W3L2 Formal Writing & Pitfalls

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 5

Good morning V5! 

English class

lesson goals

• I know the rules for formal writing and can avoid common pitfalls. 

Examenidioom booklet tip!

"Algemene tips" > "tips voor het schoolexamen schrijfvaardigheid" provides standard phrases that you can study for your formal letter test (P1)

What is the correct order for opening a formal letter?

1. addressee's address - your own address - date
2. addressee's address- date- your address
3. your address-addressee's address-date
4. your address-date - addressee's address

How do you indicate the date?

1. 26 october 2020
2. October 26th, 2020
3. 26 October, 2020
4. 26-10-2020

If you start your letter with "Dear Sir/Madam", you sign it off with?

1. Yours faithfully,
2. Yours truly,
3. Yours sincerely
4. Byebye

You can put the purpose of your letter wherever you want in the text.

1. True
2. False

Each paragraph should serve one aspect of your letter.

1. True
2. False

It's always best to write a one-page letter, especially with job application letters

1. True
2. False

How to make your language sound more formal

Frequent mistakes in writing

Rewrite the sentences.

1.  How many lessons did you take for your exam, did you get your license in one time. (3)
2. How many lessons have you got for your driving test? (1)
3. In the Netherlands, it is very hard to get it because they make it every year harder and more expensive. (1)
4. It’s very important to know the trafficrules before you actualy go out there with a car. (2)
5. In The Netherlands there is a difficult situation with walkers and bike riders, because if you have a exident on a road with someone who is not in a car, almost every time it’s your fals. (5)
6. Enjoy your time with your license, talk to you later, bye bye. (2)

You see this advertisement in your local newspaper:

Staff wanted for summer work

We require staff to work with our English-speaking guests in our busy 4 star hotel this summer. We are looking for people for the following roles:

– Waiter

– Coffee bar assistant

– Receptionist

Write to Maria Simpson at Top Beach Hotel, 70 Beachfront Boulevard, Cardiff W4 1 SY,  Wales 

1) write the correct addresses, date & opening sentence. Use 200-220 words in total. 

2) say which job interests you and why. 

3) explain why you would be suitable for the job. Mention at least 2 strengths 

4) explain what you would like to learn at the hotel this summer. 

5) ask if food and shelter are included. 

6) indicate that they can contact you. 

7) use a correct ending for your letter. 

Peer feedback 

-Work on the writing task that you have received. Keep in mind the wordcount and proofread it after writing.

- Done? 

A classmate has to proofread it too (grammar, spelling, vocabulary, punctuation, strengths/improvements)

- Discuss the rubric and the strengths/improvements in the letter. 

Mention 1 thing that went well today and 1 thing that you need to improve on.