English : Letter Writing IGCSE

Informal Letters

These are usually to your friends or family.

Format of letter writing :

If you are asked to write a letter you should use the following format :-

If you do not know the name of the person you are writing
to , sign off with “ yours faithfully”.If you do know the
name of the person you are writing to , sign off with ‘ yours
sincerely’.

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Classwork Assignment : 1 Email Writing

You recently went to the opening day of a new visitor attraction in your town.

Write an email to a friend about the day.

In your email , you should :

 Describe the visitor attraction

 Explain what happened on the day

 Say if you think the attraction will be success or not.

The pictures above may give you some idea, you should try to use some ideas of your own.

You email should be between 150 – 200 words long.

[10 marks will be given for the content of your email and 9 makrs for the style and accuracy of your

language]

Write your letter in the next page.

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Classwork Assignment : 2 Format to follow for letter writing

Salutation :

(Dear/Dearest..), introduction, body (maybe two paragraphs), conclusion, signature (With Love/Yours
Truly..) The salutation and signature are simple.

Introduction :

 Start with a warm, friendly opening. Ditch the boring ‘How are you doing?‘. Go for these:

It was good to hear from you.

Sorry for not replying sooner. I have been very busy.

I’m so sorry for taking so long to reply. I have been revising for my exams.

Congratulations on your award! It’s been an hectic week over here. So sorry I
couldn’t write to you earlier. (This is a good opening, because it tells the examiner that you
know this person well).

Tell them why you’re writing the letter. This will be specified in the question paper itself. Keep it very
short. In the example above, you could say: I’ve been dying to tell you about this circus that came to
town last Friday!!

Your turn !!

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 Body:
 This is the actual content of your letter. Provide more details about the topic. Use lots of adjectives
and verbs and really relay your thoughts and emotions. Use the prompts and pictures in the
question. You can write it in two paragraphs to organise your ideas.

In the example above, you could write:

Nobody knew about the circus arriving. But the moment they opened the entrance, all the villagers
started flocking in. Steve and I begged for mom and dad to take us there! It was magnificent, in
every sense of the word! There were talking parrots, tigers jumping through fire hoops (Steve ran
away scared when he saw the Tiger!), an elephant that could predict your weight, a fortune teller
and all sorts of things you see in the circuses in movies!
Mom was fascinated by the ‘Guess the Price’ tent and spent a lot of money on it but didn’t guess a
single one right. Dad and I went to every single tent. My favourite was this magic show! The
magician literally turned a rat into a rabbit! I have no idea how. It was truly magical! We stayed
there till dusk and then very reluctantly went back. The circus clearly had won the hearts of all
villagers!

Conclusion:

The conclusion has to wrap up the letter. For example, I really wish you were there! You would have loved
it! Give my regards to Margret and Aunt Marie! Reply soon!

Points to remember !!

 Take care of spelling, punctuation and grammar. It’s a writing task after all.
 Don’t use abbreviations and slang such as ‘u’ and ‘OMG’! This is an international exam, not an actual
email to your friend!
 Keep the tone very light and warm. An informal letter should be informal.
 Writing a paragraph for each bullet point (given in the question) can be a good method of keeping the
letter organised.
 Give personal anecdotes. Add details that tell the examiner you really know each other. In my sample
answer above, I used the names Steve, Margaret and Aunt Marie without giving any explanation for who
they exactly are, because my friend knows who they are!
 Try using time phrases. Eg: shortly after that/later/that afternoon/after dinner etc.
 Keep to the word limit. It should be at least 150 words and shouldn’t exceed 200 words. However, I
remember my teacher telling me it was alright if I wrote 10-15 words in excess. Any more than that, they
would deduct marks.

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Classwork Assignment : 3 Directed Writing

This is a written task which uses a text (or two) of 650-750 words as a stimulus.
You will be asked to write an argumentative or discursive letter or article. See the
FORMAT section for help with how to present these.

Select ideas from the information given but USE YOUR OWN WORDS unless you’re
quoting.

There are 10 marks awarded for the content of your answer and up to 15 marks for the
way in which it’s written.

Things to keep in mind !!!

 Read the text(s) carefully and select details from it/them which you could use in your own writing.
 Plan carefully before you begin.
 Keep your writing formal throughout, even if the audience is a group of your peers at school.
 Use elements of the DAFOREST toolkit.
 You may be given two texts and expected to use material from both in your answer.
Exercise 1
Let’s take the discursive task as an example. This is a balanced argument where you give your
overall opinions at the end, having weighed up both sides. You could be asked to write an
argumentative piece in which case you will need to focus on one side only.

Imagine that your grandparents are considering buying your older sister a car for her
18th birthday and have asked your views. Your sister is, in your opinion, very lucky
already.

Write a letter to your Grandma and Granddad in which you should explain:
 The advantages of owning a car
 The reasons why it may not be advisable or necessary
 Why you would or wouldn’t support their idea to buy a car for your sister.

Base your letter on the fact file and the magazine article( given in next page), but use your own
words.
Address each of the three bullet points.
Begin your letter ‘Dear Grandma and Grandad...’ and write about 250 to 350 words.
Remember that 10 marks are available for the content of your answer and you can
be awarded up to 15 marks for the quality of your writing.

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Read the following article you found from an old magazine :

Fact file : Teens owning cars

Motor vehicles are a leading cause of

teenage deaths in the UK.

One in 5 drivers are involved in car

crash in their first year of driving.

Research shows that teens who take

additional driving courses are safer on
the roads.

Read the following Passage :

Will Santa bring me my dream present this year?

Once all I longed for was the latest, most popular ‘toy of the year’ for Christmas... a Star Wars Lego set, a
BMX bike, a Nintendo Wii... This year is different however; this year I hope that Santa and his elves might
be able to create something which will give me a new level of freedom and independence. This year top of
my list is A CAR (or money towards one!)

Let’s be honest: no teenager NEEDS a car. We have been walking and getting lifts since we were about a
year old. We are quite capable of catching buses, trains and planes if necessary. We can even dust off the
pushbike (another longed-for present) and use that!

A recent online poll concluded that 67% of voters said that 18 year olds do not ‘need’ a car of their own.
Plenty of us do have a motor though... often a cheap run-around which may not be the most mechanically
reliable vehicle on the road but is affordable with our minimum wages. The area designated for student
parking at my college is filled with small cars, many of which have suffered minor bumps and bruises,
some of which were caused in that very car park!
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Now we all know that there are risks associated with driving a car and that statistics show that new drivers
are those most likely to be in an accident, due to their inexperience. But how can you gain experience if
you’re never given the chance? One of the catchphrases at college when someone has a prang is, ‘well,
that’s what bumpers are for!’ But sometimes it is more than a dent in the bumper and that’s when
the expensive insurance policies become totally extortionate. A friend of mine had to ask her parents for a
loan to cover her increased car insurance after she was involved in a minor accident earlier in the year.

For some teens the primary purpose of owning a car is to use it as a status symbol. It’s something to cruise
around in, shades on, music blaring... but that wouldn’t be my approach to car ownership. I see a car as a
means of transportation, that’s it. I hope that I will be responsible enough to always drive safely and with
consideration for others. I am always disappointed to hear ‘teenage drivers’ all tarred with the same
brush. We’re not all lunatics trying to break the speed record or trying to run each other off the road. My
brother is in Year 10 and if I could give him a lift to and from school I would be helping my mum out.
She’s working full-time herself and always struggles to get to her office on time. I might even offer to do
the weekly shop for her as I would have a means of carrying our family’s groceries home with me.

I might also be able to help Dad with ferrying materials around. He works for a construction company and
sometimes has to hire a van when actually an extra car would do. Having another car in the family would
also help if one did break down. At the moment, with Mum and Dad each having a car and there being 4 of
us, (all at school or work full time) our resources are stretched if one is in the garage for a few days.

Whilst an older car might be cheaper there are the potential repairs to consider, plus the impact on the
environment. Newer cars are certainly more economical and do less damage so whilst I would never ask
for a brand new car (I’ve heard thousands of pounds are lost the moment you drive it away), I think one
that has done under 50,000 miles is preferable. As for the colour, I have no preference. If Santa thinks I’m
suited to a red car with white trim, that’s fine by me! Ultimately I am looking for a safe way of
being able to stretch my wings that bit further. I am hoping to go to University next year (if these A levels
go to plan!) and a car would be a major advantage as I would be able to return home more freely to see
friends and family. For now though, I guess I’ll have to wait. Surely I’m on Santa’s ‘nice’ list but just how
far up I’m yet to find out...!

Re-read the bullet points from the question. There are three sections to cover. Using different coloured
highlighters pick out details from the article in the magazine as well as the above passage text under the
following headings:

 Advantages of teens owning cars:

 Reasons why buying a teen a car might not be recommended:
 Recommendations for the grandparents

This information will then inform you and you will be able to make recommendations for the grandparents
– should they buy your sister a car? (Evaluation of the arguments in the final stage, do the advantages
outweigh the disadvantages in your opinion? This can be considered after the first two bullet points have
been prepared.)
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 Reasons why buying a teen a car might not be recommended:

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 Recommendations for the grandparents.

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For Evaluation of the 3rd bulleted point :

Either side could be argued for, so long as the judgements are based on what has been read and evaluated.

So, yes a car is recommended/no, a car is not recommended because...

 Statistics show that having a car as a teen is risky OR an advanced driving course could be taken to
reduce the risk of an accident
 There are many other methods of transport available OR it will allow for greater
freedom/independence
 Cheaper cars may be affordable but are probably less safe
 Insurance and repairs are expensive OR a newer car may mean fewer repair bills
 A car could be used as a status symbol and to cruise around OR not all teens are lunatics trying to
impress
 Not helping the environment OR could help other family members out with lifts

How should I begin !

Clearly introduce the situation and the purpose of the task. You may be given an opening phrase to use.

What techniques could I include?

It is essential that you include details from the passage but you must USE YOUR OWN
WORDS!
In addition you could select from the DAFOREST toolkit to really impress your examiner:

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Classwork Assignment : 4 Grammar Practise

A .Please add necessary punctuation to the following business letter.

Dear mr lopez

I recently received the order that you placed on November 30 2019 for a new

vacuum. When you ordered your new Whoosh vacuum you requested a set of

attachments as well. We do have the vacuum that you want in stock unfortunately our

company has sold out of the specific set of attachments that you ordered. We regret

that we cannot fill your order however we do have an alternative for you. If you like

our company would be happy to send you a different vacuum Whoosh Model 1234

which comes with a set of attachments in its purchase price. Mr. lopez I think that

you will find this vacuum equally efficient and I believe that you will be pleased with

this model. The price is a little higher but is still an excellent value. If this is a

satisfactory substitution please send the attached postcard to my office at 3434 Smith

Street Sylmar'California 91342, as soon as possible.

I hope mr.lopez that you will continue to choose Polk's Electronics whenever you need

new appliances. Thank you for your patronage we hope to serve you in the future.

Yours sincerely

Susan Polk

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B.Punctuate these direct quotations :

Martha said my sister is coming for a visit soon

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Martin said calmly I think the bank is being robbed

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where are you going today Sylvia asked her friend

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C. Please punctuate these split quotations. Add capitalization where needed

the semester is almost over said Susman you should be studying for the final exam

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what did you say asked Bertha the music is so loud that I can't hear you

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I love this song said Michael turn. up the radio please

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let's go to the museum suggested Dave there's anew exhibit on Van Gogh

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Mariah ~arey has a great voice said Martin she is appearing on television next week

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this exercise is very hard grumbled the student and it's giving me a bad headache

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I told you several times said the clerk that this item is not on sale

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this is a wonderful exercise exclaimed the happy students please give us another one

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Dear Grandma and Granddad,

Recently you asked me for my opinions on whether you should fund a car for my sister
Lucy. After careful consideration I have come to the conclusion that she does not
currently need a car and, indeed, it could actually be dangerous for her to have one at
this stage.
Let’s consider the facts... statistics show that car accidents are a leading killer of
teenagers in our country. It turns out that 25% of new drivers actually have a crash in
the year following their test. That’s shocking! Yes, you could argue that Lucy could take
an extra course to improve her chances but ultimately I believe she will lack the
experience and maturity to keep her safe.
After all, what’s the rush? It’s not like she will be stranded in the house! Lucy has
happily caught the bus and had lifts with Mum for years and years; I’m sure she can
continue to do this for a bit longer. I know she will probably say, ‘But Grandma, I’ll
never get any experience if I don’t try...’ but can’t she try in a few years’ time? By then
she will have seen some of her friends get their first cars and, unfortunately, she will
probably have heard about some of their crashes. Hopefully then she might realise
what a dangerous weapon a car can be. They are also no friend to the environment.
Lucy has said she would like to ‘live greener,’ so here’s her chance!
It is true to say that another car in the household could prove useful if one breaks
down, and it would give her a means of travelling home from University, but I can’t see
that any of these minor advantages outweigh the need to keep Lucy safe. Surely her
wellbeing must be the primary concern?
For these reasons I hope you will agree with me that, for now, Lucy should not be
given a car of her own.
I look forward to seeing you both soon,
Love from,
Jemima.

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English : Letter Writing IGCSE

Classwork Assignment
Task 1

You are taking part in your school's end-of-term performance.

Write a letter to a friend telling her/him about the performance.
In your letter you should:
• tell your friend what the performance is and what part you are playing;
• explain how you are preparing for the performance;
• invite your friend to come to the performance.
Your letter should be between 150 and 200 words long. he pictures above may give you some ideas, and you
should try to use some ideas of your own. You will receive up to 10 marks for the content of your letter, and up to 9
marks for the style and accuracy of your language.
Task 2
Shopkeepers in your area are trying to persuade people only to buy food which is locally produced. Here are some
comments which have been made in letters to the newspapers:

Write an article for your school magazine giving your views. Your article should be between 150 and 200 words
long. The comments above may give you some ideas, and you should try to use some ideas of your own. You will
receive up to 10 marks for the content of your article, and up to 9 marks for the style and accuracy of your
language.
Task 3
St Edmund Arrowsmith is running a Summer School and is advertising for year eleven pupils to support the
activity. It is paid work. Write your letter.
Some of the activities during Summer School will include:
 Literacy activities
 Numeracy activities
 Sport/outdoor activities
Task 4
A national radio station is proposing to hold a three-day music festival in the grounds of a historic building near to
where you live. Many local residents have objected on the grounds that the noise created will be unbearable.

Write a letter to your local newspaper giving your views on this proposal. (20 marks)
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Answers :
Task 1: Formal letter :

 Use informal language

 3 paragraphs
 Cover the 3 bullet points equally
 Try to make the letter seem personal e.g. I know how much you love music!
 Use informal linking words e.g. Anyways, Well, By the way
 Do not use a formal close such as Kind Regards, it is considered TOO FORMAL. Use ones such as, Best wishes,
take care etc…
 Write between the word limits, don’t go over too much

Layout for Informal letter writing

Intro

Dear (name),
Hi! How’s it going? Sorry for not writing sooner but I’ve been busy doing (something for e.g. revising for exams.)
Ask a question for e.g. How was your holiday? Anyways, I just wanted to drop you a line about an event that will
happen at my school. You won’t believe what I’m doing!
Main paragraph
It all started when (activity here for e.g. I joined the school band… Cover the first bullet point here.) What’s
more, (Explain 2nd point I practised with friends etc…). By the way, (Now talk about the last point e.g. Why don’t
you come, I know how much you love musical performances)
Conclusion
Well, that’s about it for now, I’ve got to go (activity for e.g. finish off my homework) For questions where you have
to invite your friend/relative, write Will you be able to make it to (e.g. my performance next week?) Hope to see you
during the holiday soon.
Informal close
Cheers / Take care.
(Your name)
Task 3
Address of Self

11th February 2016

Address to be sent

Dear Mr Dumican,
Having noticed the Summer School mentor position, as advertised on the school bulletin board, I would like to
submit my application for your consideration.
As a prefect for the past two years, I believe I am an eligible candidate for the role of a Summer School mentor. My
prefect status shows, in my opinion, that I am dedicated and trustworthy pupil. I think this is also clear as I was chosen to be a
‘Better Reading’ partner to a year seven pupil in English. This role included: listening to the pupils when reading, talking to them
about their ability in a positive way and being there for them as a friend. Furthermore, being a prefect has brought me into regular
contact with younger pupils, as I help them however I can when I am on duty.
My sister, who will be coming up to our school next year, has difficultly with Maths, so I regularly support her at home.
With her SATs being challenging, I helped her by going through past papers we found online. Although she finds Maths arduous,
she has improved with my help and feels more confident. By tutoring her (twice a week), I learnt how to be more patient and this
skill would be of use to a Summer School mentor.
Throughout my time at school, I have been passionate about sport. Having played for the rugby team for three years, I
have represented the school and helped to win two National Championships. Playing sport has helped to improve my teamwork
and communication skills. I’m proud to have worn the St Edmund Arrowsmith badge and helped the school to achieve success. If
I were selected for the Summer School, I could coach or referee rugby matches between the year six pupils and help to develop
their skill and confidence through sport.
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. I would be happy to offer you more information at interview.
Yours sincerely, Joe Bloggs
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 Name________________________
Formal Letter Checklist:

Accurate addresses (capital letters, commas, date)

Accurate greeting (capital letters, commas)

Clear point of view stated in the introduction with formal tone

Three main paragraphs that each offers a different argument

Use at least 6 different persuasive techniques

e.g. Rhetorical questions Statistics
Emotive language Triples
Direct address (“I”) Facts
Opinions Comparison
Counter argument Repetition
Anecdotes Imagery (simile/metaphor)

Examples of effective vocabulary displayed regularly

A range of sentence types and punctuation used for effect 0

Appropriate conclusion (restated POV, gratitude) and accurate sign off

Task 4 18 Latham Avenue,

Runcorn,
Cheshire,
WA7 5DS

5th May 2015

The Runcorn Weekly News,

Church Street,
Runcorn,
WA7 4WA
Dear Editor,

As a parent to a pair of teenagers, and a local resident, I cannot agree with the decision to hold a music festival at Norton
Priory. I think it is a despicable idea! I fully appreciate that music is an important part of young people’s lives and that there will
be financial benefits for the area, but the negatives shockingly outweigh the positives.

Firstly, consider the historical significant of the place: Norton Priory is a famous museum and gardens. If this festival is
allowed to go ahead, its beauty and image will be forever damaged. I, along with many others locals I have discussed this issue
with, feel that this proposal is madness. Can you think of a less appropriate place for a festival than a site of former worship? You
mustn’t forget that it was a monastery. To allow a mob of wild revellers to descend on it would be unforgiveable. As I told my son
yesterday: “Jesus doesn’t like dance music.” He believes that it is a great idea and that, for me, is part of the problem. It sends the
wrong message about the place: young people will forever associate it with sex (no, thank you!), drugs (God forbid!) and rock and
roll (what is a ‘Kasabian’ anyway?) – It’s a monastery!

What does this letter do well so far? What could be added to complete it?

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