Practice activity 2.1
Can you put these sign-off phrases in order from most to least formal? You can find the answers to this exercise, and all exercises, in the Answer Key at the back of the book.
- Lots of love
- Best regards
- Yours faithfully or Yours sincerely
- Best wishes
Answer
- Yours faithfully/sincerely (most formal)
- Best regards
- Best wishes
- Lots of love (least formal)
You should also sign your name: either your full name in a formal letter, or just your first
name in a more casual letter. It is not conventional to add a title (Mr, Mrs or Ms) to your name.
The question for this task will give you a lot of information, so take the time to read
carefully. A typical Task 1 question looks like the example below. You should spend about
20 minutes on this task.
You have a test in your English class next week, but you cannot attend. Write to your
teacher. In your letter:
- Explain your situation.
- Apologise for not being able to take the test.
- Ask whether it is possible for you to take the test at another time.
Write at least 150 words. You do not need to write any addresses. Begin your letter
with: Dear ...
The question contains three bullet points.You must include all of these in order to get a
good score in task achievement.Think of the bullet points as being the basic outline for your
letter: this usually makes it easy to plan your letter as well, as each bullet point can typically be
one paragraph.
It is up to you to think of extra information to fill out the letter, such as why you will be
absent. You also need to have an appropriate tone in your letter. Because you are writing to
your teacher, it is likely that your tone will be quite formal and polite (especially since you are
asking for a favour!)
TIP Even though you are writing this letter for an exam, try to imagine it is a real
situation and try to make it as realistic as possible.
Here is an example answer for the Task 1 question above:
Dear Mrs Smith,
I am writing to ask you for a favour. I know that we have a test on Monday next week
to review units 1-5 in our textbook. However, I have a meeting with the Immigration
Department at 1Dam on that day and so I cannot attend.
I am terribly sorry about being absent, but unfortunately the appointment was made
many months in advance and it is impossible for me to reschedule. If I miss it, my visa
will be cancelled and I will be forced to leave the country. I am sure you can understand,
therefore, what a crucial meeting this is for me.
Is it possible for me to take the test at another time? I would be happy to stay behind one
afternoon for as long as necessary to complete the exam.
I apologise once again and hope I am not causing you too much inconvenience.
Best regards,
Samantha Student
This is a very good answer because it fulfils the four criteria the examiners are looking for:
task achievement; coherence and cohesion; grammatical range and accuracy;and lexical resource.
Task achievement
- The letter is an appropriate length (157 words).
- All three bullet points are addressed: (1) unable to attend; (2) apology; (3) request to take at another time.
- The candidate has added sufficient detail to make the letter seem realistic.
- The tone is appropriately polite, and is consistent throughout.
Coherence and cohesion
- The candidate has used paragraphs, each with one main point.
- The candidate has used linking words and phrases like however, unfortunately and therefore appropriately.
- The candidate has used appropriate grammatical links such as pronouns and other
reference words.
Grammatical range and accuracy
- The candidate has a good control of tenses.
- The candidate is able to use a range of structures such as conditionals and passives.
- All structures are accurate.
Lexical resource
- The candidate is aware of fixed expressions such as I am terribly sorry for .... and I am sure you understand ....
- The candidate is able to use a range of vocabulary, including less common terms such as reschedule, in advance and crucial.
- All vocabulary is used appropriately.
- All spelling is accurate.
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