The document provides guidance on writing situational letters. It discusses: 1) Learning objectives which include planning an informal letter using different methods, identifying the appropriate tone and register, and practicing letter formats. 2) A sample letter is analyzed to demonstrate an overly casual tone that is not suitable. Students are advised to choose a polite yet friendly tone for family members. 3) A planning process is outlined which involves understanding the scenario, recipient, letter type, discussing pros and cons of different choices, and thanking the recipient while assuring them in a kind but not too formal manner.

1. Situational Writing
Working through the Model Answers and In-class Planning.
(Part II)

2. By the end of the lesson…
• You would have learnt to…
a. Plan an informal letter based on two planning methods
b. Identify the appropriate tone and register for an informal letter
c. Practice using letter formats accordingly

3. Lesson References
• Longman’s, Developing Situational Writing Skills, Vol. 1, Ho Lin
Lee (ed.) Pearson-Longman, Singapore: 2009
• Longman’s Effective Guide to O’Level English, Longman,
Singapore: 2000

4. Model Letter – a lesson in register
• How would you describe the tone of the
model letter you took home last week?
• Warm?
• Friendly?
• Casual? – Written to a friend? Or to a family
member?

5. Model Letter - Tone
• Dear Dad,
Waz up! You’ve been chillin with Ma? Hope
Ma’s chillin too. I kinda been thinkin of the
places you told me about. I wanna try out
Oxford Street
What’s wrong with this first paragraph?

6. Model Letter - Tone
• Dear Dad,
• It is with great feelings of happiness and warmth that I am
writing to you this day. I hope that you are in the best of
health. I hope that mother is likewise similarly well. I also
hope that she is not unduly preoccupied with the cares of
employment at this time. I am pleased to say that after much
consideration and vacillation, I have come to a decision on my
temporary abode based on the choices you had provided me
earlier. I would like to take up a room in Oxford Street.
• Comments

7. Lets work it out
• Dear Dad,
I hope that you are well and in good spirits when you receive this
letter. Is Mum alright? I haven’t heard from her in a while. Is she still
busy with work? Dad, I have thought through the accommodation
options for me in London and based on your concerns and advice, I
have decided on a room in Oxford Street.
…Mum and Dad thank you for letting me in London and for having
confidence in me and for supporting me in my studies and for
making sure that my fees have been paid for. I promise that I will
look after myself. Please do not fret about me.

8. Planning -
• Step 1: Make use of the question –
• Who are you supposed to be? – Nephew/Niece
• Place yourself in that scenario
• Who are you writing to? – Uncle (what is your tone/register?)
• What type of letter? - Informal? If Informal (Casual) or (Polite)

9. Planning
• Step 1(d): Make use of the points. (See the points on your
hand out)
• Draw up pros and cons for studying in Belleview School and The
Ace School. (Note: no outright “poor choice” –depends on how
you explain it).
• Now try to convince your uncle about your choice. Bear in mind
that you must assure him of your happiness, safety and future
• Also don’t forget to thank him for his offer to “sponsor” your
education in the UK. Be kind to him but don’t sound too stiff and
formal.

10. Key learning points
• What is the tone of a letter dependent on?
• Diagram
• Table