The document provides information about writing formal and informal letters. It discusses the differences between formal and informal letters in terms of vocabulary, sentence structure, and tone. Formal letters use more formal vocabulary like "would" instead of contractions and carefully constructed complete sentences. Informal letters have a more casual tone and resemble spoken English with features like contractions, colloquial vocabulary, and sentence fragments. The document also includes examples of rewriting sentences from informal to formal and vice versa to demonstrate these differences.

1. CAE writing skills
Unit 3 Letters

14. •I am writing to inform you that...
•With reference to our conversation on...
•I am pleased to advise that...
•Please accept my sincere apologies for...
•I would be most grateful if you could...
•I trust this matter will be dealt with in due course.

15. Formal letters Informal letters
literary expressions phrasal verbs
long sentences colloquial vocabulary
full forms of verbs (I would) contractions (I'd etc.)
carefully constructed sentences
and paragraphs
sentences that sound close to
spoken English.
sentences that are clearly written
rather than spoken English
the word nice
question tags
omission of subject of sentence

17. I
F
F
I
I
F
I

18. 2. Informal. Formal - I apologise for the delay in replying to
your letter. This was due to the pressures of work.
3. Formal. Informal - Do please write back to me soon. I can’t
wait to hear your news.
4 Formal. Informal - Please send me some info about villas I
could rent on the Med.

19. 5. Informal. Formal - How is the current situation? I hope that
everything is satisfactory at present.
6. Informal. Formal-She maintains that he is a pleasant person
but I cannot accept her point of view.
7. Formal. Informal - Call me on the number I've given you.
8. Informal. Formal - I hope it will be convenient for you if we
collect you at 6. That should allow us to arrive in time for some
refreshments.

20. for the lovely letter I
to see you again
‘ll be able to get together
you were
haven't been in touch for such
now or I won't
send my best to / give my best wishes to
to hearing from you

21. response
apply
available
grateful
enclose
convenience
return
referees
reference
correction

22. Dear Mrs Jones,
I hope you had a smooth and enjoyable flight home. We are missing you very
much and look forward to hearing from you soon.
Life has been quiet at home since you left and I am busy at work once more.
I hope very much to be able to visit you soon. Would it be convenient if I were
to come for the second weekend in June? Do please let me know if that does
not suit you.
If this would suit you, I'll book my flight, but please do not hesitate to say if
you have other arrangements for that weekend.
With all good wishes,
Christopher

26. 1. talked into giving - persuaded to give
2. done up-redecorated
3. cut off-isolated; to be put up-to be accommodated
4. make up for - compensate for
5. were coming down with flu - had caught flu (influenza); will have got over it
- will have recovered from it

27. 6. told me off-reprimanded me; setting up - organising; done in-
exhausted
7. won't be put out - won't be offended; keep your talk down to - -limit
8. brought out-published your talk to
9. look at - consider; picked up - gained

29. 1. postponing - putting off; pondered - thought
over or thought through
2. dissuade (your parents) from (wanting) - talk
(your parents) out of (wanting)
3. raise-bring up

30. 4. pretending-making out
5. persist with - carry on / go on (studying
or with your studies)
6. Support - Back up; fulfil - carry out

32. 1- introduction - who you are, thanks for offer, accept offer - --
- suggest programme
information about members
- information about previous meetings offer accommodation
- conclusion - look forward to meeting etc. introduction –
2. Introduction - greetings etc. sport at school
- popular spectator sports
- unusual traditional sports and games - recent changes
- closing - best wishes etc.

33. 3- introduction-reference to offending article
- information about why tourists can enjoy country historical sights more
ideas for what is of interest to tourists - entertainments, sports
facilities etc.
- correction of errors in article
- conclusion - request for letter to be printed to set the picture straight
4- introduction - greetings etc.
- benefits of travel
- money - could earn some too
- danger - reassure them etc.
- closing - give own news in brief, best wishes etc.

35. Extras