How to Write a Latter

Unified State Exam in English

How to Write a Letter

The Structure of a Letter

Intro

Hello. My name is Katia. I am an ESL teacher. This presentation is made to explain the tips for a letter writing. We are going to learn the structure of a letter, the useful vocabulary, the most typical mistakes and how to avoid them.

First point

Task type: letter

Informal Letter

Register: informal, friendly, conversational.

Target reader: an English-speaking pen friend your age.

Word limit: 100-140 words.

The letter is informal, you can and should use short forms ( can’t, doesn’t , etc.) rather than long forms ( cannot, does not , etc.).

Second point

A few exclamation marks (!) make your writing sound enthusiastic and friendly.

Most phrasal verbs and idioms are informal, so it is fine to use them.

Some of the discursive words and phrases you need to use in an essay (Moreover, Furthermore, In conclusion, etc.) are formal, so they are not appropriate for an informal letter.

The word will can sound very formal. If possible, use going to or ‘ ll instead.

Main Points to Remember

Task 39

You have received a letter from your English-speaking pen friend Jake who writes:

I’ve just joined a chess club and it’s really good fun. What are your favourite board games? How often do you play them, and who with? What board game would you like to play that you’ve never played?

My exciting news is that we got a puppy yesterday. He’s called Blackie and he’s so sweet!

Write a letter to Jake.

In your letter

-answer his questions

-ask 3 questions about Blackie. Write 100-140 words.

Remember the rules of letter writing.

The Structure of a Letter

Address

Greeting: Dear or Hi + pen friend’s first name.

Paragraph 1: Thank them for the letter. Refer to something in their letter (using your imagination if necessary).

Paragraph 2: Answer their questions.

Paragraph 3: Ask questions.

Paragraph 4: Say goodbye.

Sign off: Choose one signing off word or phrase.

Final line: Your first name.

Moscow

Russia

2nd May 2020

Hi, Jake!

Thanks for your letter. I’m glad your mum is feeling better now.

The chess club you’ve joined sounds interesting! I love playing board games - particularly Monopoly, Scrabble and draughts. I often play board games on Sunday evenings with my family (me, my mum and dad, and my sister Olga). I’ve never played chess, but I’d like to learn how to play. I think my dad knows the rules, so I’ll ask him to teach me.

I’m so excited about your new puppy! What kind of dog is he? Do you take him for walks yet? Does he sleep on your bed?

I have to go now as it’s time for dinner. Send me a photo of Blackie!

Lots of love,

Yegor

Check List

Number of words: 90-154 Yes/ No

Number of paragraphs: 5 Yes/ No

Formal style: Yes/ No

You should ask 3 questions: Yes/ No

Exclamation marks: Yes/No

Short forms (I’m, don’t): Yes/ No

Phrasal Verbs: Yes/ No

Discursive words and phrases (Moreover, In conclusion): Yes/ No

Check List

Number of words: 90-154 Yes

Number of paragraphs: 5 Yes

Formal style: No

You should ask 3 questions: Yes

Exclamation marks: Yes

Short forms (I’m, don’t): Yes

Phrasal Verbs: Yes

Discursive words and phrases (Moreover, In conclusion): No

Russia

Moscow

2nd May 2020

Hi, Jake,

Thanks for your letter.

The chess club you have joined must be interesting! I love playing board games - particularly Monopoly, Scrabble and draughts. Moreover, board games are often played on Sunday evenings by my family (me, my mum and dad, and my sister Olga). I would like to inform you that I have never played chess, therefore I would like to learn how to play. I think my dad knows the rules, so I will ask him to teach me.

I am excited about your new puppy! What kind of dog is he? I am interested to know if you take him for walks yet? Does he sleep on your bed?

Lots of love,

Yegor.

Russia

Moscow

2nd May 2020

Hi, Jake,

Thanks for your letter. I’m glad your mum is feeling better now.

The chess club you have joined must be interesting! I love playing board games - particularly Monopoly, Scrabble and draughts. Moreover , board games are often played on Sunday evenings by my family (me, my mum and dad, and my sister Olga). I would like to inform you that I have never played chess, therefore I would like to learn how to play. I think my dad knows the rules, so I will ask him to teach me.

I am excited about your new puppy! What kind of dog is he? I am interested to know if you take him for walks yet? Does he sleep on your bed?

I have to go now as it’s time for dinner. Send me a photo of Blackie!

Lots of love,

Yegor

These are the most important tips that everyone has to remember.

Thanks!

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