ASKING ADVICE

1) Letter asking for advice about computer addiction:

Dear Ms Smith,
I’m writing for help. I am only 14, but I think I’m seriously
ill, as I have become a computer addict. Actually, I have been
a computer addict since I was 11.
Now I feel that I spend too much time in front of my
computer. I often neglect my everyday duties. I don’t do my
homework regularly, and I don’t care about my marks at school
any more. As a result, my grades have become worse.
Besides, I sometimes skip meals, and I don’t sleep well at
night, so I nearly fall asleep at school.
Moreover, I often have headaches and my back also hurts
badly.
Mum says that I use my computer much more than it is
necessary. I know that it’s not normal, but I can’t control its
use, though I’ve tried to do it. My parents are threatening that
they’ll take my computer away. It drives me absolutely mad!
What should I do? I need your advice and help.
I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,
2) Letter asking for advice about money:
Dear Pam,
Sorry that I haven’t written for ages, but I’ve been very busy studying I’m
writing because I’d really like your advice about a problem I have.
My friends and I have decided to go away on holiday in the summer, but I
don’t have enough money. I was wondering if you had any ideas about earning
some extra cash If I don’t save up enough money by August, I’ll have to go
away with Mum and Dad instead. Can you think of anything that would help me
to make some money quickly?
I know that you always have lots of great ideas! What would you advise me to
do? Please write back as soon as you can.
Lots of love,

GIVING ADVICE
1) Letter advice about plans after high school
Dear Miss Pierson,
Thank you for your letter asking for my advice about what
you should do now that you have finished school. I realise
how difficult this stage must be for you, but there are a range
of options for you to choose from.
 If l were you, I would make a list of all the careers which
may interest you and then decide which one you feel you are
best suited to in terms of exam grades or subject interest. I
would also suggest that you see a careers officer who would
be able to give you professional advice. Furthermore, it
would be a good idea to write to some universities and ask
them to send you a prospectus; you may find a course which
really appeals to you.
I hope these suggestions will be of help to you. I wish you
well in whatever course of actions you decide upon. Do let
me know what you decide to do; it is always good to hear
from former pupils.

Yours sincerely,
Linda Steel
2) Letter advice about money:
Dear Mary,
Thanks very much for your letter, and of course I’d be happy to help. Here
are a few things you can try to earn all the money you need.
First of all, if I were you get a Saturday job. How about trying to get one in a
local shop so that you can be close to home? This will mean that you won't have
to travel so far on Saturdays.
Perhaps you could also get a job babysitting. Why don’t you ask your
neighbours? My only advice is not to get very young children, because they
need all your attention.
I hope my advice helps. Don’t let it get you down if you can’t find a job
immediately. Write and let me know how things go.
Yours,
Pam
3) Aadvice letter about how to keep fit:
Dear Rachel,
I’m glad to hear that you want to improve your eating habits and get fit. I’ll
try to advise you as best as I can.
First of all, if I were you, I would eat plenty of fish, fruit and vegetables. If
you follow a balanced diet, you won’t put on weight. What is more, the best
thing for you would be to try not to eat so much junk food, sweets and so on. If
you do this, your body won’t store so much sugar and fat.
Another good idea is to join a gym and exercise regularly. This will mean
that you’ll soon get in shape and feel fitter. Finally, you shouldn’t go
everywhere by car or by bus. That way, your body won’t become lazy.
Well, I hope you find my advice helpful. Write back and let me know how
you get on.
Love,
Lynn
4) Advice letter about disagreement between you and your parents:
Dear Rachel.
I was sorry to hear about the disagreement between you and your parents. I think I
can give you some advice, though, that may make things better.
First of all, you ought to remember that your parents love you very much and will be
proud of you whatever you do. They may want you to become a doctor now, but if they
see you succeed in another field they will be satisfied.
If I were you, I would have a serious talk with them. The best thing you can do is
explain to them that, since you are not interested in medicine, you would never be a
good doctor.
You should also tell them that if you study art, you will have the possibility of teaching
or working in advertising as well as doing your own work.
I hope my advice is of some help to you. I will be waiting to hear how things turn
out Remember to think positively!

Love,

5) Advice letter about pocket money:

Dear Linda,
Thanks for your letter. I’m glad you passed your history test!
I was sorry to hear about the argument you had with your parents about your
pocket money. I know you, get less than most of your friends but if your parents
can’t afford to give you any more, I guess there’s not much you can do about it
(unfortunately).
If I were you, I’d try not to argue about this. Why don’t you get a part- time
job, maybe on Saturdays or after school and earn a bit of extra money that way?
It can be quite fun delivering newspapers. That’s what I do. Or perhaps you
should tell everyone that you don’t want presents for Christmas or your
birthday, but that you’d rather have money. And if you’re careful how to spend
it, you ‘ll have more during the year for CDs and clothes and all the other things
you want to buy.
Anyway, keep smiling whatever happens! I’d better go now as I’ve got loads of
homework to do (as always).
Write back soon.
Love,
APOLOGY
1) Apologize for poor or inadequate service:
Dear Mrs. Brown.
On behalf of Sunrise Travel, please accept my sincere
apologies for your dissatisfaction with your Caribbean holiday
in February.
Due to a computer error we were forced to change your
accommodation at the last minute to what we had been led to
believe was a hotel of equally high standard. Sadly, it was not
until later that we discovered the hotel in question did not meet
the requirements demanded of Sunrise Travel accommodation.
As a long established travel company, we are well aware of
the upset that can be caused by problems experienced while on
holiday. For this reason, we would like to offer you a weekend
for two in Paris at a top-class hotel as compensation.
Once again, our sincerest apologies for the inconvenience
caused. We look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely.
2) Apologise for the disgraceful conduct:
Dear Mr. Johnson,
I am writing to you to apologise for the disgraceful conduct
of a member of our staff towards you on Saturday April 23rd. I realize how much
this must have upset you, and I hope that we can resolve the matter agreeably.

Due to my absence at the time, l was unable to apologise to you in person.

However, I always take such incidents extremely seriously and, following your
letter of complaint, the member of staff has been severely reprimanded. You can rest
assured that he will be treating our customers quite differently in future.
 l hope that this incident will not deter from using our store in future. In an attempt
to make up for the inconvenience caused, we are sending you a complimentary
gift.
Yours sincerely,
3) apology for the long wait
Dear Jack,
I'm writing to say sorry for keeping you waiting at the station last weekend.
When I missed the train I was so upset I completely forgot to phone you at
once to let you know. By the time I phoned you had already left
for the station. I want to apologise for being so thoughtless, I promise you it
won't happen again. I still feel rotten for not contacting you, so to make up.
I'd like to invite you to my house for the Easter weekend. We're having a big
party and lots of old friends will be there. I hope you can make it.
I'm sure we can still be friends and I hope that we can see each other again. lt
would be silly to fall out over my own stupidity.
Please give my regards to your family and write back soon.
Love.

4) apology letter for not attending wedding

Dear Peter.
I’m writing to say how sorry I am about not being able to attend your
wedding. I hope it was a wonderful day. and I also hope you’ll forgive me for
not being there.
I know that excuses aren’t much use. but I thought I’d explain what
prevented me from coming anyway. While I was getting ready, the phone rang
and my boss said that an out-of-town client had just arrived and wanted to be
shown round the factory. Weil, what could I say? There was no one else
available to do it, so I had to go.
To make up for my absence. I'd love to take you both out for a meal the
next time I'm in London. I'll let you know well in advance. My apologies again,
and write soon.
Love.
5)
Dear Sarah!
I am writing to tell you how sorry I am about what happened last week.
I’ve been meaning to tell «sorry» since then, but I’ve been busy and didn’t
have time. I want you to know I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings, and I am
sorry that I did. I was really upset after our argument, and I shouldn’t have let
myself get so carried away, but sometimes my temper gets the better of me.
Why don’t we get together for a friendly chat so that we can work things
out? How about next Friday? I hope you’ll be able to, and I just want to say
again how sorry I am.
 Lots of love.
APPLICATION
1) : To apply for the job of tour guide:
Dear Sir or Madam,
In reply to your advertisement in The Times I would like to apply for the job
of tour guide. I am twenty-one years old and speak fluent French. My Spanish is
quite good, and I also speak a little Italian.
At present I am studying history at Oxford Brookes University. Last year I
spent some time in York researching a project on the development of the city so
I feel I know a lot about its history.
I have good organisational skills. When I was in my final year at school, I
organised a trip to Canterbury for thirty twelve-year-olds. I was their guide and
was responsible for them during the trip. I get on well with people and have
been told that I have a friendly, outgoing personality.
I would like very much to work as a tour guide with your organisation this
summer and would be available from June to September. I can attend an
interview at any time.
Yours faithfully,
2) To apply for the job of club organiser:
Dear Sir
I`m writing to apply for the job of club organiser, which was advertised on the
notice board in the school.
I used to run a club in my old school in England which made me think I have
the ability to organise the work. Also I have been studying English for a few
years, I got a merit in the PET and I`m going to take the FCE exam next year
and IGCSE in 2002.
I want to add that I am a big fan of English and American films and go to the
cinema quite often.
I`m also an outgoing person and have the ability to control a discussion which
will prove helpful in the club.
If you think I`m the suitable person to organise your film club, then I would
like to hear from you.
Yours Faithfully

3) apply for the job of primary school teacher

Dear Mrs. Hunter,
With reference to your advertisement in Thursday's edition of the Dally Star, I
am interested in applying for the position of primary school teacher.
I am 28 years old and currently teaching in Margate. I have a BSc degree
awarded by Glasgow University in 1997. I completed my certificate in
Education at Preston Teacher Training College in 1998.
 I have been working for Margate Education Department since 1999. During
this time, I have enjoyed teaching a variety of subjects, including English,
General Science and Games.
I consider myself to be punctual, hard-working and fair. I enjoy working with
children and have good organisational skills.
I enclose a reference from my present employer. I would be grateful if you
would consider my application. I am available for interview any weekday
morning. I look Yours sincerely,
Yours sincerely,
4) To apply for the position of part-time shop assistant:
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to apply for the position of part-time shop assistant which was
advertised in this week's edition of the Frankfurt English News.
I am a 16-year-old student. In December I passed the examination for the First
Certificate in English with grade A. It is my ambition to become a teacher of
English. Therefore, employment in an English- language bookshop particularly
appeals to me.
Despite my lack of formal work experience, I feel that I would be well-suited
for the position. For the past two years I have been a volunteer helper in our
school library. In my school report I was described by the librarian as
enthusiastic, dedicated and reliable.
Since the school holidays include the months of July and August, I will have
no other commitments and would be available to work at any time, excluding
Saturdays, for as many hours as needed.
I may be contacted at the above address, or by telephone on 435 1708.1 look
forward to receiving a reply in due course.
Yours faithfully,
INVITATION
1)  invitation to house-warming party
Dear Ann and David.

We're writing to invite you to our house-warming party on May 26th.

Our new house is wonderful; it’s a semi-detached town house with three
bedrooms and a small back garden. The kitchen is huge, and is fitted with
wooden cupboards that make you feel as if you are in a country kitchen. All
three bedrooms are rather small but very cosy. The living room is quite big
and has lovely French windows which open onto a terrace.
You shouldn't have too much trouble finding the house, but here are a
few directions so you don’t get lost. Take the A27 road for Lewes and turn
right at the roundabout where there is a signpost for Hawkstead. Drive
through the town until you get to the post office, then turn left into Potter’s
 Lane. Our house is number 23, on the right-hand side.
We hope you’ll be able to make it to our party. Looking forward to
seeing you then.
Love,
2) Informal invitation to a birthday party
Dear Emily,
I’m writing to invite you to my birthday celebration on Friday, 15 June. It's
going to be an all-day affair, so you should be here by eleven o'clock in the
morning.
Since it’s my sixteenth birthday, my parents want it to be a very special day,
so this is what we’re going to do. First we’re going to take everyone to the sta-
bles and hire horses. Then we're going to ride to the Elmington Estate and have
a picnic there, when we get back, there will be games and refreshments in the
garden, and in the evening there'll be supper and dancing. I just hope the
weather is fine!
Let me know if you can come, and tell me your news as well. I'm looking
forward to hearing from you.
Lots of love,
3) FORMAL invitation to a club meeting
Dear Mr. Pritchard,
I would like to invite you to our annual club meeting which will take place
this year on 21st December. The meeting will be held in the clubs own
banqueting suite at 8.00 pm.
This will be an occasion to express any new ideas about the club. It is a
time to consider where improvements can be made in order to please our
members. We will also discuss a change in the cost of yearly membership.
As this affects you personally, your attendance at the meeting would be
appreciated.
After the meeting some light refreshments will be served.
Please inform us whether you will be able to attend.
Yours sincerely,

ACCEPT INVITATION
1) Informal: invitation to Christmas party
Dear Richard and Judy,

Thanks for the invitation to your Christmas party on

December 18th.
John and I were really pleased to receive it and we’d love to
come. Its lucky for us that you chose the 18th, actually, as it’s the
only day of that week that we're free.
 It’s been such a long time since we've seen each other so it
will be great to get together and catch up on all the news. Please let
me know if there's anything I can bring or anything I can do to
help.
Oh, one other thing. Will it be all right to bring Samantha? I
’m not sure if we can get a babysitter on that day.
Thanks again, and see you on the 18th.

Love,
2) Informal 
Dear Karmen,
Thank you so much for your invitation. I'd love to come to your birthday
celebration. It sounds like it's going to be really good. You know how much I
like riding!
I’m writing this from my cousin's house, where Sarah and I are practising our
piece for the music festival next week. Sarah's singing and I’m playing the
piano. We’re doing a song from a musical so it's quite fun and not too difficult,
but even so we're getting nervous already. We’re going to go shopping for some
new clothes this afternoon to help us relax. If I find something nice, maybe I II
wear it to your party.
I have to get back to my playing now. but I’m looking forward to your
birthday. It will be so nice to spend a day outside in the country after all this
practicing. and our school exams will be finished by then too.
Looking forward to seeing you on the fifteenth.
With love.

REFUSING INVITATION
1) Informal refusing an invitation 
Dear Richard and Judy,

The Christmas party you invited us to on December 18th sounds lovely.

Unfortunately, we won’t be able to make it as it is John's mother's birthday on

that day and she is having a small family party to celebrate. She's - almost eighty
years old and still as strong as ever - it’s amazing!

It’s such a pity because we haven’t seen each other for ages. You must give us
a call so we can j arrange to get together another time instead. Perhaps we'll
throw a party on New Year’s Eve so we can see everyone. We'll let you know.

Thanks for the invitation, and hope the party L goes well.
 Love,

2) FORMAL
Dear Mr. Prescott,
I am sorry to say that I will not be able to attend the annual club meeting
on the 21st of December.
Unfortunately, I am in hospital at the moment recovering from an
appendix operation. I have to stay here for a little longer than I originally
thought, and therefore will be absent.
Nevertheless, I would like to make a request for the club's future. I think
that if you increase the cost of membership, many members will be forced
to leave as prices are already quite high. Therefore, I ask you to reconsider
any changes in cost.
I hope that you will think carefully about my request, and I apologise for
the fact that I cannot come. I am sure that I will be present at next year’s
meeting.
Yours sincerely,
COMPLAINT

1) complaint about poor service

Dear Sir/Madam,
I was a customer, along with several friends, at your restaurant last
week, and I am writing to complain
about the treatment we received.
The manager was extremely rude to us from the moment we
entered the restaurant, and we had to wait almost half an hour for a
table, although we had booked one.
Having ordered our food, we were kept waiting almost an hour.
When it finally arrived it was so badly cooked that we had to send it
back. No apology was offered for the appalling food, and we thus
decided to leave the restaurant without re-ordering.
This incident ruined our evening, and I am writing in the hope that
some action will be taken against the staff of your restaurant.
Yours faithfully,

2) complain about receiving damaged goods

Dear Sir/Madam
I am writing to complain about a washing machine which I recently
purchased from your company.
When I used the machine for the first time it worked properly and the
clothes came out clean and fresh. However, when l used the machine
the second time, there seemed to have been a malfunction during the
rinse cycle. The clothes still had quite a lot of soap in them when I
took them out.
Furthermore, when l tried washing another load of laundry the same
thing happened, in addition to this, the machine did not heat the water
to the right temperature. Even though I had turned the dial to 50°C,
the water in the machine remained cold throughout the entire cycle.
I assume you will replace the washing machine as it is obviously
faulty. I hope the matter will be resolved promptly.
Yours faithfully,
3) Complain to neighbor:
Dear Mr. Moncton,
I am writing to complain about the two Alsatian dogs that you
own.
Although I have repeatedly asked you to prevent the dogs
from leaving your garden, you have failed to do so. As a result,
my front lawn has been dug up twice over the past three days.
Furthermore, their continual barking is extremely disruptive,
both to local residents and myself.
Finally, I feel that these dogs have a tendency to be aggressive,
as I have told you in the past. Nevertheless, they are allowed to
roam the streets of our neighbourhood, which I consider
unacceptable.
I hope that, having made my feelings clear to you, this matter
can be resolved.
Yours
sincerely,
4) The client Complain About the hotel:
Dr. Mr. Green,
I want to express my extreme dissatisfaction with the Caribbean
holiday I booked with your agency.
I just got back and I have to say it was the worst holiday I have
ever had. To begin with I found myself staying in a huge multi-
storey hotel although I had been told that I would be staying in a
family-run guesthouse. What is more, the resort was crowded with
tourists but I had been told that it was quiet and unspoilt.
Finally, I had to take a long bus ride every day to get to the
beach. However, the brochure said that the beach was only a ten-
minute walk away.
I demand that I should be given a full refund, or I will be forced
to take legal action.
REQUEST INFORMATION

1) formal rafting trip

Dear Sir/Madam.
 I am writing regarding your advertisement in Out and About' magazine
on 14th May. I am very interested in going on your rafting trip and I would
be grateful if you could answer a few questions
Your advertisement states that the price includes rafting equipment Will
you provide waterproof clothing? The advertisement also mentions that the
price includes camping equipment. Will there be sleeping bags, or will I
have to bring my own? In addition, how many professional guides will
there be per group? Finally, regarding the transport from Denver to the
river, how long will the journey be?
Thank you for your help I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
2) formal Outdoor Centre:
Dear Sir,
With reference to your advertisement in the April edition of the Wessex
Times, I am writing to ask for further information regarding the Lynwood
Outdoor Centre.
Firstly, I would appreciate it if you could give me a few details concerning
the activities offered — for example, whether mountain bikes are available for
hire, or if visitors are expected to provide their own. I would also like to know
more about the type of area chosen for hiking, and whether a guide accompanies
visitors on their hikes.
Furthermore, I would be grateful for information concerning other activities
offered at the Centre in addition to those mentioned in your advertisement.
With regard to charges, bookings and so on, I would naturally like to know the
total cost of a visit to the centre, and whether visitors are charged by the day, or
according to the activities they choose. Finally, could you tell me whether it is
advisable to book beforehand?
I look forward to hearing from you in due course, at the address above or by
telephone on 0181-313-9480. Thank you in advance.
Yours faithfully,

3) formal courses
Dear Ms Black,

I am writing in response to the advertisement I saw for your English school

in 'World Teens Today' magazine. I am interested in doing one of your courses
and I would be grateful if you could provide some further information.
Firstly, it says in the advertisement that the courses are two weeks long.
Would it be possible to do a three-week course? I would also like to know how
much your courses cost exactly.
Secondly, your advert mentions accommodation with host families. Could you
tell me if I would be staying on my own with the host family or if there would
be other students staying there as well?
Finally, I have a question about the social programme. Would you mind
sending me more details about this? I am very keen on sport and I would like to
know if there are any sports activities included in the social programme.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,

4) formal holidays
Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing with regard to your advertisement tor holidays on Mars,

which I saw in ‘The Daily Gazette’ on 24th July. 1 am very interested
in a weekend break to Mars. However, I would like some more
information first.

I would be grateful if you could let me know the exact cost of a three-
day trip during the summer, including transportation and
accommodation, for two adults and two children (aged twelve and
fourteen).
Secondly, I wonder if you could send me further information about
the facilities which are available at the Martian Hotel. My daughter
would particularly like to know whether there is a nightclub.

Could you also confirm that we will not require either injections or
passports?
I look forward to hearing from you.

5) informal
 Dear Danny and Kim,
How are you both? Our school activity club is planning a river-
rafting trip next month and l want you to tell me a few things since
you went on a similar trip a little while ago.
Can you tell me how many students went on your trip? There
are about thirty planning to go in our group. Do you think that's too
many? Like you, we will probably just go for a day. Can you
remember what the price was per person for a whole day of rafting?
I also want to know what it costs to hire a coach for one day. This
would be helpful as that is how we intend to travel there.
Finally, did you have to take any special safety precautions to go
rafting? obviously we will want to be properly prepared and equipped
before we start.
I hope you can help me with these details. Please let me know
as soon as you can.
Love,