LEVEL: B1
PRESENTATION
5 steps to successful formal writing:
- Avoid using colloquial words/expressions (e.g. kids→children, guy→man/boy).
- Avoid using contractions and abbreviated words (e.g. TV → television, can’t→ cannot).
- Use passive voice (e.g. We have noticed that…→ It has been noticed that….).
- Use longer and more complex sentences.
- State your points in a polite and confident way.
PRACTICE
Rewrite the sentences in a more formal style by replacing the underlined words or phrases with words or phrases from the box.
| terminate ensure request due to resume regrets delayed announce accompanied by inconvenience apologise an alternative payment method cancelled adverse anticipate selecting |
- The train company is sorry to tell you …announce…… that this weekend trains will stop completely ……………. at Tipley station. We would like to say sorry ……………… to passengers for any problems …………………this causes.
- The airline is sad…………..… that several flights may be stopped ………….…. or running late …………… . This is because of …………….. bad…………..…… weather conditions. We guess……..….… that normal service will start again ………………… tomorrow.
- Note for travelers with ………….… children: please check ……………….that they are included on your passport.
- You may ask for ……….…. another ……….……… way of paying…………… by choosing ……..….…. “Options” from the on-screen menu.
PRODUCTION
- Choose five informal words and phrases from the exercise above and ask your partner for their formal equivalents.
- Work in pairs. Write three sentences with the underlined words from the exercise above. Then ask your partner to paraphrase them using the words from the box.
References: PTE Skills Booster Level 2.- Pearson, 2010.
Key: 1) announce, terminate, apologise, inconvenience; 2) regrets, cancelled, delayed, due to, adverse, anticipate, resume; 3) accompanied by, ensure; 4) request, an alternative, payment method, selecting.