V4 - Writing Folder 1
V4 - Writing folder 1
Formal and informal letter writing
Writing a formal letter requires the use of language that is formal and polite. Using words, phrases, and structures that we call informal (a.k.a that you use for friends and family) cannot be used in these types of letters.
Think for a moment on what you believe is formal language and what is informal language. Give some examples of language and of language rules that come to mind when it comes to formal and to informal language.
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Slide 1: Tekstslide
EngelsMiddelbare schoolvwoLeerjaar 4
In deze les zitten 14 slides, met interactieve quizzen, tekstslides en 5 videos.
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V4 - Writing folder 1
Formal and informal letter writing
Writing a formal letter requires the use of language that is formal and polite. Using words, phrases, and structures that we call informal (a.k.a that you use for friends and family) cannot be used in these types of letters.
Think for a moment on what you believe is formal language and what is informal language. Give some examples of language and of language rules that come to mind when it comes to formal and to informal language.
Slide 1 - Tekstslide
Formal
Slide 2 - Woordweb
Informal
Slide 3 - Woordweb
Learn the difference:
Slide 4 - Tekstslide
Formal letters
Formal letters are sent to organizations, government departments, chair holders, etc to make complaints, requests, inquiries, orders etc. In case of formal letters, the person to whom you are addressing the letter is not a friend or any other person known to you. Your tone is full of respect making use of formal words and sentences to create a nice impression on the recipient.
Informal letters are written to friends and relatives. The purpose of writing a letter is not to make a complaint or inquiry, and the tone is also casual. The words used can be colloquial and slang, and you are not there to create an impression. Informal letters can be considered a freestyle swimming where you are free to write in the style and tone as you wish. There is no set format, and there is no need to be using formal style and tone.
Slide 5 - Tekstslide
Formal letters: structure
Use the following structure for your formal letter:
- your address (without your name)
- recipient's address (with name, department etc)
- date (write out in full)
- salutation: Dear Sir/Madam, (no name is given) or Dear Mrs Jenkins, (name is given)
- body paragraphs + closing phrase (often something like: I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience)
- greeting: Yours faithfully (goes with Dear Sir/Madam) or Yours sincerely (goes with Dear Mrs Jenkins)
- Your signature
- Your full name
Slide 6 - Tekstslide
Body paragraphs: structure
How to structure your body paragraphs:
1 - explain who you are and why you are writing
2-3 - go into more detail and provide examples to support yourself
4 - what do you expect from your recipient + closing phrase
When you are given an CAE letter writing assignment, the assignment itself will give you a list for what to write in each paragraph. This does not always follow the above pattern, so read carefully how the assignment wants you to structure your paragraphs.
Slide 7 - Tekstslide
Writing Folder 1
- Start with exercises 1-4 + corpus spot (20 mins)
- Then move onto exercises 5 + 6.
Exercise 7: write the letter using the right
structure and make sure you use a body
paragraph for each point. Use the
support page on the next slide for help.
Hand in next week via Magister - Opdrachten.
Slide 8 - Tekstslide
Support:
Still have some trouble with understanding formal
vs informal language or writing? Watch the videos
on the next slides to help you along, or go the one
