2009年11月4日 星期三

Tips on Writing Personal Letters (Part II)

[StudioClassroom]
Use creativity in your letter writing. Write letters on colorful stationery. You can even make your own. Send thoughtful non-occasion cards just for fun. Enclose recent photos of you and your family, friends or pets. Most importantly, write lively letters with interesting news and questions. If your note includes plain, boring contents, the receiver won't have much to write back about. Your letter should make your friend want to write back.

Some people build new friendships around the world by having pen pals.
This is a great way to learn about different countries and cultures. Some pen pals keep in touch for years. Sometimes pen friends may travel to meet each other face to face. Would you like to have a pen pal?

Look at the newspaper want ads. People who want pen pals sometimes advertise there. If you know a foreigner, ask him/her to help you find a pen pal from his/her country. Or join a pen pal club such as The International Pen Pal Agency. For a small fee, the club will introduce you to a pen pal in another country.



- Practice Your Letter Writing
1. Rewrite the following letter to make it more interesting.
Dear Sally,
Hi, How are you? I am fine. The weather in Taipei is still cool. I like it. I walk my dog every day in the park. He likes to go for walks. School is difficult this year. I always study. I don't have time to watch TV. Every day I come home, eat dinner, study and go to bed. I can't wait for summer vacation. Well, I have to go now. Bye!

Sincerely,
Rita



- Ideas:
※ Describe the weather. Tell why you like it.
※ What do you see in the park when you walk your dog? Did you see something interesting?
Did you meet anyone interesting? Ask Sally if she walks in the park.
※ What is the hardest subject for you in school? The easiest? Ask Sally about her studies.
※ Why are you looking forward to summer vacation? Share your plans. Ask Sally about her plans.

2. Write a letter to an old friend who used to be your neighbor. Tell this person what you've been doing since you moved away.

3. Write a few sentences about each of the following topics.
a) This week's weather
b) Your Chinese New Year vacation
c) A mutual friend you had dinner with last week
d) A trip you're planning
e) A movie you saw or a concert you attended
_
It is a good idea to write letter to friends! i prefer postcard :)

Tips on Writing Personal Letters (Part I)

[From StudioClassroom]
Everyone loves to get letters. On the other hand, not everyone enjoys writing letters. Some people don't like to write letters because it takes time and effort. Others just don't know what to say. You've probably heard long-distance friends use the excuse, "Sorry I didn't write back sooner. I'm a terrible letter writer!"

However, the results of writing letters are rewarding. Long-distance friends can continue to build a lasting relationship through correspondence. Personal letters to your friends and family are easier to write than business letters. The language and format are informal, and you don't have to worry as much about mistakes.

Here are some guidelines to follow as you keep in touch by mail.
1. Write the heading at the top of the first page on the right-hand side. This includes your address and the date. Also, write your address in the top left-hand corner of the envelope. When writing to close friends, a heading isn't necessary. But always put a return address on the envelope.

2. Place the greeting on the left-hand side of the page. The most common greeting begins,
"Dear..." Follow with your friend's name and a comma. Unless you are writing to your
boyfriend or girlfriend, do not begin with "Dearest."

3. The main body of the letter follows the greeting. It contains the information and questions for the reader. Indent each new paragraph or thought. Write interesting details about the things you have done or people you've met. Tell about your future plans, too. Don't simply write about yourself, however. Include questions for the other person. Then he/she will have something to write back to you about.

4. The closing is the last step in letter writing. Keep it simple by using common closing phrases, such as "Sincerely," "Yours truly," or "Your friend." If the letter is for someone extra special, sign it "Love." Don't forget to sign your name below the closing, too.

5. You may forget to include some information in your letter. If so, you can write a postscript, or "P.S." below your signature. If you're really forgetful, you can write an additional postscript by using "P.P.S."