1.3. Личное письмо Here are some tips on writing an informal letter

 Plan what you want to say and organize your ideas into paragraphs.

 Ask yourself, “Will this be interesting to read?”

 Use an informal and friendly style of language, use contractions, short, everyday words, phrasal words, phrasal verbs and idioms.

 Write short, simple sentences.

 Address the reader directly using you.

 Open and close the letter appropriately.

Address

Flat 35

23 Komsomolskaya St

Kaliningrad

Russia

Date

17^th June 2010

Greetings

Dear John…

Dear Mr Brown…

Dear Aunt Jane…

My darling…

Paragraph 1

1. Thank you for your letter. I’m pleased to hear that…

2. Thanks for your letter. How’re things? I hope you’re well. It was great to hear that you…

3. Thanks very much for your last letter. Sorry I haven’t written before but I’ve been studying very hard for my exams and I’ve also been working part-time in a wine bar.

4. It was great to get your letter, which came yesterday. I’m sorry I ha­ven’t written earlier but I’ve been very busy with my English exams.

5. Thanks for your letter. Sorry I’ve taken so long to write but it’s taken time to get used to the way of life here.

6. Many thanks for our letter. I got it a couple of days ago and I’ve been thinking about what you said. So, here’s my reply — I hope it’s use­ful for your article.

7. Great to get your letter! Sorry to hear about your dog. My mum says that twelve is quite a good age for a dog. Maybe your mum will let you an­other puppy soon.

8. Hi! How’s it going? Not long now till your holiday on the US Virgin Islands! I can’t wait — can you? We’ve going to have a great time! Any­way, I say…

9. How nice of you to… I must apologise for not writing…

10. I was awfully glad to get your letter. I really should have written sooner…

Paragraph 2

(introducing a new topic)

1. By the way, I’ve just passed my driving test — third time lucky! I’ve now bought an old Ford Fiesta which I’ve christened “Lucky”.

2. Did you know that I’ve started to learn Spanish? We’ve already had six lessons but I can’t say very much yet.

3. Have you heard…

4. I’ve made some great buddies and we’re going out on the town to­night.

5. You asked me about what clothes you should bring. Don’t bother bringing any heavy clothes. It’s far too hot in the summer for sweaters or coats. If I were you I’d make sure I had a lot of T-shirts and pairs of shorts. And don’t forget your swimsuit! We’ll be going to the beach almost every day.

Paragraph 3

1. What have you been doing recently? Are you still seeing Jeremy or is it all over? Write and tell me all your news.

2. There’s something else I’ve got to tell you.

3. Great news about your (brother)…

4. How was your holiday last month?

5. Anyway, listen. I know you said you were thinking of learning a new language but you couldn’t decide which one.

Endings

1. Anyway, I’d better stop now and catch the post. Give my love to your parents and say hello to Domingo.

2. I must stop now. Give my regards to anyone who knows me and please write back as soon as possible!

3. Anyway, there’s lots more to write about… But I’ll save it for my next letter.

4. That’s all for now. I’ll write again when I’ve got more time.

5. That’s all for now. I’d better go and help my mum with the washing up. Take care, don’t forget to say hello to your mum and dad for me.

6. That’s all for now. Write soon.

7. Well, I think that’s about all I wanted to say.

8. Well, I’d better go now as I’ve got to do some homework.

9. Hope to hear from you soon.

10. Looking forward to seeing you.

11. I’ll write again soon.

12. Give my regards  /  love to…

13. Drop me a line when you have time, won’t you?

14. Bye for now and take care.

* * *

1. I love you so much…

2. Lots of love…

3. Much love…

4. Love…

5. Best wishes…

6. All the best…

7. Take care…

8. Yours…

Tasks.

1. You got a letter from your English pen friend. At the end of his letter he asks the following questions:

…Your English is very good. I wonder how many English lessons a week you have? What other subjects do you study at the university? Which of them do you like best? Do you have a lot of homework every day? Hope to hear from you soon. Best wishes, John

Write a letter to answer John’s questions.

Ask him 3 questions about his family.

Write 100—140 words.

Think about the correct layout of the letter.

2. You got a letter from your English pen friend. At the end of his letter he asks the following questions:

…Are you getting ready to take exams at the moment? I am, but I’m finding it difficult to remember all the important facts. Do you find it easy to revise? How do you study? How many hours a night do you spend revis­ing? Have you got any advice you could give me? Hope to hear from you soon. Best wishes, John

Write a letter to answer John’s questions.

Ask him 3 questions about his trip to London.

Write 100—140 words.

Think about the correct layout of the letter.

3. You got a letter from your English pen friend. At the end of his letter he asks the following questions:

…I’m starting to feel really unfit! Do you do much exercise? How of­ten do you exercise? What should I do to get fit? I’m thinking to join a gym. Is that a good idea? What else would you recommend? Write soon. Love, Andy

Write a letter to answer Andy’s questions.

Ask him 3 questions about his favourite book.

Write 100—140 words.

Think about the correct layout of the letter.

4. You got a letter from your English pen friend. At the end of his letter he asks the following questions:

…I can’t wait to come and stay with you next month. We’re going to have such a lot of fun! What do you think the weather will be like? What kind of clothes should I bring with me? Have you arranged any interesting things for us to do? Let me know! Hope to hear from you soon! Love, Alex

Write a letter to answer Alex’s questions.

Ask him 3 questions about his favourite subject at the university.

Write 100—140 words.

Think about the correct layout of the letter.