A more formal email

Look at the exam question and email and do the exercises to practise and improve your writing skills. 

Preparation

Circle True or False for these sentences.

1. You should use polite expressions and more formal grammatical structures. True   False
2. You don't have to include all the points mentioned in the question. True   False
3. You can use contractions in a formal email. True   False
4. You should avoid using conventional expressions for starting and finishing the email. True   False
5. You should use this style for a person you don't know. True   False

1. Check your writing: gap fill – indirect questions Rewrite the direct questions as indirect questions. 

1. When does the course start?

    Could you tell me …………………………………………

2. Do I need to do a level test?

    Please let me know ………………………………………

3. How much does the course cost?

    Would you mind telling me ………………………………

4. Do you have native teachers?

    Could you tell me …………………………………………

5. When do your courses begin?

    I would be grateful if you could tell me …………………………………………….

6. Is the accommodation near the school?

    I would like to know if …………………… ……………………………………….

7. How many students are in each class?

    Could you tell me ………………………………………………………………….

8. Which book will we use?

    Would you mind telling me ………………………………

2. Check your writing: gap fill – useful phrases

    Write a word to fill the gaps and complete the email.

1 _______________ Mr Cotton, I am interested 2 _______________ studying at your language school and I am writing 3 _______________ request further information about your courses. Please could you tell me 4 _______________ there are still places available on the summer courses? I 5 _______________ also like to know how much a three-week course 6 _______________. Finally,I would be 7 _______________ if you could send me details of the accommodation that is available. I look 8 _______________ to 9 _______________ from you. Yours 10 _______________, Amit Khan

Discussion

Would you like to study in a different country?

KEY

Preparation
1. True 2. False 3. False 4. False 5. True

1. Check your writing: gap fill – indirect questions

1. when the course starts?
2. if I need to do a level test. OR whether I need to do a level test.
3. how much the course costs?
4. if you have native teachers? OR whether you have native teachers?
5. when your courses begin.
6. the accommodation is near the school.
7. how many students are in each class?
8. which book we will use?

2. Check your writing: gap fill – useful phrases

1. Dear
2. in
3. to
4. if OR whether
5. would
6. costs OR is
7. grateful
8. forward
9. hearing
10. sincerely