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ANG-4103
Expressing Feelings and Opinions
Pen Pal Project
Student Booklet
Created by Janie Lamoureux, CSSMI, May 2019,
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P e n P a l P r o j e c t , J a n i e L a m o u r e u x , C S S M I , M a y 2 0 1 9 P a g e 2
Where have you traveled to in the province of Quebec? Where did
you find information about the region before you left?
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Try to name all 17 regions of
Quebec. If you need help, click on https://monurl.ca/ppregions1
1 8 15
2 9 16
3 10 17
4 11
5 12
6 13
7 14
HOW CAN YOU PRACTISE YOUR ENGLISH WITH NEW AND EXCITING PEOPLE
WHILE DISCOVERING WHAT OUR BEAUTIFUL PROVINCE HAS TO OFFER?
BY CORRESPONDING WITH REAL PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT REGIONS OF
QUEBEC. THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT THIS LEARNING SITUATION IS ABOUT!
YOU WILL GET TO DISCOVER THE PERSON AND ALSO THE REGION WERE
THEY LIVE. IN RETURN, YOU WILL ALSO HELP THEM DISCOVER YOUR
REGION. ARE YOU READY FOR THE ADVENTURE?
P e n P a l P r o j e c t , J a n i e L a m o u r e u x , C S S M I , M a y 2 0 1 9 P a g e 3
In this learning situation (LS), you will get the chance to practise
with adult education students from other parts of Quebec. They
are learning English as a second language too, so you will both
have the possibility to practise and improve your English. At the
end of this learning situation, you should know more about
interesting things to do and visit in a new region (for you) of
Quebec.
Here are the suggested steps to follow to establish a writing
relationship with your new Pen Pal*.
• First, write a presentation letter to your Pen Pal. Give them
relevant information about yourself to help them better
understand what you like to do when you visit a new town.
• Second, you will find interesting things to do and upcoming
events in your region. Find a wide variety of activities since
you don’t know your Pen Pal’s likes and interests yet.
• Third, based on your Pen Pal’s likes and interests, you will
send them a second letter with your suggestions for
activities and events to do in your region. You will also
receive their letter with suggestions for you.
• Finally, you will write a thank-you letter to your Pen Pal
expressing your appreciation for all of their great
suggestions.
*Pen pal: someone with who you exchange letters as a hobby.
You don’t know which region your Pen Pal will be from, so even the region
that you will discover is an adventure!
P e n P a l P r o j e c t , J a n i e L a m o u r e u x , C S S M I , M a y 2 0 1 9 P a g e 4
Fill in the following information chart to help you write your
presentation letter. If you feel uncomfortable writing about
yourself, you can invent a persona*.
Your name
Age
Where are you from?
What part of Quebec do you live in now?
What do you like to do when you visit a new place?
Do you have children? • How old are they?
• What do they like to do?
What are your hobbies?
What are your interests?
What do you like to do on your days off?
What type of activities do you like to do?
Have you travelled before? Where did you go?
How long would you stay?
When do you like to travel?
*persona: a role or character adopted by an author or an actor.
P e n P a l P r o j e c t , J a n i e L a m o u r e u x , C S S M I , M a y 2 0 1 9 P a g e 5
Step 1: Write a presentation letter introducing yourself to your
Pen Pal.
This letter doesn’t have to be as formal as a presentation/cover
letter for a job (see Annex page 14 for model and page 18 for
informal/formal). You can use the form below to write your letter
draft. However, the final version will be sent to your Pen Pal electronically, so please write it using Google Doc, Word, or
another word processor of your choice.
______________
______________,
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________,
__________________
Date
Opening salutation
Introduction:
introduce yourself and
state why you are
writing.
Body:
Give main information
and details. Use the
information from the
chart on page 4.
Conclusion:
Briefly summarize the
information from this
letter. Call to action
(what you expect will
happen next).
Closing salutation
Signature
P e n P a l P r o j e c t , J a n i e L a m o u r e u x , C S S M I , M a y 2 0 1 9 P a g e 6
Once you have written your first draft, review your
presentation letter using the following grid. Discuss with your
teacher. Write your final version.
Structure Got it! To
improve
Layout (all essential elements are in my letter:
• date • opening salutations • introduction • body • conclusion • closing salutations • signature • my contact information
The information in my letter • follows a logical order • is relevant to help my Pen Pal know
my likes, interests and limits (time, $)
Clarity of message
I verified the spelling of new words
I questioned myself on which verb tenses to use.
I paid attention to the 3rd person singular in the present tense
I looked for the correct vocabulary
I remained polite and formal
What is the main element that you want to improve in your next
letter? _____________________________________________
Using Google Doc to write your letter can save you time.
Once you are done writing, you can “share” your file with
your teacher. They will be the messenger that will relay
your letter to your Pen Pal.
P e n P a l P r o j e c t , J a n i e L a m o u r e u x , C S S M I , M a y 2 0 1 9 P a g e 7
Step 2: Find interesting things to do and upcoming events in
your region to have information to share with your Pen Pal. Remember to look for a variety of activities since you don’t know
anything about your Pen Pal yet.
r region.
Be sure to take notes to remember all of the information that you
will find. You can use the chart on the next page to organize your
information, or you can use your own method. Here are just a
few sites to start you off.
www.quebecgetaways.com
https://monurl.ca/ppfestivals
https://monurl.ca/quebecoriginal
• click on Explore • then go to Let it Go
To find ideas on what to suggest, you can visit a tourism
website or read tourism brochures about your region.
P e n P a l P r o j e c t , J a n i e L a m o u r e u x , C S S M I , M a y 2 0 1 9 P a g e 8
Sell us your Region!
Interesting activities to do Festivals/ Expositions/ places to see
Best accommodations (where to
sleep) Best places to go out
Family activities
Solo activities
Fun Facts
Best means of transportation
Other info
Other info
P e n P a l P r o j e c t , J a n i e L a m o u r e u x , C S S M I , M a y 2 0 1 9 P a g e 9
Now, think of some questions that you would like to ask about a
new region. What elements are important to you? Your Pen Pal may have similar questions.
For example:
• Are there many bugs in the region at the end of July?
• Is it easy to find and book last minute accommodations?
Five questions to ask about a new region: 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
P e n P a l P r o j e c t , J a n i e L a m o u r e u x , C S S M I , M a y 2 0 1 9 P a g e 10
Photo by Kaitlyn Baker
Unsplash
Photo by Kaitlyn Baker
Unsplash
Step 3: Write an
informative letter to
suggest activities, places
and things to do in your neck of the woods*.
When you receive your Pen Pal’s presentation letter, read it
attentively. Note down their likes and interests and try to suggest
activities, events, things to see that will please them (match their
interests).
When you talk about your area, give the facts but also add your
opinions and feelings relevant to these facts. The information will
be much more interesting if you add your personal touch.
Ex: “There is the Montréal Jazz Festival from June 26th to July 5th.
This event is one of my personal favorites. I get so excited to be
part of it every year. I love being in the middle of all of that
singing, dancing and smiling! The energy is amazing!”
You can write your informative letter following the letter template
on page 4. You can also look at the model on page 15 (annex).
*Neck of the woods: means a certain region or neighbourhood
Ph
oto
by
Kai
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Bak
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for
Un
spla
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P e n P a l P r o j e c t , J a n i e L a m o u r e u x , C S S M I , M a y 2 0 1 9 P a g e 11
Once you have written your first draft, review your informative
letter using the following grid. Share with your teacher.
Structure Got it! To
improve
Layout (all essential elements are in my letter:
• date • opening salutations • introduction • body • conclusion • closing salutations • signature • my contact information
The information in my letter follows a logical order.
I connected information about my region
with my Pen Pal’s likes and interests.
I included my opinions and feelings with the facts
Clarity of message
I verified the spelling of new words
I questioned myself on which verb tenses to use.
I paid attention to the 3rd person singular in the present tense
I looked for the correct vocabulary
I remained polite and formal
Make the necessary changes, then send your final copy to your
teacher who will play the part of the messenger.
Did your writing skills improve since your last letter? What did
you change?
P e n P a l P r o j e c t , J a n i e L a m o u r e u x , C S S M I , M a y 2 0 1 9 P a g e 12
Step 4: Write a thank you letter.
Once you receive your Pen Pal’s second letter, send them a
thank you letter telling them just how much you appreciate their
suggestions and good ideas.
If you need inspiration, you may look at the model of a thank you
letter in the annex page 16.
Ph
oto
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An
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P e n P a l P r o j e c t , J a n i e L a m o u r e u x , C S S M I , M a y 2 0 1 9 P a g e 13
Once you have written your first draft, review your thank-you
letter using the following grid. Share with your teacher.
Structure Got it! To
improve
Layout (all essential elements are in my letter:
• date • opening salutations • introduction • body • conclusion • closing salutations • signature • my contact information
I thanked my Pen Pal for specific suggestions and ideas (made connections to
what they wrote in their letter)
I showed my appreciation for all of their information by sharing my opinions and feelings
Clarity of message
I verified the spelling of new words
I questioned myself on which verb tenses
to use.
I paid attention to the 3rd person singular in the present tense
I looked for the correct vocabulary
I remained polite and formal
When you are satisfied with your final copy, send it to your
teacher who will play the part of the messenger.
Did you discover a new place to visit this year?
P e n P a l P r o j e c t , J a n i e L a m o u r e u x , C S S M I , M a y 2 0 1 9 P a g e 14
Annex
Presentation Letter (first letter)
Model (informal)
September 17, 2019
Dear Pen Pal,
My name is Teresa. I am studying English as a second language in an adult
education center. I am now working on a learning situation where I correspond
with someone from another region of Quebec.
I am very excited about this project. I have no idea where you will be from, but I
am very curious to learn about interesting things to see and do in your part of the
province.
Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I love the outdoors. I like to go on hikes,
to play on water (kayaking, water-skiing, paddle board) and when I can, I like to
visit historical sites. I have a limited budget, and I can only take a one-week
vacation. I am a single mom, and I have two very curious children.
I can’t wait to hear all about your region! Which sports are practised in your area?
Are there many bugs in August? I’ll wait for your letter, impatiently.
Please write soon,
Teresa Lopez
P e n P a l P r o j e c t , J a n i e L a m o u r e u x , C S S M I , M a y 2 0 1 9 P a g e 15
Annex
Informative Letter (second letter)
Model (informal)
October 17, 2019
Dear Cedric,
I am Teresa from the Lower Laurentians. You say that you are from Rouyn. I’ve never been there. I would love to learn more about your region.
Here is some information about my area based on your interests and hobbies. The best time to visit my region is in the summer. I love to go kayaking on the Rivières-des Milles-Îles and le Lac des Deux-Montagnes. If you feel like partying you can spend an exciting day at the Super Aqua Club. In July, because you like music, I think that you will enjoy the Blues Festival in Mont-Tremblant. To keep your two young children happy and moving, there are many family activities at the Oka National Park, the Parc du Domaine Vert or the Bois de Belle-Rivière Regional Park.
For accommodations that respect your budget, you can reserve at the Oka camping ground. There is a supermarket approximately 10 minutes from there.
I hope that this information will spark your interest in my neck of the woods. Please let me know if you decide to come.
Sincerely,
Teresa
555-555-5555
P e n P a l P r o j e c t , J a n i e L a m o u r e u x , C S S M I , M a y 2 0 1 9 P a g e 16
Thank You Letter (third letter)
Model (informal)
November 1, 2019
Dear Cedric,
I hope you are well. I just wanted to say thank you so much for sharing with me all
of the interesting facts about your region. I especially liked the stories that you
wrote about the haunted mine.
I appreciate that you took the time to do some research about the historical sites
because I told you that I liked history. Thanks to your information, I am eager to
travel to your region this summer! My children really enjoyed the pictures that
you sent.
Again, thank you so much. I greatly appreciate your interest in helping me
discover your region.
Best regards,
Teresa
555-555-5555
P e n P a l P r o j e c t , J a n i e L a m o u r e u x , C S S M I , M a y 2 0 1 9 P a g e 17
Activity to do while you wait for an answer
(optional for curious minds only!)
While you are waiting for your Pen pal’s answer, you can
explore Google Map and Street view.
• Go to Google Map, click on “directions.”
• In “choose a starting point,” put the city where you live,
then in “choose a destination” put the city where your
Pen Pal lives.
• On the map, choose a spot that seems to be in the
middle for both of you. Select the city.
• Click on “nearby.” Doing this will show you what you
could do there.
Google Map not only gives you directions on how to get from
point A to point B, but it also can give you a lot of information
on where you can find restaurants, hotels, stores, halls, etc.
You can also see the distance between each place and the
estimated time to get there.
To see the area that you will visit before you go, while in
Google Map, click on the icon (see image on the right), place
the yellow person where you want on the map and see the
scenery in 360 degrees! It works for places all around the
world. Have fun exploring!
To find ideas on what to do in a new place, you can type in “what
to do in (name of the place)?” in the Google research bar. Try it.
What are some suggestions that pop-up on Google for the area
you chose?
P e n P a l P r o j e c t , J a n i e L a m o u r e u x , C S S M I , M a y 2 0 1 9 P a g e 18
Useful Expressions
Informal/Formal
Openin
g
salu
tation Informal Formal
Hello, Hi ____(name)
Dear____ (name)
Hi there!
Dear Ms/Mrs/Miss
Dear Sir/Madam
To Whom it may concern
Intr
oduction
Thanks for your letter/email
It was great to hear from you.
I’m writing to tell you about…
Guess what?
How are things with you?
What’s up? How are you?
How was your vacation/ trip/ holiday?
Thank you for your letter/email
I am writing to request information
about/ to inform you/to complain
about/to apologize for
I am writing in reference to
I would like to offer my services
Let me congratulate you on…
Conclu
sio
n
Hope to hear from you soon
Looking forward to seeing you/hearing
from you
I can’t wait to see you
Write back soon
I look forward to hearing from you
without delay
I look forward to meeting you
I hope to hear from you at your
earliest convenience
Thank you for your time and
interest
Clo
sin
g
Salu
tation Best wishes,
Love,
All the best,
Let’s keep in touch,
Yours truly,
Sincerely yours,
Yours sincerely,
Regards/Best regards/Kind regards,