3 ⁄ STRATEGIES 3.1 ⁄ MAKING SUGGESTIONS Certain modal auxiliary verbs can be used to make suggestions, namely ‘could’, ‘should’ and ‘might’: − I think you should + verb e.g. I think you should talk to someone about your problem. − He could + verb e.g. He could talk to someone about it. ‘May’ and ‘might’ are often used with ‘want’ or ‘like’ to add politeness: − You may/might + verb e.g. You might want to talk to someone about it.
3.2 ⁄ WRITING (FORMAL) E-MAILS − First complete the subject in the subject bar. (1) − Secondly add the e-mail address (or the name) of your addressee. (2) − Address your reader in the proper way: Dear X (3) • If your addressee is a man, use Mr with his last name. • If your addressee is a woman, use Mrs or Ms with her last name. • If you don’t know the reader at all, use Dear Sir or Madam. − Introduce the topic: why are your writing, what are you responding to? (4) − In the body of your text, use paragraphs to structure your text. (5) − Don’t forget to write a short conclusion at the end of your e-mail. (6) − Finally add your name under the salutation ’yours sincerely’ or ‘with kind regards’. (7) New Message To:
assistance@mentalhealth.com (2)
Cc: Subject:
Appointment (1)
Dear Sir or Madam, (3) I am writing because I have been dealing with some problems as of late and I would like to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. (4) My father died recently and since then my sister has started using drugs in order to deal with her grief. My mother also seems very depressed. As a result, I have nobody to talk to that would understand me. I think I’m starting to get depressed, too. I feel so helpless and alone. (5) As mentioned, I really would like to schedule an appointment. Could you please tell me when this would be possible? (6) Thanks in advance! With kind regards, (7) Stacy
PROGRESS CHECK
Unit 3: the edge of reason 562216_01_OnTrack4_LWS.indb 139
139
25/01/16 17:05