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Unit 4: Informal letters.
Introduction: writing letters and e-mails to friends
!
the layout of informal letters
!see page 2. ""
!
some useful expressions
!see page 3. ""
Some more useful language for informal letters,
!
!
!see page 2. ""
!see page 6. ""
!
expressing your feelings
!see page 6. ""
!
some useful phrasal verbs
!see page 8. ""
!
giving advice
!see page 10. ""
!
asking a variety of questions
!see page 13. ""
Register: informal letters
!see page 15. ""
Planning and writing: informal letters
!see page 17. ""
!
Practice 1: studying in the UK
!see page 17. ""
!
Practice 2: taking a gap year
!see page 21. ""
!
Answers
!see page 25. ""
"
Introduction: writing letters and e-mails to friends.
1.1
A quick check: why write?
Friends write to each other for a number of different reasons. For example, someone might write to a
friend in order to,
a. ask their friend for some advice
b. give their friend some advice
c. share his or her experiences with their friend
Look at this informal letter from a woman called Isa in Italy to her friend Sven in Sweden. Decide for
which reason (a, b or c) Isa wrote to Sven.
the
date!
the
salutation!
the opening
paragraph!
the closing
paragraph!
the footer!
the writer’s
name!
!
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1.2
Useful expressions: a quick check.
There are a lot of expressions which you can use again and again in informal letters. For example, in
the letter from task 1.1 the writer,
0.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
says ‘hello’ informally
makes a reference to past contact
gives a statement of the reason for writing
gives her friend some advice
makes a reference to future contact
says ‘goodbye’ informally
. . . !"#$!%&$'()$*%+,$(line 2) . . .
Find the expressions in the letter which the writer uses to say these different things (1 – 5). There is
an example at the beginning (0).
1.3
Some alternative useful expressions.
Look at the diagram below which show lots of different expressions which you can use in informal
letters. Match the different items (1 – 9) with the different sets of expressions (a – j). The first item
(0, salutations) is given as an example (a).
0. an informal salutations (‘hello!’)
..'..
1. asking how your friend is
2. a reference to past contact (the last time you wrote, spoke)
......
......
3.
4.
5.
6.
.
.
.
.
a statement of the reason for writing
the reason for writing : giving advice
the reason for writing: asking for advice
the reason for writing: expressing your feelings
7. talking about future contact (the next time you write, speak)
8. a final, closing remark
9. an informal footer (‘goodbye!’)
!
.
.
.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
......
......
......
$
1.4
Practice: useful expressions. Sven has decided to stay with another friend in Florence
rather than book a hotel or go to a campsite. His friend, Paulo, wrote this letter to Sven.
a. Read the letter quickly and decide why Paulo wrote the letter. Does he want some advice from
Sven, to give Sven some advice or to share his experiences with his friend?
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97:%I74%-8/%-%-%-%-%-%039%B=/0%?:(3)#:(/6%N/%$02/%/37:D$%0*(/0I96%578%0E7:#%>7A/%#(0I)#)730*%?77I;%Q9%I0I%
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b. Using some of the expressions from task 1.2, complete the gaps in the letter (1 – 10) using a
suitable word or expression. There is an example at the beginning (0).
1.5
Further practice: useful expressions.
In this letter, Sven writes to Isa after he has visited Paulo in Florence. Read the letter and find out,
a. why Sven wrote the letter. Did he want to give Isa some advice? Did he want Isa to give him
some advice? Or is he writing to share his experiences with her?
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b. Using some of the expressions from task 1.2, complete the gaps in the letter (1 – 10) using a
suitable word or expression. There is an example at the beginning (0).
!
&
Some more useful language for informal letters.
The following language which is useful in informal letters will now be explored,
A
expressing your feelings
!see this page.
B
using phrasal verbs
!see page 8. ""
C
giving advice
!see page 10. ""
D
asking a variety of questions
!see page 13. ""
A
Expressing your feelings.
1.1
Good or bad?
Look at the following list of words and expressions which you can use to say how you feel about
something. Decide if the words and expressions are generally thought of as,
a. good feelings
b. bad feelings
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1.2
Practice: expressing your feelings.
Look at the following situations (1 – 5) and decide what you would say to a friend in these situations.
Use some of the words from task 1.1 or any other language which you know to complete the gaps.
There is an example at the beginning (0).
0.
Your friend wants to join the army.$
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1.
Your friend is thinking about buying a dog.
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2.
Your friend is thinking about visiting your country.
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3.
Your friend has asked you about your holiday.
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4.
Your friend has asked you about exams.
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5.
Your friend is thinking about getting a cat.
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1.3
Further practice: expressing your feelings.
Choose one of the following situations. Imagine you are in this situation and write a couple of
sentences to express your feelings in a letter to your friend. Use some of the vocabulary from task 1.1
to help you.
What would you say to a friend who,
!
!
!
!
!
!
B
tells you that he/she is going to learn to drive
wants to know how it felt when you learned to drive
tells you that he/she is going to study in a foreign country
wants to know how it felt when you studied in a foreign country
tells you that he/she is going to buy you a present
wants to know how it felt when you received a present from them
Some useful phrasal verbs.
Phrasal verbs are fantastic in informal letters. If you can think of a phrasal verb or two to add to your
letter in the exam, the examiners will be very impressed. For more details about phrasal verbs and
how to use them, see Unit 1: Register, page 13 and Unit 5: Stories, page 30.
1.1
Some useful phrasal verbs for informal letters: definitions.
Here are some very useful phrasal verbs which you can use when you write letters to friends. First of
all, check that you know what they mean by matching the definitions (1 – 10) with the phrasal verbs
(a – l). There are two examples at the beginning (0) and (00).
0. to visit someone (often without planning the visit)
00. to stay with someone (at their house)
a. stay over
1. to leave, depart (on a journey/trip/excursion)
2. to visit, tour (a town, country)
c. travel around
3. to look for something to buy in different shops
4. to buy something
e. pick something up
5. to look for/check something in a book or on the internet
6. to look for/check something by asking different people
g. shop around for something
7. to solve a problem, decide what to do
8. to tolerate, do something although you don’t like it
i.
ask around for something
j.
take something up
9. to start learning something
10. to stop doing something
!
b. drop in on somebody
d. look something up
f.
set off / set off on something
h. work something out
k. give something up
l.
put up with something
)
1.2
Practice: phrasal verbs in use. Now read this short extract from an informal letter.
Although the letter is OK, you can improve it by replacing 2 (or 3) of the verbs with some of the
phrasal verbs from task 1.1.
%
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1.3
Further practice: phrasal verbs in use. Again, read this short extract from another
informal letter. Another 2 (or 3) of the phrasal verbs from task 1.1 will help improve this letter and
make it more informal.
B#C>%D(/0#%#$0#%97:C(/%D7)3D%#7%2)>)#%A/%)3%M73I736%N$/3%0(/%97:%*/02)3D%
?(7A%K7(#:D0*;%J7:%A:>#%G7A/%03I%>#09%0#%A9%'*0G/%?7(%0%3)D$#%7(%#87-%
B#C>%3/0(%K7(#7E/**7%A0(=/#%03I%[7##)3D%5)**%>7%)#C>%0%D(/0#%'*0G/%#7%*77=%
?7(%>7A/#$)3D%)3#/(/>#)3D%#7%E:9-%&3I%8/%G7:*I%#7:(%#$/%G)#9%03I%>//%0**%
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For more detail about using phrasal verbs see,
!
Unit 1: Register, page 13.
!
Unit 5: Stories, page 30.
1.4
Extra practice: phrasal verbs in use.
Imagine that a friend of yours has written to you and has asked your advice about one of these
topics,
!
!
!
coming to visit you in your country
buying a present for somebody who you both know
changing his or her job or studies
What would you say in such a situation? Think of 3 (or more) pieces of advice which you would give
your friend. Include a phrasal verb in each piece of advice.
!
*
C
Giving advice.
Here are four different ways to give advice,
Suggestions and recommendations.
!
For informal writing, the verbs ‘to recommend’ and ‘to suggest’ can sometimes sound too formal,
and that’s why people don’t often use these words in informal, friendly letters.
However, if you want to use one of these verbs you should remember that you can use one of two
structures,
I
+
recommend
suggest
propose!
1.1
(that) you should do something
doing something
Making informal, friendly advice more formal.
Look at these different bits of advice about buying a friend a birthday present. Rewrite each piece of
friendly advice (1 – 5) so that it sounds a little more formal using the verb ‘to recommend’ or ‘to
suggest’. There is an example at the beginning (0).
0.
‘]/#%$/(%0%E77=6C
I recommend . . . E+*"3D$?)($'$E%%A$. . .
1.
‘B%(/G=73%97:%>$7:*I%D/#%$)A%0%#@>$)(#-C
I would suggest that . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.
‘N$9%I73C#%97:%D/#%$/(%0%$0#;C
I recommend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
!
"+
3.
‘]/#%$)A%>7A/#$)3D%:3:>:0*6C
I propose that . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.
‘502/%97:%#$7:D$#%0E7:#%D)2)3D%$)A%>7A/%A:>)G;C
We would suggest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.
‘N$0#/2/(%97:%I74%I73C#%>'/3I%#77%A:G$%A73/96C
We suggest that . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2
Making your advice sound more informal and friendly.
Of course, it is better to be more informal in letters to your friends. That’s why it’s better to use these
expressions in your letters to friends,
Look at these different bits of advice about having a healthier lifestyle. For each piece of rather formal
advice (1 – 5), complete the second sentence so that your advice sounds more informal. There is an
example at the beginning (0).
0.
‘B%87:*I%(/G7AA/3I%#$0#%97:%>$7:*I%>#0(#%\7DD)3D-C
Why don’t you . . . F'A)$+G$H%DD"3D, . . .
1.
‘B%87:*I%>:DD/>#%>#7'')3D%/0#)3D%G()>'>-C
Give . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . !
2.
‘B%>:DD/>#%#$0#%97:%>$7:*I%>#7'%>A7=)3D-C
I really reckon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.
‘B%(/G7AA/3I%#$0#%97:%>$7:*I%>#0(#%>8)AA)3D-C
Try . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
!
""
4.
‘B%87:*I%(/G7AA/3I%#$0#%97:%>#7'%/0#)3D%G(/0A%G0=/>-C
How . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ?
5.
‘B%87:*I3C#%(/G7AA/3I%/0#)3D%?0##9%?77I>-C
You should . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.3
Practice: giving informal advice.
Re-write this rather formal paragraph in which you give friend 3 pieces of related advice. Use a variety
of more informal methods for giving advice.
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>+DD)>F%97:%>$7:*I%#0=/%:'%>7A/%>7(#%7?%>'7(#%8$)G$%8)**%$/*'%97:%E:)*I%:'%97:(%/3I:(03G/-%K/(>730**94%
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7?%A73#$>6%
1.4
Further practice: giving informal advice to a foreign visitor.
Imagine that someone you know is coming to your country for the first time next month. Think of as
many pieces of advice to give them in 90 seconds. To help you, think about,
!
!
!
things they should do (and not do)
places they should go (and not go)
what they should eat and drink (and not eat and drink)
When you have finished, decide (or discuss) which are the three most important pieces of
advice. When you have made a decision, write a short paragraph which includes these three pieces
of advice. The paragraph would be part of a letter to a friend telling him or her what to do (and what
not to do) when they visit your country.
For more details about making recommendations see,
!
Unit 7: Reports, page 26.!
!
Unit 8: Articles, page 18.
!
"#
D
Asking a variety of questions.
1.1
Questions in more informal pieces of writing: a quick check. Look at this letter from
someone asking a friend for advice about staying at college or getting a job.
Does this letter sound warm and friendly or cold and unfriendly? Why?
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!
1.2
Using a variety of question types in informal letters.
When writing informal letters to friends, you can use any type of question you want. However, if you
want to ask three or four questions in an informal letter it is better,
!
!
not to use lots of diplomatic questions. One diplomatic question is OK but two or three
diplomatic questions will make you sound cold and unfriendly
!
to use a variety of more direct questions
"$
Look at the diagram which shows a variety of different types of question,
types of question
indirect
direct
possibly
demanding
possibly angry
or confused
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For details about making and asking indirect, diplomatic questions in formal letters see,
!
Unit 3: Letters of enquiry, page 78.
!
"%
Register: informal letters.
1.1
Register: a quick check.
Read
for this task which is based on the first task of the FCE Use of English paper and
P athe
r t instructions
1
then complete the exercise.
For questions 1 – 15, read the text below and decide which answer (a or b) is more appropriate
in each space. There is an example at the beginning (0).
Example:
0
A Hi Sanjay!
B Dear Mr. Bhat,
!
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1. a. It is
2. a. I think
3. a. you’re thinking about
4. a. coming over
5. a. leaving
6. a. you ought to
7. a. check out
8. a. ask around
9. a. haven’t got
10. a. I would recommend that you start
11. a. even better.
12. a. get used to
!
b. It’s
b. I believe
b. you are considering
b. travelling
b. setting off
b. you’ve got to
b. check
b. enquire
b. do not have
b. Take up
b. even better!
b. become used to
"&
13. a. we will
14. a. see you soon!
15. a. Yours sincerely,
b. we’ll
b. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
b. Lots of love,
For more details about register, see Unit 1: Register.
!
"'
Planning and writing: informal letters.
As always when planning and organising, you must do four things,
Step 1:
Read &
understand the
question.!
Step 2:
Organise the
information into
paragraphs.!
Step 3:
Step 4:
Write.!
Check and edit
your writing.!
!
The following tasks will help you plan and write your informal letters.
Practice 1: studying in the UK.
Read the exam question and answer the following questions.
You are studying English in Cheltenham, England. A friend from your home country has also
decided to study there next term and has written to you asking for some details and advice about
the college. Your teacher suggested that you should write back to your friend in English.
Read the information about the college below as well as the notes which you have made in order
to help you answer your friend’s questions. Then using this information, write a letter to your
friend.
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Cheltenham College welcomes you back!
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Welcome back to a new term
at Cheltenham College! We
trust you had a great summer
break. Here are some important
dates for you to put in your
diaries,
!
Monday 13th and Tuesday
14th September: placement
tests and registration for
new students. Don’t forget to bring your passports!
!
Tuesday 14th and Wednesday 15th: registration for returning
students.
!
Thursday 16th: lessons start from 08:45: (some classes start
later).
!
Thursday 17th at 19:30: barbecue in the garden (or in the
main building if it’s raining!)
!
Friday 18th at 20:00: the Start-of-Term Party in the Amory
Building.
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Write a letter of 120 – 180 words in an appropriate style. Do not write any addresses.
!
"(
Step 1: reading and understanding the question.
Step 1:
Read &
understand
the question.
1.1
1.2
1.3
Step 2:
Organise the
information into
paragraphs.!
Step 3:
Write.!
Step 4:
Check and edit
your writing.!
!
!
What? What are you asked to write?
Who to? Who are you asked to write to? So, how formal should you be?
What to include? Look at the question carefully and decide,
a. what information you must include. The question clearly gives you 4 pieces of information
to include in your answer, but what are they?
b. what piece of extra information could you include in your letter for a better result in the
exam. Use your imagination! Think of something else you would say to a friend who is
going to start studying in the same college as you.
Step 2: organising the information into paragraphs.
Step 1:
Read &
understand the
question.!
2.1
!
!
Step 2:
Organise the
information
into
paragraphs.
Step 3:
Write.!
Step 4:
Check and edit
your writing.!
!
!
How many paragraphs? Informal letters should always have,
an opening paragraph in which you say ‘hello’ in a friendly way, saying something about
the last time you contacted each other (phone call, letter, meeting)
a short, closing paragraph in which you make reference to future contact
For example,
the opening
paragraph
the closing
paragraph
!
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the main body:
how will you
organise the
information?
")
Besides the opening and closing paragraphs, you must organise the main body of your letter. In the
main body of your letter, you must include all the different pieces of information from the exam
question.
Here are all of the different bits of information (pieces of advice) which you should include in your
letter,
a. registration: get there as early as possible! It’s really busy and as soon as you register you
can go home.
b. the time which lessons start: don’t worry! Most classes start after 9.
c. the barbecue: take an umbrella!
d. the start-of-term party: Great chance to meet other students who aren’t in your group.
e. your extra idea (suggestion only) if you want to go, book the trip to London as soon as
possible – it’s very popular and places on the coach are limited.
Now you must decide how many main body paragraphs to use. Group the 5 pieces of information (a
– e) logically into either 2 or 3 paragraphs. It is your choice how you will group the information, but
you must be logical. As always, every good paragraph should have a theme.
2.2
Preparing paragraphs: topic sentences.
Here is one possible paragraph plan that could be used to present the information about your friend,
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Each paragraph should include a topic sentence which tells the reader exactly what that paragraph
is about. For example, the first main paragraph (§2) might look like this,
!
"*
!
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Can you think of a good topic sentence for the third paragraph? In this paragraph (following the
paragraph plan from page 19) you need to write something about the barbeque and start-of-term
parties.
2.3
Practice: linking your ideas. Here is an example of someone’s answer. However, many of
the words and expressions which link the ideas and paragraphs together are missing. Your task is
complete the exercise by filling in the gaps (1 – 10). There is an example at the beginning (0).
If you want some help, the missing words are in the box below.
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more
them
!
because
it
there
and
Although
So
First
And
#+
Practice 2: taking a gap year.
Once again, read the exam question and then plan your writing, step by step.
Your friend wants to travel for a year before going to university. However, his/her parents would prefer
him/her to go to university. Your friend has now written to you asking for your advice.
Write a letter to your friend saying something about the advantages and disadvantages of travelling for a
year before going to university. Give them some advice about what they should do.
Write a letter of 120 – 180 words in an appropriate style. Do not write any addresses.
Step 1: reading and understanding the question.
Step 1:
Read &
understand
the question.
1.1
1.2
1.3
Step 2:
Organise the
information into
paragraphs.!
Step 3:
Write.!
Step 4:
Check and edit
your writing.!
!
!
What? What are you asked to write?
Who to? Who are you asked to write to? So, how formal should you be?
What to include? This letter asks you to,
!
!
!
say something about the advantages of travelling
say something about the disadvantages of travelling
give your friend some advice about whether they should go travelling or not
To answer this question, you must think of all the ideas yourself. Quickly think of 2 (or 3) advantages
as well as 2 (or 3) disadvantages of travelling for a year before university. Then decide if you would
recommend that your friend should do this.
!
#"
Step 2: organising the information into paragraphs.
Step 1:
Read &
understand the
question.!
2.1
Step 2:
Organise the
information
into
paragraphs.
Step 3:
Write.!
Step 4:
Check and edit
your writing.!
!
!
How many paragraphs? Again your letter of advice to a friend will have,
!
an opening paragraph in which you say ‘hello’ and say something about past contact (your
last phone call, letter or meeting)
a closing paragraph in which you’ll say something about future contact
!
For example,
the opening
paragraph
the closing
paragraph
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the main body:
how will you
organise the
information?
Organising the main body of your letter so that you include all the different pieces of information
from the exam question is the next challenge.
In your letter you must mention,
!
!
!
the advantages of travelling
the advantages of travelling
your advice: travel or stay at home?
What’s more, an extra idea will help you achieve a really good grade in the exam. Here are some
suggestions about the different bits of information which you might include in your letter,
!
##
a. advantages of travelling #1: you’ll have a great time!
b. advantages of travelling #2: memories which will last you a lifetime.
c. disadvantages of travelling #1: cost.
d. disadvantages of travelling #2: dangers (e.g. places to stay).
e. your extra idea: you have some addresses of different people in different countries who
could help your friend find a place to stay.
f.
your advice: yes or no? e.g. ‘Do it! It’s a fantastic experience (but be careful!)’
How many main body paragraphs will you use to express these 6 ideas (a – f)? There isn’t one
correct answer, but you must be logical about how to group the information together: every good
paragraph needs a theme.
2.2
Preparing paragraphs: topic sentences.
Here is one possible paragraph plan that could be used to present the information about your friend,
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Each of your paragraphs should include a topic sentence which tells the reader exactly what is in
that paragraph. For example, the first main paragraph (§2) might look like this,
!
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Can you think of a good topic sentence for the third (§3) and the fourth (§4) paragraphs from the
plan?
!
#$
2.3
Using a variety of linking words and expressions.
In this letter you have to,
!
!
!
!
link the advantages of travelling together
link the disadvantages of travelling together
contrast the advantages with the disadvantages of travelling
give your balanced advice about whether your friend should travel or not
For each of the linking words and expressions in sentences 1 – 3, can you think of 2 (or 3)
synonyms which you could also use to link the ideas? There is an example in question 1.
1. fJ7:C**%$02/%0%D(/0#%#)A/%GC+>%97:C**%$02/%*7#>%7?%D(/0#%A/A7()/>%8$)G$%8)**%*0>#%97:%0%*)?/#)A/-C
[addition link]
Synonyms:
. .J?'FK>$I%()Q . .
..........
..........
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[contrast link]
Synonyms:
3.
..........
..........
..........
..........
..........
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[summarizing, concluding links]
Synonyms:
..........
For more details about linking words, see Unit 2: Cohesion.!
Step 3: writing your answer.
Step 1:
Read &
understand the
question.!
3.1
Step 2:
Organise the
information into
paragraphs.
Step 3:
Write.
Step 4:
Check and edit
your writing.!
!
!
Practice writing: an informal letter of advice to a friend.
Using the paragraph above in task 2.2 and the topic lines for each paragraph which you have
developed, write your letter in 120 – 180 words.
Step 4: checking and editing your writing.
Step 1:
Read &
understand the
question.!
Step 2:
Organise the
information into
paragraphs.
Step 3:
Write.
Step 4:
Check and
edit your
writing.
When you have finished, check your writing for any mistakes.
For more details about checking your writing, see Unit 11: Editing.!
!
#%
Answers
Introduction: writing letters and e-mails to friends (page 02).
1.1 A quick check (page 02).
The reason for writing is (b). Isa wrote to her friend to give him some advice about what to see and
where to stay in Florence.
1.2 Useful expressions: a quick check (page 03).
1. ‘Thanks for the e-mail you sent.’ (line 2).
2. ‘You asked me what I reckon you should do when you’re here.’ (line 5).
3. (for example) ‘you really must take a look at the Piazza della Signoria and San Lorenzo’s’ (line 6 –
7).
4. ‘Let me know if you want to know anything else. Write soon!’ (line 16 – 17).
5. ‘All the best,’ (line 18).
1.3 Some alternative useful expressions (page 03).
1b, 2e, 3g, 4j, 5h, 6i, 7f, 8d, 9c.
1.4 Practice: useful expressions (page 04).
a. He wrote the letter to give Sven some advice about which present to buy.
b. Some possible answers,
1. ‘How are you?’
2. ‘ . . . was great to hear from you!’
3. ‘ . . . you want my advice about . . .’
4. ‘ . . . reckon you . . .’
5. ‘ . . . don’t buy any . . .’
6. ‘ . . . why not . . .’
7. ‘ . . . thought about . . .’
8. ‘Send me an e-mail . . .’
9. ‘Write soon!’
10. ‘All the best,’
1.5 Further practice: useful expressions (page 05).
a. He wrote the letter to share his experiences with Isa.
b. Some possible answers,
1. ‘How’s life?’
2. ‘Thanks for the postcard . . .’
3. ‘. . . great to hear that . . .’
4. ‘I’m writing to tell you all . . .’
5. ‘. . . had a fantastic . . .’
6. ‘. . . got to write very soon . . .’
7. ‘Take care.’
8. ‘Love,’
!
#&
Some more useful language for informal letters (page 06).
A!
Expressing your feelings (page 06).
1.1 Good or bad (page 06).
! Good: happy, wonderful, like dancing, overjoyed, relieved, over the moon, fantastic
! Bad: upset, shocked, stupid, nervous, horrible, terrible, silly, like an idiot, worried, unhappy,
stressed
1.2 Practice: expressing your feelings (page 07).
Possible answers,
1. Your friend is thinking about buying a dog.
So you are thinking about buying a dog? I was really shocked when your brother told me. You
live in such a small flat and you’re at work all day. Don’t you think that a dog would feel
unhappy and stressed at home all day?
2. Your friend is thinking about visiting your country.
So you’re considering coming over for a week or two? That’s great news! When exactly will you
be here? You must drop in when you’re here. I’d be really upset if you didn’t visit me.
3. Your friend has asked you about your holiday.
So you want to know what happened to me on holiday? To begin with, I got a stomach infection
and felt terrible all week. I texted my mum for some advice but I wish I hadn’t. She was
(really) worried to know that I was unwell.
4. Your friend has asked you about exams.
I passed! I don’t need to tell you that I feel over the moon! I never thought that I’d pass. I was
really nervous before the exam and now I feel so relieved.
5. Your friend is thinking about getting a cat.
So you are thinking about getting a cat? That’s wonderful news! I was relieved to hear that
you don’t want a dog – that would’ve been a bad idea. But I doubt that your girlfriend will be
overjoyed. Doesn’t she have an allergy to cats?
B!
Some useful phrasal verbs (page 08).
1.1 Some useful phrasal verbs for informal letters: definitions (page 08).
1f, 2c, 3g, 4e, 5d, 6i, 7h, 8l, 9j, 10k.
!
#'
1.2 Practice: phrasal verbs in use (page 09).
Some possible phrasal verbs,
You asked me what I reckon you should do about your little brother. My brother always used to
go in my room too. Horrible, aren’t they?
First, you must work out what to do. Why not pick up a pet spider from your local pet shop or
look up where to get one on the internet? I know he hates spiders and a tarantula would really
scare him! Or why not try going into his room when he doesn’t want you there? See how he
likes it! And if you still can’t put up with him, threaten to put the tarantula in his bed!
1.3 Further practice: phrasal verbs in use (page 09).
It’s great that you’re going to drop in on me in London! When are you setting off from
Portugal? You must come and stay over at my place for a night or two. It’s near Portobello
market and Notting Hill so it’s a great place to shop around for something interesting to buy.
And we could travel around the city and see all the tourist places if you want to.
C
Giving advice (page 10).!
1.1 Making informal, friendly advice more formal (page 10).
1. ‘I would suggest that you should buy him a t-shirt.’
2. ‘I recommend (that) you get her a hat’ or ‘I recommend getting her a hat.’
3. ‘I propose that you should buy him something unusual.’
4. ‘We would suggest (that) you should give him some music’ or ‘We would suggest giving him
some music.’
5. ‘We suggest that you do not (should not) spend too much money.’
1.2 Making your advice sound more informal and friendly (page 11).
1. ‘Give up crisps!’ or ‘Give up eating crisps!’
2. ‘I really reckon (that) you should give up smoking.’
3. ‘Try taking up swimming’ or ‘Try to take up swimming’ or ‘Try swimming.’
4. ‘How about giving up cream cakes?’
5. ‘You should not (shouldn’t) eat fatty foods’ or ‘You should avoid fatty foods.’
1.3 Practice: giving informal advice (page 12).
A possible answer,
If you want to run the marathon next year, start training immediately. Why don’t you
take up some sort of sport which will help you build up your endurance? I reckon you should
try cycling or swimming. This’ll help you a lot when you start REALLY training in a couple of
months!
D
Asking a variety of questions (page 13).
1.1 Questions in more informal pieces of writing: a quick check (page 13).
The letter is rather cold and unfriendly because the questions are too polite (too formal).
1.2 Using a variety of question types (page 13).
Possible answers,
1. ‘How’s your leg?’ or ‘You really hurt your leg, didn’t you?’
2. ‘What do you think I should do?’ or ‘I don’t know what I should do.’
3. ‘I don’t know what to do.’ or ‘You couldn’t give me some advice, could you?’
!
#(
Register: informal letters (page 15).
1.1 Register: a quick check (page 15).
1b, 2a, 3a, 4a, 5b, 6b, 7a, 8a, 9a, 10b, 11b, 12a, 13b, 14a, 15b.
Planning and writing: informal letters (page 17).
Practice 1: studying in the UK (page 17).
!
Step 1: reading and understanding the question (page 18).
1.1 What? An informal letter giving details and advice about a college.
1.2 Who to? To your friend and so informal.
1.3 What to include:
a. What information do you have to include? There are 4 pieces of information which you have to
include,
! registration at the college: get there as early as possible! It’s really busy and as soon as you
register you can go home
! the time which lessons start: don’t worry! Most classes start after 9.
! the barbecue: take an umbrella!
! the start-of-term party: Great chance to meet other students who aren’t in your group.
b. An extra piece of extra information could you include (suggestion only),
! If you want to go, book the trip to London as soon as possible – it’s very popular and places on
the coach are limited.
Step 2: organising the information into paragraphs (page 18).
2.1 How many paragraphs? (page 18).
The information from the exam question (plus an extra idea of your own) could be divided into 2 main
body paragraphs like this,
the first main body paragraph: how the college is organised,
! registration: get there as early as possible because it’s really busy (a)
! the time when lessons start. Most classes start after 9 (b)
! (extra idea) if you want to go, book the trip to London as soon as possible – it’s very
popular and places on the coach are limited (e)
the second main body paragraph: entertainments & parties,
! the barbecue: take an umbrella (c)
! the start-of-term party: Great chance to meet other students who aren’t in your group (d)
2.2 Preparing paragraphs: topic sentences (page 19).
A possible topic sentence for the second main paragraphs in the letter,
! And there are one or two great parties which you shouldn’t miss.
!
#)
2.3 Practice: linking the ideas (page 20). Possible answers,
8th August 2010.
Hi Jiri!
How’s life? Thanks for the birthday card – the picture of a monkey wasn’t supposed to be me,
was it? It’s great to hear that you’re coming to Cheltenham. When are you setting off?
(1) So, you want to know something about how the college is organised, do you? (2) First,
you’ll have to register on Monday 13th or Tuesday 14th September. Don’t forget to take your
passport. (3) And get there early because it’s really busy! What’s (4) more, if you want to go on
the London trip, book your seat at the same time - (5) it is very popular (6) and places on the
coach are limited. Classes start on Thursday. (7) Although some classes start at 8:45, don’t
panic! Most of (8) them start after 9.
There’s a lot to do in the evenings. On Thursday there will be a BBQ in the garden. You should
take an umbrella (9) because it’s England! The party on Friday night is even better. I’m sure
that you’ll meet loads of interesting people (10) there.
Call or write if you want to know anything else. Can’t wait to meet up in September!
Love,
Zuza.
Practice 2: taking a gap year (page 21).
Step 1: reading and understanding the question (page 21).
1.1 What? An informal letter saying something about the advantages and disadvantages of travelling
for a year as well as advice about what they should do.
1.2 Who to? To your friend and so informal.
1.3 What to include? Suggested answers,
# Advantages of travelling,
! you will have a great time
! you will have lots of good memories
# Disadvantages of travelling,
! it’s very expensive
! you will have to find somewhere to stay
! safety
# Advice: Go travelling! It will be fun.
!
#*
Step 2: organising the information into paragraphs (page 22).
2.1 How many main body paragraphs (page 22).
A possible plan which has 3 main paragraphs,
the first main body paragraph: the advantages of travelling,
! you’ll have a great time (a)
! you will have memories which will last you a lifetime (b)
the second main body paragraph: the disadvantages of travelling,
! the cost (c)
! the dangers (e.g. places to stay) (d)
! (extra idea) you have some addresses of different people in different countries who could
help your friend find a place to stay and so make travelling cheaper & safer (e)
the third main body paragraph: your advice,
! go travelling! It’ll be fun (but be careful)
2.2 Preparing paragraphs: topic sentences (page 23).
Possible topic sentences for the second and third main paragraphs,
! the second main paragraph: However, don’t forget that there are disadvantages to travelling, too.
! the third main paragraph: My advice is to go travelling.
2.3 Using a variety of linking words and expressions (page 24).
Some possible synonyms,
1. addition links:
! On top of that, . . .
! Besides, . . .
! . . . and . . .
! . . . as well as . . .
2. contrast links:
! But . . .
! On the other hand, . . .
! And . . .
! Despite the fact that [travelling is good], . . .
3. summarizing, concluding links:
! On balance, . . .
! All in all, . . .
! In general, . . .
!
$+
Step 3: writing your answer (page 24).
3.1 Practice writing: an informal letter of advice to a friend
A possible answer,
8th March 2010.
Dear Bjorn,
It was great to hear from you after so long! How did you do in your exams? Don’t worry, I’m sure
you passed. Do you still want to study medicine? You’ll be a great doctor!
So, you want my advice about travelling before university. I think it’s a great idea! You’ll have a
fantastic time plus you’ll have lots of great memories which you’ll never forget.
But you should be careful. When I stayed in a cheap hotel last year, someone stole my money
and passport. It was a nightmare! But I can give you lots of names and addresses of people I met
when I was travelling around. They might help you find somewhere to stay and stop your parents
worrying so much. And don’t forget that travelling can be expensive. Make sure your parents will
help you if you run out of cash.
All in all, go for it! You’re young, so enjoy yourself! Plus, you’ll have lots of fantastic memories for
the rest of your life. But be careful!
Let me know what you decide to do. I can’t wait to hear your news!
All the best,
Picture credits.
Boy writing by Jean-Francois Le Saint (page 01): jfls.free.fr
Open-air market (page 09): www.bbc.co.uk
Students, writing question (page 17) www.hyperstudy.com (GLOSCAT)
!
$"