SOME USEFUL EXPRESSIONS FOR LETTER-WRITING
For a good IELTS letter-writing task, you should learn to use and spell common phrases and expressions correctly. Formality is based on the question prompt. Such phrases save time and effort, and earn a higher IELTS score. Examples below are arranged from formal to semi-formal to informal. These expressions are not imperative. Apologizing Please accept my sincere apologies for… I am very sorry about… Sorry for… Asking for help I’d be grateful if you could… I would appreciate it if you could… Could you please… Asking for information I am writing to enquire about… I am writing to find out about… I would like to know about… Closing I look forward to hearing from you, I look forward to seeing you, I look forward to meeting you, Complaining I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with… I am writing to express my annoyance with… I’m not happy with… Expressing satisfaction I was delighted to learn that… I was thrilled to hear that… I was very glad to hear that… Expressing concern I am writing to express my concern about… I was very sorry to learn that… I was really sorry to hear that… Giving bad news I regret to advise you that… I regret to inform you that… I am sorry to tell you that… Giving good news I am pleased to advise you that… I am delighted to inform you that… I am happy to tell you that… Giving reasons This is due to… This is a result of … This is because… Making suggestions Perhaps it would be useful to… Perhaps it would be possible to… It might be helpful to… Thanking I am extremely grateful for… I really appreciate… Thank you for…
EXAMPLE: APOLOGY LETTER.
You agreed to take a particular job over the summer, but due to unforeseen circumstances, you can no longer take the position.
Write a letter including:
- Explaining your situation
- An apology
- Express that you would be interested in the position next summer
TASK RESPONSE.
Dear Mr Jack,
Let me hope this letter finds you in good health. This is in regard to the sales position I was interviewed for two weeks ago. I am glad you offered me the job however, unavoidable circumstances have made it hard for me to take the offer.
On good scrutiny of the job requirements you gave me, I realized that as I am still studying at the university, it will be hard for me to meet the required working hours, as some coincide with the time I am meant to be at university. Most hours required of me are in the early afternoon, a time I am meant to start studies at my university.
I so much wish you accept my apology, and if there is any offer for a job for hours in the late evenings, I will be glad to take it up.
Yours faithfully,
Angela Fan.
(151 WORDS)