragraph?

1. The purpose of the letter and the reason for its sending.
2. The purpose of the letter and your name.
3. Your name and age.
4. A thesis statement

How do you end a letter if you don't know the recipient?

How do you end a letter if you don't know the recipient?

The tone of a formal letter

• avoid everyday colloquial language or slang
  
• avoid contractions (i.e. I’m, it’s, etc.)
  
• avoid emotional, subjective language (terrible, rubbish, etc.)
  
• avoid general words such as nice, good, get, etc.

You should always be polite and respectful, even if you complain. A useful way to achieve it especially in formal letters is to use ‘modal verbs’, i.e., would, could or should.

Example

Formal Letter subject:

An environmental organisation is inviting suggestions for new ways of raising people’s awareness of the importance of protecting the countryside. You decide to write a letter in which you briefly describe your idea for a publicity campaign. You should also analyse the reasons why, in general, it is important to protect the countryside.

Student’s CPE Formal Letter Answer:

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing in response to your organisation’s invitation regarding proposals for a campaign to promote countryside conservation. I strongly believe that we need to think globally while we act locally, so it would be a great idea if we engaged the young – the future global citizens- in the quest for a clean environment and unspoiled countryside.

To be more specific ‘A green concert with school bands’ would be an excellent idea to sensitize people on the importance of preserving our local traditions that are inextricably linked with the Mediterranean landscape of Attica. In fact all six high schools of our municipality could participate with one school band each in a concert that may take place in the local stadium that can accommodate six thousand people. The bands can play both folklore and more modern songs while local delicacies and examples of craftwork could be exhibited at the entrance of the concert hall.

Massive participation in any campaign is the key for its success; especially when such a noble cause -like that of ‘conservation’- is served. Helping the new generation appreciate their natural surroundings and traditions is the most precious legacy we can offer to our descendants. The biosphere is literary our home so it is unquestionably important to keep it clean so that we can have fresh air to breathe and pure water to drink.

Therefore, I urge your forward-looking organization, to seriously consider my recommendation for ‘A green concert with school bands’ because it is a simple yet effective idea to develop more respect for our countryside among all the people in our community.

Yours faithfully,

Formal vs informal

Complete the sentences with a word in the correct register

1) Come on one of our holidays where you can do your own cooking.
Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a camping holiday where you can .......... for yourself.

2) Don't delay! Thousands of competion prizes are up for grabs!
Thousands of prizes are .......... to anyone who enters the competition before the closing date.

3) When my boss spilt coffee down his new suit I just couldn't keep a straight face.
It was difficult not to .......... when my boss spilt coffee down his new suit.

4) Because of falling profits the company may have to lay people off.
The company has reported a sharp decrease in its profits. ............ a number of employees may lose their jobs.

5) The approximate number of club members is 30.
There are .......... 30 club members.

6) The decision is still under consideration.
They haven't made ............ up yet.

7) It is a requirement that all employees of the company undergo a medical examination prior to starting their employment.
You ............ have a check-up before you start work.

8) Reports show that there is still evidence of inequality between men and women in the workplace.
A report says that men and women are not treated ........... at work.

Any questions or concerns?

Useful Phrases

Learn chunks to help you write the letter:
"I am writing to .... "

"I look forward to hearing from you" etc.

The assignment

A popular English-language magazine has invited readers to send in letters sharing their recent experience of making an important decision. You decide to send in a letter in which you briefly describe the situation and explain the reasons why you took an important decision, and assess what the consequences of that decision might be in the future.

Write your letter. You do not need to write any postal addresses.