1.VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Write a letter to Home Mail Order, complaining
We are the National Diabetes Organisation and we
are organising a campfor diabetic children. We need
volunteers to work with us during the camp. Your
responsibilities will include:
 Teaching children about diabetes
 Playing games with them
Also, you should speak several languages because
it’s an international camp
Write a letter applying to become a volunteer
Model answer
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing with regard to the advertisement posted
in yesterday’s newspaper about the camp for diabetic
children. I would like to take part as a volunteer if it
is possible.
As you can see in my résumé, I completed a degree in
nursing, so I am qualified to teach children about it.
Besides, I suffer from diabetes, so I am quite familiar
with this illness and how to deal with it.
Furthermore, I have some experience organising
entertaining events for children, as I worked at a
regular camp for children last summer. For this
reason, I am capable of organising and playing fun
games with children.
Finally, I must say that I can speak 3 languages,
since I have spent some time abroad, in England and
Germany. Therefore, apart from Spanish, I am fuent
in English and German.
Can I ask about the duration of the camp? What is
the daily timetable?I look forward to hearing from
you.
Yours faithfully,
José
2.You bought the personal stereo advertised in a
mail-order catalogue.
A GREAT LITTLE PERSONAL MUSIC CENTER mentioned. I would appreciate it if you could tell
THAT FITS IN YOUR POCKET!
(Very big and too heavy for my pocket)
This high-quality stereo comes to you at the
unbeatable price of $19.99,
(not true – found one for $14.99 in shop) including 4th year of medical school can be accepted as
the cost of postage, lower than you will find in any
shop. It comes compete with:
 Headphones (missing)
 Convenient carrying case (zip broken)
 Batteries
It has a recording facility (didn’t work) ,will pick up And if that is so, would you mind telling me if
any radio station, and plays all your tapes (destroyed electricity, running water and WIFI are provided?
two tapes) with high-quality sound.
about the stereo, and asking for your money back, or
a new stereo Model answer
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing in connection with a personal stereo
which I saw advertised in your mail-order catalogue.
Last week I bought one of these, and I am sorry to
say that I was very disappointed when I received it.
First of all, your advertisement stated that the price
would be lower than in any shop but I saw the same
stereo at a price of $14.99 instead of $19.99
Furthermore, your advertisement promised that it
would be a high-quality stereo complete with all
necessary accessories. However, when I received it,
the headphones were missing and there was a broken
zip on the carrying bag. As well, the recording
facility did not work, and I have already destroyed
two tapes that contained my favourite musical
compositions.
Finally, you also promised that it would be a
compact and portable device. However, the stereo
was so big and heavy that it could not be carried in a
pocket.
Could you please arrange for me to receive a new
one or refund my money in full?
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
Ivan Petrenko
3.Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to you to enquire about the medical
volunteering in Cambodia that has been advertised
on your website. As a medical student, I would be
very interested in participating in this program,
and I would be grateful if you could give me some
further details.
Firstly, according to your website, there is a
minimum duration of four weeks; however, the
maximum duration of the programme is not
me whether it is possible to have extended stays
since I would like to work in one of your hospitals for
a period of over six months.
Secondly, you also inform that only students in their
volunteers. In my case, I have just finished my 3rd
year and I would like to know if I can already be
considered a 4th-year student.
Finally, I would appreciate some information
about accommodation. Could you please tell me if
volunteers are offered a room in a shared house?
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
 Derek Peters.
FORMAL
Greetings
Dear Sir
LETTER First of all.
My first complaint is
Dear Madam
Dear Sir/Madam
Dear Mr Brown
Dear Ms Jones etc
Reason for writing
I am writing in response to your
article/advertisement/letter.
I am writing with regard to your
article/advertisement/letter.
I am writing regarding your
article/advertisement/letter.
I am writing on behalf of
Referring to their letter
As you stated in your letter, …
Regarding … Concerning … With regard to …
Ending the letter:
I look forward to receiving your reply.
I look forward to your reply.
I look to hearing from you.
I very much hope you will…
Closing
Yours faithfully. (if you don’t know the name of
the person you are writing to)
Yours sincerely (if you know the name of the
person you are writing to).
Letters to apply
Speaking about your experience and skills
 I think I am suitable for the role because…
 I have X years experience working as a X.
 My qualifications include…
 I am currently working as a X
 In my spare time I enjoy…
 I am an avid basketball player/cricketer/volleyball
player…
Letters to complain: Useful phrases
Reasons for writing
I am writing in order to complain about.
I am writing to complain about
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with…
Introducing the complaint:
Firstly.
In the first place.
The first problem is
The first thing I would like to draw your attention
to is.
My first concern is
Introducing further complaints:
Secondly.
In the second place
Not only …….but also
In addition.
In addition to this.
Added to this
….was also unacceptable
Demanding action:
I suggest that you replace the item.
I therefore suggest that I be given a full refund .
I would be grateful if my money was refunded
I would be grateful if you could give me a full
refund
I feel I am entitled to a refund to compensate
for this terrible service.
Letters to request
information: Useful phrases
Reason for writing:
I am writing to receive further information about.
I am writing to enquire about. I am writing to
receive more detailed information about.
I am writing to receive further details about
Requesting first piece of information
The first thing I would like to know is.
First of all I would like to know
I wonder if you would mind telling me first of all
….?
Requesting further information:
Could you also tell me….?
Could you also inform me ….?
Would you also mind informing me ….?
Would you also mind telling me ….?
Do you know ….?
I would also like to know if.
I would also like to know whether
I hope you might also let me know about …
Thanking for information:
I would like to thank you in advance for this
information.
Thanking you in advance for this information.