ppt preparado por la Profesora Daniela Zabala para Seminario de Ingles Jurídico I ii y III en la Universidad Católica de Cuyo sede San Luis. Setiembre 2020

1. MODERN
LETTER
WRITING II
Daniela Zabala-
Seminario de Ingles Jurídico 2020
Universidad Católica de Cuyo sede San Luis.

2. MODERN LETTER
WRITING
1. Types of letters
2. The register of letter
writing
3. Letter writing clinic
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3. 1. TYPES OF
LETTERS
There are various types of letters, such as:
 Letters of request
 Letters giving information
 Letters of advice
 Letters making suggestions/ recommendations
 Letters of complaint
 Letters of apology
 Letters of application
 Covering letters
 Letters threatening legal action
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4. 1. TYPES OF
LETTERS
- Letters of request
▪ A formal letter of request in written to ask for
permission, help, information, advice, etc.
▪ It also may provide information, explain a situation,
make suggestions, present arguments in support of
an opinion, etc.
▪ Each point should be presented in a separate
paragraph containing a clear topic sentence
supported by examples and/or justification.
▪ To begin: “I am writing to ask/ request/ enquire if
you could/ whether you could possibly…”
▪ To end: “I look forward to hearing from you/
receiving your reply…”
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5. 1. TYPES OF
LETTERS
- Letters of complaint
▪ A formal letter of complaint is written to complain about a
problem which has arisen (e.g. faulty merchandise, rude
staff).
▪ It should explain the reasons for the complaint, and usually
includes a suggestion/request/ demand concerning what
should be done (e.g. refund, compensation).
▪ The nature of the complaint should be clearly stated in the
first paragraph. Each aspect of the topic should be
presented in a separate paragraph and supported by clear
justification.
▪ To begin: “I am writing to complaint about/ express my
disappointment.”
▪ To end: “I hope/ trust this matter will be dealt with/ receive
you immediate attention.”
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6. 1. TYPES OF
LETTERS
- Letters of apology
▪ If you have received a letter of complaint, it is polite to reply
it. The purpose for writing a letter of apology is to explain
the reason (s) for the problem stated in the letter of
complaint and to ensure that the situation will be resolved.
You may also offer some form of compensation.
▪ The letter of apology should be written in a formal style and
required a dignified and polite tone.
▪ You should deal with each aspect of the complaint in a
separate paragraph.
▪ To begin: “I am writing to apologise for/ offer my apologies
for /Please accept my sincere apologies for…”
▪ To end: “I hope you will accept my apologies/ you can
forgive this regrettable error...”
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7. 1. TYPES OF
LETTERS
- Letters of application
▪ Law students or lawyers often write letters to apply
for internships or jobs in response to an specific
advertisement.
▪ However, it is also common to write prospecting
letter or letter of interest, in which the sender asks if
there are any openings for interns at the company or
institution.
▪ To begin: “I am interested in applying for the summer
internship in/ for the position of ...”
▪ To end: “Should you require further information,
please contact me…/ I look forward to hearing from
you…”
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8. 1. TYPES OF
LETTERS
- Covering letter
▪ A covering letter is an important part of a job
application. Submitted along with a CV, the covering
letter serves as an applicant’s introduction to a
potential employer.
▪ It is a valuable opportunity for you to communicate a
few key facts about yourself and your suitability for
the position in question.
▪ It ideally has a three-part structure:
- An introductory paragraph stating the purpose of the
letter
- A main part with the most important information
- A concluding paragraph bringing the letter to a close
and a final sentence inviting further contact. 8

9. 1. TYPES OF
LETTERS
- Covering letter
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10. 2. REGISTER
OF LETTER
WRITTING
▪ Register refers to the style and tone of your letter.
▪ The register will change depending on who you are
writing to.
▪ If you are writing to another lawyer, you will use legal
vocabulary in your letter and write in a more formal
style.
▪ If you are writing to a client who has no legal
knowledge, you will use a different register. You will
need to explain any legal vocabulary and perhaps use
a more personal style.
▪ Whoever you are writing to, remember to use a
modern style of English.
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11. 11
FEATURE FORMAL STYLE NEUTRAL/INFORMAL STYLE
Contractions Avoid using contractions: I am, I have, do
not, will not, cannot, etc.
Use contractions: I’m, I’ve, I don’t, won’t,
can’t, etc.
Sentence length Tends to use longer, more complex
sentences.
Tends to use shorter, simpler sentences,
like in everyday speech.
Sentence structure Tends to use subordination (joining clauses
with words such as while, because,
although).
Tends to use coordination (joining
independent clauses with words such as
and, or, but.
Personal pronouns/
passive voice forms
Tends to use personal pronouns less often;
however, passive verb forms are often used
to avoid naming a personal agent
The seminar will be held/ It may be
necessary
Uses personal pronouns freely and often;
prefers personal and active constructions
A highly respected expert will hold/
You may need to
Vocabulary and
fixed expressions
Uses formal words: would strongly advise
Uses formal fixed expressions: I look
forward to your response in this matter.
Uses formal verbs, often polysyllabic, often
Latinate origin: participate, commences
Uses neutral or informal words: I really
think you should
Uses informal fixed expressions: Let me
know what you think
Uses phrasal/ neutral verbs: take part,
which starts

12. 3. LETTER
WRITING
CLINIC
The ten most common problems:
▪ Too informal: the informal style of email is not accepted
▪ Too old-fashioned: out-of-date language
▪ Too abrupt: direct is considered impolite
▪ Use of archaic words: hereunder or abovementioned
▪ Use of contract vocabulary: not natural in letters
▪ Use of uncountable nouns incorrectly or nouns that don’t
exist at all: damage, proof, evidence
▪ Confusing a verb with a noun: advise, advice
▪ Use of articles incorrectly or not at all: ‘a’ and ‘the’
▪ Use of the wrong collocation: accurate verb/noun collocation,
act for/ not work for
▪ Use of the wrong preposition 12

13. 13
DO DON’T
Use plain English Use unnecessarily difficult words or
phrases
Be consistent in style Mix different styles, for example
change from formal to informal
Be formal but not old-fashioned Use long sentences or long
paragraphs
Keep your sentences short Use language appropriate to
written contracts in letters
Check your grammar and
punctuation
Be too abrupt. It can be considered
impolite to be very direct about
some subjects, particularly when
writing in English
THE DOS AND DON’TS OF LETTER WRITING

14. 14

15. Thanks!
Any questions?
Please write to:
daniela.zabala26@gmail.com
adelamperezdelviso@gmail.com
Source: Mason Catherine. “The Lawyers English Language Coursebook”, Second Edition, Global
Legal English LTD, 2014, England.
Krois-Lindner Amy y Firth Matt. “Introduction to International Legal English”, Cambrigde
University Press, 2008, UK 15