Writing a formal letter Task Writing a formal letter
Skills building 1:changing or correcting a text Let’s first do an interesting game called------ “Chinese whisper”
The key The sentence that “the man who laughs last laughs the best” is a useful motto.
Conclusion When we are asked to pass information, we usually make mistakes. We need to: 1 correct grammatical errors and spelling mistakes 2 make changes to the information in the text 3 change the style or the tone
Tips for listening Read the questions or instructions carefully Listen closely when spelling is given Pay attention to words or phrases that express contradiction, such as No, I don’t think so. That’s not right. And I think it should be…
Step 1: confirming information 1 What does GM stand for? 2 What is GM food? 3 Is it the same as natural food? Listen and make notes about GM food
Skills building 2: conducting a discussion How to ask for people’s opinions e.g. What do you think? / Don’t you think so? /Do you agree? / Is that your opinion too? How to introduce new ideas into the discussion e.g. Another argument is that… / Don’t forget… / On the other hand, … /We can also… / But what about…?
Step2: reporting back to a science journal In step 1, we’ve learned a lot about GM food, first, let’s invite a student to say something briefly about GM food. Then, you can discuss with your group members and finish step 2.
Feedback of step 1 & 2 Now that we have finished step 1 and 2, you must have learned a lot about GM food. Now comes our next task: Prepare an interview between a student and the scientist to talk about GM food using the vocabulary of part B on page 55. Then finish part C and D after class.
Skills building 3: writing a formal letter The basic elements and format of a formal letter e.g. your address / the date / receiver’s name, job title and address / formal greeting / formal ending / your name and signature
Skills building 3: writing a formal letter Some useful phrases to start and end a formal letter: Start: With reference to… / Thank you for… /In reply to… / I am writing to inform you … End: I would be grateful if you could… / I hope you would… / I look forward to hearing from you soon. / If you require any further information… Label the different parts of the letter.
Step 3: writing a letter about GM food Read the first letter and ask students to list the main points about GM food. Read the second letter and ask students to list the main points about GM food. Combine the points together what we’ve learned from Step 1 & 2, then finish Part B on page 57. You can discuss with your group members.
Homework Write a formal letter to the head office of the supermarket chain. You may mention: Your opinions about GM food The pros and cons of GM food Any concerns your group brought up in step 2, part D What do you think the supermarket should do