Transcript Slide 1
Formal and Informal Expressions
Start with…
A LETTER
ACTIVITY 1
• Work with a partner. Discuss which
beginnings can go with which endings. More
than one is sometimes possible. Which are
formal? Which are informal? Which are
usually only used in emails?
ACTIVITY 1
1. Dear Peter,
2. Dear Ms Lombard,
3. Hello Cathy,
4. Dear Sir or
Madam,
5. Dear Mum,
6. Hi Rob,
a. Lots and lots of love, Harry xxx
b. Love, Concetta
c. Yours, George
d. Bye for now, Sammy
e. Your faithful, Daniel Miles
f. Your sincerely, Kay Macey
g. Best wishes, Dave
ACTIVITY 2
• Read the formal letter. Complete it with the
words or phrases from the box.
frequently advertisement
However
interested in
sincerely
some
informatio
n
to improve
to hearing
application form
ACTIVITY 2
advertisement
interested in
frequently
However
to improve
application form
to hearing
sincerely
some information
ACTIVITY 3
• Look at the different parts of the letter.
Compare it with formal letters in your country.
• Are the names, addresses, and the date in the
same place?
• Do you have many different greetings and
endings for formal and informal letters and
emails?
Let’s move on…
AN FORMAL EMAIL
ACTIVITY 1
• Read Concetta’s email to her English friend
Rob. Compare it with the letter. How does she
express the highlighted lines from the email
more formally in the letter?
ACTIVITY 1
ACTIVITY 2
• Match those lines from an email and a formal letter.
A
B
It was great to hear from you.
Thanks for…
I want to ask about…
I’m sorry about…
I’m sorry to have to tell you that…
I’m sending you a copy of…
If you need more help, …
Please find enclosed a photocopy of …
I apologize for…
Thank you for your letter of 1st November.
If you require further assistance,…
I regret to inform you that …
I would like to enquire about…
Thank you for …
Email guidelines
Clearly state the purpose of the email
Make sure the subject line is updated each time you reply
Copy in any relevant people
Don’t use capitals (it’s like shouting)
Personalize the greeting and reply in the same style
Get to the point quickly (keep social ‘chat’ brief)
Use short sentences
Make sure grammar and spelling are accurate
Abbreviations are acceptable (if you’re sure the reader understands them)
Use bullet points and headings
Relax with a funny story
And now, it’s your turn
• Write a similar letter about yourself to the
school in York. Then write an email to an
English friend and tell them about it.
GOOD LUCK!!!