Mastering Letters, CVs, and Descriptions

Informal Letter Structure

1) Address and Date:

• Where you live (address)
• Postal Code
• City (e.g., Jaén, La Carolina)
• Date

2) Salutation:

• Dear [Name],
• (Optional opening: "Sorry for not writing earlier, but...")

3) Gratitude and Initial Thoughts:

• Express thanks for a past event (e.g., a stay).
• Mention people you met.
• Comment on the weather.
• Note any language improvements.
• Example: "I'm writing to thank you for letting me stay. I really think my English got better."

4) Recount Experiences:

• Describe specific days or events.
• Share memorable experiences.
• Example: "It was very nice to meet David. Every day was fantastic, but I remember two days..."

5) Recent Activities:

• Describe your current activities.
• Mention any commitments or hobbies.
• Example: "I've been very busy. I have to matriculate for all my subjects. Also, I've been doing a lot of exercise. I've been swimming every day and playing football with..."

6) Reiterate Thanks and Extend Invitation:

• Thank the recipient again.
• Suggest a good time for them to visit.
• Extend a specific invitation.
• Example: "Anyway, that's all for now. I think summer would be a good time for you to come. Don't forget my invitation to come to La Carolina."

7) Closing:

• Send regards to others.
• Use a closing phrase (e.g., "Best wishes," "Love,").
• Your name
• Example: "Give my love to... Best wishes,"

8) Postscript (P.S.):

• Add any additional notes.
• Example: "P.S. I enclose a photo."

Describing a House

1) Introduction:

• Offer the house for a stay.
• Example: "Would you like to stay in...?"

2) House Details:

• Describe the type of house (e.g., detached).
• List the rooms and features.
• Example: "It's a detached house... The house has..."

3) Surroundings and Neighbors:

• Describe the neighborhood.
• Mention nearby amenities.
• Example: "The neighbors are... The house is situated in a good zone, where..."

4) Restrictions:

• State any house rules (e.g., no pets, no smoking).
• Example: "Sorry, no pets and non-smoking."

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

1) Personal Information:

• Address
• Telephone number
• Nationality
• Marital status (e.g., single)
• Date of birth
• E-mail address

2) Professional Experience:

• Current job title and responsibilities.
• Example: "Junior Physiotherapist at a Rehabilitation Center. I work with patients who need rehabilitation after an operation."

3) Education:

• List degrees and dates.
• Include institutions.
• Example: "2001-2005: Degree in Physiotherapy, University. 1997-2001: Pablo de Olavide High School."

4) Languages:

• List languages and proficiency levels.
• Example: "English: CEF Level 2B (Good level of written and spoken English). German: Fluent (My mother is German)."

5) Computer Skills:

• List software or systems proficiency.
• Example: "Windows XP"

6) Additional Information:

• Include relevant information (e.g., driver's license, extracurriculars).
• Example: "Full driving license, member of the university basketball team."

Formal Letter Structure

1) Your Address and Date:

• On the right margin: Your address, town, city, and the date.

2) Recipient's Address:

• The name of the company.
• The address of the company.

3) Salutation:

• If you don't know the last name: "Dear Sir/Madam,"
• If you know the last name: "Dear Mr./Ms./Mrs. [Last Name],"

4) Opening Statement:

• State your purpose.
• Example: "I am writing to apply for a job with..."

5) Body Paragraph(s):

• Provide relevant details about your qualifications and experience.
• Example: "I am a qualified physiotherapist, and I have been working at a rehabilitation center here since... I have a good level of English, and I speak German fluently."

6) Enclosure:

• Mention any enclosed documents.
• Example: "I enclose my CV as requested."

7) Closing Statement:

• Express your anticipation for a response.
• Example: "I look forward to hearing from you."

8) Complimentary Close:

• Use "Yours faithfully," (when you don't know the recipient's name).
• Use "Yours sincerely," (when you know the recipient's name)

9) Signature and Name:

• Your signature
• Your full name typed below the signature.