Formal Letter

Format (Example – Letter of Complaint)

Dear Sir / Madam / name,

1. Introduction
Directly to the company:
- I am writing to lodge a complaint about …
- I find … far from satisfaction / failed to live up to my expectations.
- My experience in the above mentioned period / event was nothing but a mess.
To the Editor:
- I would like to express my discontent /annoyance/ dissatisfaction with …
- The services there failed to live up to my expectations.

2. Body paragraphs
→ Structure:
1. Original expectation
2. Observations (5 senses)
3. Development + elaboration (give details)
4. Impacts (on you / other users)
5. Feelings (disgust, dreadful, disappointed)
→ Useful points
1. Physical environment (appalling facilities / overcrowding / unhygienic)
2. Human resources (indifferent attitude of the staff / poor coordination)
3. Advertisements (misleading / exaggerated / violate the Trade Description
Ordinance 商品說明條例)
4. After-sales services (late delivery / no response on the consumers’ hotline)
5. Hygiene (Toilet: water overflowing / faeces everywhere / cockroaches crawling //
Food: rotten meat / insects crawling / lack of selection)
6. Terms and conditions (require for refund or replacement)
- The first thing in mind is the … (e.g. poor service by the front desk counter staff /
 concierge)
- Equally frustrating was …
- Another thing that I find disappointing is that …
- We have been filled with dismay by the appalling conditions in …
- To my dismay/discomfort, (the soup was spilt all over my new dress.)
- Never had I expected paying a visit … could be so disappointing.
- We were really disappointed and upset.

3. Conclusion
o I hope this matter will be dealt with as soon as possible
Directly to the company:
- While my experience was dreadful and left me and my family very upset, I am
convinced that it is merely an
isolated incident, and you will take the matter seriously to prevent the recurrence
of similar situations.
- I hope to receive an apology letter from the management board of your company.
(for strong letter) Otherwise, I will not hesitate to contact local news reporters and
have my experience reported.
- (ask for refund) Only with a full refund can my anger be relieved and loss be
compensated. I anticipate your earliest response.
- (general ask for refund) I am entitled to compensation/ refund/ replacement
- If the hygiene standards in your coffee shop continue to fall short of our
expectations, we will have no other
options but choose not to renew your contract
To the Editor:
- I hope that no other consumers would commit the same mistake as I did and never
set foot into this shop until the service has been significantly improved.

Yours sincerely/ faithfully,

Chris Wong
Chris Wong
Position (職位)
Useful Sentence
1. Opening (開端)

目的 句式
表明寫信目的 1. I am writing + to + v. + 詳細資料
(Purpose of writing) Example: I am writing to request a change of performance date in the 2000
Hong Kong Youth Arts Festival.

2. We would like + to + v. + 詳細資料

Example: We would like to request a change of performance date in the
2000 Hong Kong Youth Arts Festival.

代表學校或機構， 1. I am writing + on behalf of X + to + v. + 詳細資料

表明寫信目的 Example: I am writing on behalf of our group “The Image” to request a
(on behalf of …) change of performance date in the 2000 Hong Kong Youth Arts Festival.
Example: I am writing on behalf of the English Club to book your camp.

請求支持 (request) 1. I am writing to ask your support for + n. + 詳細資料

Example: I am writing to ask your support for our graduation dinner on 15th
June, 2014.

2. I am writing to request for your support for + n. + 詳細資料

Example: I am writing to request for your support for our school’s Charity
Day on 25th November, 2013.

籌款 (funding) 1. I am writing + to + raise funds + for + n. + 詳細資料

Example: I am writing to raise funds for the Environmental Society.

2. We would like + to + raise funds + for + n. + 詳細資料

Example: We would like to raise funds for the victims of the typhoon
disasters in India

通知 (information) 1. I am writing to notify you of the information about + n. + 詳細資料

Example: I am writing to notify you of the information about the singing
contest at 4:30 p.m. in the school hall.

2. I am writing to inform you of + n. + 詳細資料

Example: I am writing to inform you of the details of the walkathon.

3. We are happy to inform you that + SVO

We are writing to inform you that + SVO
Example: We are happy to inform you that we have accepted your
invitation.
 目的 句式
感謝 1. I am writing to express my gratitude to you + for + v. + ing + 詳細資料
(thank you letter I am writing to express my gratitude to you + for + n. + 詳細資料
/ gratitude / grateful) Example: I am writing to express my gratitude to you for agreeing to come
and give a talk to us during the event.
Example: I am writing to express my gratitude to you for your financial
assistance for the exchange tour.
2. I am writing to thank you for v. + ing + 詳細資料
I am writing to thank you + for + n. + 詳細資料
Example: I am writing to thank you for your generous donation to us last
month.
邀請 1. I am writing to invite you to + 活動 +日期
(invitation letter) Example: I am writing to invite you to our 2007 photo exhibition on 6th
September, 2013.

2. I am writing to invite you to come to + 活動 +日期

Example: I am writing to invite you to come to the Photography Club’s
annual exhibition on 7 July.

3. I am writing to invite you to participate in + 活動 +日期

Example: I am writing to invite you to participate in our school’s “Skyscraper
Day 2011”.

3. I am writing to invite you to help us organize + a / an+ 活動

Example: I am writing to invite you to help us organize a tree-planting
activity.

招聘 1. I am writing to + recruit + some students / people + to + v. + 詳細資料

(recruitment) Example: I am writing to recruit some students to be volunteers in the
coming Open Day on 25 April.

申請 (application) 1. I am writing to apply for + n. + 詳細資料

Example: I am writing to apply for the scholarship of your school.
Example: I am writing to apply for the post of student ambassador in your
organization.
2. With reference to + n. +詳細資料, I would like to apply for + n. +詳細
資料
Example: With reference to the advertisement on February 12, I would like
to apply for the job of intern assistant.
自我介紹 (self- 1. I am + 姓名, + 職位
introduction) Example: I am Isabella Chan, president of the Green School Club at St. John’s
Secondary School.
 目的 句式
回信 / 回覆 1. I am writing + to reply to + your letter + about + n.
(reply) Example: I am writing to reply to your letter about the quality of food in
the school canteen.
2. I am writing + to reply to + your letter + of + 日期 + about + 名詞片
語
Example: I am writing to reply to your letter of December 24 about the
customer services of our company.
3. I am writing + in reply to + your letter + about + n.
Example: I am writing in reply to your letter about the arrangement of the
School Open Day.
4. I am writing + in response to + your letter + of + 日期 + about 名詞
片語
Example: I am writing in response to your letter of November 12 about the
exchange programme.
5. With reference to + your letter + on +日期, SVO
Example: With reference to your letter on January 31, we would like to
address your concerns.
6. With reference to + your article + on +日期, SVO
Example: With reference to your article on March 25, we would like to
explain the purposes and benefits of the Students’ Adventure Day.

回覆讀者/觀眾意見 1. Thank you for your letter and we understand the concerns you
(reply to leaders raised.
reply to audience)
投訴 (complain) 1. I am writing to complain about + n. + 詳細資料
Example: I am writing to complain about the poor services of your
company

申請資助 (subsidy) 1. I am writing + on behalf of A + to + invite B + to + subsidize +

n. + 詳細資料
Example: I am writing on behalf of the Student Union to invite the Parent-
Teacher Association to subsidize students to attend the “Course on
Leadership and Teamwork” from 21 August (Friday) to 25 August (Tuesday).

2. I am writing + to + request your sponsorship + for + n. + 詳細資料

Example: I am writing to request your sponsorship for the exchange
programme organized by the English Society from 20 July (Monday) to 28
July (Tuesday).

3. I am writing + to + ask for financial support + for + n. + 詳細資料

Example: I am writing to ask for financial support for the course on
Leadership and Teamwork.
2. Closing (禮貌的總結/期望)

目的 句式
表示感激 1. I / We + would be + grateful + if + you + could + v. + 詳細資料
(gratitude / grateful) Example: I would be grateful if you could arrange an interview for me.
Example: We would be grateful if you could give us the confirmation by
15 September.
Example: We would be grateful if you could accept our invitation.
叫對方聯絡 1. Please + do not hesitate + to contact me / us + if + SVO
(contact) Example: Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Example: Please do not hesitate to contact us if our booking is successful.
2. Please feel free to contact me if you need further details.
3. If you have any enquiries, please feel free to contact + 人
Example: If you have any enquiries, please feel free to contact John Chan.
4. If you need further information, please feel free to contact +人+at
+電話號碼
Example: If you need further information, please feel free to contact
Terry Wong at 98765432
5. If you need further information, please feel free to contact +人
+at+ 電郵地址
Example: If you need further information, please feel free to contact
Andy Lim at andylim@[Link].
6. If you are interested and need more information, please visit
[Link]
希望資訊有用 1. I hope that the above information would be helpful.
2. I hope you will find the information useful.
提醒參加者回信 1. If you are interested, please kindly reply to this email by 10th May.
提醒參加者交申請表 2. If you are interested, please submit the application form to 人/機
構 by 日期
Example: If you are interested, please submit the application form to the
Student Union Office by 10th May.
回覆讀者/觀眾意見 1. Thank you for your valuable opinions.
期待對方的回信 1. I look forward to your favourable reply.
2. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
鼓勵對方來臨 1. Come and join us!
期待對方來臨 2. We look forward to seeing you + in + the+地點
Example: We look forward to seeing you in the exhibition.
期待對方接受邀請 1. I hope you will accept our invitation.
感謝對方閱讀信件 1. Thank you for your kind attention.
附件 1. I have enclosed + the +名詞片語
(attachment) Example: I have enclosed the advert of the exhibition.
2. Enclosed is + the +名詞片語 + for your reference.
Example: Enclosed is the rundown of the walkathon for your reference.
宜用 furthermore/moreover/the aforementioned information 等 formal 連接詞

宜用 inversion
Formal Letter/ Formal Article/Survey 常用句式

I would like to inform you about + SVO I am writing to remind you of + n.

I am writing in response to your enquiry Hopefully, the following can address your
about + n. concerns.
In view of + n., + SVO To tackle this problem, + SVO
It was found that + SVO It can be concluded that + SVO
Thank you for your contribution. Regarding + n., + SVO
With respect to + n., + SVO
I would be more than happy to render you SVO, thereby + v.+ing (藉此)
further details.
You can be assured that + SVO We sincerely hope that our request could be
granted.
Please kindly suggest + n. Should you have further enquiries, please
promptly contact me via email.
Thank you and we look forward to your
favourable reply soon.

Letter of Reply 常用句式

I am writing on behalf of + n. + in response SVO + but the claim is unfounded.

to + n. (指控無根據)
We understand + SVO We want to clarify the doubts + sbdy +
raised.
In response to your concern about + n., + I hope the above clarifications can clear any
SVO doubts.

Report
Format

Title (大標題)
Example:
- A Report on ___
- A Comparison of ___
- An Investigation into ___
- An Analysis of ___
 Introduction(介紹)
 Introduction of the issue (研究議題介紹)
 Reason for writing (寫作原因)
 Purpose of writing (寫作目的)

Example:
This report has been prepared in order to further investigate into______

Body (內文)
Findings 研究結果
 State the findings (列出數據)
 Analyze the findings (分析數據)

Express facts about the survey results:

- An overwhelming majority of people suggested that ___
- The majority / minority of the respondents expressed approval / disapproval of ___
- A significant / small percentage of those interviewed reported that ___
- There is an alarming increase of ___
- There is a sudden / gradual increase / decrease in ___

Express generalisation from the survey results:

- This fact illustrates / confirms / indicates that ___
- The underlying reasons for ___ are ___
- The study conducted evidently shows the problem of ___
- The undesirable situation can be attributed to ___

Recommendation
 A list of problems (列出問題)
 Suggestions / Actions to be taken to solve each problem (解決每一個問題的建議)

Recommendations:
- In light of these findings, we have the following suggestions and recommendations
to help solve the problem.
- One suggestion being put forward is ___
- Prompt actions should be taken to rectify the situation without further delay
 - Launch a review of how overseas jurisdictions combated the problem.
- Introduce penalties targeting ___

Conclusion (總結 +期望)

→ summarise the above information and may include suggestions and recommendations
Summarise:
- On the whole, ___
- All in all, ___
- The main conclusion that can be drawn is that, ___
- On the basis of the survey findings mentioned above, it would seem that ___
- It is to be hoped that the aforementioned recommendations will be implemented.

Useful sentence
目的 句式
引用數據 1. According to the survey, + SVO
Example: According to the survey, 30% of the students in Hong Kong do not
exercise at all.
2. The majority of respondents + v. + 詳細資料
Example: The majority of respondents (88%) come across challenges in finding
somewhere to live.
3. XX% of people in the survey + point out that / disagree that
Example: 87% of people in the survey point out that heavy schoolwork leads to
the lack of exercise.
4. Over XX% of people in the survey + point out that / disagree that
Example: Over 60% of people in the survey disagree that the school should
increase the air-conditioning fee.
5. The total number of + 名詞片語 + 時間 + is + 數字
Example: The total number of our Photography Club members this year is 55.
6. There are +數字 +名詞片語 +時間
Example: There are 55 English Club members this year.

表明活動目的 1. The purpose of + the event / the activity + is to + v. +名詞片語

Example: The purpose of the event is to raise students’ awareness of personal
hygiene.
2. We/The event / The activity + aim(s) to + v. +名詞片語
Example: The event aims to improve students’ English oral skills.
Example: We aim to raise the living conditions of people in developing countries.

說明活動的時間、日 1. The event / The activity + will start + at + 時間

期和地點 Example: The talk will start at 3:00 p.m.
 2. The venue will be + 地點
Example: The venue will be the school hall.
3. The event / The activity + will take place + at/in +地點
Example: The activity will take place at the Convention and Exhibition Centre.
4. The event / The activity + will be held + at + 時間 + on + 日期
Example: The event will be held at 3:00 p.m. on 12th December, 2013.
5. The event / The activity + will be held + in / at + 地點
Example: The activity will be held in the school hall.
Example: The activity will be held in the school hall at our college.
6. The event / The activity + will be held + in / at + 地點 + at + 時間 + on + 日
期
Example: The graduation ceremony will be held at the school hall at 3:00 p.m. on
31st May, 2013.
7. The programme / The project will last for 維持時間 from 日期一 to 日期
二.
Example: The project will last for 3 weeks from 5th July to 26th July.
目的 句式
根據 1. According to + 名詞, +SVO
Example: According to the audience, the programme was funny and
entertaining.

比較 1. Compared to +名詞片語 + 詳細資料, +SVO

Example: Compared to the average revenue of programmes in the same
time slot, the advertising revenue from the programme was generally
greater.

比較數據 1. The number of +名詞片語 + has increased from 細數字 + 時間

大數字 + 時間
The number of +名詞片語 + has risen from 細數字 + 時間
大數字 + 時間
Example: The number of Economics Society members has increased from
21 last year to 51 this year.

2. The number of +名詞片語 + has decreased from 大數字 + 時間

小數字 + 時間
The number of +名詞片語 + has reduced from 大數字 + 時間
小數字 + 時間
The number of +名詞片語 + has declined from 大數字 + 時間
小數字 + 時間
Example: The number of participants has decreased from 71 last year to 51
this year.

宗旨 1. Our club’s mission is to + v. +詳細資料

Our organization’s mission is to + v. +詳細資料
Example: Our club’s mission is to enable the school and all the students to
 Percentage (%) Word Example
100% All (of) All (of) the students in the school like sports.
90% or above Almost all (of) Almost all (of) the students like sports.
66%-90% Most (of the) Most (of the) students like sports.
Above 50% More than half of the More than half of the students like sports.
50% Half of the Half of the students like sports.
45%-55% About half of the About half of the students like sports.
30%-44% Less than half of the Less than half of the students like sports.
20%-30% Some of the Some of the students like sports.
Below 20% Few (of the)/ Little (of the) Few of the students like sports.

go green.

Report 常用句式

In view of + n., + SVO Regarding + n., + SVO

In regard to + n., + SVO It is suggested that + SVO

It is recommended that + SVO It is to be hoped that the aforementioned

recommendations will be implemented.
 0%/ 減少
增加 None of幅度
the / No None of the students
例子 like sports.

1. 增加 slowly (緩慢地) No number

The studentsof
like sports. has increased
members
increase slightly (輕微地) slightly from 25 last year to 30 this year.
rise gradually (逐漸地) The cost has risen sharply from $10,000 to
climb steadily (持續地) $50,000.

2. 減少 decrease quickly (快速地) The number of classes has fallen gradually

reduce rapidly (迅速地) from 30 last year to 26 this year.
decline The percentage share of teenage audience
sharply (急劇地)
fall has declined drastically from 60% last
drastically (急劇地)
drop month to 20% this month.
dramatically (急劇地)
3. 保持不變 The number of members remains the same.
remain the same

Proposal Formal
Format

Proposal for + 名詞片語 / v. + ing

Introduction(介紹)
Introduction
 Reason for the proposal (寫作建議書的原因)
 Purpose of the proposal (寫作建議書的目的)

Example:
- As a student (or other identity), I am submitting the following proposal on how to
make the activity more fruitful and appealing to somebody (target audience).

Body (內文)
小標題 1
建議 1 (建議原因 + 實行細節)

小標題 2
建議 2 (建議原因 + 實行細節)
 小標題 3
建議 3 (建議原因 + 實行細節)

Conclusion (總結 + 希望讀者接納建議)

Example
- As a student who lacks experience in organizing large scale activities as such, I may
not be able to give
comprehensive recommendations on the most suitable activities for the campaign.
- However, it is my firm belief that the proposed activities can contribute a part.
- Thank you very much for your kind attention and I hope my proposal will be given
due consideration.

Useful Sentence
目的 句式
給建議 1. We suggest + that + SVO
Example: We suggest that the radio station should broadcast more
diversified programmes.

2. We recommend + that + SVO

Example: We recommend that the school should build more
recreational facilities for students.

3. It is suggested + that + SVO

Example: It is suggested that the school should buy more computers
for students.

4. It is recommended + that + SVO

Example: It is recommended that the show should have a more
serious and mature presenter.

Debate speech / Event Speech

Format

Greeting (打招呼)
 SeIf-introduction + Topic Introduction (自我介紹 + 演說目的 + 演說簡述)

Example:
(Debate)
- Good morning respected judges, my honourable opponents and members of the
audience.
- It is an honour here to speak of my view on the topic of xxx
- Our team strongly agrees / is strongly opposed to this motion on the following
grounds.
- When it comes to questioning how...people would answer unanimously that...
- Although..., it is undeniable that...
- Let’s start with

(Event)
- Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.
- I am xxx from yyy.
- On behalf of yyy,I would like to thank you for coming to zzz.
- This year event couldn’t have been a huge success without your generous
participation!
- It is my great pleasure to share with you

Body (內文)
段落 1
 標題句 + 詳細內容

段落 2
 標題句 + 詳細內容

段落 3
 標題句 + 詳細內容

Example of Interactions
- Have you ever heard about xxx?
 - Isn’t it clear that …?
- Let me tell you a fact …
- You may wonder …
- I bet all of you …
- When speaking of ……, there is a lot to say. But like anyone of you, I was just

Counter-argument
- Our worthy opponents (opposition / proposition side) may tell you …
- However, this is not the case / is merely an isolated incident.

Conclusion (總結 + 對讀者的期望 + 結束演說)

Example
(Debate)
- We firmly believe that …
- I sincerely hope that you will support our team’s stance.
- Today’s motion should / should not stand. Thank you.

(General)
- I hope you enjoy the other sessions of today’s open day.
- Thank you.

Useful Sentence
Greeting 1. Good morning / afternoon, everyone.
(打招呼) 2. Good morning / afternoon. principal, teachers, parents and
schoolmates.
Self-introduction 1. Welcome to … I am XXX, the president of YYY.
(自我介紹) Example: Welcome to the opening ceremony of the
Environmental Week. I am Peter Chan, the Principal of ABC
Secondary School.
Example: Welcome to the assembly today. I am Chris Wong, the
President of Student Union.

2. It is a great pleasure to greet and welcome all of you to

attend
today’s XXX.
Example: It is a great pleasure to greet and welcome all of you to
 attend today’s ceremony.

3. It is my honour to greet and welcome all of you to attend

today’s XXX.
Example: It is my honour to greet and welcome all of you to
attend
today’s ceremony.

4. Thank you very much for coming to + the +活動

Example: Thank you very much for coming to the exhibition.
Topic Introduction 1. I would like to share with you + 名詞片語 / v. + ing
(帶出講題) Example: I would like to share with you the importance of
protecting the environment.

2. I would like to introduce +名詞片語

Example: I would like to introduce the activities of the Dancing
Club.
Conclusion 1. I sincerely hope that you will find the speech meaningful/
(總結) educational/useful / inspiring.
2. I sincerely hope that you will find the activities meaningful/
educational/useful / inspiring.
3. I believe you can learn a lot and have great fun by joining
the Dancing Club.
4. Take action now. Let’s save our planet.
5. Don’t hesitate. Come and join us now.
6. That’s the end of my speech. Thank you very much.
7. Thank you.

Speech 常用句式

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen and all Welcome to + n.

of our honourable guests.
It’s my honour to be here today to speak to Have you ever heard of + n.
you
To your surprise, + SVO Unbelievable, right?
Hope you will + v. Thank you very much!
Biography/Profile/Biodata/Background/Description
of people (人物介紹)
Format

Title (大標題)

Introduction(介紹)
Introduction
 Age (年齡)
 School / Work (學校/工作)
 Family (家庭)

Body (內文)
小標題 1
 Hobbies and interests (嗜好與興趣)

小標題 2
 Past experiences (以前經歷)

小標題 3
 Special experiences and what the person has learnt (特別經歷和學會甚麼道理)

小標題 3
 What is the person doing? (正在做甚麼?)

小標題 4
 What will the person do? (將會做甚麼?)

Conclusion (總結 + 祝願)

Useful Sentence
Introduction 1. Age (年齡)
/ Background Ricky Wong is 16 years old.
(介紹)
 2. Role (身分)/ Job (職業)
Ricky Wong is a student.
David Chan is a famous artist in Hong Kong.

3. School (學校) / Place of work (工作機構)

He studies in Fanling Government Secondary School.
He has worked for the TVB for 20 years.

4. Place of living (居住地方)

He lives in Shatin.

5. Family(家庭)
Ricky has two brothers and sisters.
Ricky has two siblings.
David has a wife and two daughters.
Ricky’s mother works at a stall in a wet market.

Hobbies and Fencing is his greatest interest.

interests He also likes playing table tennis and chatting with his friends online.
嗜好與興趣

Past experiences Ricky was seriously injured in a traffic accident.

以前經歷 As for achievements, Ricky represented Hong Kong and won the Asian
Junior Foil Championship.
David acted in a number of films when he was a child.

Special experiences 1. Special experiences (特別經歷)

特別經歷 Ricky has been paralyzed from waist down since he was four.
Ricky has been practicing wheelchair fencing since he joined Fanling
Government Secondary School.

2. Benefits and Lessons (好處和學會的道理)

To begin with, fencing has made him stronger.
Besides, it has made him more focused and self-confident.
In fact, his schoolwork has improved.
Lastly, he has met many interesting and nice people.

What is the person Ricky practises very hard every day.

doing? 現在做甚麼? Ricky is focusing on passing his HKDSE.
David is acting in a Hollywood film.

What will the person Ricky will represent Hong Kong in the 2016 Brazil Paralympics.
do? (將會做甚麼?) In the long term, Ricky hopes to help other people with disabilities.
 Summary (2017 DSE)
- Keep the content concise and informative. Avoid redundancy.

(Heading)

- Summary of __(staff opinions)__ on the plan of ____

Subheadings

- There are opinions that ...

- It is suggested that the ___ should be made into the ___, and we could have ___
- Some staff members are of the view (formal expression)
- It is recommended that verb (+ing)
- Some of us suggested/ proposed/ recommended that verb (+ing) allowing visitors

Webpage for a company (2017 DSE)

- Tone should be positive self-promotion
- Use of pronouns: ‘we’ or ‘company’s name’ to show sense of idendity

Opeing

○ Welcome to our webpage!

○ (company) has always been dedicated to doing sth. since our establishment.
Body

○ We are proud to declare that

○ We pledge to do our best to
○ These measures are indicative of our commitment to (doing sth.)
Closing

○ We hope that our projects will have your utmost support for the years to come
○ We look forward to your continued support to our company.
○ If you are interested in xxx, come and visit us!
Sponsorship letter
Dear xxx

Title Request for sponsorship: (Event name)

Opening ● On behalf of … I am writing to request sponsorship from our company for

Topic sentence ● I think you must be interested in what our activity is about and how it is
beneficial to local
students.

Content and ● Without a doubt, the above mentioned activity will earn both (interest of
elaboration the activity) and your company some benefits.

Ending ● It is sincerely hoped that your company could be involved in this

worthwhile project.

Asking for reply ● We do look forward to receiving your kind subsidy.

● Thank you very much for your attention.

Survey
Introduction

o In hopes of getting a clear picture of the phenomenon aforementioned and coming

up with possible solutions to the problem, we would like to know what you think and
the general public’s perception of the issue. We would really appreciate if you can
take several minutes to leave your valuable opinions.
o 2012 T8:
In a hustle-and-bustle city like Hong Kong, when you are talking, you may be
interrupted by people with what they think you are about to say. This may give you a
feeling of insignificance and a sense of isolation.
 Argumentative essay

1. Title

● __ is a must / Zero tolerance for ___

● Is ___ a boon or bane to _(target)_
● xxx - a laudable policy
● xxx - a leap in the dark

2. Opening

● With just a few clicks on the keyboard and the mouse, you will see articles and photos
about ___ flooding your news feed.
● A recent article on the development of ___ / the phenomenon of ___ has stirred up /
triggered heated
controversies.

● The issue of whether xxx has hit the headlines.

● The phenomenon of ___ is not uncommon / ubiquitous
● It could certainly a terribly stressful moment - I had witnessed...
● Have you ever wondered...
● Recently, the issue of... has aroused wide concern among various circles and provoked
a stir among the locals.
(Opinions)

● The advocates put forward the idea..., while the sceptics including... insist that...

Opponent

● Claiming that... At the same time

● The above stands firmly as a justified reason
Your stance (argumentative)

● There is a diverse spectrum of opinions of xxx.

● The advocates cling to the idea … while critics point their fingers at / frown upon
_____
● Divergent as people’s views on this issue in question may be, I am in favour of the
idea because its benefits outweigh its drawbacks.
● With the latest tug of war about... , I am in favour of the idea that
● Although the suggestion may sound palatable, personally I do not support it.

Examine the issue (expository)

● Both sides of the argument are supported by cogent reasons.

● It is worthwhile to explore the positive and negative aspects of xxx so that we can
judge if it is desirable / advisable for sb. to do sth.
● Does it saying anything about the latest tug of war about the … ?

3. Body paragraphs

(Topic sentence)
1st point

● ... are nothing if not a...

● ... is essential, if not indispensable, ...
● The idea..., but surprisingly, it ...

2nd point

● In contrast,
● (noun phrase) is another important factor that
● Alongside (noun phrase), under no circumstances should we overlook the fact that
● Apart from the aforementioned benefits. it is irrefutable that...
● Another point to be noted is that...
● what is more worth noticing that...
● From a more holistic point of view,
last point

● Last but not least, it is of... that

(現況/問題特質/opponent idea)

● In light of...
● Constructive as this suggestion may sound, implementing this measure would
invariably lead to a host of problems.
● Granted = thanks to

(example)

● The statistic of / According to

● …is a case in point.

(現況/持份者特質)

● Yet, it goes against the growing evidence that...

● Every coin has two sides

(Emphasis)

● Isn't it preposterous for some advocates to uphold the claim that...(opponent's idea)
given that (not reasonable point)?
● merely calling for a halt to ... to be a hollow talk

● We have to recognize that

● It should do it utmost to...
● It is pretty a hard time
● Realistic yet astonishing
● a forceful illusion is that..

(Action)

● It is high time
 ● It is patently obvious that...
● It is beyond dispute that...

(Small Conclusion)

● The last thing we would like to see

● I am not justifying that (opponent's idea), but
● It is self-evident that...

4. 過渡段

● Can we...? Can we...? Is there a possible way for us to...?

5. Suggestion

● ... leave a lot to be desired.

● To find a way out in this harsh dilemma,
● One of the solutions that gets to the culprits of the problem of … is to …
● If the governement can utlize more resources from the fiscal reserve to help…

6. Counter arguments

● Critics put forth the idea that ___. However, I am certain that this is not the case
● This argument may seem reasonable on the surface, but upon closer inspection, it
does not hold

7. Conclusion

● As..., we should...
● Taking all aspects into account, it is my firm conviction that svo
● Judging from the above well-documented analysis, it is my firm conviction that...,
instead, we should...
● (呼籲) It is earnestly hoped that... as it not only..., but also
● (呼籲) It is alarming and impactful enough to be the wake-up call for us to strive for...
 in order to shore
up our worth in the eyes of ...

● I hereby urge the government to

● we, [comapny], have stayed in contact with ...
● By and large
● solves acute social ills such as

Feature article

Opening

○ Welcome back!
○ The most striking news in this month’s edition of (___________) is undoubtedly (your
theme)
○ There is no way that you have no idea what SVO.
○ So read on to find out more about YYY.
OR:

○ Welcome back!
○ What you would be most eager to know in this edition of XXX can doubtlessly be
found in this feature article…
○ There is no way that you have no idea what SVO.
○ So read on to find out more about YYY.

Urge the readers to read on from the very beginning. By Stating why they have to read it

o Example:
Do you want a fitter body? Are you a foodie? If your answers to both questions are
affirmative, you are strongly advised to read this article to find out more about
Miso2 – the new restaurant on our campus, its concept and its

association with the Eat Yourself Fitter Week.

• Involve the readers i.e. Increase interactions btw the writer and the readers. By throwing
questions
➔ evolved version: start each paragraph by asking a question/sth similar

o Example
When explaining the significance of a choice: Why veggies?

When introducing the readers to the basic facts of XXX: So, what is XXX?

P2 sentence pattern

Encouragement

- Misfortune never comes singly.

- the sense of accomplishment has driven me to pursue perfection relentlessly in ……
career.
- When asked about …… ever faced by ……, most of them will be unanimous in their
answer - ……/
- While it is beyond doubt that …… is indeed the most ……
- The biggest challenge I have ever confronted, in fact,
- shower me with support
- It was a shame to say but, …… were not satisfactory at all; or rather, terrible.
- But I can tell you: there is no shame to pursue your own dream
- However trivial or mediocre your dream may seem in others’eyes, you should strive
and fight for your chosen path of life.
- No mattere how many times you fail, stand up and keep endeavouring.
- once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

Special expressions

- turn over a new leaf

- let bygones be bygones
- Like a minefield, ... can become a ticket to lifelong misery and regret
- Take a stroll down the street and you will come across
- share glee and sorrow together
- swarms of shallow idiots
- cram into a train with passengers packed like sardines.
- Encounter closed fists and clenched jaws.
- have a glimpse of...
- nip at the heels of...
- by leaps and bounds
- a large pile of books/clothes
- An appealing and decent appearance is an integral part of politeness

Doubts

- without a shadow of doubts

Connection

- not to mention
- in the same vein = at the same time
- It is worth noting that...
- As aforementioned, ...
- for the sake of...
- with this in mind,...
- It may sound …… that
- at the top of the priority list/one's agenda

People

- people at the lowest rung of our society

- all walks of life

Competition

- With such a high bar

- An edge over
- turn over a new leaf
- tackle doubt thrown on you
- cut-throat competition
- at present is still reliant heavily on
- a sense of inferiority

Inversion

- Seldom will they

- However, under no circumstances should we underestimate...