EXAM TIP Formal letters differ from informal letters in register and in having a clear and conventional structure: usually one paragraph per section, although the middle section can extend over two or three paragraphs. The tone of a formal letter is impersonal and polite – even when complaining – and the language is formal, i.e. in complex sentences and without contractions, abbreviations or colloquialisms. You may be asked to write a formal letter in response to Question 1 in Paper 2 or Paper 3. Whereas in Paper 2 you are expected to ‘select, analyse and evaluate what is relevant to specific purposes’ (R3), in the Directed Writing task in Paper 3 you are required to make full use of the stimulus material provided to show that you are able to write in a ‘language and register appropriate to audience and context’ (W4). It is not necessary to date or give addresses in an exam letter, though these are required for a real letter.
22 Write a letter of about one side to the editor of a local newspaper, giving your views on extreme sports after a recent reported incident in your area. You may argue either that extreme sports should be allowed or that they should be banned. Use the ideas which you collected in Exercise 1. Refer to the recent incident in your opening paragraph. 23 In small groups, exchange and read each other’s letters as preparation for a class discussion on the topic ‘Extreme sports’.
Further practice a Describe, as if in an informal letter or email, a sport you are fond of, either as a spectator or as a participant, to someone who knows nothing about it. b Imagine that you and your friend went on the hang-gliding training course at Lookout Mountain and were not satisfied. Write a letter of complaint to the company and ask for your money back. Include references to the advertisement in Exercise 18. c Imagine that you are on an International Award expedition which has met with unforeseen difficulties. Write a one-side diary entry describing your location, situation, thoughts and feelings.
Unit 2
Directed Writing
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