In English, we develop the skills to communicate with people verbally and in writing.   

 

In this activity, we're interested in developing our written English skills.

Think of the ways we communicate with people in written form on a daily basis...texts, email, notes and posts... they all count!

 

 

 

Who we're communicating with will change how we communicate!  Think about how you communicate with your teacher, as opposed to your friends.  Is there a difference? Most people are more informal when communicating with their friends.

 

Imagine that you're writing to someone that you don't know personally.  How you communicate is very important.  If you don't know the person who you are writing to, the chances are they'll make a judgement about who you are, based on the way that you write, so knowing the best way is crucial in order to get the best outcome.  

 

Read the letter below - it's an example of how a formal letter should be written and structured.  

 

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                                                                 23 Any Street
                                                                                                            Anytown
                                                                                                            Anyshire
                                                                                                            AN2 3AS

Tel: 01844 21000

3rd April 2012

 

Mr E. Brooks
Manager
Cycle Shop
Anytown
Anyshire
AN4 8PP

 

Dear Mr Brooks,  

 

Re: Bicycle on Order

 

I am writing to ask you whether you could advise me on a delivery date for my new bicycle.  You may recall that we spoke last Wednesday and I selected the Evans Rocket Dog E.429 in Gunmetal Grey. 

 

I am going on holiday on May 4th, so I should like to know when my bicycle will arrive in order to ensure that someone will be here to receive it.

 

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Michael Chandra

 

Mr M Chandra

 

Let's get started on the questions now.

 

Want a bit more help with this before you begin? Why not watch this short video?