Mastering English Writing: Informal & Formal Letters, Essays, Advice, Blogs

Informal Letter

Paragraph 1: Greeting and Initial Thoughts

Say hello, ask your friend two questions about themselves, and tell them what you've been doing.

What have you been doing since we last met?

I've been...

Paragraph 2: Detailing Your Experience

Give more details about your experience. Explain where it took place and what was involved. Say what happened in the end.

I decided to go along to...

...it's been a big success, so I'm really pleased.

Paragraph 3: Reflecting on the Experience

Say how you felt about the experience. Explain what conclusions you have come to.

I meant you have an opinion about something but then...

It's never happened to me before but...

Paragraph 4: Closing the Letter

Finish the email by saying why you have to stop writing. Say goodbye.

Anyway, I've got to... I've just...

Formal Letter

Paragraph 1: Stating Your Complaint

Explain what you are complaining about. Say when and where the event or situation took place.

I am writing to complain about...

Paragraph 2: Elaborating on the Problem

Give details about the problem. Explain the problem in detail and say who it affects.

When I...

... is totally inappropriate for...

Paragraph 3: Providing Additional Information

Provide information about another aspect of your complaint.

Furthermore, we were shocked...

... is completely unacceptable.

Paragraph 4: Expressing Disappointment and Suggesting Action

Say what your opinion of the company was and how this event/situation has changed it. Finish by suggesting what the company should do.

Until..., I had always associated...

It is very sad that... I would be grateful if you could...

Discussion Essay

Paragraph 1: Introducing the Current Situation

Explain what the current situation is.

It is generally accepted that...

Paragraph 2: Presenting Arguments in Favor

Present arguments in favor of the topic.

It is well known that... Not only... but also...

Paragraph 3: Presenting Arguments Against

Present arguments against the topic.

However, there are some disadvantages to... It is said that...

Paragraph 4: Concluding and Giving Your Opinion

Say what choices we have and give your opinion.

In conclusion, either... or... In my opinion...

Asking for and Giving Advice

Asking for Advice

• What do you think I should do?
• What would you do if you were me?
• Would you suggest...? (+ -ing)

Giving Advice

• If you..., you will... (+ infinitive)
• If I were you, I'd... (+ infinitive)
• My advice would be to... (+ infinitive)
• Make sure you... (+ infinitive)
• Have you thought about...? (+ -ing)
• You could... (+ infinitive)
• You should/shouldn't... (+ infinitive)
• You ought to... (+ infinitive)

A Blog

Day 1: Introducing Your New Activity

Tell readers what activity you have taken up. Say what the people are like and where you do it.

I've just joined... I spent the first day + -ing

Day 2: Detailing Your Experiences

Give more details about what you do. Talk about the reactions the activity produces in you and other people. Explain how you feel when you finish the activity and mention any changes that it might produce in you.

The experience really...

Well, I'll be... soon!

Day 3: Reflecting and Sharing Insights

Talk about another experience you had and describe the things that you have learned. Mention any objectives that the free-time activity has and give your opinion.

... believe that if you...