In the writing paper in the CAE exam you are asked to do two tasks: part 1 is a compulsory task but you can choose one out of four tasks in part 2. The writing exam lasts 2 hours.

The writing task in this e-m@il lesson is to write two letters. To help you do this, the following sections examine the style and layout of formal and informal letters and also examine the general features of formal and informal writing in English. This lesson will take you approximately 90 minutes to complete, not including the time to write the letters.
How a letter looks on a page is referred to as “layout”. Layout is important as there are different layouts according to the level of formality of a letter. A letter to a business company will be more formal than a letter to a friend, for example.

Think about it:

• Where do you put your name, address and the date in an English letter?

• Where do you put the name and address of the person you are writing to in an English letter?
Look at the addresses below and choose whether they would be most suitable in a formal letter, an informal letter, or neither. Circle the correct answer.
1.
Patrick O'Brien
13 Paradise Heights
Dublin 6
The Republic of Ireland

26th. July, 20--
a. formal letter
b. informal letter
c. neither
2.
49, Green Street,
London, SW1 4FE
Tel: 0171-498-654

2nd. February, 20--
a. formal letter
b. informal letter
c. neither
3.
  The British Council
30 Napier Road
Singapore
Tel: 02-473-1111
Cambridge University Press
15, University Road
Cambridge CB4 6SW
England

19th. April 20--
a. formal letter
b. informal letter
c. neither
 
4.
The British Council
30 Napier Road
Singapore
Tel: 02-473-1111		  
Cambridge University Press
15, University Road
Cambridge CB4 6SW
England

19th. April 20--
a. formal letter
b. informal letter
c. neither
5.
  40. Primrose Lane,
Harlow,
Essex CM16 2JE.
The Seaview Hotel,
Beach Lane,
Scarborough SC9 8QM.

3rd. October, 20--
a. formal letter
b. informal letter
c. neither
6.
87 Bridge Drive
Bristol
BS4 7OB
Tel. 141-831-057
 

31st January 20--
a. formal letter
b. informal letter
c. neither
Now check your answers in the answer key.
 
How you address your reader in a letter is important. Some openings (or salutations) are more suitable for formal business letters, and some for friendly or personal letters. Look at the salutations which follow and then write them under the most suitable category below.
Dear Ms. Stanley,
Dear Lesley Grey,
Darling Fred,
Hiya Paul!
Dear Sir,
Dear Madam,
Dear Joanne,
Dear Sirs,

Dear Madams,

Personal Letter
Business Letter
Neither

 

 

 

    
Match the words and phrases below. They are used just before the final signature in a letter. Write them under a suitable salutation.
Yours faithfully,
 All the best,
Yours sincerely, Kind regards,
Love, Regards,
Best wishes,  
 
Salutation
Personal Letter
Business Letter
Neither

Suitable
ending

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

There are many ways of ending an informal letter. Can you think of any more?

Assessment criteria
In the CAE your writing will be assessed according to the following criteria:
Content
Organisation and cohesion
Range and accuracy of vocabulary and structures
(Effect on) Target reader
Register and format
It is important at advanced level to be aware of differences in levels of formality (also called register) when writing. The register you adopt depends upon your purpose in writing and what relationship you have with the person to whom you are writing.
Read this letter to your good friends Gill and Paul. Some of the sentences are too formal in style. The letter is also quite abrupt and not friendly enough. Make a note of the sentences which are too formal. How would you change the letter to make it more friendly?

Dear Sir or Madam,

I hope you are OK and have recovered from the Christmas rush.

I would like to ask you to do me a favour. I’ll be down in London at the end of the month, since I’m going to a conference there. I don’t mind where you put me. I’ll sleep anywhere!

I have a further request. Could I have bite to eat when I arrive? I will be arriving late, so could you put a cold buffet in my room on the 22nd. I hope that's all right.

I look forward to your reply.

All the best,

G. Jones

Now look at the answer key for suggested improvements to the letter.

Think about it

When you have seen the suggested improvements to the letter, compare your version of the letter with the suggested answer. Why were the changes necessary?

Make a heading on a page Formal Language and another one Informal Language. List all the features of formal language you can think of, and then do the same for informal language. E.g. In George's letter he made use of short forms like I'll rather than the more formal equivalent I will.
Look at the following sentences. Do they belong in a formal (F) or informal (I) letter? Put F or I at the end of the sentence.
Sentence
Formal or Informal
1. Well, time's running out. I'll have to run to catch the post.
  
2. I am writing in reply to your request for student opinions about the new café.
  
3. Under the circumstances I feel your representative should offer an immediate apology.
  
4. Please give my regards to the family.
  
5. I would be grateful to receive a reply from you as soon as possible.
  
6. Sorry I haven't written sooner - you know how busy things can get here!  
7. Just wanted to say a big "thanks" for all your help.
  
8. Your dissatisfaction with his attitude is quite understandable.  
9. I would be grateful if you would give this matter your prompt attention.  
10. Well, I just wanted to say "great stuff". Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope we win!  
Look at the list of language features below. Are they characteristic of formal or informal language usage? Write them in the correct column below.
Long sentences
 Short sentences
Short forms and contractions, e.g.: "I'm" Colourful and emotional language
Reserved and factual language Passive forms
A great similarity to spoken English. Noun phrases, e.g.: an immediate apology
Dummy "it", e.g. It is with deep regret that we have to inform you Leaving out the subject of a sentence e.g. "Missed you".
Verb phrases, e.g.: "apologise straight away" Full forms of verbs, e.g. "I am"
Tag questions, e.g. "isn't it?" Colloquial expressions, e.g. "kids"
Frequent use of personal pronouns, especially "I"  
 
Formal
Informal

 

 

 

  
George has written a thank you letter to his good friends Paul and Gill. Read his letter and try the task below.
Look at the letter and decide what you think is wrong with George's reply. Which of George's words and phrases are inappropriate? Try and rewrite George's letter in a more appropriate style.
Dear Paul and Gill,

It was great meeting you again! Furthermore, it was wonderful to be in London again amongst good friends.

With reference to your new flat, I thought it was absolutely super. Just loved the view out over the River Thames. I wish I had somewhere like this - hence I'm thinking of looking for a job in London myself. Thus we can see more of each other.

I'm hoping you'll come up and see me some time in Leicester so I can return the favour.
Nevertheless, we can still keep in touch by letter or email.

In conclusion,

All the best,

George
Now look at the answer key for a suggested answer.
Linking words are signals to your reader. They tell your reader what to expect next.
It is important you use these words accurately in your writing for CAE. Below are some common linkers used in informal writing. Write the linker under the correct column below:
Talking of which,
Plus
And another thing-
Anyway,
By the way,
What's more,
Listing
Changing the subject

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Just as it is important to join your ideas in writing with appropriate linking words, so it is also important to divide up your writing into smaller units using punctuation. Punctuation can also indicate meaning e.g. 's or s' for possession, or omission in a short form e.g. I'm = I am.
Punctuate the following sentences:
1. well feature the three best entries in our next issue

 

 
2. the best way to learn english is by reading novels newspapers and magazines

 

 
3. on the other hand some students say its best to live in an english speaking country for a while

 

 
4. queen elizabeth who was crowned in 1953 is still on the throne

 

 
5. four students books have been stolen

 

 
6. its important to distinguish between its (=it is) and its (possessive)

 

 
7. one mans meat is another mans poison

 

 
 
Punctuate the following informal note. You can check your answer in the answer key.
hi marti guess what weve won that competition your ideas for language learning clinched it weve won a trip to london can you believe it meet you in the café at five
drinks are on me helen
 
Although more formal writing contains longer sentences, it is not a good idea to write very long sentences with little punctuation.
Punctuate the following paragraph from a more formal letter.
on arrival at subang airport i was told that the aircraft had been diverted to bangkok because of adverse weather conditions in the region i waited in the airport lounge which incidentally had no section for non smokers it was there that a member of the ground staff informed me that the flight would land at subang shortly however four hours later there was still no sign of the aircraft we were not offered any refreshment and suffered considerable anxiety and discomfort I lost a day and had to change hotel reservations onward flights and so on this naturally resulted in enormous extra costs
Planning
Planning for writing is extremely important. A well planned piece of work is easy to read and understand. Marks are allotted in CAE to organisation and the cohesion and coherence of your writing. ALWAYS spend time planning before you write!
 
Look at the following list of guidelines for planning an answer to a CAE writing task. Put them in a suitable order by numbering them in the column on the right.
Sentence
Order
Write a first draft and check it for errors.
  
Brainstorm and write down quick notes.  
Write down the AIM: the purpose of the piece of writing.  
Consider your reader and the LEVEL OF FORMALITY required.  
Write an outline in note form, deciding what each paragraph will contain.  
Highlight key words in the question.  
Reconsider and decide which points are not relevant.  

Think about it.
Now look in the answer key. Was this the order you expected? How does this order differ from the way you usually plan writing? How effective do you think such a procedure for planning would be?

Look at this writing task which asks you to write two letters. First read the task, the publisher’s letter and the notes you made. Then look at another student’s plan of a letter and think how it could be improved.
An international publisher is interested in finding out how students help themselves learn English at Advanced level.

The publisher has written to your school asking for replies in the form of a letter. They have offered a prize for letters with the most original and effective ideas.

Read the publisher's letter and the notes you have made from talking to other students, and adding any ideas of your own:

a. Write a letter to the editor recommending three or four useful learning strategies for Advanced level students, saying why you think they are particularly effective.(200 words)

b. Write a brief letter thanking your class for helping you gather ideas. (50 words)
 
 
Bradford and Sweeney Press
13 University Drive
Cambridge CB20 2JE
England
Fast Track Language School
19, Harbour Road,
Hong Kong
20th. August, 200-

Dear Student,

We are launching a new English language magazine called "Ahead" for Advanced Students of English later this year. We would be very grateful if you could take the time to write to us and let us know how you like to learn English. In particular, we are interested in your answers to the following questions:

1. Which resources do you find most useful for learning English?
2. Do you find the computer a useful aid to learning English?
3. What practical advice would you give to a learner about to sit for the CAE
Examination?

Five letters with the best answers will be featured in the first edition of “Ahead". We are offering a prize of a study trip to London for the letter which includes the most original and effective ideas for studying English, while the four runners up will each receive a copy of our interactive English language dictionary on CD-Rom.

Yours faithfully,


(Graham Smart)

Notes on ideas from other students:

Gisela (Sweden)
" I keep a record of new words and expressions in a computer data base. I surf the Web and cut and paste useful material into the data base. I find I learn by simply organising the materials"

Maria (Italy)
"I have satellite TV. I like to watch the international news channels in English. I can keep up with current affairs and practise my English at the same time."

Lily (Hong Kong)
"I love chatting on the Internet. It helps my English but you have to be careful. There are some strange people who want to chat as well."

Jason (Singapore)
"The best way to learn English is by reading English newspapers and listening to the BBC World Service. That way you can pick up good expressions, not slang."

Manuela (Venezuela)
"I have English parties at my house. We get together and we all have to speak English or pay a small fine. It works!"
Now look at this plan of the letter to the publisher. What is wrong with it? Think about the content, style, vocabulary and organisation.

Don't like Gisela's idea. What's the use of using a computer like that? Same with email and chat. Not for me.

Good ideas:
Work through lots of language exercises. Ask teacher if you don't understand.
Don't have satellite TV so that's no good. English newspapers are difficult to find where I live. Best idea to get a grammar book with exercises and answers at the back. Ask teacher if I don't understand.
Proofreading
Always leave some time at the end to proofread your work. If you write on every second line it will be easier for you to correct any mistakes you make.
Keep a note of the errors you regularly make so you are aware of your weak areas.
 
Look at this example of a semi-formal letter. Can you identify and correct the errors?
You only need to correct language which is definitely wrong. The first two lines have been done as an example for you.
1.

I would like to give the readers a few ideas about how best to take care of young

Correct

2.

childrens. It can be very frustrating to spend the whole day at home with a young

Wrong. Children is the plural of child.

3.

child who is totally dependent on their mother. Remember, though, that these early

 
4.

years pass quickly and soon you will be left with an "empty nest. It is as well to

 
5.

make the most of these precious years whilst you can I would suggest that

 
6.

you set aside a special time each day when you can forget about houseworks, or

 
7.

simply concentrate on having fun together. Get involved in your childs world and begin

 
8.

explore and be creative together. Simple things like paint pictures together can be

 
9.

enormously satisfying. Why not explore the garden together and keep a nature scrap

 
10.

book? Do remember to talk to your child and encouraged a spirit of inquisitiveness

 
11.

and a sense of fun in exploring her surrondings. It is when you resist this wonderful

 
12.

world of the child in the favour for pressures such as meeting that deadline or cooking

 
13.

that dinner that both of you will feel frustrated.

 
 
Now you are ready to attempt the writing tasks in activity 14. First spend 10 – 15 minutes planning the letters, then write the drafts. Don’t forget to leave enough time for you to proofread your work, too.
When you have finished your letters, you can compare them with the suggested answers in the answer key.
In this lesson you have:
developed techniques for dealing with the writing task including formulating a plan and proofreading
reviewed the differences between formal and informal language
improved your vocabulary related to formal linking words
practised punctuation
The next e-m@il lesson focuses on writing leaflets and looks at the importance of paragraphs, attracting the reader’s attention and correct punctuation.