TRANSACTIONAL LETTERS

Main features
• They respond to writing input or/and visual prompts.

• They can be formal or informal.

• You should include ALL relevant information using

your OWN words.
• Make sure EACH paragraph deals with

ONE topic only.

• No personal comments for formal letters.
Characteristics of formal and informal
style
FORMAL STYLE
- impersonal style;
- use of passive voice;
- complex sentences;
- well-developed paragraphs;
- use of participles;
-non-colloquial English;
- short forms are not
accepted(only in quotes).
INFORMAL STYLE
- personal style;
- use of colloquial
English(idioms and idiomatic
expressions);
(*Colloquial =familiar)
- use of short forms.
 3 main types:

• Letters/emails requesting information.

• Letters/emails giving information.

• Letters/emails of complaint.
What, where, when
Informal Letter Layout
• In formal letters, when you do not know the name of the
recipient, you should include their title in the
address(e.g. The Director of Studies, St. Michael’s
School, 15, Pine Street, London). You should begin the
letter with Dear Sir/Madam, and end with Yours
faithfully, George Brown.
• When the name of the recipient is known, their name
and title should be included in their address(e.g. Mr.
Witkins, Accounts Manager, Rockdell Financial
Services, 15 Stockdale Avenue, London). The letter
should begin with Dear Mr. Witkins, and end with Yours
sincerely, John Smith
• In an informal letter, begin with Dear
John, and end with Love/Regards/Best
wishes/Yours, Anna
Letters/emails requesting information
Dear Sir or Madam,
(why you are writing this letter. WHY, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN )
I am writing with reference to your advertisement for the scooter. I would be
grateful if you could provide me with some further information.
(Include all the points and ask all your questions: old, colour, easy to ride, cost &
maintenance. Include other ideas. )
First of all, I need to know how old the scooter is. Is it still under guarantee? I am
only interested in a relatively new scooter because I do not want to have high
maintenance cost. I would also like to know the price. I can pay in cash but I expect
it to be much cheaper than its brand new equivalent.
What is more, I notice that you have not mentioned the colour and if it is in a good
condition. I would be grateful to know both. In addition, I would like you to tell me if
it is easy to ride in streets with heavy traffic and if it can carry a second passenger
at the back.
Finally, should I decide to buy it, would it be possible to have a test-drive first?
(formal remarks)
I hope to hear from you soon.
Yours faithfully,
Jack Spencer
Letters/emails requesting information.

Opening:
Saw advert (where? When?): want some
info
1st paragraph
Staying for week: walk only once a day?
2nd paragraph
Taking also 2 cats: any discount?
Extra discount for longer stay?
3rd paragraph
Other services available: ex bath and
haircut?? Special meals? How much?
Letters/emails giving/asking information.
You are helping to organise a visit to an English Language Academy in Manchester.
You have received a letter from John Webster, the director of the Academy. Read the
letter and the notes you have made. Then write a letter to Mr. Webster using all your
notes. Write your letter in 120-150 words..

I am very glad to see that you are coming to our academy in July. I am sure you
will all have a very enjoyable time and that you will learn a lot of English.

You can either stay all together in a youth hostel, or individually with local
families.
Please tell me which you would prefer.

Tell me something about your group so that I can organise interesting spare time
activities. What sort of things do they like doing?

Please ask if you need any further information. Your notes:

 learning a lot of English is very
Yours sincerely, important because… You
especially want to improve…
John Webster  say which you prefer, and why.
 what the weather is like in
Manchester and what clothes you
will need.
Letters/emails requesting information.
Your parents have seen the following advertisement:
 
IVY GRANGE HEALTH FARM
A marvellous experience and wonderful opportunity to get you fit.
Individualised health and fitness programmes in a charming rural setting.

They want you to send an email to ask for further details including answers to the
following questions:
 
◊ Where?
◊ Places available in August?
◊ How much for a week?
◊ Drinking allowed?
◊ Any trips?
◊ What type of exercise?
 
 
Write an email in 120-180 words in an appropriate style
 Letters/emails of complaint:
LAYOUT
• OPENING: State complaint: what/ when/ where

• MAIN BODY: specific points(different paragraphs)

+
Examples and reasons

• CLOSING REMARKS: explain what you expect

 Letters/emails of complaint:
OTHER
•Tone: Mild: minor complaints
Strong: serious complaints
 
•Instead of negative words:
– Use no + positive not nice
– Use prefixes misunderstanding, disrespect
 Useful expressions
OPENING REMARKS
•I am writing to express my disgust at ________
•I feel I must complain about _____________
•I wish to express my dissatisfaction with ______

CLOSING REMARKS
•Or else I will be forced to take further action.
•I will have no choice but to cancel my…..
•I feel I am entitled to….
•I look forward to receiving your prompt reply.
 
Letters/emails of complaint.
You have just returned from a trip to Canada. You flew there and back with Maple
Air. You decide to write to the airline to complain about your flight.
 
Read the advertisement and the notes you made and then, using the information,
write a letter to the airline. You may add other relevant points of your own.
 

FLY MAPLE AIR TO CANADA

We offer:
· 3 flights a day
· wide, comfortable seats
· friendly, well-trained staff
· a good choice of food – special diets no problem
· the latest in-flight entertainment
Phone 0179 765893 now or see your travel agent for more details.
 
 
Your notes:
· Late boarding
· Staff quite rude
· No vegetarian food for me
· Old film
Write your letter of complaint.