• Author / Uploaded
• Nancy Naiem Bashir

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Letter to the Editor 1) Plan: Introduction: reason for writing + opinion about the topic Body # 1: first problem + consequences or suggestions + results Body # 2: second problem + consequences or suggestions + results Conclusion: summary of opinion using different words N.B. Register: formal or semi-formal 2) Useful Expressions and Linking Words/Phrases: Time fixers: Nowadays, Recently, these days, more than ever before To begin your letter: I am writing to express my approval/disapproval of….. To state your opinion: I feel/think/believe, I am totally in favour of…, I strongly agree/disagree… To express consequences/results: This will/would mean…; Therefore, …; Consequently,….; If we do this…; Obviously…; Clearly,… To list your points: Firstly,…; Secondly,…; Furthermore,…;What is more,…; Lastly/Finally,… To end your letter: I hope my comments/suggestions will be taken into consideration I hope the government/the Local Council will…. I hope something will be done about this urgently. 3) Sample: Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing about Trent Council’s decision to build a large shopping centre in our town. I strongly disagree with this decision, and I believe it will have negative effects on the town. Firstly, a shopping centre will turn Trent from a quiet, peaceful neighbourhood into a busy shopping area. Obviously, there will be an increase in the amount of traffic and the number of people coming into town. As a result, we will suffer from both air and noise pollution. Secondly, the appearance of our town will change completely. In order for the shopping centre to be built, some of our oldest and most beautiful buildings will have to be torn down. Therefore, Trend’s surroundings as well as its character will be destroyed. To sum up, I am totally opposed to the Council’s decision as I believe it will be disastrous for Trent. Consequently, I hope that the Council will reconsider its decision. Yours faithfully, Mary Swanson

Notes to help with your writing: 1) It’s high time: N.B In providing solutions to problems, giving suggestions like letters to the editor and letters of advice, it’s preferable to use this form: IT'S (HIGH) TIME + PAST SIMPLE TENSE It's (high) time + past simple expresses that something should be done and that it is already a bit late: It's time you went to bed. You'll have to get up early tomorrow.(advice) It's high time you bought a new pair of jeans. (suggestion) It's about time this road was completed. They've been working on it for months.(letter to the editor) Finish these sentences. 1- It’s high time we stopped__________________________________________________________ 2- It’s about time we cared __________________________________________________________ 3- It’s time we did _________________________________________________________________ 2) Not only……….., but (it, she, he, they…) also This inversion improves your sentence structure. Follow these steps: -

Smoking destroys the health. It causes bad breath. Does smoking destroy the health? Not only does smoking destroy the health, but it also causes bad breath.

Use not only in these ideas in a way that states your opinion whether you’re with or against. 1- Cancelling of the wearing of school uniform 2- Cars 3- Constructing wind farms in your city 3) Use synonyms for these words. Advantage: Disadvantage:

Argument:

Merit, benefit, asset, privilege, gain, positive aspect, convenience Demerit, drawback, hindrance, downside, negative aspect, harmful effect, deficiency, inadequacy, shortcoming, inconvenience Controversy, hot potato, debate, dispute

3) Use verbs like: Enables / creates / provides / facilitates / aids / assists / permits / allows / makes..possible / generates / offers / presents / transfigures / transforms