Insert the below given nouns into the text:point -- interest -- priority -- audience -- check -- purpose -- length |
When writing a letter, you should observe the following basic rules:
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state at the beginning of the letter what it is going to be about. When you don't identify the ............................... of your writing the recipient may not handle it with the proper ................................ or urgency.
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get to the ..................... If you're writing to resolve a specific problem, describe the problem and its solution – don’t talk about unrelated issues.
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avoid redundancy. Don’t use the same word more than once in the same sentence or more than three times in the same paragraph. And don’t repeat the same idea in different words.
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don't assume your ........................... knows all the abbreviations and acronyms that you use.
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avoid colloquial language or slang.
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choose words with clear meaning. Ambiguous words or phrases can totally change the intended meaning.
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avoid monotonous sentence structure. Vary sentence .......................... and alter noun-verb order to add ....................... to your message.
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be careful with punctuation. Common problem areas are possessive pronouns vs. contractions ("its" vs. "it's") and misplaced commas.
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check the spelling. If you are using a computer, do not rely on spell ......................... only.
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read the letter over before you send it.
Click here for Common Mistakes In Letter Writing
Find synonyms for the following words in the text above:
to control = .................................
to think = ....................................
to obey = ....................................
to trust = ....................................
to keep away from sth. = ......................................
to change = .............................................
Formal x informal letter
Decide if the following expressions belong into a formal or an informal letter:Hi John ---- I’m looking forward to seeing you soon. ---- How are things going? ---- Yours sincerely. ---- Feel free to get in touch with me. ---- Cheers. ---- I am writing to enquire about. ---- Dear Sir or Madam |
| Formal | Informal |
Put the letter structure into the correct order:
............ Conclusion
............ Greeting (salutation)
............ Complimentary close
............ Body
............ Opening (reference to previous contact)
............ Subject
............ Signature
Download example of Formal letter here
Download example of Informal letter here
Test |
WRITING EMAILS
Insert the word EMAILS or LETTERS into the gaps according to the meaning:
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............................. are generally shorter than ............................. as they are often written quickly, in response to a request or question.
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................................... often contain informal English and abbreviations.
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We generally prefer writing ................................... when we need a permanent record of what we are writing, or when we are writing in a formal situation.
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We write ........................... when we expect a quick response.
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You must not omit greeting and complimentary close in ......................................... .
Tips for writing better emails1. Use a short subject line to say what the email is going to be about. 2. Keep your emails short. 3. Use simple, direct English, write short, simple sentences. 5. Reduce the amount of emails you send. 6. Don't send heavy attachments - send a zip file instead, or give a web address where your reader can find more information. 7. Avoid using emoticons and smilies in business emails, or too many exclamation marks. |
Which of the phrases below do you think should be used in emails/ letters?
1. I am writing with reference to your enquiry...
Following your enquiry...
2. I have been advised to contact you regarding...
My colleague has asked me to contact you regarding...
3. Thanks for your help.
Thank you for your help.
4. Just to confirm ...
I am writing to confirm...
5. I would be grateful for any details regarding ...
Could you tell me any details about....
6. Attached you’ll find...
Please find enclosed...
7. Sorry for any inconvenience.
Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience.
8. Yours sincerely
Best wishes
Do you know what the following abbreviations/ acronyms mean?ASAP = ...................................................... BTW = ........................................................ FYI = ........................................................... RGDS = ......................................................... PLS = .......................................................... BCC = ............................................................ TBD = .......................................................... |
Formal email:
Informal email:
Test |
Correct answers
Find synonyms to... : check, assume, observe, rely on, avoid, vary Put the letter structure...: 5.; 2.; 6.; 4.; 3.; 1.; 7.; Insert the word...: emails, letters; emails; letters; emails; letters Do you know what...: as soon as possible; by the way; for your information; regards; please; blind carbon copy; to be done |
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