Writing, Task 1 - Tips for writing an informal letter 1 — teorija. Eksāmens angļu valodā, 9. klase.

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ANGĻU VALODĀ 9. KLASEI

You should spend 15 minutes on this task.
Write between 40 – 60 words.

Read a message from you exchange classmate from Italy:
Hi there,
I have to take the speaking part of the exam in English. I’m stressed out. Could we practise together?
Send me a message if you can help me.
Thanks a lot,
Luca

Write a message to Luca. In your answer:

agree to help,
suggest how you can help,
arrange a place and time to meet up.

1. Before you do anything, read the question(s) carefully and find out the following:

who you are writing to
why you are writing
what you are writing about

2. When you have worked out what the purpose of your letter is, you should be able to work out what kind of style you will need to use. In this case it will be informal writing style.

3. Even in informal writing, there is a good range of language which can be used: conditional sentences, a range of perfect and continuous tenses, indirect questions etc.

4. Use linking words.

5. And make sure that your reply answers any questions that you were asked in the task and take into account any additional information that you have been told to mention.

SALUTATION OR GREETING

Start with Dear/Hello/Hi Luca
In informal letters there is a comma used after the person’s name.
The e-mail starts on the line below.

CONTENT OF AN INFORMAL LETTER
The next stage is to decide what will be in each paragraph. Usually the answer will have four or more paragraphs:

A short opening paragraph – the purpose of the letter. Answer to Luca’s message – agree to help him to practise English together.
The paragraph or paragraphs – the topic for this is usually given in the original question(s), so, make your plan based on the exact topic of the letter. In this case you have to give some suggestions how to practise English and arrange time when and where to meet.

CLOSING
The end of your letter is as important as the beginning. There are some ways of finishing an informal letter.

Give a reason why you are ending the letter.
Send greetings and/or make reference for future contact.
Closing statement should be written on a new line. If you used a comma after the opening greeting, use a comma here, too.
Sign your name. Do not use a comma or a full stop.

USEFUL EXPRESSIONS FOR INFORMAL WRITING:

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