Writing

8 Rewrite these formal phrases
in informal English.

We'd be delighted if you could join us for drinks. Let's have a drink.

1 In response to your recent
enquiry...

2 The receptionist will direct
you to the correct room.

3 I look forward to hearing
from you.

4 I hope that will be
acceptable.

9 Draft a formal letter
requesting information. You
can use your own idea or one
of these:

• information about a cycling
holiday. Write to: Mr B
Roberts, Cycling Heaven, 23
Green Lane, Oxford, 0X2
4RD

• information about a course
at your local college

10 Exchange your draft letter with a partner. Can you improve your letters? Write the final version of your letter.

Get real

Find examples of formal letters in your own language. Compare chem with English letters. In which ways are they the same or different?