IV. Writing.

Ex.1 Formal and informal letters.

A. Here are two jumbled letters. One is written to a hotel, and the other to a friend. Work in pairs. Decide which sentences go with which letter, and put them in the right order.

Letter to a hotel ______________________________________________________________

Letter to a friend ______________________________________________________________

1. I would like a single room with a shower.

2. I'm writing to ask you a favour.

3. I don't mind where you put me. I'll sleep anywhere!

4. I have a further request.

5. I would like to make a reservation for the nights of 22nd, 23rd, and 24th January.

6. I hope the above is convenient.

7. Write soon and let me know.

8. I'm coming down to London at the end of the month to go to a conference.

9. Could I have a bite to eat when I arrive?

10. I hope you are all well, and that you've recovered from the busy Christmas period.

11. I would be extremely grateful.

12. Could I possibly have a room at the back, as I find the front rooms rather noisy?

13. Could you put me up for a few days?

14. Just a sandwich will do.

15. I look forward to your reply.

16. It's the 22nd - 24th January.

17. As I will be arriving quite late, could you possibly put a cold buffet in my room on the 22nd?

18. I hope that's all right.

19. There is something else I'd like to ask you.

B. Both letters were written by Chris Bright. His address is 47, Angel Road, Blaby, Leicestershire. The hotel is Hotel Regent, 107 Carston Square, London W.1. His friend is called Jan Price. Her address is 33 Alma Crescent, London N.10.

On a separate piece of paper decide how you would begin and end the two letters.

Think of -the address(es)

-the salutation

-the ending

C. Write replies to both letters. Include the following information:

From the hotel

• confirm the reservation

• price of the room

• arrangements for food in the room

From Jan

• some recent news

• agreeing to the request

• or refusing the request, saying why

Ex2. Rewrite this letter to make it more courteous and 'you- oriented'.

Dear Mr. Ross:

With reference to your letter of Thursday last, I can't answer it because my boss, Ms. Leonard, is out of town. If I gave you any information about the new contract with Hastings Development Corporation, she might not like it.

If Ms. Leonard wants you to have that information, I'll have her write to you when she returns in two weeks.

Yours truly,

V. Case study

A.

Your company has employed Mr. Fred Jenkins for the past 17 years. During that period, Mr Jenkins, who is well-liked in the company, has had a variety of jobs mostly as a handyman, store man nature. Currently he is in charge of your mail-room, but recently his disability occasioned by injuries sustained during military service has worsened.

His doctors have advised him that he should give up his job or run a risk of a severe deterioration in his health. He has a small disability pension, but is 58 years old, and personnel in your company are not entitled to a pension until aged (males) 65.

Mr.Jenkins could be kept on in a part-time capacity if his health improved. Ex-gratia payments are at the managing director's discretion. As personal assistant to the managing director, you have been asked by him to draft a suitable letter to Mr. Jenkins, who is at home following a set-back. You have been told to use your discretion and submit the draft when the managing director returns from a visit.

B.

In order to help out a friend, Robin Goodfellow recently stood in as a stage manager for a local amateur production of 'Cats'. Although he had no previous experience, Robin was an undoubted success with both the back-stage crew and cast. So much so, that shortly afterwards he received a letter from the honorary secretary of the Newtown Players offering him the permanent position of stage-manager. Robin was flattered, but had too many business and local commitments, and did not wish to commit himself to the many nights of rehearsal and production involved. Neither did he have any wish to offend the Newtown Players' committee, partly because his friend was a member, and also because some of his business associates were patrons of the Players.

What sort of letter-plan should Robin devise before drafting a letter replying to the invitation?

How could he best excuse himself tactfully? What tone should he adopt? As Robin Googfellow, draft a suitable letter to Miss Penny Haslemere, Honorary Secretary, Newtown Players, 'Cawley House', Cawley, Near Newtown, Herts CW12 8MG.

Ф. КАФКА «ЗАМОК»

«Письмо было неодинаковое, в некоторых фразах к нему обращались как к свободному человеку, чью личную волю признают, - это выражалось в обращении и в той фразе, где говорилось о его пожеланиях. Но были и такие выражения, в которых к нему скрыто или явно относились как к ничтожному, почти незаметному с высокого поста работнику, будто высокому начальству приходилось делать усилие, чтобы «не терять его из виду», а непосредственным его начальником оказался сельский староста, ему надо было даже отчитываться перед ним. И, чего доброго, его единственным сослуживцем станет сельский полицейский. Тут, безусловно, крылись противоречия настолько явные, что их, без сомнения, внесли в письмо нарочно.»

Unit 4