Mastering English Writing: Practical Examples

Informal Email to a Friend About a New Hobby

Dear Mark,

I hope you are doing well! I am writing to tell you that I have recently started a new hobby: photography. First of all, I decided to try it because I wanted to capture beautiful landscapes during my weekend trips.

Since you are great at taking photos, do you think a basic smartphone is enough or should I buy a professional camera? Also, could you recommend a good online course or a YouTube influencer for beginners? I feel a bit lost with so many options.

In my opinion, the best advantage of photography is that it makes you explore new places and enjoy nature, but buying the equipment can be quite expensive nowadays. Please let me know what you think because your advice is very important to me!

Let's meet up soon for a coffee.

Best wishes, Monika

Opinion Essay: Technology in the Classroom

Technology in Classrooms: Is it good?

Over the last few years, technology has completely changed education. In my opinion, using tablets, laptops, and computers in schools has many positive aspects for students.

First of all, students can access a lot of useful information instantly and learn in a more interactive way. Furthermore, digital books are much lighter and cheaper than traditional ones. However, there are some important disadvantages to consider:

• Electronic devices can easily distract students from the teacher's explanations during lessons.
• Some children might spend too much time looking at screens.

To sum up, although technology can be a dangerous distraction in class, it is an essential tool for modern learning if teachers and parents use it responsibly.

By Monika

Dialogue: Planning Summer Vacations

A: I am so excited about the summer holidays! What are your plans for this year, Monika?

Monika: Well, I am going to travel to Italy with my family. We want to visit Rome, Florence, and Venice. What about you?

A: That sounds amazing! If I have enough money next month, I will go backpacking around Spain. I prefer visiting historical cities, but my friends just want to go to the beach to swim and party.

Monika: You should definitely visit Granada! The Alhambra is absolutely beautiful and the food is great. Why don't you talk to your friends about it?

A: That is a wonderful idea. I will check the train tickets and hotel prices tonight on the internet. Thanks for the advice, Monika!

Monika: You are welcome! Have a great trip and take many photos.

Formal Complaint Email to a Hotel

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to complain about the room I stayed in last weekend at your hotel.

First of all, when I arrived, the room was not clean. There were dirty towels on the bathroom floor and the bed was not made. Furthermore, the air conditioning did not work properly, which was a big problem because the weather was extremely hot.

I spoke to the receptionist, but unfortunately, she did not solve the situation or offer me a different room. As a result, I had a very uncomfortable stay at your establishment.

In my opinion, this is not the service of a four-star hotel. Therefore, I would like to ask for a partial refund of my money. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours faithfully, Monika

Informal Email About Cooking and Healthy Eating

Dear David,

Thanks for your email! It was great to hear from you. You asked me about my cooking habits, so let me tell you that I actually love cooking at home.

In my opinion, cooking your own food has many advantages:

• It is much healthier because you can choose fresh ingredients and avoid sugar.
• It is cheaper than eating out in restaurants every day.

My favourite dish to cook is Spanish omelette, although I also enjoy making Italian pasta. Next month, I am going to start a professional baking course to learn how to make bread and cakes. Would you like to come to my house and try my new recipes?

Write back soon and tell me about your favourite food!

Best wishes, Monika

Opinion Essay: Protecting Our Planet

Protecting Our Planet from Home

Nowadays, climate change is one of the biggest problems in our world. In my opinion, we do not need to do heroic things to help; small changes in our daily routines can make a big difference.

First of all, recycling is essential. We should separate plastic, glass, and paper responsibly. Furthermore, we can save a lot of energy by turning off the lights when we leave a room and using public transport instead of driving cars. However, many people think that these actions are useless because large factories pollute much more.

To sum up, although big companies must change their habits, individual actions are also crucial. If everyone does their best, we can create a cleaner and better world for future generations.

By Monika

Informal Birthday Party Invitation

Dear Sarah,

I hope you are having a wonderful week! As you know, my birthday is next Saturday, so I am writing to invite you to a small party at my house.

The party will start at 8:00 p.m. First of all, we are going to have a delicious dinner in the garden, and after that, we can play some board games or listen to music. Since you love chocolate, I am planning to bake a special cake!

Could you please let me know if you can come before Wednesday? Also, if you want to bring your cousin, she is more than welcome. You do not need to bring any food, but some soft drinks would be very helpful.

I really hope to see you there!

Best wishes, Monika

Formal Job Application for a Summer Position

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to express my interest in the summer receptionist position at your company, which I saw advertised on your website yesterday.

Currently, I am studying an English degree, so my communication skills are excellent. Furthermore, I worked as a shop assistant last year, where I learned how to help customers responsibly and solve problems efficiently. In addition, I speak Spanish fluently and I have good computer skills.

In my opinion, I am a reliable and hardworking person who enjoys working in a team. Therefore, I believe I would be a valuable employee for your business during the busy summer months.

I have attached my CV to this email for your review. I look forward to hearing from you and having the opportunity for an interview.

Yours faithfully, Monika

City vs. Countryside: Where is it Better to Live?

Living in the City or the Countryside?

Choosing where to live is an important decision. In my opinion, both the city and the countryside have positive and negative aspects.

First of all, living in a big city is very exciting. There are many job opportunities, good public transport, and a lot of cultural activities like cinemas or museums. However, cities are often noisy, crowded, and polluted. On the other hand, the countryside offers a very peaceful lifestyle. You can live in a larger house, enjoy fresh air, and spend time in nature. The main disadvantage is that you usually need a car for everything because there are fewer shops.

To sum up, although the countryside is healthier, I prefer the city because it is more convenient for my daily life.

By Monika

Dialogue: Leisure and Entertainment Plans

A: Hi Monika! Are you free this Friday evening? I was thinking about going to the cinema together.

Monika: Hi! Yes, I am free and I would love to go. What movie do you want to watch?

A: Well, there is a new horror movie that looks very interesting. My brother told me it is terrifying!

Monika: Oh, I am sorry, but I really dislike horror movies because I get scared easily and then I cannot sleep. Why don't we watch that new comedy instead?

A: Hmm, I prefer action or horror, but I suppose a comedy could be fun. Who is the main actor?

Monika: It stars Brad Pitt! If we buy the tickets online right now, we can get a good discount and choose the best seats.

A: That is a great idea, Monika. Let's do that!

The Pros and Cons of Remote Work

The Pros and Cons of Working from Home

In the last few years, remote work has become very popular all around the world. In my opinion, this new lifestyle has both positive and negative aspects.

First of all, the main advantage is flexibility. Employees do not need to waste time or money commuting to the office every day. Consequently, people can spend more time with their families and save money on transport. However, there are some disadvantages. For instance, working from home can be very lonely because you do not see your colleagues. In addition, it is difficult to separate professional work from your personal life, which can cause stress.

To sum up, although teleworking can be isolating, I believe it is a great opportunity for modern workers if they manage their time responsibly.

By Monika

Dialogue: Shopping for a Wedding Dress

Shop Assistant: Good afternoon! Can I help you find something today?

Monika: Hello! Yes, please. I am looking for a blue dress to wear at my cousin’s wedding next month.

Shop Assistant: Of course! We have some beautiful new dresses over here. What size are you?

Monika: I usually wear a medium size. Can I try this one on, please?

Shop Assistant: Yes, definitely. The changing rooms are just at the back, next to the mirrors.

(A few minutes later)

Shop Assistant: How does it fit?

Monika: It is very elegant, but it is a bit too tight around the waist. Do you have it in a larger size?

Shop Assistant: Let me check the stock. Yes, here is a large one!

Monika: Perfect! This fits much better. If I pay with a credit card, is there any discount?

Shop Assistant: Yes, you get a 10% discount today!

Dialogue: Buying a New Smart TV

Shop Assistant: Good morning! Welcome to TechWorld. Are you looking for anything in particular today?

Monika: Hello! Yes, I am looking for a new television for my living room. My old TV is broken.

Shop Assistant: Well, you have come to the right place. Do you prefer a standard television or a Smart TV?

Monika: I definitely prefer a Smart TV because I love watching movies on Netflix and YouTube with my friends.

Shop Assistant: In that case, I recommend this 50-inch model. It has an excellent screen and great sound quality.

Monika: It looks beautiful, but it is a bit too big for my furniture. Do you have a slightly smaller version?

Shop Assistant: Yes, we have the exact same model in 43 inches. Furthermore, it is cheaper!

Monika: Perfect! If I buy it today, do you deliver it to my house for free?

Shop Assistant: Yes, Monika, home delivery is included this week!

Formal Complaint Regarding a Defective Product

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to complain about a 43-inch Smart TV that I purchased at your tech store last Tuesday.

First of all, the television arrived at my house yesterday afternoon. However, when I turned it on, I noticed that the screen had a large black line on the left side. Furthermore, the remote control does not work properly because some buttons are broken.

Since I paid a lot of money for a brand new product, I am very disappointed with this situation. I phoned your customer service department this morning, but unfortunately, nobody answered my call.

In my opinion, your company should check the electronic devices before delivering them. Therefore, I would like to request a completely new television or a full refund of my money as soon as possible.

Yours faithfully, Monika

Formal Email to Arrange a Business Meeting

Dear Mr. Green,

I am writing on behalf of my department to arrange a formal meeting to discuss our new marketing project for next month.

Currently, we are preparing the final details of the presentation, so we would like to show you our ideas. In my opinion, it is essential to cooperate efficiently to achieve the best results. Therefore, we propose meeting next Tuesday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. in the main conference room.

Furthermore, please let me know if this time is convenient for you or if you prefer to change the date. If you are busy, we can also organize a video call on Friday morning instead.

Thank you very much for your time and cooperation. I look forward to hearing from you soon to confirm the schedule.

Yours faithfully, Monika

Informal Email: My Worst Holiday Experience

Dear Lucy,

I hope you are well! I am writing to tell you about my recent weekend trip to London, which was an absolute disaster.

First of all, the problems started at the airport. My flight was delayed for four hours because of bad weather. When I finally arrived at the hotel at midnight, the receptionist told me they did not have my reservation. Since the hotel was completely full, I had to sleep in a very small and uncomfortable hostel nearby. To make matters worse, somebody stole my wallet with all my money and credit cards while I was visiting a museum the next day.

In my opinion, it was the worst holiday of my life, although London is a beautiful city. I was so happy to return home!

Let’s catch up soon so I can tell you more.

Best wishes, Monika