LETTERS EXAMPLES

INFORMAL LETTER OF DESCRIPTION:

Dear Steve,

I just had to write to tell you about a strange experience I had the other night while I was walking home along Baxter’s Lane.

It was quite late and there was no one else about. I was nearing the end of the lane, when suddenly I began to feel uneasy, as if I was being followed. Then, I heard the sound of heavy breathing behind me. As you can imagine, I was terrified! I turned, and to my surprise there was a dog behind me.

At first, I thought the dog was a wolf. It was large, black and white and had strange piercing green eyes. My heart started beating quickly and I felt I was in danger. I started walking faster. When I got to the end of the street and looked back, the dog was nowhere to be seen.

Anyway, I wanted to share this story with you because I remember you told me about a similar experience you had on Baxter’s Lane. Write back and tell me what you think!Best wishes,Phil

INFORMAL LETTER: ASKING FOR INFORMATION

The course finishes on Friday 18 th, but I’m not flying back until the Sunday evening. Could I come and see you then? Do let me know if we can arrange some- thing. There are a couple of other things. The flight in doesn't arrive until 11 in the evening. Are there any buses into the city centre that late? If so, could you find out how much they cost and how long they take? The other thing is that I need to know what the weather will be like, so I can bring the right sort of clothes. I don't want to arrive with all the wrong things! Anyway, I do hope we can meet up - it'd be great to see you again. Yours, Sandy

INFORMAL LETTER: ASKING FOR INFORMATION

Dear Juan, I'm planning to visit Madrid in June for ten days. I was wondering if youcould send me some information concerning the Saman Hotel. I'd like to know how many rooms the hotel has and what category it is. Wouldyou also find out what the price for a single room is and what is included in thatprice? Lastly, could you tell me what services the hotel provides for its guests? I'd be grateful if you could get this information for me Thanks for your help. Love, INFORMAL LETTER : ASKING FOR INFORMATION

Dear Sir/ Madam,There are a few things I need to know about your Dance-Aerobics classes.Firstly, what time are the classes held each day? I’d like to take eveningclasses, if possible. I also think it’s a good idea to keep classes small. I preferclasses with fewer than fifteen people. I was in a really big aerobics class once,and it was too crowded. Don’t you just hate that?I think aerobics classes are great fun. I like sweating and jumping around as theheavy beat of the music pounds in my body. It’s the greatest, don’t you think?I’m looking forward to your reply. Please send it soon as I’m eager to begin theclasses. Thanks. Yours, Rita Simmons

INFORMAL LETTER : GIVING FOR INFORMATION

Dear John, It was great to get your letter last week, especially since we haven ’t been intouch for so long. I was delighted to hear that you’ve had a promotion and are do-ing so well. You also mentioned the book fair in your letter, which will be held in Bathnext month. I’d like you to know that you’d be more than welcome to stay with usduring your visit but I’ll fully understand if you choose to stay in a hotel especiallysince we live so far from the exhibition centre. I can suggest several reasonably priced hotels such as The Belvington, ThePalace and The George Hotel, all of which are a stone's throw from where the book fair will be held in the centre of Bath. Alternatively, if you're happy to pay more, Crescent is a wonderfully exclusive hotel which offers a huge range of facilities. As you probably know, the city of Bath is renowned for being a beautiful spa town and I would recommend a visit to the Roman baths. The town itself is very pretty and there are lots of quaint tea shops and old-fashioned pubs. If time allows, we would love to show you the surrounding countryside which stretches for miles across the Cotswolds and is one of the prettiest areas in Britain. Looking forward to seeing you soon, Regards, Tom

INFORMAL LETTER : GIVING FOR INFORMATION

My dear friends, I'm so glad that you are going to visit me. I miss you much and hope we'll spend time very interesting. I've also heard that Edinburgh is very old and beautiful city, so I am agree that we should spend few days there. I've addressed to the travel agency and have got all information how to go to Edinburgh. Firstly, we can travel by car. There is 540 km between Cambridge and Edin- burgh. We can achieve Edinburgh in 5 - 6 hours. The car hire is 40 ₤ a day plus petrol and insurance. Secondly, we can use a train. It goes three times a day. The first train departures at 7 o'clock and arrives to Edinburgh at 12.15. The second departures in an hour, at 7.56 and arrives at 13.38. The next train is at 9 o'clock and arrives at 14.12. The return fare at weekends is 90₤ and at all other days is 75₤. And at last we can travel by coach. It's like train goes three times a day . The coach departures at 11, 18.18 and 22.30. It takes 10 hours to achieve Edin- burgh. The return fare there less than on the train. At weekends it costs 60₤ and at all other days it's 45₤. So, as for me, I think we should travel by car. Train is much faster thancoach, but tickets on train are more expensive than on coach.On the other side travel by coach is cheaper, but it takes much time.If we travel by car, we'll spend much money, but less time. And also we havea chance to inspect surroundings, to be on a fresh air and enjoy our journey.Your sincerelyIrene Sally

INFORMAL LETTER: GIVING A INFORMATION

Dear Sally, I hope you are well. I'm writing to thank you for your letter and give you theinformation you asked for. First of all, the Saman Hotel has 200, air-conditioned rooms. Each room hasits own bathroom, a telephone, a TV and a small bar. It is an "A" category hotelwith a restaurant, a cocktail lounge, an outdoor swimming pool and a Jacuzzi. The price of a single room is £100 per night without breakfast or £115 pernight with breakfast included. Breakfast is offered from 8 -10.30 each morning andconsists of coffee, tea, milk, juice, bread, jam and cereals.

The hotel provides many services such as room service, maid and laundryservices. Maid service is provided free. However, there’s an extra charge for roomand laundry service. I hope this information is helpful. If you need anything else, please let meknow. I'm looking forward to seeing you in June.LOVE, JUAN


Dear my friends,I resived your letter and I'm writing about go to Edinburgh with you next month. Iwent to a travel agency and got some information. If we go there by car, the costwill be ₤ 40 a day plus petrol and insurance. It's the cheapest. But we'll have to renta car and will have to find parks often. If we go here by coach, the cost will be ₤ 45unless we go there on friday or Saturday. But it'll take us about 10 hours. So shallwe go there by train. The cost will be ₤ 75 unless we go there on friday or Satur-day. It'll take us about five hours. We can spend most of the time in Edinburgh. I'mgoing to get the tickets and am planning about what we do there. If you have ques-tions or good idea, call or write me as soon as possible. Otherwise see you nextmonth. Look forward to seeing youLove Louise


Dear Christine,Thank you for your letter, which I got yesterday. I was surpraised that you andJuan are deceided to coma to visit me next month. You couldn't have chosen a bet-ter time because I'll have my hafe-term brake from school so I'll be able to spendwhole week with you. You have already made a few attempts to find out, thecheapest way to get to Edinburgh, as you said you wanted to see this place. In myopinion, the best way is to get a train from Cambridge to Edingburgh, because thejourney is quite long and tairing. However, this is not the cheapest one.Another way to get there is by coach but the time will be there is late evening orearly morning and we'll have to travel for whole night and I know how you hatetraveling by coach. There is another possibility to travel there, which is hiring acar, it is quite cheap and convinient but I can't drive here and so you because ofright-hand driving. I hope all the inforrmation which I provide here will help youto make the right deciedion. I can't wait to see you here, I'm sure we'll have a gratetime. Looking forward to seeing you soon.LoveJulia

INFORMAL OF GIVING AN INFORMATION:

Dear Jane,

A quick note to help you decide where to hang out over the holydays.

Bill and I went to ST. Kitts last summer and it was great. It’s a small, quiet island that hasn’t been overrun by tourism yet, so you can really get a feel for the local culture. You can hop over to other islands too, because there are boats leaving St. Kitts every few hours. If St. Kitts is too quiet, you can go and party in St. Martin. Happy to give you the number of my travel agent if you’re interested.

Give me a ring so we can have a chat about it.

Love,PatriciaParagraph plan for letter of complaint


Dear Jason

It was great to hear that you’re coming over. You can travel by plane or ferry. Why not contact a few travel agents? Theysometimes offer cheap flights. Whatever you do, don’t book a seat on a scheduledflight, because it’s very expensive. If I were you, I’d take the ferry. It’s very cheapand reasonably fast. It would be worth bringing another form of identification, like an ID card, be-cause you won’t want to carry your passport round all the time. You ought to bringa little English currency with you, in case the banks are shut when you arrive.However, it’s a good idea to have mainly traveller’s cheques, as they’re muchsafer. By the way, you’ll probably find it’s well worth getting a student card –you’ll be able to get all sorts of discounts, particularly when it comes to travellingaround. There’s just one thing – you’d better remember to get in touch with us whenyou’re over here, or we’ll be very upset! Love Martha

INFORMAL LETTER : GIVING INFORMATION

Dear Paul

This is just a short note to let you know what arrangements I’ve made for you to stay in the flat next week. By the way, I wonder if you could remember to do a couple of things for me during your stay? The first is to water all the plants at least once while you are there, preferably towards the end of the week. And the other is to make sure that you close all the windows and double-lock the door when you go out I’ve arranged to leave the keys with the girl in the flat upstairs, Diane, who works at the Royal Free Hospital. She’ll be working nights at the hospital next week so you’ll have to pick them up by seven at the latest, which is when she sets off for work. If, for any reason, you get there after that time, she’ll leave them with the recep- tionist at the hospital. You can’t miss it. It’s the enormous building on your right as you walk up the hill from the tube station. Now, as for the flat itself, I’ve made up the bed for you in the spare room so you won’t need to bring a sleeping-bag. If you find you are not warm enough at night, there are some extra blankets in the airing cupboard in the bathroom.Incidentally, you’ll find the central heating controls in the same cupboard, on the right-hand wall next to the hot water tank. Well, I think that’s about everything Have a good week in London and thanks again for “flatsitting ”! With love from Jane


Dear Rachel Just thought I’d write you a few lines. I’d like to say how much I enjoyed stay-ing with you in London last weekend. It was great to go to so many interest-ing places. It was great to do so many interesting things, too and I’d love tocome and stay with you in London again sometime. Is that all right with you? Chris got a bit of a shock. I told Chris that I’d spent over 150 quid in two days. Ishouldn’t think Chris will want me to come and stay with you in London too often!Chris said he liked the yellow dress. You persuaded me to buy theyellow dress in that old beautiful little shop in Covent Garden. Chris said that hedidn’t understand why I wanted another dress! There’s such a lovelyatmosphere in Covent Garden, isn’t there? I especially enjoyed sitting outsidethat cafe. We had those enormous cream cakes. We also listened to that man play-ing the saxophone. That man reminded me of Robert De Niro inNew York. We saw New York together. We were at uni-versity. I’ll have to come up to London again soon. We can goand see another play together at the theatre. The Gambler was the first playI’ve been to for over five years. That’s a long time, isn’t it? I thoughtThe Gambler was extremely funny. I also thought the four actors in The Gamblerwere all superb.Anyway, thanks again for a marvellous weekend. Let’s try and write to each other more often from now on. Then we won’t lose

touch again. All my love. Sarah


Dear Lucy,

Thank you for your letter and the lovely photographs of your new house. It looks beautiful. I'm sending you some photos of our holiday in the Virgin Islands. It was such a pretty place, I'm sure you'd have loved it. We spent ages choosing where to go to but finally decided that the Virgin Islands was a good decision. Our hotel was fantastic. We decided to book a hotel close to the beach and we were lucky because our room had a huge balcony with a gorgeous view of the sea. We spent all day on the beach sunbathing and enjoying the good weather. In the evenings we went out to eat in local restaurants, then went to a disco or took long walks on the beach. I think I must have put on some weight! I've brought back a little souvenir for you which I'll bring with me when we come and visit you next month. I'm really looking forward to seeing you then.

Best wishes, Mary

INFORMAL LETTER: ADVICE

Dear Peter,I received your kind letter last week and I was surprised of how depressed you are.I know that the first term at college is very hard because when I started my college,one year ago, was the same for me. Even though you feel exhausted you haven ’t togive up! I think that you should speak with your teacher trying to look for a solu-tion. Maybe she can help you. Another thing that I think it’s very important is thatyou have to eat complete meals, because when you study you need a lot of ener-gies. If where you live it’s too noisy, you could study in the college library or youcould look for another flat in a more quiet place. If you need I could lend you somemoney; you have only to ask me!


Dear Mary,Thank you for your letter. I feel sorry for you now, because I know how much youwanted to go college.I remember my first term. As you, I thought of giving up too. I was so exhaustedtoo, but I didn’t. You have to stay at college because you need it if you want agood work later.Try to have some rest (do you sleep enough? don’t you go out to enough?) Bookyour Saturday, you will be more relax. If you have any problem with your lessons,talk to your teachers. They can give your a good advice and tell how to learn eas-ily. If your home is too noisy, try to find another one or, if you can ’t, go to the col-lege library to study.You say you’ve got no money. Why? I know how expensive studying is, but firstof all, don’t waste your money. Don’t go out too often, accept only parties in Sat-urday night (also because you can sleep on Sunday!). Maybe, you can find a holi-day job – ask your Students Club, they might have some good opportunities.Let me know if settle in your new life. I wish you the best.Lots of love.Isabelle.


Dear George I read about yours problems. I see, you lose hope. I know one girl who had similarproblems. Now she doesn't distinguish from other students. I'm going to give youmy advice. I think you should write your timetable. Every day three or four hours you shoulddo your homework. In this time you should concentrate only on it. After that youcan watch TV or play tennis. I see you don't understand all material, which yourteacher explains and don't succeed to write it. Don't worry about it. You canchange it. Ask your parents or your friends to read in hearing story or somethinglike that and try to take it down. I think you will have success in your business. Don't lose courage. Wish you success, Mary

INFORMAL LETTER : ADVICE

Dear Tracy, Just got your letter and sat down straight away to tell you what I think. You know I've been a nurse for years and it's been fun, but sometimes I wish I'dtaken an easier road. Nursing is like being a mother: you work long hours, youworry about people all the time, and nobody ever says thank you. If you want to bea nurse, go for it, but think about it first. Why don't you study microbiology? It'sinteresting and you don't have to work 24 hours a day and come home every nightwith a pounding headache from the stress. Hope I've been helpful! Let me know what you decide.

Love, Jennifer

INFORMAL LETTER: INVITATION

Dear Simon, Thanks for the birthday card and accompanying letter. It was so nice to hearall your news. I’ve been meaning to write to you for ages but somehow just ha-ven’t been able to find the time. Anyway, I had a lovely birthday. Paula, Mark, Brian, Sally, Keith and I had anenormous meal at a new Italian restaurant which has just opened in town, Viareg-gio I think it’s called, and after that we went on to a disco in Leeds. What a shameyou couldn’t come back to Bradford for that weekend! You know in your letter you were wondering if I had made any holiday plansfor the summer. Well, Paula’s uncle and aunt in Cornwall have just asked her ifshe’d like to go and stay down there for two weeks so that she can after their cot-tage for them while they’re away on holiday in the States. They’ve said that shecould bring three or four friends too, since it’s quite big and there are four bed-rooms. Apparently, the cottage is out in the country so we ’d be able to go on lots oflong walks. What’s more, it’s only about fifteen minutes by car to the coast, so it’dbe handy for the beach too, weather permitting. Sounds to me like a really goodidea for a holiday, especially as accommodation wouldn’t cost us a penny!

INFORMAL LETTER: REFUSAL

Dear Mandy, ____________________ I wasn’t able to come to your party last weekend________________I had to ____________________________________________Unfortunately, ___________________________________________________________________________________. I was wondering if _____________________

_____________________________ favour. You know I applied for a job with________________a few weeks ago. ____________________, believe it or not,they want me to come ____________ in London next ___________________. Theproblem is that it’s first thing in the morning, at nine o’clock.____________________I’d have to leave Warwick at half-past five in the morning__________________ interview in time _____________________ I’d be quitetired by the time I arrived. So, do you think ________________ at your flat on Wednesday night________________ I can get a good night’s sleep before the interview. Don’tworry about _________________ a bed for me. I can sleep anywhere – on a sofa,on the floor (or even in the bath!). Also I’d bring my own sleeping-bag,_________________you wouldn’t have to provide any______________________or _____________________.

INFORMAL LETTER: INVITATION REFUSAL

Many thanks for your letter - it was great to hear from you again. I'm so sorry, but I won't be here when you come, because I'll beaway in the States, and I don't get back until the 16th. It's such a shame Anyway, I've asked around about places to stay in and a couple of people have suggested the Pickwick Hotel in Garfield Road. It costs about £35 a night and it's fairly close to the theatre, and so I think it would suit you quite well. As far as the theatre is concerned, there's a performance of Romeo and Juliet on,which you would probably enjoy. It starts at 7.30, and tickets are about £20. Do let me know me if there is anything you'd like me to do - I can book you a room and get tickets for the play if you like. Hope to hear from yousoon, and maybe we can meet up the next time you are here. Yours, Billy

INFORMAL LETTER: THANKS

Dear Jane, _________________________________________________________your flat while you were away on holiday. I expect you’re looking disgustinglytanned and healthy after a week in the sun. It’s all right for some, isn’t it?____________________________, the reason I’m writing, as I’m sure you’veguessed, is to ___________________ breaking the antique Chinese vase___________________________ was on the chest of drawers by the window inmy bedroom. This is how it happened: _______________________ I got back tothe flat on the Monday evening I realised that I didn’t have the door keys on me.You see, I’d left the flat in rather a hurry that morn-ing_________________________ I didn’t want to be late for my first appoint-ment. So in my hurry to leave I must have forgotten to put ___________in mypocket. At first I thought the nurse upstairs might have a sparekey._________________________, unfortunately, it was half pastseven_____________________ she had already left for work.In the end I thought the best thing to do would be to try and get into the flatthrough a window. Luckily, I’d forgotten to close the one in my bedroom thatmorning______________________ I was able to get in without having to breakany of the window panes. However, it was____________________ dark on thatside of the building that I couldn’t see anything in the bedroom at all. Unfortu-nately, ____________________ I was climbing through the window I knocked thevase with my foot and ____________________ fell onto the floor__________________ smashed into pieces. For a moment I was afraid that one ofthe neighbours might think there was a burglar in your flat _________________,luckily for me, nobody seemed to hear it.

INFORMAL LETTER: THANKS

Dear Chris,Thanks for your letter. I am really sorry I didn't write back earlier, but I have onlyjust got back from holiday. I went with three friends to a little place called Mojacar

which is near of Almeria, but it wasn't exactly that we expected (2)!We booked some rooms in hotel in the village, but when we arrived to the hotel,we were very disappointing (3). It was very old, rather dirty and we couldn't to seethe sea (1). So, we decided change (1).The next hotel was perfectly (1). It was very clean and it had the bigest swimingpool I ever seen (3). But it was one problem - it was so much expensive (2)! Westay one night, but then there was time to change again (2)!

On the end we found the beautiful apartment with a balcony and it was cheap (2).Unfortunately, we only had four days of our holiday left (1)!

Anyway, I must go and unpack my suitcase! I will write again soon.

Love,Natalia.

FORMAL LETTER : COMPLAINT

I am writing to you regarding the faulty TV set which I bought from your store last week. When I bought the TV the shop assistant assured me that it had Teletext and stereo sound. However, when I turned it on, the sound was awful and the picture was blurry. Furthermore, I was told that the TV was guaranteed for 2 years. Although I have asked you repeatedly to replace the TV, I have not yet received a reply from you. I hope that this matter will receive your prompt attention and that my TV set will be replaced within the week


Dear Sir/Manager This is about your advertisement for the Multi-plex Cinema, which is misleading in a number of ways. Firstly, you state in the advertisement/your advert that seats cost £3.00. However, when I went to the cinema, the only seats that were available cost£10 each. I reckon that it should have been made clear that only a limitednumber of seats cost £3, and that the others are far/loads more expensive. Secondly then you say that there is free car parking. However, when I askedabout this at the box office, I was told that the free car park was twenty minutes'walk away. There is a £10 charge for using the car park next to the cinema, butyour advertisement does not make this clear at all. Under the circumstances, I feel justified in asking for a refund. Iwould therefore be grateful if you could refund the extra £14 I had to spend on thetickets and the £10 charge for parking. I am enclosing/Here are the receipts forthese. I look forward to hearing/Hope to hear from you. Yours faithfully/sincerely D D Jones

FORMAL LETTER OF COMPLAINT:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my strong dissatisfaction with the quality of the clothes I ordered from your cataloguelast month.

When I received the merchandise, trousers were not linen, as advertised in the catalogue, but were made of an inferior fabric. This is unacceptable. Moreover, the blouse had small hole under the collar.

Furthermore, when I ordered the items over the phone, I was told that if I was not satisfied, I could return the clothes

and receive a refund.

Although I have already sent back the items with a letter requesting that my money be returned, I have not yet received a reply from you.

I insist that you refund my money at once. I trust the matter will be receive your immediate attention.

Steven Hill


Dear Sir,I am writing to complain about the arrangements your travel company made for meand my friend while we were in London.According to your advertisement, we could choose whatever we wanted. Wewanted to go to a musical. However, only cinema was available.To make matters worse, the seats were terrible and we couldn't see what was goingon the screen. In your advertisement you had written, all you have to do is sit backand enjoy the show!' My experience was bad. You should at least have given usseats so that we could watch the film.I am very upset at having spent money on this touring holiday, and I would be verypleased if you refunded the money.I look forward to receiving a reply.Yours faithfullyFORMAL LETTER : COMPLAINT

Dear Sir/Madam,I am writing to complain about the service we had for the four-day holiday in Lon-don, that we booked with your agency two weeks ago. Although it was clearlywritten in the brochure, and we could see good shows at the theatre, it didn't hap-pen.In fact there were no tickets available for the theatre, but only for the cinema,which made me very angry. Considering that we didn't have any choice, we wentto the cinema, but here the things were not better.Much to my surprise, we got terrible seats at side at front, but what I most hatedabout that was the fact that we couldn't see the screen properly.As a result, what I am going to ask you, is the refund of money for the tickets ofthe theatre that my friend and I didn't get because not available. I look forward tohearing from you.Yours faithfullyBiagio Salzillo

FORMAL LETTER : APPLICATION

I am writing in response to your advertisement in yester-day's edition of "The Guardian." I would like to apply for the position of Personal Assistant.I am 24 years old and have recently graduated from Leeds University with honours. While at Leeds, I was Deputy Editor of the College's entertainment maga zine, covering the areas of sports, film reviews and current affairs. My degree is in advertising and publishing and in my third year of studies Iworked for Leeds Publishing Ltd for 6 months. I was also a member of the town's local writing group and often wrote fic tional stories for local magazines. In my final term, I attended a part-time secretarial course, where I passed RSA typing and word-processing as well as gaining experience in all areas of office work including filling and most computer software packages. I have enclosed my C.V. and would be happy to provide any further infor mation if required. I look forward to hearing from you.

FORMAL LETTER OF APPLICATION:

Dear Mr. Dobblins,

I am writing in response to your advertisement in Sunday’s edition of The Times. I would like to apply for the position of Hotel Manager.

I am a graduate of the Baron School of tourism and my degree is in Hotel Management.

While at school I was the manager of the student-run restaurant. I assited in the management of a twelve-member staff and kept records of the finances.

I have previous experience with Golden Sun Hotel as assistant Manager. My responsibilities included supervising staff, responding to guests’ needs and keeping financial records.

I believe that I have the proper qualifications and experience for the position of Hotel Manager at your resort.

I have enclosed my C.V. and would be glad to supply any further information required.Yours sincerely,Tom Gobblin


Dear Sir/Madam,I wish to apply for the teaching position which was advertised in yesterday's DailyPlanet. I believe I have the education, experience and personality that an excellentphysical education teacher needs.I graduated from Harpham University with a degree in Physical Education, I re-ceived top grades there, and spent many hours as a student instructor while at HU.After graduating four years ago I was employed as a gym teacher at Shady LanesPrimary School. I really enjoyed working there, but the school closed three monthsago.As all good teachers must be, I am patient, cheerful and organised. Most of all I en-joy my work, and I believe my students can see that I truly love teaching youngpeople about sports and physical fitness.I have enclosed a detailed CV as well as references from my previous employer. Ilook forward to hearing from you. Yours faithfully, Thomas Smith


I feel I would be suitable / right for this position because I have good organ-isational skills, and I greatly enjoy going out and meeting new people. I have livedin London all my life so I know many of the places that young students would en-joy. I have experience of this kind of work. Last summer I was employed by / worked for Imperial Hotels as a Tour Organiser, and I arranged excursions to places of interest in and around London. I also worked for London Life last Christmas, which involved taking groups of / some American tourists around the capital. My course finishes in the middle of June, so I would be available for work / can start working at any time during July and August. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need / require any more / further information. I look forward to hearing from you. Yours faithfully,


I am a seventeen-year-old student at Brandon School in London. I am studying science because I intend to do medicine at the university. I have always been interested in the environment. I feel that we should to make people more aware of

the benefits of re-cycling. Last year, as part of our chemistry course, we did a project on re-cycling. The project had two aims. The first aim it was to study the problem of disposing of ordinary household products such as like bottles and plastics. We worked out which products were enough safe to throw away, and which ones could be re- cycled. Our second aim was to give this information out. We produced leaflets for students and parents and at the weekends we handed more leaflets out in supermarkets. The cost of this it came to about £1000. We also spent £500 in writing to local shops near, supermarkets and other businesses asking them to provide re-cycling facilities. I hope you will consider us for a grant for £1500, and am look forward to hearing from you. Yours faithfully, Paul Porritt

FORMAL LETTER : ASKING FOR INFORMATION

Dear Sir/Madam,I am writing in response to your advertisement in the The Bingley Times on March2nd. I am very interested in joining your Dance-Aerobics classes and would begrateful if you could answer a few questions I have.Your advertisement states that the number in the classes is kept to a minimum.How many people are there in each class? As I work every day until 5 o'clock, Iwould also like to know the times of the classes.In addition, I would like to know if I need any special shoes or clothes for theclasses, and I would greatly appreciate it if you could give me details of where topurchase any necessary equipment.Finally, as it is my intention to attend these classes regularly, could you also sendme details of prices and membership fees? Thank you for your kind attention. Please reply at your earliest convenience. Yours faithfully, Elaine Richards


Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing with regard to your advertisement in "The Guardian" on the 10thFebruary. I would be grateful if you could send me further information about yourhome exchange scheme. However I would appreciate it if you could clarify a fewquestions I have. I am interested in visiting North Africa, particularly Tunisia, but I am only avail-able from the 15th June to the 15th July. Do you think you may be able to find anexchange in this area at such short notice? I have three small children so the house would need to include some facilities tokeep them occupied, for example a swimming pool. I would like to enquire exactly what type of house is required. I have a spaciouscottage with a large garden that is ideal for children. I would be more than glad tosend photographs and a more detailed description of our home if this would be ofassistance. I would also like to know if the flights must be booked through your organisa-tion, or separately through a travel agent. Thank you for your kind attention. I would appreciate an answer at your earliestconvenience. Yours faithfully, Jill Thomson

INFORMAL LETTER : ASKING FOR INFORMATION

Dear Sir/Madam,

I want to know more about the free holiday advertisement you placed in theGuardian newspaper on the 10th February. I'm really interested in your home ex-change scheme and I would appreciate it if you could send me information. I alsohave a few questions I'd like you to answer. I can only take a holiday 15th of June - 15th of July. Do you think I can do itwith my family of 5 (3 children aged 10, 8, 6)? The description of my house is it isin the country, what sort of home is required? I live in a house in a small village

and the surrounding countryside is very beautiful. Do you think this is suitable? Ialso need to know if you make the travel arrangements or if I have to do this my-self. I would like to thank you in advance for your help and advice on this matter. I'mlooking forward to hearing from you. Yours, Jill


Dear Mrs SorrentoI am replying to your advertisement in The Times on March11 for the farmhouse,and there are a number of things I would like to ask.I am interested in renting the farmhouse for the last two weeks of July for myself,my wife and children aged 7 and 9. Could you let me know whether it would befree then, how much it would cost, and what the price includes?Could you also send me some more details about the farmhouse itself? It would beuseful to know exactly where it is, how many bedrooms it has, and whether thepool is private, I would also be grateful if you could give me an idea of what sortof activities we could organise for the children.Finally, I would be grateful if you could let me know if there is a local airport andwhether it is possible to hire a car there. If not, could you tell me whether it wouldbe easier for us to fly to Rome or to Naples?I look forward to hearing from you.Yours sincerely,

INFORMAL LETTER : ASKING FOR INFORMATION

Dear Mr Monkton

Thank you for your letter of 18 June. There will be a total of six adults and one child in our party. Four of us and the child will be arriving on Friday afternoon, and the other two adults will be arriving on Saturday morning. As far as the rooms are concerned, we require two singles and one twin-bedded or double room with a cot for Friday and Saturday night. Could you please let me know if you can provide a cot, or whether we should bring one? We will require an additional double room on Saturday night. Could you also confirm that you serve vegetarian food, as one of the members of the party is a vegetarian. I look forward to hearing from you and enclose the deposit of £50.


Dear Mr Monkton,I will require a single room, and I will be arriving on Friday afternoon.

We have no particular special requirements, but one of the people in our group is avegetarian. There will be four of us and the child on Friday. I enclose the depositof £50.

We also require a twin or double room with a cot. Please let me know if we need tobring one or whether you will provide one. By the way, thank you for your letter.That is for two nights.We require another single room, again for two nights, but we only need anotherdouble room on Saturday.I look forward to hearing from you.

FORMAL LETTER OF ASKING AN INFORMATION:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing with regard to your advertisement in The Observer on April 26. Any further information you could send me about your auto exchanges scheme would be greatly appreciated. However, I would be grateful if you could answer a few questions I have.

I am interested in exchanging my car and purchasing a new Honda Civic. I would like to enquire as to exactly what kind of car is required. Do you accept cars that are more than ten years old? Does your company accept all makes, including German cars?

I have a 1986 red Opel Ascona. It is in good condition, and has covered 130,000 kilometres. Can I choose any make or am I limited to the same make, i.e., Opel? I would be more than glad to send photographs and service records, which give a clear picture of the condition of the car, if this would be assistance.

Thank you for your kind attention. Please reply at your earliest convenience.

Yours faithfully,Carl Briggs

FORMAL LETTER : APOLOGY

Dear Mr Prescott, I am sorry to say that I will not be able to attend the annual club meeting on the st21 of Decembe Unfortunately, I am in hospital at the moment recovering from an appendix op-eration. I have to stay here for a little longer than I originally thought, and thereforewill be absent. Nevertheless, I would like to make a request for the club’s future. I think thatyou increase the cost of membership, many members will be forced to leave asprices are already quite high. Therefore I ask you to reconsider any changes incost. I hope that you will think carefully about my request, and apologise for the factthat I cannot come. I am sure that I will be present at next year’s meeting. Yours sincerely, Jonathan Pritchard.

IN AND FORMAL LETTER : APOLOGY

1 I want to tell/ I am writing to 6 allowed/ let2 with regard to/ about 7 meet/ get together3 say I’m sorry/ apologise 8 soon/ in the near future4 I would like to express/ I want you to know 9 friendly chat/ amicable conversation5 I was really upset/ I was most disappointed 10 reiterate/ say again Letter 1 Dear Judy, 1) --------------- you how sorry I am 2)---------------, what happened last Thursday. I’ve been meaning to 3) --------------- since then, but I’ve been really busy and didn’t have time. 4) -------------- that I didn’t mean to hurt your

feelings, and I’m sorry that I did. 5) --------------- after our argument, and I shouldn’t have 6) --------------- myself get so carried away, but sometimes my temper gets the better of me. Why don’t we 7) --------------- some time 8) --------------- for a 9) ------ ----- so that we can work things out? How about next Sunday? I hope you’ll be able to, and I just want to 10) --------------- how sorry I am. Love, Tina

Dear Ms Thompson, 1) --------------- you 2) --------------- our last meeting. I wish to explain my behaviour and 3) --------------- for my conduct. First, 4) --------------- how grateful I am for the time and energy you put into helping me make a decision about my career. As you know, 5) --------------- by the rejection of my application to the graduate programme last October, and although you offered me several al- ternatives to pursue, I am afraid I 6) --------------- my frustration to get the better of me. I hope that we can 7) --------------- again 8) --------------- and have a more 9) ---------------. I wish to 10) --------------- how sorry I am for my rude behaviour last week. Please accept my most sincere apologies. Yours sincerely, Laura Delane

FORMAL OF GIVING AN INFORMATION:

Dear Madam,

I am writing on behalf of “World Travel” in response to your request for information on holidaying in the Caribbean.

A two-week package to the peaceful island of St. Kitts is being offered by your agency for only £3,000. This island satisfies all your requirements, as it is quiet and has little tourism.

In addition, transport is available should you wish to explore other islands in the Caribbean. All travel plans can be arranged through our office.

Please contact our agency immediately should you require more information.

Yours faithfully,Jane Douglas

FORMAL LETTER : ADVICE Dear Ms Johnson, I am writing in response to your request for advice on choosing a career. The nursing profession is both enjoyable and rewarding, however there are also negative aspects that have to be considered. Most importantly a life long commitment of very hard work is required. A nurse must be prepared to work long hours, often under stressful conditions. You are encouraged to pursue a career in nursing if it interests you, but consideration of other options is also recommended. Microbiology, for example, is a profession within the medical field which can be equally rewarding, yet less stressful than nursing. I hope you find this information useful. Please contact me upon reaching a decision. Yours sincerely, Alice White

Documents

LETTERS EXAMPLES