AN INFORMAL LETTER

What is it? We write informal letters to people we know. The language can be colloquial

and conversational.

Some informal letters give, respond to, and ask for personal news.

Plan

Useful language

A FORMAL LETTER

What is it? We usually write formal letters to organizations: schools, colleges, etc. We do

not normally know the person who we are writing to.

We write formal letters: - when we apply for a course or a job;

- to ask for information;

- to make a complain.

We cannot use informal expressions or contractions in a forma letter

Plan

Useful language

Greeting: Dear Mr/Mrs/Miss (+name) if you know the name of the

person who you are writing to.

Dear Sir or Madam if you don’t know whether you are

writing a man or a woman

Opening: Explain your main reasons for writing (requests, points or

arguments)

Body: Use one paragraph for each point.

Use modal verbs and formal expressions

Conclusion: Request a response

Closing: Yours sincerely if you know the name of the addressee

Yours faithfully if you do not know the name of the

addressee

Signature: Write your name clearly under the signature

AN OPINION ESSAY

What is it? It explains your opinion. It is used to convince the reader that your opinion is

correct.

Plan

Useful language

Sequencing words: firstly/first of all, secondly, thirdly, finally/lastly

Adding ideas: In addition, moreover, another reason is, such as, what is more,

also, besides, furthermore

Giving opinions: I think that, I believe that, In my opinion, I love/can’t stand /

don’t mind…, as far as I’m concerned, personally

Concluding: To sum up, in short, in conclusion

Opening: Introduce the theme and say what you think about it. Give a

clear opinion agreeing or disagreeing with it.

Body: Explain the reasons for your opinion. Give examples to support

your opinion.

Conclusion: Summarise the point you are making and restate your opinion.

A DISCUSSION ESSAY

What is it? It presents the arguments for and against a topic as objectively as possible. You

should not give your opinion until the very end of the essay.

You can list all of the ideas “for” in one paragraph and all the ideas “against” in

the following paragraph.

Plan

Useful language

Expressing contrast: On the one hand, on the other hand, although, despite (the

fact that), however, in spite of, nevertheless

Adding ideas: In addition, moreover, another reason is, such as, what is more,

also, besides, furthermore

Expressing result: consequently, for example, so, therefore, this means that.

Sequencing words: firstly/first of all, secondly, thirdly, finally/lastly

Opening: Write a statement that explains the topic

Explain that there are views for and against this idea

Body: Paragraph 2 – Arguments for

Paragraph 3 – Arguments against

Use expressions of contrast, addition, result and sequencing words.

Conclusion: Give your own conclusion – your opinion

A NARRATIVE TEXT

What is it? It is a story. It can be true or invented. Make your story as interesting and as

exciting as possible.

Plan

Useful language

Expressions of sequence: at first (at first, first, at the beginning, to begin with)

after some time (a few minutes later, an hour later, after, afterwards, then,

finally, in the end, the next day, two weeks later, next, at last) at the same time

(as soon as, as, meanwhile) now (at the moment)

Opening: Set the scene. Describe the moment before the event and its

start.

Use the past simple to set the scene.

Use the past perfect to refer to before that moment

Use the past continuous to express interrupted actions (we were

walking along the beach when a policeman came towards me)

Use connectors

Body: Build up the story. Describe the events and feelings.

Use the past simple to explain short actions.

Use sequencing words

Closing: Tell the ending of the story.

A DIALOGUE

What is it? It is a conversation between two people. The context is always informal. The

language is natural and colloquial.

Plan

Useful language

How’s it going? I’m great thanks

Do you fancy going out? OK

Why don’t you come?

…

A REVIEW

What is it? It is used to give your opinion about a book, play, film or concert.

Film and book reviews often summarize the main events in the plot.

Plan

Useful language

One of my favourite films/ books is…

The story is set in / during …

The film is boring / dull…

It is a great / wonderful / fantastic book

There are three reasons why I would / wouldn’t recommend this book to

anybody