Как написать неформальное письмо

№	Что требуется в письме	Рекомендации	Примеры
1	Адрес Address	Адрес пишущего указывается в правом верхнем углу ·  В принятом в Великобритании порядке: номер квартиры, корпуса, дома, улица, почтовый индекс, страна ·  Слова Flat, Block, Street, Avenue, Prospect пишут с заглавной буквы Можно пользоваться общепринятыми сокращениями, которые тоже пишут с заглавной буквы ( Fl, Apt, St, Ave, Pr)	(полный) Flat 5 Block 1 12 Grazhdansky Pr StPetersburg 195299 Russia (краткий) StPetersburg Russia
2	Дата Date	Под адресом дата (пропустив строку) ·  Можно писать цифрами или буквами ·  Названия месяцев пишут с заглавной буквы В зависимости от задания (адресата) можно писать британский вариант: дата/ месяц/ год или американский вариант : месяц / дата / год	Saturday, March 1st, 1999 9 September 1999
3	Обращение Greeting	Письмо начинается с обращения, после которого ставят запятую. (с новой строки, пропустив строку)	Dear Sally,
4	Начало письма Introduction	В начале письма автор обычно ·  Благодарит адресата за ранее полученную корреспонденцию ·  Извиняется, что не писал раньше	Thanks for…, Many thanks for…, How nice of you …, I was awfully glad to get your letter… I must apologise for not writing…, I really should have written sooner….
5	Основная часть письма Main Body	В ней должны быть раскрыты все аспекты, указанные в задании. Каждый параграф пишут с новой строки, пропустив строчку.
6	Конец письма Conclusion	В конце письма автор упоминает о дальнейших контактах. (с новой строки, пропустив строку)	I’ll write again soon. Looking forward to seeing you. Hope to hear from you soon.
7	Завершающая фраза письма Ending	Эта фраза зависит от степени близости автора и адресата, после неё всегда ставится запятая. (с новой строки, пропустив строку)	Best wishes, All the best,
8	Подпись автора	Личные письма подписывают без указания фамилии (с новой строки, пропустив строку)	Sally

Как написать неформальное письмо

·  Greeting

- never begin Dear friend / Pen friend; write the name Dear Jane,

·  Introduction

- reasons for writing; / - an apology for a delay in writing / - a thank you to the person for his last letter

·  Main Body

- divide your letter into paragraphs and include 2-3 points in each paragraph

·  Conclusion

- an excuse to stop writing/ - greetings to the person’s family ( friends) / - an invitation/ - a promise to write again soon, / - a request to the person to reply soon

·  Ending

/ Best wishes + your first name

Useful Vocabulary

Вводные фразы

Заключительные фразы

·  It was great to get your letter…. ·  Thanks for your letter. It was great / lovely to hear from you. How are things with you? I’m very sorry about not replying to your letter sooner but I’ve been extremely busy ·  Thanks for your long letter. It was really great to hear all your news, after not hearing from you for ages….. ·  Sorry I haven’t written for so long but….. ·  I’m very sorry about not replying to your letter sooner but I’ve been extremely busy. ·  Sorry for not writing earlier but I’ve……… ·  How are things with you? I’m sorry I haven’t written for so long ·  I was really pleased to hear that…. ·  I thought I’d better write and tell you about….

·  I would really like you to visit me this summer. Write to me and tell me your plans. ·  Thanks for sending me… Please write to me again soon, and tell me all your news. ·  Please give/send my regards (love) to your…. And write and tell me your plans for…. ·  I would really love to see you. Why don’t you come and visit me this….. Write back soon! ·  If you want to know anything else, just drop me a line. ·  Well, that’s all for now. Do write back soon. ·  That’s all my news for now… ·  Looking forward to seeing you

~ You have 20 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English-speaking pen-friend Tom who writes:

... In Great Britain most young people want to become independent from their parents as soon as possible. Could you tell me what you and your friends think about not relying on your parents? Are you ready to leave your family immediately after you finish school? Is it easy to rent a house or an apartment for students in Russia?

As for the latest news, I have just returned from a trip to Scotland...

Write a letter to Tom. In your letter

answer his questions

-  ask 3 questions about his trip to Scotland

-  Write words.

-  Remember the rules of letter writing

-   

Не писать на уровне адреса! Только на строчку ниже StPetersburg

Russia

} пропустить строчку

June 8th

Dear Mary,

} пропустить строчку

Thanks for your letter. It was great to hear from you. How are things with you? I’m very sorry about not replying to your letter sooner but I’ve been extremely busy. (31)

} пропустить строчку (каждый параграф начинать пропуская строчку)

You asked me about living on my own. In Russia the same as in Great Britain young people want to be independent from their parents. I would be glad to live on my own after finising school. Unfortunately, it’s not easy for the young to find an accomodation as it costs a lot to rent a flat. Therefore, students in Russia have to live with parents till they find a well-paid job(71)

} пропустить строчку

By the way, could you tell me about your trip to Scotland. I wonder, who you went there with. Where did you stay? What palces of interest did you visit? (30)

} пропустить строчку

Well, that’s all for now. Do write back soon.(9) (If you want to know anything else, just drop me a line. – более длинный вариант)

} пропустить строчку

Best wishes,

} пропустить строчку 150 слов

Marina

Важно!

Отреагировать на все, что дано в отрывке письма и при этом соблюдать последовательность и логичность высказываний. При переходе от абзаца к абзацу используйте слова-связки

Если просят задать вопросы о брате, собаке, то следует задавать вопросы именно о брате или о собаке, а не о вашем отношении к ним

Красную строку можно не делать, а отделять абзацы пропуском строки

Если в конце предложения остается место для еще одного слова, а вы следущее предложение этого абзаца решили начать с новой строки, то это предложение будет считаться новым абзацем, что является ошибкой.

Краткие формы в письме неформального типа разрешаются

Лучше выбрать и заучить какой-то один образец вступления и заключения, чтобы на экзамене написать их автоматически

Нельзя в письме рисовать никаких смайликов сердечек и т. п., равно как и обращаться к проверяющим

Обязательно строго соблюдать количество слов.

GOOD LUCK!

Как написать эссе для ЕГЭ на 14 баллов

Linking words/phrases

To introduce points: one major advantage (or disadvantage) of, a further advantage, one point of view in favour of/against To list points: in the first place, first of all, to start with, secondly, thirdly, finally, last but not least To add more points to the same topic: what is more, furthermore, also, in addition to this/that, besides, apart from this/that, not to mention the fact that To make contrasting points: on the other hand, however, in spite of, while, nevertheless, despite, even though, although, it can be argued that To introduce examples: for example, for instance, like, especially, such as, in particular To conclude: to sum up, all in all, all things considered, in conclusion, on the whole, taking everything into account, as was previously stated

Эссе «opinion»

В первом абзаце ставим проблему, и можно высказать (но можно это сделать и во втором абзаце) свое мнение параллельно с другим существующим мнением

Очень хорошо начать такое сочинение с риторического вопроса (только не повоторять задание, а перефразируя его)

Sth is becoming more and more (less and less) popular(attractive, customary). Have you ever wondered why thousands of people enjoy (travelling, reading, spending) while others find it (boring, dull, dangerous)?

Или

Why do thousands of people all around the world prefer ….. (airplanes, watching TV, reading books, living in their own houses,,) while others find it (dangerous, To my mind,(не забывайте выделять вводные слова запятыми) it’s the best way ( to travel, to have fun, to spend free time). I base my opinion on the following points.

Во втором абзаце мы даем поддержку нашего мнения и объясняем, почему мы так думаем.

It seems to me that airplanes are the safest way to travel as there are fewer accidents when traveling by plane than with other means of transport Одну-две фразы в поддержку мнения Moreover, …. air travel is far quicker than, for example, traveling by train…. Finally, (In addition)….

В третьем, абзаце мы говорим о том, что существует иная точка зрения, приводим обоснование, почему некоторые люди считают по другому. В этом же параграфе продолжаем настаивать на своем мнении, обосновывая его

On the other hand (However), some people think that (air travel, watching TV, reading books, living in their own houses,,) can be uncomfortable at times as (причина)…. In addition, they believe it takes a lot of time to get to the airport and from the airport…… Nevertheless, it is my belief that (поддержка своего мнения )

В последнем абзаце мы снова высказываем свое мнение, но другими словами

All in all, I think that although air travel can be expensive it is worth it. You reach your destination in no time, safe and relaxed.

OPINION ESSAY

Model 1

(Why are many school decreasing the amount of time given to PE nowadays?)

The ancient Greeks always held that a healthy mind in a healthy body is the key to a well balanced life. Nowadays, many schools are decreasing the amount of time given to Physical Education and some schools are removing it altogether. I am strongly opposed to the complete removal of sports and Physical Education. I base my opinion on the following points.

First of all, schools have a responsibility to educate children in all areas, no matter where their particular talents might lie. For that reason it is just as important to provide Physical Education training for the professional sportsmen and women of the future as it is to provide academic training to those who will go on to university. In addition, students these days spend long hours studying, working at their computers or in the library. Therefore, they need the opportunity to do some physical activity during the school day. This will not only help to increase their level of fitness and make them healthier but it will also mean that they develop better social skills and are able to concentrate on their studies for longer and therefore achieve better results.

On the other hand some people believe that the purpose of schools is to prepare students to become productive members of the workforce. This means that they have to spend as much time as possible developing skills that will be of use in their employment. Consequently, schools have little time to devote to less important subjects such as Physical Education. Nevertheless, it is my belief that everybody needs to be healthy and fit to succeed in our world

In conclusion, I believe that sports and Physical Education should remain a key part of the school curriculum. All children have the right to a balanced education and they should not be denied the opportunity to learn how to play sports.

OTHER TIPS FOR WRITING AN OPINION ESSAY

-don’t forget to plan carefully;questions like:What is your opinion on the topic? What is your first/second argument? Do you have an example for this argument? What is the opposing point of view? How will you restate your opinion?-to introduce examples, you may use language structures like:for example, for instance, to illustrate this, etc.

-try to use formal language, not slang or colloquial;

-try to avoid contractions (use the long forms: is not, have not, could not etc.)

Эссе «за и против»

В первом абзаце ставим проблему, но не высказываем своего мнения

В данной части не используем I think In my opinion To my mind As far as I am concerned

Some people think ( being a doctor, having a dog, living in a flat,….) is exciting( interesting, comfortable, rewarding, ) while others believe it is (difficult, annoying, boring, tiring, depressing, …) Whatever your views there is no doubt that being (having, living) has some advantages and disadvantages

Во втором абзаце высказываем плюсы и объяснения, почему это так. (не упоминаем своего мнения, а только мнение некоторых людей)

There are several arguments in favour of (being a doctor, having a dog, living in a flat,….). To begin with (Firstly), …. For instance.. Moreover (Secondly, also)…. In addition (Furthermore, Finally)… Не забывайте вводные слова отделять запятыми

В третьем абзаце высказываем пункты против и объясняем, почему это так(не упоминаем своего мнения, а только мнение некоторых людей)

However( On the other hand) there are also a number of disadvantages to ( being a doctor, having a dog, living in a flat,….) To begin with (Firstly), …. For instance.. Moreover (Secondly, also)…. In addition (Furthermore, Finally)…

Заключение Другими словами повторяем первый абзац и делаем небольшой уклон в сторону предпочтения

In conclusion, although ( being a doctor, having a dog, living in a flat,….) can be (difficult, boring, tiring…) at times, it is worth it. To help people, to live in your own flat, to have a dog… is very ( interesting, comfortable, demanding, rewarding exiting,

Или

All things considered, it seems to me that being a doctor/having a dog/living in a flat can be very (++++) experience although not one without difficulties. But

или

, Summing up all said above, the debates on divorces are eternal. The opinion are different and nobody may be 100% sure about the reason for divorces because it depends on the situation in the family. As far as I am concerned…

Taking everything into account, I realise that my stance in this matter is rather balanced. . There are both good and bad sides of being a doctor /living in a flat…but I think that

Here you have some tips to write a well-planned”for and against” essay.

“For and Against” essays - guide

One type of argumentative essay is that which gives advantages and disadvantages (for and against). It is a formal piece of writing in which a topic is considered from opposing points of view. A good essay of this type should consist of:

an introductory paragraph in which you state the topic. This means that you talk generally about the topic without giving your opinion; a main body in which the points for and the points against, along with your justification, appear in two separate paragraphs; and a closing paragraph in which you give ( either your opinion) or a balanced consideration of the topic.

Note: In this type of essay writing, you must not include opinion words (I believe, I think, etc.) in the introduction or the main body. Opinion words can only be used in the final paragraph, where you may state your opinion on the topic.

Points to consider

Make a list of the points for and against a topic before you start writing. Write well-developed paragraphs in which the points you present are supported with justification, (i. e. reasons or examples). Make sure each paragraph has more than one sentence, e. g. Do not use informal style (e. g. short forms, colloquial language, etc.) or strong language (e. g. I firmly believe, etc.) Try to include a quotation relevant to the topic you are writing about. For example, if you are writing an essay on space exploration, a quotation you may include is: “One small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.” (Neil Armstrong) Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence which summarises what the paragraph is about.

Techniques for beginnings and endings

The first paragraph may:

make reference to a strange scene or situation, e. g. Some scientists believe that in tne future everyone will be genetically perfect address the reader directly, e. g. Are you aware of any characteristics which you may have inherited from your parents? or ask a rhetorical question (question to which no answer is expected), e. g. isn’t it amazing how some children look so much like their parents? start with a quotation, e. g. “Genetics holds the key to the future”

 The last paragraph may:

state a personal opinion, e. g. In my opinion, I believe, in my view, It seems to me. The way I see it, I think, etc. give the reader something to consider, e. g. Perhaps the world would be a safer and more efficient piace if everyone was geneticali}’ perfect end with a quotation, e. g. “Genetics holds the key to tne future”, or a rhetorical question, e. g. K/fraf will they think of next?

One way of adding vitality to your composition is by using quotations -

giving the actual words spoken or by paraphrasing - giving the meaning of what was said. In an argumentative essay quotations are particularly useful for the first or last sentence. For example, a space exploration essay could end with "One small step for man, a giant step for mankind". (Students are recommended to use a dictionary of quotations.)

Exercise 9

Match the quotations with the composition topics.

Quotations

1. The toughest thing about success is that you’ve got to keep on being a

success.”

2. “ Boxing is just show business with blood.”

3. “ Without the past the pursued future has no meaning.”

4. “ Art is much less important than life; but what a poor life without it!”

5. “ Making money is fun, but it’s pointless if you don’t use the power it brings.”

6. “ It’s not how old you are it’s how hard you work on it.”

7. “ The process of living is the process of reacting to stress.”

8. “ In the eyes of the nature, we are just another species in trouble.”

9. “ In the factory we make cosmetics, in the store we sell hope.”

10. “ Television is simply automated day dreaming.”

11. “ Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance.”

Exercise 10

Go through the table and say the sentences in as many ways as possible

as in the example:

e. g. Although killing endangered species is illegal, people will not stop

hunting them. → Killing endangered species is illegal, yet people will

not stop hunting them. etc

The sentences

1. Killing endangered species is illegal. However, people will not stop

hunting them.

2. First of all, the government must revise the out-of-date environmental

laws, which were written twenty years ago.

3. Furthermore, the city should conduct inspections of zoos.

4. The greatest advantage of regular exercise is that it leads to a healthier

lifestyle.

5. In my opinion/view department stores offer a greater selection of clothes

than small boutiques.

6. According to this report, that brand of sun-cream causes irritation to

sensitive skin.

7. On the whole, the university offers a wide range of courses and provides

modern facilities.

8. Due to the harsh winter, many crops were destroyed.

9. As a result many people have lost their jobs.

10. Needless to say, research has proved that eating healthy foods and

exercising regularly reduce the risk of heart disease.

14

11. In fact, the report states that most college graduates are interested in

pursuing a Master’s degree in the future.

12. At first sight, the building looked safe but after a detailed inspection it was

reported to be in need of major structural repairs.

13. Contrary to popular belief, the teaching profession is in need of qualified

educators.

14. Many people are in favour of/against the mayor’s proposal to raise local

taxes.

15. Opponents of this view say that increasing the school year will only

overwork students.

16. While working for a large company is prestigious, it can be very stressful.

17. For instance, in the past six months, retailers have reported a 25% drop in

sales of electronic equipment.

18. In practice, consumers spend more money on luxury items.

19. As a rule, girls get better exam results than boys.

20. Some companies have tried to create more positions to some extent,

considering the high rate of unemployment.

21. As far as I know, residents were opposed to the city’s plan to build a

nuclear power plant in their area.

22. In other words, they disagree with the manager’s decision.

23. As far as the community is concerned, the area is in need of a new

elementary school.

24. At any rate, a new community centre will greatly benefit the people of the

town.

25. Under the circumstances, the situation cannot be improved.

Useful Tips for Argumentatives

-use formal style - do not include colloquial English;

-do not use short forms;

-write well developed paragraphs;

-avoid strong feelings (don't say: nobody does this, or it is impossible to

disagree with me);

-use generalisations (e. g. people say/believe/consider) but do not use

overgeneralisation (e. g. everybody believes that...);

-do not use strong personal expressions (e. g. I think) - use milder language (e. g.

In my opinion, I believe etc);

-use linking words (e. g. therefore, although, however etc);

-use sequencing (e. g. firstly, secondly, lastly);

-make reference to other sources (e. g. The government claims that...);

-give examples - not personal thoughts (e. g. products such as aerosols can

destroy the environment);

-do not refer blindly to statistics unless you are certain of a source (don't say:

Statistics have recently shown that I am right. Which statistics?);

15

-abandon cliched introductions. Write something more original (Don't write:

This topic has been important since ancient times. When? Too vague);

-use quotations or paraphrasing of quotations;

-use an advanced level of vocabulary.

Пример эссе ЗА и ПРОТИВ

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of being your own boss.”

Model 1

 Have you ever considered becoming your own boss? In recent years the number of people choosing to start their own business has risen significantly. Many claim that this is because more and more people are no longer content to work for someone else.
One of the main advantages of being self-employed is the fact that you are completely self-reliant and can make decisions on your own. This can give you a great sense of freedom and allows you to do exactly what you want without interference from anyone else. What is more, your working day can be planned for your convenience, allowing you to work when you want rather than when you have to. Finally, if your business is successful, people will know that you alone should be given the credit.
However, there are disadvantages to being your own boss. Many self-employed people hr. e said that to build a successful business, you have to be prepared to work long hours and sacrifice your personal life. As B. C. Forbes once said, “If you don’t drive your business, you will be driven out of business.” Moreover, a 1996 government study found that over a quarter of the businesses run by newly self-employed people failed within the first two years.
All things considered, it seems to me that self-employment can be a very gratifying experience, although not one without difficulties. But when success is achieved, the greatest reward of all is the knowledge that you have done it on your own.

MODEL 2

Computers are a major technological breakthrough of the twentieth

century. Their benefits are numerous yet much can be said against them. Clive

James, an Australian critic, once said that "It is only when they go wrong that machines remind you how powerful they are".

The main disadvantage of computers is that staring at a screen for long periods of time can be damaging to the eyes, and sitting on a chair for hours at a time is certainly not healthy. Secondly, computers distract from social interactions such as conversation. Also, people can be inclined to become anti - social and stay at home to use their computer. Finally, the most persuasive argument against the use of computers is that the more jobs which are done by computers, the less are done by people.

However, the advantages of computers are numerous, such as the

undeniable educational benefits, especially to children. School subjects become more interesting when presented on a computer screen. Moreover, computers can be fun with a seemingly endless variety of games which can be played on them. In addition, computers are valuable to any business, making life easier and saving time by being capable of storing and retrieving vast amounts of information at the touch. Furthermore, personal gains can be seen as the use of computers increases powers of concentration.

To sum up, there are strong arguments both for and against the use of

computers. Yet, despite the health problems, risk to jobs and lack of personal interaction, it seems that as long as the use of computers is regulated, the benefits computers provide to education and business are invaluable.

Model 3

All public transport in our cities should be free. Discuss.

In most cities public transport is partially subsidized by the city council, which means that bus and underground fares are usually reasonably low. However, some people argue that fares should be abolished altogether. In this essay I intend to examine the arguments for and against free public transport.

One of the strongest arguments in favour of free public transport is that it would encourage more people to use the buses and tubes instead of going by car. Consequently, there would be far less traffic on the roads, which would make our cities safer, cleaner and generally pleasanter places to live in. Another advantage is that those who are not very well off would be able to afford to go out more and would have a little more money to spend, which would improve the quality of their lives. Free public transport would also be a good thing for a city’s shops and businesses, as bus and underground users would have more money available to spend on both necessities and luxuries. Lastly, if passengers travelled free on public, there would be no need for ticket offices, bus conductors or ticket inspectors. This would make the buses and undergrounds much cheaper to run.

On the other hand, there are several arguments against abolishing fares. To begin with, if there were no fares, the city council would have to find another way of financing public transport, probably by increasing the city’s rates. As a result, a lot of people who never travel by public transport would be helping to pay for a service which they do not use, which many would consider unfair and which would also make these people worse off. What is more, if the number of passengers increased dramatically because of the abolition of fares, it would probably be necessary to increase the number of buses and trains. This would make free public transport even more expensive to operate. Finally, the abolition of fares would lead to the loss of several thousand jobs among those public transport staff who sell or inspect tickets, which is clearly undesirable in these times of high unemployment.

On balance, I am in favour of the idea of free public transport in our cities provided that alternative employment could be found for those workers whose jobs would become redundant.

Model 4

Fame: a Blessing or a Curse?

At some point in their lives most people have daydreamed about the joys of being famous. One must wonder, however, if being famous is an achievement or a curse - as Fred Allan said, "A celebrity is someone who works hard all his life to become known, then wears dark glasses to avoid being recognized."

The main advantage to fame is that it tends to go hand in hand with being rich, and despite the cliché that money cannot buy happiness, famous people can at least be miserable in comfort. With fame also comes adoration, meaning that famous people will always be surrounded by people who want to be with, and be seen with them. This means that they are welcome wherever they go, surrounded by the best things in life and protected from the bad.

However, there are drawbacks to being famous, the most obvious being a complete lack of privacy. Nowadays celebrities are followed almost everywhere they go by photographers, and their lives are scrutinised in detail by newspapers and magazines. Furthermore, a famous person can never be sure whether people like him for the person he is rather than his name, which can lead to a sense of isolation.

In conclusion, as appealing as fame, wealth and adoration are, it seems that the cost to one's personal life is just too great.

Useful expressions:

To make contrasting points	although, yet, however, nevertheless, in spite of, but, while, despite, even if, even though, at the same time
. To list points	firstly, in the first place, first of all, to start with, secondly, thirdly, finally
To add more points	. what is more, furthermore, also, apart from this/that, in addition to, moreover, besides, too, not to mention the fact that
To express personal opinion	in my opinion/view, personally I believe, it strikes me that, I feel very strongly that, I am inclined to believe that, it seems to me that, as far as I am concerned
To refer to other sources	according to, with reference to
. To conclude	finally, lastly, above all, all in all, taking everything into account, on the whole, all things considered, in conclusion, as I have said, as was previously stated, to sum up
. To express cause	because of, owing to, due to, for this reason
To express effect	therefore, thus, as a result, consequently, so, as a consequence
To emphasise what you say	clearly, obviously, needless to say, in particular
To give examples	. for example, for instance

Expressing opinions:

I agree/ disagree with the above statement (that...) In my opinion... I believe that... I am in favour of... I am against the idea of... It seems to me that... I sympathize with...

Presenting and contrasting arguments:

The main argument in favour/ against is... First of all I should like to consider... The first thing (I would like to consider) to be considered is... In order to make the problem clear, I would like to present some examples of... Apart from that... Despite the fact that.../ In spite of... On the other hand... What is more... What matters most in this case is... It is a fact that... There is no doubt that...

Reasoning:

sth happened

because of as a result of on account of owing to through due to as a consequence of

Concluding:

To sum up/ altogether On this basis, I can conclude that... Given this, it can be concluded that... Having proved this, I would like to... In conclusion, I would like to stress that... All in all, I believe that...