M4 Letter of application - formal language

• newEditor
• Engels
• Middelbare school
• mavo
• Leerjaar 4

Welcome M4F

Ms Gumbs

Opening activity

1. On your table:

• Yellow folder

• Laptop

• Dear Martin

2. Go to LessonUp and log in with office 365. Use your school credentials .

Welcome M4F

Ms Gumbs

Opening activity

1. On your table:

• Dear Martin book

• Laptop

2. Start Dear Martin in silence

• Taylor Swift - letter of application

• Read Dear Martin

Disclaimer: all examples are from your letters

At the end of the lesson, I can:

• recognise and improve informal or incorrect sentences.

• use formal phrases and linking words.

• check if I included all the required information.

Lesson aims

Lesson Plan

What is wrong with this sentence?

What is the salaris?

A

grammar

B

vocabulary

C

too informal

D

more than one problem

What is wrong with this sentence?

By the way, I have two amazing friends.

A

grammar

B

vocabulary

C

too informal

D

more than one problem

What is wrong with this sentence?

I am writing you because I want this job.

A

grammar

B

vocabulary

C

too informal

D

more than one problem

1. What is the salaris?

   • vocabulary

2. By the way, I have two amazing friends.

   • too informal

3. I am writing you because I want this job.

   • informal, grammar, Dutch translation

English is more than just correct grammar

What is wrong with these sentences?

1. Do not translate Dutch sentences word for word.

2. Use formal chunks you know are correct.

3. Write for your reader: an employer or organisation, not a friend.

   • communicative effectiveness

Three rules for formal writing

Look at the Useful Language sheet.

These chunks will help you to become better at writing a formal letter

• I am writing to apply for the position of ...

• I have previous experience as ...

• In addition, I am ...

• I would like to enquire about ...

• Unfortunately, I will not be available ...

• I look forward to hearing from you.

Three rules for formal writing

Fix the sentence

I want to solicitate for the function to be ticket inspector.

- The word solicitate is not used in modern English

- Instead, native English speakers use the shorter word: solicit.

- Solicit means to ask someone for something (like money, help, advice, or information) in a serious or formal way.

Fix the sentence

What is the salaris because none of that was in the advertation.

Fix the sentence

By the way, I have two amazing friends. They want a job too.

In pairs, rewrite the sentences.

1. I really want this job.

2. What do I get paid?

3. I can't work that week because I have school.

4. My friends also want a job.

5. I am really good with people.

Make it formal

1

Example: I would be very interested in this position

2

Example: Could you please provide more information about the salary?

3

Example: Unfortunately, I will not be available that week due to school commitments

4

Example: Two of my friends would also like to apply

5

Example: I am friendly and communicate well with others.

Go to your Taylor Swift letter in the Reader.

Improve at least THREE sentences:

1. one informal sentence

2. one incorrect or awkward sentence

3. one sentence using a useful phrase or linking word

Use the handout

Your Turn

8

minute

00

second

add30s

Less strong:

I am friendly, I am patient and I am organised.

Better:

• I am friendly and patient. In addition, I am well organised.

• In addition to being friendly and patient, I am well organised.

Make your writing flow - linking words

What changed?

• We combined two sentences.

• We used a linking word.

• The writing is less repetitive.

Remember:

Use linking words to connect your ideas.

Good English cannot give you points for information you forgot.

Before writing

• Turn every requirement into a checklist. For example, highlight it.

After writing

• Tick off every requirement.

Content Check

How many elements?

How many required elements do you need to include in your Taylor Swift letter?

(write a number)

1. Advertisement

Je hebt de advertentie in Het Parool van 26 March gelezen.

2. Position

Je solliciteert naar de functie van ticket inspector bij de concerten van Taylor Swift.

3. Taylor Swift

Je bent al jarenlang fan en zou graag bij haar concerten helpen.

4. Experience

Je hebt al ervaring als ticket inspector, bijvoorbeeld bij Pinkpop.

5. Qualities

Je noemt twee kwaliteiten die jou geschikt maken voor het werk.

Nine elements

6. Salary

Je vraagt hoeveel je gaat verdienen, omdat dit niet in de advertentie stond.

7. Availability

Je vertelt dat je de first week of June niet beschikbaar bent vanwege school.

8. Friends

Je vertelt dat twee vrienden ook willen helpen. Je vraagt of er nog plekken beschikbaar zijn en legt uit waarom je vrienden geschikt zijn.

9. Closing

Je zegt dat je snel antwoord hoopt te krijgen omdat je ook op andere functies hebt gesolliciteerd. Je geeft ook aan dat je hoopt aangenomen te worden omdat je graag bij de concerten wilt helpen.

Exit ticket 1

Improve this sentence:

I want this job because I really like Taylor Swift and I am good with people.

Exit ticket 2

Write ONE phrase you can use in your SE.

Read Dear Martin

10

minute

00

second

add30s

15

minute

00

second

add30s