Task 6. Tick the features of a formal, academic letter.

1. Colloquial expressions, that is expressions used in speaking, are numerous (What's up? Cheers!).

2. Full words, not contractions, are used (will not instead of won't).

3. Words and phrases that connect sentences meaningfully are used._____

4. The sentences are rather complex._____

5. Shortened versions of words are used (u instead of you, r instead of are).

6. Emotional words like great, superb, etc. are used._____

 

Organizing an email / a letter

Task 7. Put these elements of an email in order.

a) Give relevant information on the subject (What do you want to say?)

b) State the aim (Why are you writing?)

с) Describe the action you expect from the addressee (What do you want the addressee t do?)

d) Close your email/letter politely.

e) Open your email/letter with greetings.

Task 8. Match the expressions 1-8 with their functions a-c.

a) starting an email/letter

b) acknowledging receipt of something

с) inviting a response

1). I refer to your letter dated...

2).We appreciate your interest in...

3). If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact us.

4).Thank you very much for sending the information about...

5). I am writing on behalf of the university to invite you...

6). We look forward to hearing from you soon.

7). I am writing to apply for...

8).Thank you for your letter of...

Task 9. Put the words below in order to make sentences.

reply / are / to / your / looking / we / forward

our / interest / we / your / appreciate / in / project

conference /1 / on / writing / am / of / the / the / invite / university / behalf / to / you / to

will / early / appreciated / your / confirmation / be

contact / do / hesitate / to / us / not

 

Writing a formal email

Task 10. You have come across an advertisement about a grant for attending a workshopfor researchers. Write a short, formal email to the organising committee(100-120words). Describe your achievements and ask if you fit the criteria to be selected.

Subject
Opening
Stating the aim	I am writing to you
Giving information
Describing the actions you expect	I would be grateful if you could
Closing
Signature

A REFERENCE LETTER

Task 1. Find someone who matches each description below. Report your findings to the class.

a) knows what a reference is

b) has written a reference letter

с) has asked their colleagues to write a reference letter for them

Organizing a reference letter

In column 1 in the table, tick the features a good reference letter should have.

1. Explanation of how long the referee has known the applicant
2. List of the personal qualities relevant to the specialism
3. Reference to the applicants qualifications, experience, and professional skills
The applicant's weaknesses
The applicant's religion, nationality, age, disability and gend
The referee's contact information

 

Task 2. Read the letter of reference. In Column tick the features the letter has.

a) Dear Sir/Madam,

b) I am Robert Leeds, Professor at Darwin College, University of Nombridge. I am writing in support of MsHardworking's application for the MSc in Applied Ecology and Conservation at the University of South Anglia.

I have known this applicant for nearly 15 years, mostly through our shared work on an international ecological project in India.

с) Ms Hardworking is a leading professional in India, highly respected for her participation in biodiversity conservation projects. As well as this, she is known as an innovative thinker in the field. She is intelligent, well read and articulate, and has the maturity, self-discipline and independence to be able to cope with study at postgraduate level. It is typical of her positive attitude and the priority she gives to her professional development that she has chosen to apply for this program in the middle of a very successful career.

d) Moreover, her command of English is native-speaker standard. She has been used to functioning in English since childhood, throughout her education and now in most aspects of her professional life.

e) I am pleased to have this opportunity of recommending Ms Hardworking to you as

a postgraduate student. She will be an asset to the MSc programme,

f) If you have any further questions, feel free to contact me.

Yours faithfully,

Robert Leedc

Professor Robert Leeds