LETTER
FORMAL
HOW TO START
● We are writing you with reference to (the above order).
● With reference to your advertisement/letter of 10 March……
● We are pleased to have your inquiry of 25 of July….
● We acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated 12 April …..
● With reference to your letter inquiring about…
● With reference to our telephone conversation yesterday (about…),…
● We wish to remind you that…..
● I am writing this letter to request the cancellation of……..
● I am writing this letter to complain in the strongest terms about the poor service that I
have received from your company.
HOW TO REQUEST
● I would appreciate if you could
● I would be most grateful if you would
● Would you be so kind and…
● I was wondering if you could
HOW TO APOLOGISE
● We apologise for any inconvenience caused
● Please accept our sincere apologies
HOW TO COMPLAIN
● I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with
● I find it most unsatisfactory that
● I would like to complain about
HOW TO CLOSE THE LETTER
● I look forward to hearing from you
● If you require / Should you need…any further information, please do not hesitate to
contact me.
● Please feel free to contact me if you have further questions.
HOW TO SIGN OFF (Pay attention to the salutation)
SALUTATION SIGN OFF
Dear sir or madam yours faithfully
Dear Mr./Mrs/Ms yours sincerily
EXAMPLE
*SENDER’S ADDRESS
DATE
REQUEST / INVITATION
DETAILS
ACTIONS EXPECTED FROM THE RECIPIENT
CLOSING
RECEIPIENT’S ADDRESS
SALUTATION
INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE
REVIEW
FORMAT
Paragraph 1: INTRODUCTION State the name of book/film, author and date of
publication/release
Outline the thesis and main idea.
Paragraph 2: Summarize the plot in a few sentences.
BODY Mention the setting (the place and time)
Say something about the main characters.
Paragraph 3: Say something about the content.
BODY Comment some elements and aspects
Paragraph 4: Give your opinion and recommendation about the
CONCLUSION book / film.
USEFUL LANGUAGE
Paragraph 1: INTRODUCTION • …...... (Name of the book/film) is a romance/an
action film/a
cartoon/a biography…..
• The film/book tells the story of…….
• The story/film is set…….
• It´s based on…..
• It stars.....
• It´s written/directed by…….
Paragraph 2: • The story/film begins…/is about…..
BODY • The story focuses on...
• The story is set/ takes place in (place) in (time)…
• The film reaches a dramatic climax.....
• The story/film ends….
Paragraph 3: • It´s rather/quite long/confusing/moving/sad….
BODY • It´s a well-written book/ well-acted film…
• The script/the story is beautifully written
Paragraph 4: • In my opinion….
CONCLUSION • I would (not) recommend it because…..
• I really enjoyed/hated it because….
• It is definitely (not) worth seeing/reading…..
• Don’t miss it.
• I highly/thoroughly recommend it.
• If you are looking for a ….........story/film you
should definitely read/watch...
• It is a highly entertaining film/book/play....
• I was pleasantly surprised by …..
• If you get a chance to ….
EXAMPLE
ADJECTIVES TO DESCRIBE FILMS
MORE USEFUL VOCABULARY AND STRUCTURES (SPECIALLY FOR FILMS)
A review should include:
An introduction
‐ Facts and background information concerning the film, such as
the title
the name of the artists or actors and actresses
the name of the director
the type of movie
the place where the story in the film happens ( i.e. the setting )
A main body
‐ Usually make up of 2 paragraphs:
1st – describing the main features of the plot ( or summary of the story in the film )
2nd – general comments and opinions on
‐the acting
‐the music
‐the photography
‐the colour / animation ( if it is a cartoon )
‐the setting
‐the costumes
‐special effects ( e.g. sci‐fi movies)
A conclusion
‐ Include a recommendation and reasons why you recommend the film
Useful Language : vocabulary / phrases / expressions
Background
‐ The film is set in …
‐ This fascinating film is…
‐ This film originates from a novel named …
‐ The film is directed by…
‐ The film is based on a novel / a real life story of a…
‐ This is a comedy / horror film / love story / cartoon / science fiction movie / war film / Kung
Fu film /an action film/ a thriller / a spy movie /
Main points of the plot
‐ The plot focuses on…
‐ The story begins / concerns about / is about…
‐ The plot / story has a twist in …
‐ The film reaches a climax when…
‐ The plot is absolutely thrilling / exciting / fascinating / touching / romantic / surprising…
General comments and opinions
‐ It is rather confusing / long / slow / boring
‐ The cast is excellent / weak / awful / unconvincing
‐ The script/ story is dull / clever / exciting
‐ It has a tragic / surprising / dramatic ending
‐ It does not come across as true / convincing
‐ The music / sound effect is dull / rich
‐ It is a catchy tune as backing music
‐ The theme song is powerful / weak / satisfying
‐ The colour in the photography is natural / spectacular / dull / dark and frightening
‐ The acting is true to life / powerful / natural
Useful recommendations
‐ Don’t miss it!
‐ It is well worth seeing!
‐ It will change the way you see ( e.g. young people) after watching this film.
‐ It is bound to be a box‐office hit.
‐ I highly / thoroughly / strongly recommend it.
‐ It is highly entertaining.
‐ It is certainly at the top of my list of good movies.
‐ Fans of … will no doubt be thrilled with this.
‐ It’s a must!
‐ I would not recommend this because…
‐ Wait until it comes out on video.
‐ It ‘s a boring movie. Don’t bother with this one.
‐ Only watch this film if you have plenty of time to spare.
NOMINATION
FORMAT
PARAGRAPH 1: INTRODUCTION State the name of
the nominee and give a brief
but a general summary of his/her
achievements.
(Try to grab the reader’s attention)
PARAGRAPH 2: BODY Describe the nominee’s achievements
PARAGRAPH 3: BODY Discuss specific, and impressive,
achievements.
PARAGRAPH 4: CONCLUSION Sum up and stress the importance of
his/her achievements.
EXAMPLE
REPORT