UNIT 6

(extra material)
PART I: FORMALITY

1.1. Guidelines
We use these patterns to ask other people to do things.
Can you / Could you ….?
We use these patterns to ask for other people’s permissions to do things.
Can I / Could I ….?

1.2. What would you say in the following situations? Use the words in the brackets.
1. In a restaurant, you want the menu. (bring)
___________________________________________________________
2. It’s very hot and all the windows are closed. (open)
__________________________________________________________
3. You want a cigarette. (smoke)
___________________________________________________________
4. You want to know the time. (tell)
___________________________________________________________
5. You are in a taxi with a colleague. You don’t have your mobile phone. (use)
___________________________________________________________
 6. In a restaurant, you want a glass of water. (have)
___________________________________________________________
7. You want someone to phone you tomorrow morning. (call)
___________________________________________________________
8. You want to read a colleague’s newspaper. (look at)
___________________________________________________________
9. You want a coffee. Ask your colleague. (bring)
___________________________________________________________

1.3. Read the following conversations. Are they formal or informal? Improve the informal
conversation(s) (if any) into formal one(s).
1. Visitor: I want to see Erling Lund.
Receptionist: Tell me your name.
Visitor: Kate Williams. Tell him I’m in a hurry.
Receptionist: He’s busy. Sit down there and wait.
2. Receptionist: Sign in the visitor’s book.
Visitor: Ok. Give me your pen.
Receptionist: Alright. Coffee?
Visitor: I don’t drink coffee. I want tea.

PART II: FORMALITY IN WRITING LETTERS

Compare the following two letters. Which one is the better?

SUNSHINE FLAVOURS LTD SUNSHINE FLAVOURS LTD

44 Emerald Drive, Shannon Technology Park, 44 Emerald Drive, Shannon Technology Park,
Cork CO6 9TS, Republic of Ireland Cork CO6 9TS, Republic of Ireland

Mme Susanne Dufrais, Mme Susanne Dufrais,

Les Gourmets du Poitou S.A., Les Gourmets du Poitou S.A., --> better
33, Rue Mirabeau, 33, rue Mirabeau,
44000 Poitiers, France 44000 Poitiers,
France tên quoc gia --> xuong dòng
18 January --> better

Dear Madam,
Your request for our catalogue and price list Dear Madam Dufrais, --> better

--> trang trong, lich su hon

As requested, we enclose for your attention our
price list and catalogue. I would like to take this
opportunity to draw your attention to the fact that
all our products are manufactured from completely
natural ingredients and that we do not utilize any
artificial additives whatsoever. --> better
--> better , co so chinh xac
There are 213 different items in the catalogue and
our prices are reasonable and our quality is good.
--> better This is the first time that we have included
Snatch’n’Sniff samples of our ten most popular
aromas.
--> ngon ngu chan phuong
You asked us to send you our price list and
catalogue for the new season. I am sure you will
find plenty to interest you in it. You will notice
that every single one of our product is made
from 100% natural ingredients – we use no
artificial additives at all.
This year, for the very first time, we have
included Scratch’n’Sniff samples of our ten
most popular aromas. I think you will agree that
our range of well over 200 natural flavors and
aromas is second to none and is outstanding
value of money.
Should you require further information, please do If you need more information, do please get in
not hesitate to contact us. If the undersigned in touch with me. If you are telephoning, please
unavailable, the Sales Manager’s personal ask to speak to me personally or to my assistant, -->
assistant will be delighted to assist you. Ms Hannah Rosser, and we will be very pleased mang
to help you. tinh
ca
nhan
We look forward to receiving your esteemed order I look forward to hearing from you. --> better
in due course.

Yours faithfully Yours sincerely, -->. better

J.G.O’Reilly Jim O’Reilly
J.G.O’Reilly,
J.G.O’Reilly, Sales Manager Sales Manager
Tetex: 449801 Telephone: 021 23 459
Cables: SUNSHINE, CORK Enclosed: catalogue, price lists, order form

PART III: PRODUCTION

Read this letter evaluate its formality. Then, work with your friend and give him evidences
for your answer.

BROADWAY AUTOS
444 Prince Rupert Avenue ,
62008 Hentzau, Ruritania
TELEPHONE 77 1473 88999 (8 lines)
Fax +77 1473 889765
http://www.broadway.ra
Jacques Roget
Rex et Cie
34 rue du Professeur Nicolas
35009 Clermont Ferrand
France
3 November 20--
Dear Jacques,

Lightweight batteries

I’m writing to you because we’ve been having a bit of trouble with one of our suppliers
who makes the lightweight batteries we use to power our vehicles. I’m pretty sure you
don’t have a local distributor of your products in this country, which is why I’m writing
to you direct to see if you can help us out. I did try to call, but you weren’t available.

We require 4,800 units and delivery must be completed by 15 January 2009. A full
specification of our requirements is given on the attached sheet, together with our
technical brochure.

I’d appreciate it if you could quote us your best CIF price, giving a full specification of
your product and shipping date. Of course, our technical department would need to have
some samples of the batteries to test in our laboratories before we could place a firm order.
We usually deal with new suppliers on the basis of payment in our currency by
confirmed irrevocable letter of credit.

Assuming the lab tests go well, and you can quote us a competitive price, we’d certainly
be able to place more substantial orders on a regular basis.

I’ll be out of the office for a couple of weeks from tomorrow. In the meantime, do get in
touch with one of my assistants if you need any more information.

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Give my regards to Jeanne and the kids.

Best,

Fred
Fred A. North, Buying Manager
Enclose: specification and technical brochure