3. Dear Sonia

Icono IDevice Reading activity

 

Compare these two emails Paco has read recently, the first one is an email he has just sent to Sonia and the second one is an email Adam showed him for a job application in Australia.

 

EMAIL 1

Dear Sonia,

How are you?

I'm having a great time here in Dublin. It's a pity Adam has to go back to Australia soon because we 're having so much fun! Actually, I'm leaving soon too, and I'll start a new adventure in a new continent... I can't wait!

Anyway, we visited Malahide Castle yesterday. It's not far from Dublin and it is definitely worthy. The gardens are beautiful and the castle is very interesting, with five ghosts included!

That's all for now. I'm meeting Adam again in town in an hour. Please email me soon and tell me all the news.

Take care,

Paco

 

EMAIL 2

Dear Mr White,

I am writing to apply for the Computer Engineering position advertised in the newspaper last week. As requested, I am enclosing my CV and a completed job application.

This opportunity is very interesting and I believe that my education as well as my experience will make me a competitive candidate for this position. At the moment I am not in the city but I am returning next week and I will be available to begin employment by the end of the month.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I would appreciate the opportunity to come in for an interview and to talk with you further about my qualifications and experience.

I look forward to receiving your reply.

Yours faithfully,

Adam Johnson


Which email is formal and which one is informal?


Icono de iDevice Solved exercise
Study the two emails above.
By mike fischer, C. Commons

Analyze the differences between them concerning the following points:

  • Dear Sonia vs. Dear Mr White
  • I'm having vs. I am writing
  • It's a pity
  • go back vs. return
  • Please email me soon. vs. I look forward to receiving your reply.
  • Take care vs. Yours faithfully
  • Paco vs. Adam Johnson
  • Length of sentences

Self-Assessment activity

Decide if the following words, expressions or sentences are formal or informal:

1. I'm definitely going to find this out.
a) formal
b) informal



2. It is recommended that applicants complete the form before the interview.

By andycarvin, C. Commons
a) formal
b) informal



3. Love
a) formal
b) informal



4. Please wait for instructions.
By Old Shoe Woman, C. Commons
a) formal
b) informal



5. How's it going?
a) formal
b) informal



Icono IDevice Writing activity

Time to write! Taking into account the rules we have just learned about formal and informal language, write a short email to a friend telling him or her about what you did last weekend.

By Olivander, C. Commons

When you finish, remember to check the spelling, punctuation and grammar.


Well done! Now go to the section Practice your English.