Ready for Writing g and checking The sentences below show the stages to follow when planning and checking your written work. Match each stage 1-9 to the piece of general advice in a-i above to which it corresponds, Example: 1c Read the task at least twice, underlining key information and requirements. Select appropriately from the information in the input material. Decide whether you should use more formal or informal English. Check whether the task require persuading, reassuring, apologi you to achieve a specific aim such as ing or justifying. 5. Make a list of ideas for your answer, then select the best ones and arrange them into logical groupings. 6 Note down words and expressions which might be suitable for linking your ideas. 7 Write down relevant words, collocations and structures which you might be able to include in your answer. 8 Think of synonyms for key words which are likely to occur more than once in your answer. 9. When you have written your answer, check spelling, punctuation and grammar. Register 1 Below are two versions of the same letter, each one written in a different register. Use the information in the informal letter to complete the numbered gaps in the formal vel in. The words you need do not occur in the informal letter, Write one word in each gap. The exercise begins with an example (0). INFORMAL LETTER Dear Sty Tharks a lot for your letter - and congratulations on passing your examst You dd realy well to get such @ high spade. You said you'd be interested in trying to get a ‘eb here with us in the Family business, Beteve me, we'd love to take you on. But because of ‘the way the econcmy's been recently, I'm sorry te Say we jst can't offer you any work at the moment. We'll certainly Keep you in mind for when things get better - wel be in touch as soon as they do. Unti then, gped luck with the job search! Al the best, Bob FORMAL LETTER Dear Ms Holden Lam writing with 0)_ reference to your leter of April 18, | would like to congratulate you on your recent @_____inyour examinations, and particularly on @) such a high grade In your letter you @) an interest in applying fora (4) ere at Graves, Snipe and Wesley. [assure you we would be delighted to offer you cc) However, (6) to the current economic climate, we are unfortunately, o to make any new appointments at the present time. We shall of course keep your letter on our files in anticipation ofan) in the situation. When this occurs, we shall (9) you immediately. Inthe (10) ; Lwould like to wish you luck in your attempts to find work. Yours sincerely Robert Snipe 2 Use the two letters to identify some of the differences between formal and informal language. Example: The informal letter contains contractions such as ‘you'd’, I'm’ and ‘we'll’ whereas the formal version does not.Ready for Writing Models and tasks On the following pages you will find a model for each of the main task types, together with an additional task. You should answer the Part 1 task on page 196, and at least one of the Part 2 tasks. Read the relevant model, then follow stages 1-9 in the Planning and checking section on page 193. In order to help you demonstrate a good range of vocabulary you should select appropriately from the Useful Language section. Part 1: Formal letter and notice You are the social secretary at Lambert College in Britain, where you are studying. The local newspaper has recently printed an article commenting negatively on relations between students and local people. As a result your Director has asked you to write a letter to be published in the newspaper, responding to the comments in the article and publicizing the college's Open Day. Read the article below on which your Director has made some notes, together with the Director's memo. Then, using all the information appropriately, write: a aletter to the editor of the newspaper (approximately 200 words) b_anotice for the staffroom noticeboard (approximately 50 words) as requested by the Director: You should use your own words as far as possible. Host families in the dark With summer here, the sight of foreign language students in and around. Easton isa very familiar one. We asked host families to tell us how they enjoyed the experience of having language students to stay with them. It seems that relations are not as warm as they could be. Mrs Gwyneth Jones? not our case ————comment was fairly typical: ‘We hardly ever see our student. He’s out all advertise day and only comes back aein the evening. I don’tknow what he does Open Day the school doesn’t organize anything” tell about ————_ Ir would also appear that nothing is dono encourage contact between social students and the residents of Easton, and this adds tothe feelings of mistrust Aaa programme towards our visitors. Mr Brian Davies, who lives next to a language school, Jie remarked: ‘Thave no idea what they get up to in there — probably not very —__ fy ;44,, much. They just seem to stand around and talk all day? a Memo To: Social Secretary From: The Director Re: Recent Easton Gazette Article (see attached) ‘The article in the Easton Gazette has shown language schools in a very bad light. It could be damaging for our own reputation and may even put people off becoming host families. Could you write to them and give our version of the facts? It would be a great opportunity to publicize the school - you could ‘mention our social programme and tell them about our annual Open Day. Give readers a brief idea of What we'll be doing on August 25th and invite them to come along (starts around 12 am). | haven't made a final decision on the programme yet, but here are a few things we'll probably include: Photo display of social and cultural activities International buffet (like last year's) Sports events ~ students vs residents Tour of school ‘Attendance at English class General knowledge quiz in teams ‘When you've written the letter, please put a copy up in the staffroom together with the article and a notice telling teachers what you've done and why. Thank you.Ready for Writing Model answer formal register we Dear Sir/Madam Tam writing with regard to your article Host Families inthe Dark’, which appeared in last Saturday's edition of your newepaper. | chould lke to make it clear to readers that the comments made do not apply to all language echools in Easton. <— reason for writing appropriate pera iret, the impression given of poor relations between acts Sg ratmgettcor ttn ocr not true of Lambert College, where Ta Moreover, the reason why our students are rarely at home ie that they are kept ‘extremely buey during the day In addition to the normal Timetable of classes, the college offers students a full programme of social and cultural events throughout: their stay. rephrasing of language from input material | must also disagree with the suggestion that schools do nothing to promote understanding between students and he community. Indeed, | would like 10 take this opportunity ‘invite all Eastoners to attend Lambert College's annual Open Day on Saturday August 25% from midday onwards, ‘Thie event includes the chance to observe an English class inprogrese, an incemationa oufet with dahes prepared by studente and a number of sporting competition and team eee activities. include all points desired —_____f.Ivery much hope youll print this letter in your newspaper outcome and we look forward to seeing a high turnout at the Open Day, Yours faithfully Praemystaw Sokolowski relevant heading, ARTICLE “IN EASTON GAZETIE As you all knom, the Gazette’s article addressing rata a vary mi compre $8 = rated a very msieadling impression of peg students’ relations with the. local population. Here’ the reply T have sent Sor publication in the newspaper to try ond sat the record Straight. EtMatso ie soemay give us some free publicity Sor our Open muh Day cn Jag ast! appropriate to target readers Pree mystan Sokotowsk. —___ Social Secretary name and job ofReady for Writing Useful language for Part 1 formal letters Reason for writing (feel) Imust also (dis)agree with... Tam writing with regardireference to... Tshould also like to point out that... Tam writing to express (my concern According to your (article)/Your (article) about/disappointment with/disapproval states that... However, offapologies for). Twould like to draw your attention to/point out (certain inaccuracies)... Request for action Iwould appreciate it/be grateful if you would. Introducing points It seems only fair that you should. Firstly/To begin with/Moreover! Tlook forward to receiving/seeing... Furthermore/In addition/Finally Itrustivery much hope you will... Task You are the Events Organizer at Blatchington College in Britain, where you are working for the summer: You recently accompanied a group of teenage students from the college on a short trip, during which you stayed at a hostel. The hostel manager has written to your Principal complaining about the behaviour of the students in your charge. Read the letter of complaint on which you have made some notes, together with the Principal's memo. Then, using the information carefully, write: a. aletter to Peter Knight as requested by the Principal (approximately 200 words) 'b anote to the Principal to accompany the copy of the letter you send him (approximately 50 words) You should use your own words as far as possible. apologize | onlyone —__| not all ours Dear Sir/Madam. [Lam writing to complain about the behaviour of. party of students from Blatchingeon College during their recent stay a our hostel. Apart from being extremely noisy on the first ofthe three nights they were here, they caused Considerable amounc of physical damage to the facilities. “A number of chairs were broken, and several walls on the premises were covered | not in graffiti, t would seem that the group leaders stood by and did nothing —————_| true! See addi caved oot ee pom of ences Part rrgfae es ihe cooking utensils had not been washed up |. cleaner than when 1am nove seriously considering whether or not to continue allowing groups of students from your college to use our facilities. hope to receive a written we got apology, together with compensation to cover the damage to the furniture. there ‘Yours fithlly Peter Knight Hostel Manager 196 MEMO ‘TO: Events Organizer FRO! RE: Complaint from Hostel Manager Could you write back to Peter Knight, apologizing for all the trouble? I know you ‘weren't 100 happy about the condition of the hostel when you arrived there, and I accept that our students probably didn't behave as badly as his letter would suggest. However, we do want to use the hostel for future trips and we need to protect the good name of the school. For that reason, ll write outa cheque to pay for three chairs, even though our students didn't break them all, ‘The Principal Do explain to him your version of events, but let. me see your letter before you send It off it a delicate matter and we want to make sure we adopt the right tone.Ready for Writing Part 2: Article ‘You see this announcement in an English language magazine. Technological Revolution We are planning to publish a series of articles on the effects of new technology on our lives today. We would like you, the readers, to write us an article, addressing the following questions: ‘© How important is technology in your own life? ‘© Have recent technological changes been for the better or for the worse? Write your article Model answer interesting title ————>_lecinoloyy - a curse in discuise i ; strong openin Beers “The tecmsesjoa revoliton is il oF paradox it nas enced us to ss eee eecerns conmricate more cay, yet ing tre art of comersatons t |_| PAFAGFABRIO Reece thar aqpoealy oc] up toric Sars yo aw ced ge rea engage ieee to goon reading iriacest te beceme saves ta cur wor ; Te deinot have mabe prone, T woud not be able ta respond ta appropriately ceria eeecae Wylie demands of ry jcb. My cients wend abandon ne ard my boss neutral register a eee wold sack me, So regret), and eich to the anniyanc of my Fan sd on C nous a day. I can gerd whole witha. sayng a ward to my hushand or eran either neither very formal nor very opinion peli Because Lam ont gh or boas they ars too ory to ereeet mene wart to speak to me paragraph linking of points linking between within the paragraphs paragraph. Linkers more ‘ each paragraph informal. anicedies Broth the heme ervronment the comp ter seems to er different area of problems than it resolves. My husnand ard I have new get into the technology dour hast of deny cur sxpermankt sroging cn the Internet Ths means we have mane tine to wath @ DVD or ane of the 200 or 50 dyjtal TV charrels we have acess to, it also hes to ext. us OFF Sem human contact ard tur us into antisocial, overweigft couch potatoes, Al of tis leads me to the Firm conclusion that mabe phones and leaving the conputers should al carry a goverment. health warring tecinoloyy } ~-——— reader something can seriously daenaye your health and your personaly to think about Task ‘You see this announcement in an English language magazine. Sporting Life ‘We are planning to publish a series of articles on the importance of sport in people's lives. We would like you, the readers, to write us an article, addressing the following questions: + How important is sport in your own life? + Is too much emphasis place on sport nowadays? Write your article in approximately 250 words. 197Ready for Writi ing Leaflet You are a member of the English language film club at your college. You hav produce a leaflet in English aimed at publicizing the club and attracting new Your leaflet should: + inform students of the activities organized by the club * point out the benefits of being a member + encourage students to join Write the text for the leaflet. Model answer relevant title Ny wt —— introduction paragraph headings in ——b form of questions asset: appropriate use of bullet points ‘Undubbed’ — the exclusively English film club Some students are stil in the dark about:‘Undubbed’ the schoot English fllm club If you're one of them, here are the anewers to all your questions. Wher and where do vou neat? Every Friday evening at: 7.20 the canteen undergoes a complete tray re table are moved aside in preparation for the showing ofa recent blockbuster or umelens classe on ‘the school wide acreen 1. Films ae all in English, of course, but always wich Eig subtitles for those especially strong accents ar fast-moving scenes, Do you only watch films? Not av all. Aer the viewing and a break for refreshmenca, there's an infra Gscussion in English either on the fim tee or the Issues raised Init. Members a encouraged to contribute to the club's monthly magazine, which range of flm-reiated topics. a well as reviews of the latest releases and competitions wth ‘tempting prizes. What do lasntrom beng a mambo? Megs ea a Be ase rps Sie ac and productive English sll na flendlyrelaxcl atmosphere What's move, fe pros ar ete—t— Sa thee die usc ato te cmmionating Ae oT Le arngs oe ta ihcbpeating tn eta How much ist to join? Surprieinaly litte, considering the benefita. For just 10 Euros a term, you will be entitled to: free entry to ten Friday evening club sessions | hree editions of the club magazine ‘membership of the schol’ English video brary Why not come slong and ave iva try? Bring this leaflet with you and attend your fie session entirely free of charge. Wee sure It wor't be your last, a Task Useful language for leaflets You are a member of EDS, the English Drama Society, at your college. You have ‘Pointing out the benefits This could be the chance leaflet in English «provides you with the you've been waiting for. new members. Your _ Perfect opportunity to... We hope to see/look forward --.will give you the chance _to seeing you (there). agreed to produce a aimed at attracting leaflet should: inform students. and activities F poe Advisin; of the societys aims There's no better way to. Y You will be able to enjoy/be re agreed to y members. range of vocabulary items to avoid repetition of “film addressing the reader directly friendly ending encouraging students to join We would recommend/advise point out the benefits of being a ppereriee a ote eran em Oe ete member benefits). encourage students to join gerund or infinitive Encouraging people to take Be sure to Write the text for the leaflet in part approximately 250 words. Neen eerteeinerrl (give ita try)? Ttis (well) worthwhile +bref | introduction linking between paragraphs and sections linking of ideas within ‘a paragraph NX ing join Task Ready for Writing Contributions to brochures and guidebooks An international guidebook is being produced for students wishing to study a foreign language in the country or countries where it is spoken. You have been asked to write the entry on your first language, giving advice to students on choosing a school in your country. You should include information on the types of schools where the language can be studied, and a general idea of prices and types of course. Write your entry for the guidebook. Model answer Language Schools inmysountry QL { Stuclants who come to my country to learn the language ana spat for choca title would normally give name of, country han clacicling where to Studly. Each major tonn beasts handhadts of language Schools, of uhich thara ara aStentially td main types. Private language acacemin® See come al Shapes ancl Sux, ranging from Small, convartacl Jats sith ‘tao or thraa classrooms, to large {ranchites occupying whole builings. O8 SU aa so guerecta ate stg awl ie gece hate cheat halonge £0 ARIZE, the meguleton) outheitg for bagioge oxaclanse——| advice on choosing a pee ee ee eee: palit pea ee might change dhring the pared of Stucky, Be wormed, though: a one-month Sam-ntantive courte wath forty hours of tuition can cot as mach as S5Q Euros, 40 if price ot a major Sector whan chooking your School you might want to contislar a qovarnmant Sinaneacl institution or Huge", 08 thay ore. offectionataly inom oe Hye ena Ce aS SS See a ee guokty of teaching compares very favourably with that in the private. language ade ea ae general idea of prices and course types coursias ara aught omanth axtaraiva’y but if you inten to Stag cn the Goreme: langth of timer the" nto. Yoruite racaive an official cartiicata ot tha and of the courte which might weit be use for your curriculum Vitae. oes 7S cmartainly on option worth locking Useful language for brochures and guidebooks A guidebook aimed at readers aged between 18 and 25 is being produced for your town. You have been asked to write an entry on one of the following categories: ‘+ museums «restaurants + parks Your entry should include specific information on at least two examples of museums, restaurants or parks, ig advice to visitors on what to see, or do in each. e Write your entry for the guidebook in approximately 250 words. ‘Commenting on positive aspects (The school/hotel/sports centre) boasts (a large indoor swimming pool/a wide range of facilitiesifive tennis courts), No trip to (Paris) would be complete without (a visit to the Louvre), (The restaurant) is noted for (its excellent cuisine) ‘Commenting on negative aspects Admittedly, (this is a rather expensive option), but... (The quality of service) leaves a great deal to be desired. Be warned, though: (delays are not uncommon). Giving advice Itis always wise to check... This is a point worth bearing in mind if... If price/location/class size is a major factor when choosing (your school), you might want toconsider... .is certainly an option worth looking into. 199Ready for Writing relevantttitle brief paragraph ———)>" Within the town itself there is a wide selection of hotels, and no shortage of headings appropriately formal register positive concluding — | remark Task |» Eroposal for the International Feotival of Folk Music-and Dance: Sidbury Proposal Your town has been short-listed to host a major international festival of folk music and dance next year. You have been asked to write a proposal for the festival organizers, stating why your town should be chosen from the list. You should include relevant information about a entertainment possibilitie Write your proposal. Model answer Introduction |e Asa popular seaside resort, Sidbury is extremely well equipped to deal with the large Influx of people which a music festival oF this type would attract. Accommos {guesthouses offering bed and breakfast accommodation and a warn, fiendly welcome, n adaltion, the campsite has epace for GOO people and io Character reference An English-speaking friend of yours has applied for a job a a guide ina history museum and you have been asked to provide a character reference for him/her. The reference should indicate how long you have known the person. It must also include a description of the person’s character and the reasons why he or she would be suitable for the job. ‘Write the reference. Model answer Character Referents: Andon Medlock Trot wet Andre 2001 whi be was ohudying itor, at uy uniersity a2 part of the Erasmus, progeaume, Sine then w have rewaied fu friends and regulary vis each ofr it our vespest courts. | bot iboruall and in publi, Ta nto deb tat Anke ante mle x ie Wot only i he exteuely browedgenbl, bt he alse has atalent for bringing history aie eee otha oi hniig es Berea ES at Having heard kin speaking on several oceasions about kis sub ard alias shows great patinde and sensiiy toxards otkers. These qualities exable kin 4o couuieate easy ard eecily wit people of all ages, and le would be juok a> a howe ee «party of young sthoolelden as he would be 40 a group of kistory He is also at lint listerer and Yoratious reader, capable of assiulating large cuounts of nee infomation wth great ease. Thio would undoubtedly kelp hin-to abquie the reetant background Inowledye about enc exit in the museum ina. Yey short space oF Ye. For Hese reasons T ax wore Han eovfident tat Anker kas te veseseary quali for Pipe eect pesca asa ase ae 2 ae 10 ho obvious passion for the paok Andrew has a er ware, Friendly wanser { ‘pushvorHy frend to ue, and T am owe he would uake on eualy loyal ond reliable employe. Useful language for character references avoiding repetition A friend of yours has applied to work on an international summer camp for children aged 6 to 16, and you have been asked to provide a character reference for him/her. The job involves planning and running a variety of activities, including games, sports and other outdoor pursuits. The reference should indicate how long you have known the person. It must also include a description of the person's character and the reasons why he or she would be suitable for the job. Write the reference in approximately 250 words. 204 Relationship and since then we have remained firm friends. During the (five) years he has worked for me, (Peter)... Asa former colleague of (Susan), I. Overall suitability She has the makings of an excellent (teacher) He would bea great asset to your company. She would make a valuable contribution to your school. Abilities Not only is she a highly talented (actress) but she is also an exceptionally gifted (musician), He isa skilled crafisman/a proficient typist/an expert cookia promising athlete/an accomplished singer. He has a talent for bringing history alivela flair for languages/a gift for music. Qualities (Paul) has a warm friendly manner/a determined naturefall the necessary personal qualities. (Celia) shows great patience/sensitivity towards others/enthusiasm/potential. ‘These qualities enable (her) to... (See also pages 56 and 57 in Unit 4.)—— relevant experience separate paragraphs for each issue expressing suitability and desire for the job Application letter Ready for Writing ‘You have seen this advertisement in an international magazine. WRITERS REQUIRED We are looking for people to write for this magazine about environmental issues in their local area ‘that would be of interest to readers in other countries. We would like to hear from anyone who has: * an interest in environmental concerns + an awareness of environmental isues affecting their local area + some experience of writing, Send usa letter of application, explaining why you think you are suitable and describing two or three environmental isues currently affecting your local area, Write your letter of application. Model answer appropriately rae Sir/Madam ts formal register Lam writing in reponse to your requet for writer, which appears this montis edtion of Global Conceres Lam an adive member ofthe Green Soci at He wives the north-west of ny cour, ‘rere | am currenty studying mai bolgy The aim of the soci isto raise aarenese of wioemeralconceens among tudes and within he local common, Ae wel a8 erganising nbates on matters of local and global importance we also publish a maby aural wach ovoid exchsively to green ists and to which | egularg contribute Te exaray of rejon lr bated on oe, arming a skin an nce a at sy eta el atta a wet ‘ead abut he peters fing us. Lat snes, fo nape th pel tanker Inigo sank oF ar aot pig Tarr quan of of to te ta wh Avatating ec for mare wife and the Ging duty, yeuld great veo the chant we about eda. in pariular te | \ reasons why the oleae! neompeert arling fre af fenlee@elil be tn 24on the frary ida eve ha een came under ea cam frm environmen of interest to gop. Te fat-grnig and efor vey pola, uch ilar in aur af reve readers shri a git hoes te mcg sl rob te gon /] below, preeting eter pate and animals fr aun on he forest owe. Beaders ho ae aware of hi uation might lear a great deal pom an aril on {onc a ea te i pn ac ‘er uch fave he opportu owe aba er fr oo mace Woo forvard to bearing from you, ours ally ita Blanco Task Either: a write your own answer to the task above; or banswer the following question. WRITERS REQUIRED \We are looking for people to write for this magazine about people in their local area whose work, achievements or lifestyle would be of interest to an international eadership. Send us a letter of application, explaining why you think you are suitable and giving examples of two ar three local people, living or dead, that you would write about. Write your letter of application in approximately 250 words, (For useful language, see page 49 in Unit 4.) n—