1. English for Academic Purposes
Lecturer: Miljen Matijašević
G10, soba 6, Tue 11:30-12:30
Session 6

2. Today’s session
Writing formal letters

3. Writing formal letters
A Letter of Application

4. Writing formal letters
What are the main differences between formal and informal letters?

5. Writing formal letters
Which of the following forms of address are acceptable?
Dear Sirs, Respected,
Dear Jane Pugh, To whom it may concern,
Dear Mrs Bingham, Dear Sir or Madam,
Which of the following closing phrases are acceptable?
Yours, Yours truly,
Yours faithfully, Yours sincerely,
Best wishes, Best regards,
All the best, Cheers,

6. Writing formal letters
Which of the following forms of address are acceptable?
Dear Sirs, Respected,
Dear Jane Pugh, To whom it may concern, (!)
Dear Mrs Bingham, Dear Sir or Madam,
Which of the following closing phrases are acceptable?
Yours, Yours truly,
Yours faithfully, Yours sincerely,
Best wishes, Best regards,
All the best, Cheers,

7. Writing dates Which are the best ways to write a date: 28.4.2014.
28th of April, 2014
28 April 2014
April 28, 2014
28. April, 2014.
28th April 2014

8. Writing dates Which are the best ways to write a date: 28.4.2014.
28th of April, 2014
28 April 2014
April 28, 2014
28. April, 2014.
28th April 2014

9. A Letter of Application
What would be the logical order of the following parts of a letter of application?
addresses and the date
biographical paragraph – outlining current position and relevant experience
expressing hope of future contact
paragraph emphasising qualifications for the particular position
signature
stating the reason for writing

10. A Letter of Application
ANSWER:
addresses and the date
stating the reason for writing
biographical paragraph – outlining current position and relevant experience
paragraph emphasising qualifications for the particular position
expressing hope of future contact
signature

11. Identify the parts of the letter
Reference to how you found out about the internship
Your address
Reference to things requested in the ad and enclosed in the letter.
Recipient’s address
Reasons for your interest in internship
Description of your legal work experience
Introduction, saying who you are
Date
Description of your studies and coursework
A ‘call for action’ closing the letter
Salutation
Reason for writing the letter
Details of any relevant personal qualities, qualifications or skills

12. A Letter of Application
Study a sample letter of application and identify its parts from the previous slide.

13. Paragraphs Look at sample paragraphs from student assignments
Try to identify any problems and suggest ways to try to improve them!

14. Paragraphs – example 1
I am qualified for understanding results from the field of domestic violence and juvenile delinquency, as well as work with blind people.
PROBLEM:
…work with blind people. – What is this connected to? Rephrase!

15. Paragraphs – example 2
I am a third-year student of Law in Zagreb, studying social work . I am interested in applying for the position of Animator at your company. I found the job offer and conditions of work on your company's website.
PROBLEM
What are you studying? Where are you studying?
‘working conditions’ vs. ‘job requirements’!

16. Paragraphs – example 3
You also explain that you want a nanny who has higher education, thus it can provide some academic instruction for your children. As a head of educational groups for children  for four years, I have experience in teaching. I could teach your children in any subject you desire.
PROBLEMS
Higher education is not something you have!
‘it’ is the wrong pronoun (second line)
What are ‘educational groups for children’? Elaborate!

17. Paragraphs – example 4
I am a very good student and I am ready to learn as much as possible in a very short period of time. I want to experience new things and one of them is to study in a foreign country which is a member of the EU. I have volunteered in many events considering work with people with disabilities and in a family center. I consider myself as a communicative, ambitious and well-organized person and I also like to work in a team. Some day, I would like to work with children because children are our future. Therefore, I am very curious about social workers and their work in Slovenia.
PROBLEM: The last sentence… ‘therefore’ – the sentence does not flow from the previous one. Rephrase!

18. A Letter of Application
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT:
Find an advertisement for a training course, internship or job relevant to your studies or a professional area of your interest
Write a letter of application observing the suggested model
Write the assignment in a Word document and it to the teacher

19. Thank you for your attention!