YyE0MWzklM

younger audience, may include writing prompts and fill in the blank pages inside.

6. Use the prompts below to write an entry of a travel diary. Use some of the tips from above. Then compare your entry with the original one given after the prompts. Does your entry differ much?

July 11, 20 ___ – London, England

What a busy day!

To start off, I could barely sleep last night because …………..!

I’ve always wanted to visit London, and I’m finally here!

After ………………. I ……………………………………..

Since our hotel is in a great central spot, we were able to ………………..

What an experience! We wanted to try out London’s public transportation, and after …………………………..

Once our Buckingham Palace experience was over, we were already getting

hungry for lunch. So a guide at the Palace recommended

……………………………………………….

After the Eye, we wanted to make sure to find a double-decker bus so we could

…………………………….

We decided to head back to our hotel after tea for ……………………………….

After the show, we stopped at a little cafe for ……………………………………

I can’t wait to head out to Paris tomorrow afternoon after some more souvenir shopping! I’m sure I’ll ………

Sample Travel Diary

To start off, I could barely sleep last night because of the hard bed we slept on (can’t say I don’t miss my own bed from home!) and because of my excitement at touring London for the first time! I’ve always wanted to visit London, and I’m finally here! After Jim and I got ready in our tiny room, we went downstairs for our complimentary breakfast. The tea and pastries were delicious, and they made amazing pancakes! We asked the concierge about some hot spots she recommended, and with our list and map in hand, we were off!

Since our hotel is in a great central spot, we were able to walk to a lot of places. First, we wanted to see about getting tickets to a show for the evening, since London theatre is top notch. Then we wanted to make our way to Buckingham Palace. What an experience! We wanted to try out London’s public transportation, and after having a hard time figuring out which way to go and which stop to take, we finally asked some locals, who were very friendly and helpful. The tube wasn’t very crowded, which was nice, and it wasn’t a very far ride, which was double nice! Once we got off the tube, it was a bit of a walk to the actual palace, but since it was such a nice day (only a little London drizzle), we didn’t mind. Plus, the Palace grounds are absolutely gorgeous!! I think I found my new

50

dream home. :) The gardens themselves are exquisite. We got to see the changing of the guards, which is one of the things I’ve always wanted to do, took lots and lots of pictures, and sent our regards to the queen!

Once our Buckingham Palace experience was over, we were already getting hungry for lunch. So a guide at the Palace recommended a pub nearby that was within walking distance. Jim was especially excited about going to an authentic British pub; I was mostly really hungry and tired! The pub, which was called The Frog and the Toad, was adorable, and the food and drink hit the spot! We asked how to get to the famous London Eye, and the bartender recommended taking a taxi, since that can be fun too! It was! Especially because they drive on the other side of the road. When we got to the Eye, we knew we’d have to wait in line, but we didn’t think it would be two hours! Oh well... we really wanted the experience, and it was a great way to see all of London without having to walk so much. :) There were other Americans in our little pod, too! They were from Texas and were just as excited as we were about the London experience.

After the Eye, we wanted to make sure to find a double-decker bus so we could see even more of the sights. Some highlights that we saw were Big Ben, the River Thames, and the Parliament building. Such history!!! Jim got his picture taken with everything! Our tour guide recommended a “charming little tea house” where we could experience afternoon tea. It was great to be able to sit in one place for a while and enjoy a bit of class. We felt quite elegant drinking our tea and eating our scones!

We decided to head back to our hotel after tea for a much needed rest and to get ready for dinner and the show. Then, back out we went to a lovely bistro that our concierge recommended. It was delicious and romantic! We enjoyed it so much that we were almost late for our show! We rushed out of the restaurant and rushed over to the theatre (luckily it wasn’t too far away!!). We were very happy with our show choice, too; it was exquisite!

After the show, we stopped at a little cafe for some coffee and then straight to bed! Jim passed out right away, but I just had to get it all down on paper while my head was still swimming with the day’s events...

I can’t wait to head out to Paris tomorrow afternoon after some more souvenir shopping! I’m sure I’ll have just as many details of our experiences, and I hope they will be just as good as London’s!

(From: http://m.wikihow.com/Write-a-Diary)

7. Look at another example of a personal type of writing. What is it? Read the model and underline the sequence words. What tenses have been used? How is each piece of information given?

51

Spaghetti Bolognese

Ingredients

½ kg minced beef

1 large onion, chopped

2 cloves of garlic, crushed

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 tin plum tomatoes

1 teaspoonful salt

1 packet spaghetti

200 g Parmesan cheese, grated

Preparation

First, heat the oil in a large pan and fry the onion and garlic until soft and golden.

Add the minced beef and stir.

Cook until the meat is browned.

Next, mix in the chopped plum tomatoes and salt, then add a glass of water.

Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for 50 minutes.

Meanwhile, boil the spaghetti in a separate saucepan.

Drain the spaghetti and place it in a serving dish.

After that, pour the hot Bolognese sauce in the centre of the pasta.

Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

(From: “Successful Writing. Upper-intermediate” by Virginia Evans. P. 26)

Do you find the dish tasteful? Have you ever tried to cook it yourself?

Mind that when writing instructions, recipes, describing processes or giving directions, you should give detailed information in chronological order. Write short, clear sentences using the imperative!

Each stage of the recipes, instructions or process is normally written on a new line. You may either number the various stages or use sub headings to separate them.

Sequence words such as first, then, next, as soon as, after that, until etc. or expressions/verbs such as make sure, remember, be careful, do not, etc. can be used to link pieces of information.

III. On Your Own

1. Write some entries of a journal or a blog to keep track of the most significant moments of your studies at this university/of your life/the most significant events in the life of your country/the world. Reflect on those events. Let your partner read your entries and compare them with his/hers.

52

There are lots of web sites that can help you start your own blog on a free blogging platform:

https://ru.wordpress.com

https://www.tumblr.com

https://www.blogger.com

https://medium.com

https://svbtle.com

https://www.livejournal.com

https://www.weebly.com

https://www.Postach.io

https://www.Pen.io

https://ghost.org

http://startbloggingonline.com http://www.problogger.net etc.

2. Imagine that a cookery magazine is running a competition, asking its readers to submit a recipe for a typical dish from their country. Write your recipe.

Pass around your recipes in the class. Read all your group mates’ recipes, assess them according to the assessment chart below, give points. Then count the total score each of you got and announce the winner!

53

UNIT 2

SOCIAL WRITING

I. Lead-in

1.Which forms of social writing do you resort to more often in your everyday life?

2.What are the main reasons letters can be written for? Brainstorm the ideas in

the classroom. Then compare your ideas with the reasons listed below:

giving information;

requesting information;making complaints;

making corrections;making suggestions;

asking for permission;giving advice;

making an application;

recommending someone or something.

Are these the reasons for writing formal or informal letters? or both? What are the main differences between formal and informal letters? Think of the style (the language) and the target readers?

Could any of these reasons be used for writing messages and notes as well?

3. Look at the characteristics below and arrange them into two columns: those typical of informal letters and those typical of formal letters.

Sophisticated vocabulary, personal tone, direct address, more frequent use of the passive voice, impersonal tone, simple linking devices, contractions, complex grammatical constructions, advanced vocabulary, colloquial (spoken) and idiomatic English, less advanced vocabulary, less complex grammatical constructions., use of the active rather than the passive voice.

Note!

Remember that all letters should include the following:

An appropriate greeting (e.g. Dear John, Dear Sir/Madame, etc.).

An introduction with your opening remarks in informal letters (e.g. How are

you?), with stating who you are in formal letters and your reasons for writing.

A main body, where each different issue should be discussed in a separate paragraph that starts with a topic sentence.

A conclusion where you can summarise the main points or make references

to future actions and include your closing remarks (e.g. Write back soon) fol- lowed by an appropriate ending (in formal letters: Yours faithfully, … (if you

54

began the letter with Dear Sir/Madame) and Yours sincerely, … (if you be- gan the letter with Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms Smith); in informal letters: Yours, Bill; Lots of love, Susan; take care and write soon, Pam etc.)

II. Practice

1. Look and the samples below and identify the type of social writing, e.g. a formal letter of apology etc.:

A

As you don’t drive, I presume that you’ll come on the train, so I’ll give you directions from the station. Go left as you come out of the station and then take the first turning on the right which will take you into Briar Road. Go past the school on your right and keep going until you get to a roundabout. Take the first turning on the right at the roundabout and you should find yourself on Grange Road, where I live. My house is on the left-hand side, opposite the church.

B

We’re currently doing some market research before the product launch in France. James (from the Marketing Dept) said you have a market report from last year. Could you send it to me, please?

C

Again, thank you for your generosity. I’m so excited about college. I’ll let you know all about it when I get settled.

D

We’re going to throw a party on Saturday, June 15, to celebrate John’s fiftieth birthday with a splash! Bring your swimsuits to Robert’s place by 5:00 p.m. and plan to have a great time. Of course, dress will be casual. Please RSVP regrets only by June 12 so we can plan accordingly. We hope to see you there.

E

56 Disgruntled Street

Somewhere Unhappy 1AM MAD

Customer Service Manager That Awful Company Somewhere Awful

UR BAD June 15, 2016

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing today to complain of the poor service I received from your company on June 12, 2008. I was visited by a representative of That Awful Company, Mr. Madman, at my home on that day.

55

Mr. Madman was one hour late for his appointment and offered nothing by way of apology when he arrived at noon. Your representative did not remove his muddy shoes upon entering my house, and consequently left a trail of dirt in the hallway. Mr. Madman then proceeded to present a range of products to me that I had specifically told his assistant by telephone I was not interested in. I repeatedly tried to ask your representative about the products that were of interest to me, but he refused to deal with my questions. We ended our meeting after 25 minutes without either of us having accomplished anything.

I am most annoyed that I wasted a morning (and half a day’s vacation) waiting for Mr. Madman to show up. My impression of That Awful Company has been tarnished, and I am now concerned about how my existing business is being managed by your firm. Furthermore, Mr. Madman’s inability to remove his muddy shoes has meant that I have had to engage the services, and incur the expense, of a professional carpet cleaner.

I trust this is not the way That Awful Company wishes to conduct business with valued customers – I have been with you since the company was founded and have never encountered such treatment before. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss matters further and to learn of how you propose to prevent a similar situation from recurring. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,

V. Angry

F

Dear Tom,

I’m just writing to let you know I quit my old job and found something new. I was really fed up with being a brain surgeon because it wasn’t really much of a challenge anymore. You know me; if I’m not learning new tricks,

I get bored too easily and have to find something new.

I’m now teaching English as a foreign language in Vietnam and it suits me down to the ground. I teach two adult classes and a kindergarten class, which is not only challenging but also rewarding too. Can you believe it?

I also have some other amazing news – I’m getting married. She was one of my first ever students and I guess it was love at first sight for both of us. Make sure you keep the first weekend in July free, so you can come and celebrate with us.

Keep in touch,

Chris

2. Read the rubric below and say what type of social writing it requires?

This is a part of a letter you received from a friend.

… and I know that I really need to speak English better. The problem is, I haven’t got time for extra lessons or regular study sessions. What else can I do to improve my English? Please write and tell me what you suggest.

56

Read the model of the letter below and say if it is appropriate to the rubric. Think about whether:

the paragraphs are clearly organized;

the writer follows the instructions;

the writer has included any irrelevant information in the main body;

the writer has used the correct style everywhere;

the style is appropriate for the target reader and what the target reader’s reaction will be;

the writing is grammatically correct.

Dear Tim,

Hi – how are you? I’m good but I have exams this week at school. I write to answer your letter in which you ask for my advice.

There are a range of options you could choose from. But before I begin with those, I like to say it’s a shame you can’t take extra lessons. I had extra lessons when I wanted to improve my French and that it helped a lot, but that was also because of my teacher. She was the best! Anyway, you could listen to the English music often.

Of course you shouldn’t spend hours to listen to music. That’s just a waste of time! Listening to songs in English is a good way to learn new vocabulary, and it’s fun too. Furthermore, if I was you I’d read more in English. You can also have conversations with a friend in English, and then correct each other’s mistakes. Be serious, though. I did it once and we just ended up laughing the whole time!

I recommend that you accept these advices on the matter.

Your sincerely, Angela.

(From: “Upstream Upper Intermediate. Student’s Book”. P. 19)

3. Read the rubric below and say what type of social writing it requires.

You and a group of your friends rented the holiday apartment in the advertisement below for a week. However, there were a number of problems and you left after just three days. You have decided to write a letter of complaint to the agency you rented the apartment from.

Beautiful Beach-Front Apartment To Rent

Spacious apartment 50 metres from sandy beach.

Three bedrooms, well-equipped kitchen.

Large balcony with great view.

Good value.

Read the model of the letter below and say if it is appropriate to the rubric. Think about whether:

the paragraphs are clearly organized;

the writer follows the instructions;

57

the writer has included any irrelevant information in the main body;

the writer has used the correct style everywhere;

the style is appropriate for the target reader and what the target reader’s reaction will be;

the writing is grammatically correct.

Dear Sir,

I want to tell you how angry and disgusted I am with the holidays apartment I rented from you on the 15th August. I think you’ve got a real cheek advertising it as “beautiful” because it was the ugliest apartment I’ve ever seen in my life.

For a start, you lied when you said it was spacious. There wasn’t room to swing a cat inside. The rooms were also very dirty. I spent the first day of my holiday cleaning them.

Next, you said the kitchen was well-equipped. Not at all! Lots of essential items were missing. After three days, I’d had enough and went home.

I’m sure you can tell I am really angry. You have ruined my summer by spoiling my holiday. I demanded you give me some of my money back and should say sorry, too. If you don’t you’ll be in big trouble. Hurry up and reply to this letter.

Yours sincerely, Helen Hunt.

(From: “Upstream Upper Intermediate. Student’s Book”. P. 36)

Rewrite the letter making it appropriate to the rubric. Compare your variant with your partner’s.

III. On Your Own

Look at the tasks below. Decide what type and style of letter or email message each requires. Choose one task below and write the letter or the message according to the task.

1.Your parents will not let you go on holidays as they want you to study for your exams. Write an email to your friend asking for his/her advice on this matter.

2.Your friend let you spend the weekend at his seaside cottage. While staying there you accidently stained an expensive Persian rug. Write a letter apologizing for the damage and offering to get it cleaned.

3.The head of your firm and his wife are celebrating their wedding anniversary and have invited you to the event. Write a letter thanking them for the invitation and saying why you will be unable to attend.

4.You are a former high school student trying to organize a reunion with classmates of ten years ago. Write a letter inviting them to the event. Include suitable information and directions from your old school to the restaurant where the venue will take place.

58

5.You are in Paris and want to hire a car when you realize you have left your driving license at home. Write a letter to your brother or sister asking for it to be sent to you by post. You should explain in your letter where it can be found and why you need it.

Peer-check and assessment.

Read your partner’s letter, check it, mark the mistakes using S for spelling, WO for word order, G for grammar and WW for wrong word. Then write an assessment of your partner’s writing. Cover the following points:

whether the style is appropriate for the target reader;

whether the greeting, the ending, the opening and the closing remarks are appropriate;

whether all the relevant points are covered;

whether the paragraphs are clearly organized.

59