Well, the countdown has started. The IGCSE November 2009 session is coming up soon - actually end of October. On Wednesdays, I'll try to help out with writing by providing tips, plans and some exercises.
THE INFORMAL LETTER / EMAIL
There are many types of informal letter / email. For example, you can write a letter of thanks,advice or invitation. When you are writing an informal letter or sending an email to a friend, it is very important for the examiners to try and make it sound friendly and chatty. However, do bear in mind that informal register means something between spoken and written language. You will be likely to fail the exam if your letter to your dear friend Bobby starts like this: " Hey Bobby! how r u?" Or "I ain't gonna do nothing tonight" or "I got a present 4 u" Remember , it's a British exam and you are expected to use either informal British English or informal American English. Both are accepted. Online chat "language" won't be accepted.You will also be severely penalised if you use online chat expressions or if you mix British and American English both in expressions and in spelling :
Example : I can't afford buying a car. Gas has gone up recently in my area which means that petrol costs £5 a gallon.
or : I love going to the theatre but our local theater has closed down.
The following phrases may help you achieve the right tone:
Hi Bobby / Dear Bobby
I'm sorry I haven't written for such a long time but I've been really busy lately
Thanks for the email. It was great to hear from you.
I thought I'd drop a line to ....
I haven't heard from you for a long time and I thought we could catch up on our news.
Hey! I've given you up for lost. What's up?
( c ) Main Body (useful expressions)
- you won't believe ....
- you'll never guess....
- believe it or not ....
- by the way ....
- in fact ...
- hey! cheer up!
- don't let it get you down
- listen. don't worry too much about it
- that's all for now
- I must love you and leave you! I've got homework to finish. Write back soon.
- Take care
- Have a lovely day / week
-Say hi to Sue
- Remember me to your mother
Lots of love
PLANNING AN INFORMAL LETTER
1. Greeting : Hi / Dear + first name
2. Say why you are writing
3. Suggestions / advice / questions and perhaps some more details.
4. Conclusion / closing remark (see phrases above)
TIP - Always make sure you have answered the examiners' prompts appearing at the bottom of the task!
NOW YOUR TURN
Imagine you have just moved to the city from a rural area. Write a letter to your friend telling him/her about a few of the problems you are facing.The picture below may help you.
In your letter you must tell your friend :
- about your first impressions
- some of the problems you are facing
- what you do to deal with these problems
If you wish, you can email me your answer and I promise to correct, comment and send it back to you