One of the marking criteria for Writing Task is vocabulary - the variety of words and expressions that you use. For a score of 7 and above, it is necessary to include advanced words and less common expressions in the letter. It is also important to start and finish the letter correctly.
One of the marking criteria for Writing Task is vocabulary - the variety of words and expressions that you use. For a score of 7 and above, it is necessary to include advanced words and less common expressions in the letter. It is also important to start and finish the letter correctly.
How to start a letter
The writing style (formal / informal) defines the words that you use to start and finish the letter:
There are two types of formal letters:
You write to an organization (you don’t know who you are addressing to)
You write to the head, teacher, tenant and you know the name of the person you are addressing to.
In formal / semi-formal letters, after the greeting, we always write the purpose of the letter:
I am writing to inform you that ...
I am writing to ask/inquire ...
I am writing with regard to ...
I am writing in connection with ...
I am writing with reference to ...
I would like to express my concern about ...
In informal letter after the greeting we write:
Apologies for not writing for so long, but I’ve been really busy …
It’s been a long time since we saw each other.
I’m just writing to let you know that …
The body of the letter
Each letter has its own purpose: complaint, request, recommendation / advice. Therefore, we select constructions and expressions that correspond to the particular purpose of the letter:
ASK FOR INFORMATION
I would be grateful if you could ...
I would be grateful if you could inform me ...
Could you please tell me if ...
I wonder if you could tell me ...
I would like you to ...
I need to ask your advice about ...
COMPLAIN
I'm writing to express my dissatisfaction about ...
I am writing you to express my dissatisfaction about the poor service provided by your airline.
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction about the hotel room that is booked for my stay.
THANKS
I'm very grateful for ...
I'd like to thank you very much for ...
I very much appreciated ...
APOLOGY
I'm very sorry that/about ...
Please forgive me for ...
I'd like to apologize about ...
Please accept my apologies about ...
ADVICE
If I were you, I’d …
You should …
You ought to …
Why don’t you …
SUGGEST
Would you like me to …
I think it would be great if you …
If you like, I’ll …
Useful phrases to finish the letter
FORMAL
Thank you very much for your attention.
I hope the situation will be resolved soon.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you very much for your cooperation.
If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
INFORMAL
Hope to hear from you very soon.
Keep in touch!
If you need to know anything else, just get in touch with me as soon as you can.
Thanks a lot for your help and I hope to hear from you soon.
Formal letter of complaint
Introduction:
I am writing to express my disappointment regarding the … (level of service at your hotel/restaurant/ level of customer service at your hotel during my visit last month).
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the … (standard of accommodation at your hotel).
I am writing to complain about the fact that … (there is no heating in our house).
Explain the problem:
Unfortunately, … (the heater is out of order)
We are / I am extremely unhappy about this situation.
This is making our lives uncomfortable.
The best solution would be for me to return the wrong items to you. I request my money be refunded.
Conclusion:
I look forward to hearing from you soon.