How to improve the studentsletter writing skill in english at higgh school

Some different types of formal letters and informal letters: * Letters of complaint: - A letter of complaint usually includes 3 parts: Part 1: Introduction: paragraph 1 - reason for wri

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page

2.1.4 Some different types of formal letters and informal letters 6

2.3.3 Some demonstrations in teaching writing 16

types of letters in English

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Reasons for the study

The term “IELTS” has been so popular all over the world InternationalEnglish Language Testing System or IELTS has become very important toVietnamese students as well as Vietnamese people To begin with, it is vital forstudents planning to study abroad It is a solid foundation for them to continuetheir study with programs taught at well-known universities abroad Next, manyuniversities in Vietnam now accept the IELTS 3.5 qualification to exempt fromthe English programs in class Some universities take IELTS standards as theoutput of students' English proficiency Finally, it can help if you want to applyfor a job in a foreign company or a non-governmental organization becauseIELTS certificate is important when employers evaluate your ability Or even at

a company that does not require an IELTS, having an IELTS certificate will alsohelp you stand out from someone who does not have an IELTS IELTS license

is one of the extremely favorable conditions to help you get promotionopportunities and be trusted by your boss for important jobs and great partners

In conclusion, everyone should take an IELTS certificate However, is itdifficult to get one? I will say NO if you master all the skills of English Writing

a letter is a must for everyone who takes General training module of IELTS.

Letter writing is an essential skill Despite the prevalence of emails andtext messages, everyone has to write at some point Letters of complaint, jobapplications, thank you letters, letters requesting or making suggestions- the listgoes on and on Encouraging students to write, especially write types of letters

in English will improve their communication, social and handwriting skills andteach them what they need to know about writing and structuring letters Toacquire good letter writing skill, students must have vocabulary, usefullanguages; understand the grammatical structure and have information on theproper formats of letters

Although letter writing is an important skill, many students at high school are

not interested in it For them, learning letter writing skill means inevitable failure Good writing is sometthing they believe they will never be able to

achieve, because they do not know how to write and use reasonable structures…They often get low marks when doing the tests on letter writing skill and itaffects their learning’s result Therefore, I boldly write the initiative with the

topic: “HOW TO IMPROVE THE STUDENTS’LETTER WRITING SKILL IN ENGLISH AT HIGH SCHOOL” to help students understand how

to write types of letters and help them do good in every test

1.2 Aims of the study

From the fact above, I am constantly researching, learning andimplementing teaching methods to find out how to teach writing skills,especially letter writing skill effectively such as:

- Helping students understand how to write some types of letter

- Helping students know how to use the sructure in each part of the letter

- Helping students not only love writing skills more and conquer thepsychological fear when facing writing tasks but also apply letter writing skill intheir daily lives

1.3 Object of the study

+ Teaching methods help to promote the positiveness and the ability to use thewritten language of students in the high school English program

+ Students in grades 10, 11, 12 of Thach Thanh 1 High School

1.4 Study method

+ Observation Method

+ Research and Practice Method

+ Synthesis method

1.5 The new points of the initiative

In this information technology era, in addition to the activities and types

of textbook exercises, reference books, wed sites, I have designed andimplemented ones which are not in the textbook so that my students will have ageneral view about letter writing to promote their creation, to develop thinkingand ability to use English in written language and meet the need of the academicexaminations

2 STUDY CONTENT

2.1 Theoretical Rationale of the study

As this study focuses on how to improve letter writing skill, it’s necessary

to understand the concept of “letter” as well as types of letters

- An informal letter is usually addressed to family members, relatives, friends,

or people we know personally

- It is usually written in an easy and friendly manner

May, 2019

Dear Aunt,

I was surprised to receive your birthday gift of $30 I will use the money

to purchase a nice, sporty shirt Thank you very much

Your niece,

Mary

*/ Formal letter:

A formal letter is usually addressed to people we don’t know very well, people

we haven’t met, or people who are in authority

- It is usually written to give information, express a concern, make a request orcomplain

- It uses a polite and more formal style than a personal letter

Yours sincerely,

Mai

2.1.3 Format of a letter:

A letter format consists of the following parts: the heading

the salutation/ greeting the body

the subcription/closing the signature

+) The heading:

- The heading is usually written in the upper right-hand corner of the page.

- It contains the address of the sender and the date on which the sender is writingthe letter

- The address can extend to two or more lines

- The date can be written in full or only using number when writing a formalletter, whereas when writing an informal letter to a person you know very well,and who knows your address, the address can be omitted

- Do not use a full stop or comma at the end of the address and date

+) The salutation/ greeting:

The salutation or greeting is written on the left-hand side after leaving a fewlines below the heading

- It usually begins with the word “Dear” followed by the name of the reciever orthe person being written to

- A comma is used after the greeting

To whom it may concern,

+) The body/ message:

- The body or message of the letter comes in the next line after the salutation

- The body contains the introduction, the purpose and more details of themessage the writer wishes to send

- It can be divided into paragraphs when a lot of information needs to beconveyed

- The first word begins with a capital letter and is written away from the marginand below the name of the receiver

+) The subcription/ closing:

- The subcription or closing is written after the body

- The subcription contains the closing phrase to indicate a polite way of endingthe letter

- It is written in the lower right-hand side of the page

- The first word of the subcrition begins with a capital letter

- A comma is used after the closing

+) The signature: The signature ends the letter.

- The signature refers to the name of the sender or the person writing the letter

- In informal letters, the signature may contain only the first name of the sender

- In formal letters, the signature contains the title, name and the surname of thesender

- The signature comes below the subcription

*) The style used in writing formal letters should be direct, clear and polite.Abbreviations and conversational English must be generally avoided.

2.1.4 Some different types of formal letters and informal letters:

*) Letters of complaint:

- A letter of complaint usually includes 3 parts:

Part 1: Introduction: paragraph 1 - reason for writing

Part 2: Main Body: paragraphs 2-3 - complaint(s) and justification

Part 3: Conclusion: final paragraph - suggested action to be taken, closingremarks, full name

- Letter of complaint is normally written in a formal style

- Letters should start with an appropriate greeting (e.g Dear Sir, Dear Brown,etc)

- Mild or strong language can be used depending on the feelings of the writer

or the seriousness of the complaint, but abusive language must never be used

- You should state the reason for the complaint in the first paragraph

- Start a new paragraph for each different aspect of the topic

- Any complaints you make should be supported with a justification

- Complaints and justification can be linked with appropriate linking words andphrases

Useful language for letters of complaint

Opening Remarks:

- I am writing to complain about/regarding/on account of/because of/on thesubject of

- I am writing to draw your attention to

- I am writing in connection with

- I am writing to express my strong dissatisfaction with

Useful phrases:

- We ought to discuss the matter

- The first problem was Another problem was The most visible problem

- I hope you will understand that I was very dissatisfied

- I believe you can appreciate how disappointed I was when

Linking words:

- Even though, however, furthermore, firstly, finally etc

Closing Remarks:

- I would like to hear your explanation for the above problems

- I would therefore be grateful if you could give me a full refund

- I would like a full refund as soon as possible

- I look forward to hearing from you in your earliest convenience to offer me acomplete refund

- I look forward to hearing your early reply

*) Letters of request:

- Request letter is a letter which is written when you need certain information,permission, favour, service or any other matter which requires a polite andhumble request

- Request letter can be formal or informal in writing

- A letter of request usually includes 3 parts:

Part 1: Introduction: paragraph 1 - reason for writing, thanking

Part 2: Main Body: paragraphs 2-3 - describe our problem/ask for help

Part 3: Conclusion: final paragraph - closing remarks, full name

Useful language for letters of request:

- I want you to tell me

- Can you let me know

Closing Remarks:

Formal

- I look forward to receiving

- I would appreciate it if you could

inform me as soon as possible

Informal

- Please, let me know

- Send me the details

- A letter of request usually includes 3 parts:

Part 1: Introduction: paragraph 1 - reason for writing (the name of the

job/course you are applying for and where you saw it advertised)

Part 2: Main Body: paragraphs 2-3 -qualifications/training - previous

experience/ qualities and skills; or reasons for wanting to take the course if youwrite a letter of application for a course

Part 3: Conclusion: final paragraph - closing remarks, full name.

Useful language for letters of application (for a job)

Opening Remarks:

- I am writing to apply for the post/job/position of/which I saw advertised in

- I am writing with regard to your advertisement

Closing Remarks:

- I would appreciate a reply at your earliest convenience

- Please contact me regarding any queries you may have

Useful language for letters of application (for a course)

Opening Remarks:

- I would like to apply for admission to the beginning

- I would like to be considered for

Reference to experience:

Closing Remarks:

- I would appreciate a reply at your earliest convenience

- I look forward to meeting/hearing from you

- Please contact me regarding any queries you may have

*) Letters giving information and asking for information:

Useful expression for letters giving information

Opening Remarks:

Formal

- I am writing in reply to your letter

asking for information about

- I am writing to inform you about

- In reply to your query

Informal

- This is what I found out

- Remember the information youwanted

- You wanted me to tell you a fewthings about

Closing Remarks:

Formal

- I hope that I have been of some assistance to you

- Please inform me if I can be of any further assistance

Informal

- I hope this will help you

- Let me know if you need any more help

Letters asking for information:

- A letter asking for information usually includes 3 parts:

Part 1: Introduction: paragraph 1 - reason for writing

Part 2: Main Body: paragraphs 2-3 - describe our problem/ask for detaidedinformation (about time of coming, length of staying, price…)

Part 3: Conclusion: final paragraph - closing remarks- ask for a reply, full name

Useful phrases:

Opening Remarks:

- With reference to your advertisement in

- I am writing to ask for more information about

Closing Remarks:

- please send me the details…

- I look forward to hearing from you

*) Letter of invitation:

a Letter of invitation:

- Letters of invitation can be formal or informal depending on the situation

and who we are writing to They usually contain some additional information,for example: latest news, description of the event (party, wedding, etc.)

place (hotel, house, etc.) and/or directions to the place

- A letter asking for information usually includes 3 parts:

Part 1: Introduction: paragraph 1 - reason for writing (to invite)

Part 2: Main Body: paragraphs 2-3 – details/ directions

Part 3: Conclusion: final paragraph - closing remarks , full name

Useful Language for Letters of Invitation:

Opening Remarks:

Formal

- We would be honoured if you

- I cordially invite you to

- You are invited to attend

Informal

- I'm writing to invite you to

- I'd love it if you could come to

- We're organising a and wouldlove it if you could come

Closing Remarks:

- We would be grateful if you could

- Please indicate whether you will be able to attend

Informal

- I hope you'll be able to make it

- Hope you can come

- Looking forward to seeing you then

- Please let me know as soon as possible

Directions can be introduced by using some of the following expressions:

- In case you don't know the way

- I'll give you some directions

- I have included some directions

- Here are a few directions so you don't get lost

- In case you do not know the exact of the

b Accepting an invitation: includes 3 parts:

Part 1: Introduction: paragraph 1 – thank for invitation

Part 2: Main Body: paragraphs 2-3 – acceptance of invitation, further commentsPart 3: Conclusion: final paragraph - closing remarks , full name

Useful language for letters accepting an invitation:

Opening Remarks:

Formal:

- I am writing to thank you for the kind invitation

- Thank you for the kind invitation which I would be honoured to accept

- Thank you a lot It would be my pleasure

Informal:

- Thanks for the invitation to , sounds lovely

- Yes, I’d love to join you

Closing Remarks:

Formal:

- I look forward to seeing you

- We wait the event with great anticipation

Informal:

- See you then

- We're really looking forward to it

c Refusing an invitation: includes 3 parts:

Part 1: Introduction: paragraph 1 – thank for invitation

Part 2: Main Body: paragraphs 2-3 – refusal of invitation, giving reasons

Part 3: Conclusion: final paragraph - closing remarks , full name

Useful language for letters refusing an invitation:

Opening Remarks:

Formal:

- We thank you for your recent

invitation to but

- I wish I could but Iam busy

- I am terribly sorry to have to refuse

Informal:

- Thank for the invitation, but

- Thanks for inviting me to , but I'mafraid I can't come

- I’d love to but…

Closing Remarks:

Formal:

- Thank you again for the invitation

- I hope we will have the opportunity

- Most confirmation letters are formal letters but sometimes they may haveinformal tone owing to familiarisation of the sender and the receiver

- A letter of confirmation usually includes 3 parts:

Part 1: Introduction: paragraph 1 - reason for writing (expressing interest/repeating the request)

Part 2: Main Body: paragraphs 2-3 – confirm the request

Part 3: Conclusion: final paragraph - closing remarks , full name

Useful language for confirmation letters:

Opening Remarks:

- I am writing to confirm

- I would like to confirm what we discussed …

Closing Remarks:

- I look forward to our meeting on the 7th of October

- We look forward to hearing from you

*) Thanks letter:

- Thanks letter is a type of letter which is used when a person or an organisation

wishes a gesture of appreciation for a good deed, the good conduct of a work,activity etc It is also used to acknowledge a favour, a gift or any activity which

deserves gratitude It is also known as ‘Letter of Thanks and sometimes referred as ‘Letter of Gratitude’

- Letters of invitation can be formal or informal depending on the situation

and who we are writing to

- This type of letter usually includes 3 parts:

Part 1: Introduction: paragraph 1 - reason for writing

Part 2: Main Body: paragraphs 2-3- brief description of assistance, help, gift…,explain the importance of assistance, help

Part 3: Conclusion: final paragraph - closing remarks, full name

Useful language for confirmation letters:

- Thank you very much

- You shouldn't have

*) Letters of recommendation:

- In this letter you are requested to express your opinion on a certain matter andalso to provide suggestions supported by expected results

- This type of letter usually includes 3 parts:

Part 1: Introduction: paragraph 1 - reason for writing

Part 2: Main Body:paragraphs 2-3 – give opinion; make suggestions/rcommendations and comment on the expected results

Part 3: Conclusion: final paragraph - closing remarks, full name

Useful language for recommendation letters:

Opening Remarks:

- I am writing to commend you to ………

- I would suggest + Ving

- May I suggest that you…

Closing Remarks:

- You would success in…

- Let me know how it went…

+) Linking words and phrases should be uesd when writing

Personal opinion: In my opinion, / In my view, / To my mind, / To my

way of thinking, / Personally Ibelieve that / It strikes me that / I feel very stronglythat / I am inclined to believe

that / It seems to me that / As far as I am concerned, / Ithink that

To list points: Firstly, / First of all, / In the first place, / Secondly, /

Thirdly, / Finally, / To start with,

To express cause: because / owing to the fact that /

due to the fact that / on the grounds that / since / as

In view of / Because of / Owing to / for this reason / Seeing that / now that

To express effect: thus, / therefore, / so / consequently, / as a result, / as

a consequence, / for this reason

To emphasise

what you say:

Clearly, / Obviously, / Of course, / Needless to say,

To express reality: It is a fact that / In effect, / In fact, / As a matter of

fact, / The fact of the matter is (that ) / Actually, / In practice, / Indeed, / To tell you