Video Lesson

General Writing Task 1

GENERAL WRITING
TA S K 1

What is the difference between a FORMAL

LETTER and an INFORMAL LETTER?
(part 1)
FORMAL SEMI-FORMAL INFORMAL
Who do we write FORMAL LETTERS to?
Organisations and individuals who represent them
People who we do not know
People with power and influence
Who do we write SEMI-FORMAL LETTERS to?
Work colleagues, acquaintances, neighbours
People we do not know well
People we know who have power or authority
Who do we write INFORMAL LETTERS to?
Friends
People we know well
WHY DO WE WRITE FORMAL LETTERS?
To apply for something
To explain a situation
To ask for information
To complain
To protest
To ask somebody for help
EXAMPLES OF FORMAL LETTERS
To apply for a new job
To apply for a place on an international study programme
To explain why you will have to leave your current job
To explain why you cannot start your new job on time
To ask for information about a museum your group will visit
To complain about the conference venue you booked
To complain about the quality of your accommodation
To protest about the expansion of a local airport
To ask the school to allow your child to have one day absent
To ask your tutor for an extension
To ask a hotel to help you recover the property you left there
WHY DO WE WRITE SEMI-FORMAL LETTERS?
To ask for help from someone
To ask for information
To offer to help someone
To explain a situation
To recommend something
To thank somebody who helped you
To compliment
EXAMPLES OF SEMI-FORMAL LETTERS
To ask a teacher you know to lend you some books
To ask a colleague to help you prepare a presentation
To ask an acquaintance for information about a course she studies
To inquire whether a shop can get products which you want to buy
To offer to help a new work colleague during his first few days
To explain to neighbours why you have been making so much noise
To explain why you will have to leave an athletics club
To recommend how to improve the college canteen
To recommend a friend for a new job
To thank a person who found your wallet and returned it to you
To compliment a restaurant where you had an excellent meal
WHY DO WE WRITE INFORMAL LETTERS?
To give information
To ask for information
To ask for help
To offer help
To explain why you cannot offer help
To invite
To thank
To recommend something
To apologise
EXAMPLES OF INFORMAL LETTERS
To tell a friend about an event such as a party or trip
To ask for information about the city where a friend lives
To ask your friend to help you prepare a meal for important guests
To offer to help your friend move into her new home
To explain why you cannot baby-sit for your friend
To invite a friend to visit your city
To thank a friend for a wonderful present
To recommend a movie to a friend
To recommend a course of study to a friend
To apologise for having lost a friend’s book
FORMAL LETTERS THE START
Dear sir or madam,
I am writing to apply for the position of Senior Business
Consultant which was recently advertised on the
indeed.com website.

Dear Mrs. Altringham,

I am writing to complain about a holiday which was booked
with your travel agency. The accommodation and service fell
well below acceptable standards.
SEMI-FORMAL LETTERS THE START
Dear Mr. Regis,
I’m just writing to ask if you would be able to help me.

Dear Sara,
I hope you are keeping well. It was extremely nice to see you last
summer and I’m sorry not to have kept in touch.
The main reason I’m contacting you now is to ask for your
advice: I know you are an expert on languages and I am trying to
pick the best course for my cousin to study in London.
INFORMAL LETTERS THE START
Hi Marcus,
It was lovely to see you and Adrienne last Sunday. We had a
brilliant time! I hope you’re both well and getting ready for
your exams.

Hello Sasha,
Thanks for the lovely pics you sent. It looks like you had an
amazing time at the party. So sorry I couldn’t come.
FORMAL LETTERS THE END
I hope this matter will be resolved at the earliest possible
opportunity. Please feel free to contact me if you require
further information.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch, should you need any
additional information.
I look forward to hearing from you at the earliest possible
opportunity.
I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.
SEMI-FORMAL LETTERS THE END
I am really grateful for all your help and I look forward to
hearing from you soon.
Please feel free to get back to me if you need any more
information.
I really hope you don’t mind me contacting you about this. I
would be incredibly grateful if you could help.
Once again, I would like to apologise for causing you so
many problems. I can assure you that the situation will
improve.
INFORMAL LETTERS THE END
Anyway, I really hope to see you all soon.
Let me know how you get on. I’ll be keeping my fingers
crossed.
Don’t forget to rest.You can’t work all the time!
Once again, thanks for an amazing evening.
Keep in touch.
Write soon!
SAYING GOODBYE
Yours faithfully, (if you started ‘Dear sir/madam,’)
Yours sincerely, (if you started ‘Dear Mr. Jankovic,’)
With regards
With warmest regards
All my love
Lots of love
Best wishes
All the best
Cheers!
Copyright
 Video Lesson
General Writing Task 1
GENERAL WRITING
TA S K 1

What is the difference between a FORMAL

LETTER and an INFORMAL LETTER?
(part 2)
FORMAL LETTERS SENTENCE LENGTH
I am writing to invite you, as one of our former students, to
an event which will take place in the college on Saturday 7th
June. A lunch will be held at which those who previously
attended the college will have the opportunity to renew
acquaintances with old friends and meet former members
of staff who they may have known whilst studying. Although
anyone wishing to participate should inform me in advance,
the meal itself will be free of charge and soft drinks will be
provided.
INFORMAL LETTERS SENTENCE LENGTH
Hope you can make it. Loads of last year’s students will be
there. First, we’re going for a meal and then clubbing. It’ll be
brilliant. Try your best to come along.
We had a great time. Guess who was there? Mrs. Jacobson!
Do you remember her? The one who used to shout at us.
The one who smacked you once. She was all smiley and
lovely. She said how great it was to see us.You wouldn’t
think it was the same person.
FORMAL LETTERS NOUN PHRASES
My complaint relates to the issues of punctuality and
cleanliness. Inspections should be carried out to ensure that
trains are clean. Similarly, efforts need to be made to make
sure that services run on time.

You’ll never guess what happened. We went to Glasgow on a

really dirty, smelly train. What’s more it was about three
hours late. We couldn’t believe it. The people on board were
definitely losing their cool and even Carla started swearing
at one point. It was awful! I’m going to let them know what I
think about it.
FORMAL LETTERS NOUN PHRASES
It is with great regret that I have to inform you of my
inability to attend the interview scheduled for 17th May.
Unforeseen circumstances have led to my unavailability on
the aforementioned date.

I was supposed to be interviewed later on this week but I

had to text them to let them know that I wouldn’t be able
to attend. I felt a bit bad about it but the thing is that I’ve
got a date that day with this girl I’ve been wanting to go out
with for ages.
FORMAL LETTERS PASSIVES
I have been asked to prepare a presentation. It will be
delivered to the Technology & Advances Team from
Company Headquarters next week. I have been told to
focus on sales strategies. Apparently, the chief executive
wants to be informed about progress this year.
You’ll never guess what happened this morning. The boss
called me into her office and told me that all the whizz-kids
from HQ were coming on Friday. She wants me to give
them a presentation on how well we are doing. I don’t mind
telling you I’m really nervous! I’ll be glad when it’s over!
FORMAL LETTERS PASSIVES
On entering the conference room, we were informed that
light refreshments would be delivered soon after. As nothing
had been brought in, the receptionist was called. No
satisfactory explanation was given for the delay and, when
tea and coffee eventually arrived, delegates were asked to
pay for their beverage.
We had this horrendous work meeting last week. They were
supposed to provide us with hot and cold drinks but it looks
like they were completely clueless. In the end, somebody did
bring in a tray but they actually told us we had to pay for the
privilege of drinking a cold coffee.
INFORMAL LETTERS IMPERATIVES
When you get a moment, drop me a line.
Keep in touch. I really want to know how you’re getting on.
Text me when you can, or write me an email.
Get in touch with her. She’s worried about you.
It would be lovely to hear from you. Please feel free to contact
me when it is convenient.
I would be delighted to receive a letter from you and extremely
pleased to hear about your progress.
I would be exceptionally pleased if you kept in touch.
I would be very grateful if you could contact her as she is rather
worried about you.
INFORMAL LETTERS IMPERATIVES
Don’t bother calling. Just turn up!
Don’t forget about the party.
Write soon!
There is absolutely no need for you to call in advance to
inform us of the time of your arrival.
We sincerely hope that you will be able to attend the event.
We appreciate that you may be extremely busy.
I would be delighted if you could contact me in the near
future.
INFORMAL LETTERS CONTRACTIONS
I’m hoping it’ll be over and done with really quickly but if
you’ve not managed to grab anything to eat, and if you can’t
or don’t want to hang on till after it finishes, we’ll be able to
find you something.

The meeting should be over within an hour. However, if you

have not had enough time to eat before it begins, please
inform a member of staff and we will make sure that
something is provided.
INFORMAL LETTERS CONTRACTIONS
It’ll be about half past eight when I arrive. I’ll get a taxi.
Don’t worry about picking me up. It isn’t far, it won’t cost
much and I don’t want you waiting for ages for a train that
mightn’t even be on time.

I expect to arrive some time after eight o’clock in the

evening. I appreciate your offer to meet me. However, this
will be entirely unnecessary as I can take a taxi to the
venue.
INFORMAL LETTERS OMITTING
Just wanted to say how glad I was to see you.
Bumped into Chloe on the way to work today.
Had a bite to eat with her and chatted a bit.
Going to Mumbai in a couple of weeks so won’t be around much
until May.

I wanted to tell you what a pleasure it was to see you.

I happened to meet Chloe whilst on my way to work today.
We had lunch together and a chat.
As I’m planning to travel to Mumbai in a couple of weeks, I do
not expect to be available until May at the earliest.
INFORMAL LETTERS INTENSIFIERS
Actually, I was a tiny bit hacked off when she didn’t turn up.
I’d worked really hard. I’d have been a bit happier if she’d
bothered to text to let me know she wasn’t coming. It
would have been loads easier if I hadn’t had to sort it all out.
FORMAL LETTERS INTENSIFIERS
I was somewhat disappointed that so few people attended
the meeting. We had put a great deal of effort into
organising it. A significant number of individuals had agreed
to participate but, unfortunately, failed to come. Obviously, I
would have been considerably happier, had I not had to
organise the event.
INFORMAL LETTERS PHRASAL VERBS
I was going to turn down the job but I thought it through
and came up with a plan to crash out at Dave’s during the
week and go back home at weekends. I’ve worked out that
that way I’ll be able to save up for my own flat in about a
year.

As you are aware, I was seriously considering declining the

company’s job offer but, after giving the matter some
thought, I realised that by re-locating to the city during the
working week and returning to my family home on Friday
night, it will be financially viable.
INFORMAL LETTERS PHRASAL VERBS
As we’re not likely to bump into each in the street, it would
be brilliant if you could pop round and pick up the laptop in
the next couple of weeks. Text me and we can sort out a
time for you to come round.

I appreciate that you have an extremely busy schedule. I

would be delighted if we could organise a meeting. I would
be grateful if you could text me in order to arrange a time
and place that would be mutually convenient.
INFORMAL LETTERS IDIOMS
A little bird told me the good news. Well, actually it was
Jacki. She let the cat out of the bag about you and Sandra
tying the knot. Honestly, I was thrilled to bits. I mentioned it
to Alex and she was over the moon.

I am writing to congratulate you on your upcoming

wedding. I was extremely happy to hear the news. Jacki
mentioned it inadvertently. When I happened to tell Alex,
she couldn’t have been more delighted.
INFORMAL LETTERS IDIOMS
I’m so sorry for not getting back to you sooner. I’ve been
absolutely snowed under with work. I’m not joking! I’ve
been literally up to my neck in essays and, what’s more, I’ve
been feeling a bit under the weather.

I am writing to apologise for not having replied to you

sooner. Unfortunately, I have had to deal with an extremely
heavy workload and, in addition, have been ill recently.

•
INFORMAL LETTERS VOCABULARY
Sorry you missed the match! There were loads of blokes and
tonnes of kids (mostly lads) there. The team played OK but
some of them looked shattered. There was a bit of bother
and the cops turned up.

A significant number of men and quite a few children

(predominantly boys) attended the match. The team played
reasonably well, although several players appeared tired.
Unfortunately, there was a disturbance in the crowd and
police officers were called.
INFORMAL LETTERS SHORTENING
Thanks for emailing me those pics from the wedding. It
looks like you all had a fab time. I’m so jealous I couldn’t go.
Let me know whether you can come ASAP. I promise you
the full red-carpet treatment if you’re able to make it. My
mum’s already started planning what she’ll cook for you and
loads of my mates would love to meet you. Honestly, you’re
going to get treated like royalty. Well, everything apart from
the limo.
INFORMAL LETTERS SHORTENING
I’m not sure if I’ll to bother going to uni next year. I’m
thinking of taking a year out.
I’ve downloaded some info you’ll need. It says that all
Aussies coming into the country need to fill out a form. As
usual, plenty of admin to do! Make sure you’ve got some ID!
There are some websites that’ll do it for you but they
charge an arm and a leg and some of them are not legit.
She’s a veggie and a Doc: you’ll get on like a house on fire.
FORMAL LETTERS ADDING
I would thoroughly recommend The Mayfair Hotel as a
venue for the conference. Delegates will enjoy five-star
accommodation. Rooms are tastefully-decorated. In
addition, each one has internet access. Meeting rooms are
large and spacious. Furthermore, the venue offers a range of
recreational activities.

The cost of the room was exorbitant. It should also be

added that services within the hotel were incredibly
expensive. Moreover, the hotel included extra charges on
our final bill for internet use and beverages.
INFORMAL LETTERS ADDING
We had an amazing time! We went snorkelling every day.
And we did some SCUWBA-diving. As well as that we
topped up our tans and, on top of all that, the food was out
of this world.

In the safari park we saw elephants and hippos. There were

leopards too. Also, we heard a rhino, though we didn’t
actually spot it.
FORMAL LETTERS CONTRASTING
When I organised the event, I was assured by your manager that
appropriate facilities would be provided. However, on arrival at
the hotel, it quickly became clear that our requirements had not
been met.

I have had a significant amount of experience giving

presentations; however, I have never had to deliver a talk in
English before.

We feel that adequate safety measures were taken. Nevertheless,

a small accident occurred.
INFORMAL LETTERS CONTRASTING
I don’t mind what time we meet, but there is a rowing
competition that morning so it might be difficult for us to
get there before the middle of the afternoon.

I know there are loads of guests coming. But don’t worry! I

will help you organise it all.
INFORMAL LETTERS ? AND !
It’ll be so great to see you! When are you arriving? Shall I
come and meet you at the station? It’s going to be
absolutely amazing!

My line manager has advised me that you will be visiting our

office on 25th May. It will be a pleasure to welcome you to
Stanford. I have attached detailed instructions on how to
reach us by car. Alternatively, if you plan to travel by train,
please inform me and I will be delighted to meet you at the
station.
INFORMAL LETTERS INTERACTING
It won’t surprise you to hear that I’ve left my job at the bank. As
I’ve probably told you a million times, I’m not suited to the rat-
race.You can imagine how good I felt handing in my resignation
letter. And guess what happened the very next day! I bumped
into an old schoolmate who I hadn’t seen in donkey’s years and
he offered me a job on the spot. Fantastic, isn’t it!

I am writing to inform you of my decision to resign from the

company with immediate effect. Unfortunately, I have reached
the conclusion that this position is unsuitable for me and that it
would be in both my interests and those of the organisation for
me to pursue an alternative career path.
FORMAL LETTERS CONNECTING
When I purchased the sofa, I was clearly told that I had the right to return it
if I was not completely satisfied. Bearing this in mind, I contacted your
branch via email, requesting that the item be collected and a full refund
given. Unfortunately, I received no reply. In view of this, I telephoned the
store. Astonishingly, I was informed that once a product had left your
premises, it was company policy not to offer a refund. As a result of this, I felt
I had no option other than to contact the company Head Office in order to
get the matter resolved. Obviously, I find this situation unacceptable.

I’m absolutely spitting feathers! I bought this sofa a couple of weeks ago. In
the shop they said you could get a refund if you didn’t like it and, to be
honest, it was really uncomfortable. They completely ignored my email and
when I rang them, they said I couldn’t get my money back and they weren’t
going to do anything. I’ve threatened to sue them.
FORMAL LETTERS REQUESTS
I would be extremely grateful if you could spare me a few
minutes to discuss my dissertation. I would also be pleased if
I could be given an extension. Unfortunately, it will not be
possible for me to complete my work by the agreed
deadline and I wondered if you would consider allowing me
an extra fortnight.
INFORMAL LETTERS REQUESTS
Let me know if you have time to meet next week. And could
you ask Antonia if she can come over on Thursday to work
on the dissertation? Honestly, I don’t think I’ll ever finish it.
Anyway, tell me what your plans are and pop over when you
have time.
INFORMAL LETTERS FEELINGS
I don’t mind telling you I was so upset to hear that you
didn’t get that place at uni.You would have been brilliant on
that course. It’s their loss.

I understand that you must be disappointed, not having

been selected to study at this university. We sincerely hope
that you will consider applying again in twelve months’
time.
INFORMAL LETTERS FEELINGS
The whole day was absolutely amazing. I couldn’t stop
crying when they made their wedding vows and we were all
so thrilled that they’d finally tied the knot.

The wedding took place at the registry office. The bride and
groom made their vows and then everyone celebrated the
happy occasion.
INFORMAL LETTERS FEELINGS
They’ve left the flat in a terrible state. Disgusting! Dirty
things everywhere. I was livid when I saw it and of course
it’ll be me who has to clear it all up. Not even an apology.
Unbelievable!
I am writing to express my disappointment at the state in
which the apartment was left. A significant amount of
rubbish had to be removed and all the rooms were in an
extremely untidy state.
WHAT ABOUT SEMI-FORMAL LETTERS?
AVOID EXTREMES!
Very short sentences
Shortening
Omitting
Idioms
Informal vocabulary
Informal intensifiers
Be careful with: very long sentences; passives; imperatives;
contractions; phrasal verbs; ? and !; interacting; feelings
Copyright