practice, writing practice is very important. The following exercises will help you improve your understanding of the type of language that is used in a formal letter. Please work in groups and discuss which are used in a formal letter and which are used in an informal letter.

Show the following exercises on the PowerPoint.

Which phrase or type of language would you find in a formal letter? Which phrase or type of language would you find in an informal letter? Put the letter 'F' next to those phrases or language types that are used in formal letters and 'I' next to those used in informal letters.

 I am sorry to inform you that...

 phrasal verbs

 I am very grateful for...

 Why don't we...

 I will not be able to attend the...

 idioms and slang

 contracted verb forms like we've, I'm, etc.

 Give my regards to...

 I look forward to hearing from you...

 Let me know as soon as...

 short sentences  Dear Tom,

 Dear Ms Smith,

 Best wishes,

 Yours faithfully,

 I'm really sorry I...

 Unfortunately, we will have to postpone...

 We had a little bit of luck...

 Our computers are used for a variety...

 I use my pencil sharper for...

 polite phrases

 fewer passive verb forms Check the answers with the whole class.

 I am sorry to inform you that... F

 phrasal verbs I

 I am very grateful for... F

 Why don't we... I

 I will not be able to attend the... F

 idioms and slang I

 contracted verb forms like we've, I'm, etc. I

 Give my regards to... F

 I look forward to hearing from you... F

 Let me know as soon as... I

 short sentences I  Dear Tom, I

 Dear Ms Smith, F

 Best wishes, I

 Yours faithfully, F

 I'm really sorry I... I

 Unfortunately, we will have to postpone... F

 We had a little bit of luck... I

 Our computers are used for a variety... F

 I use my pencil sharper for... I

 polite phrases F

 fewer passive verb forms I