Letter Writing

Letter Writing

Published in 2006 by Junior Certificate School Programme Support Service Curriculum Development Unit Sundrive Road Crumlin Dublin 12 Phone: Fax: Email: 01 453 5487 01 402 0435 jcsp@iol.ie

First written and published by teachers involved in the School Certificate Project, CDVEC Curriculum Development Unit 1989. Revised and edited by Fiona Richardson, Junior Certificate School Programme 2006. Designed by Melt Design Ltd www.melt.ie. The Junior Certificate School Programme Support Service is funded by the In-Career Development Unit, Department of Education and Science and the European Social Fund. The Junior Certificate School Programme Support Service is a national Programme sponsored by the Department of Education and Science and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment.

Letter Writing

Contents

Introduction

Section 1:

Informal Letters & Postcards

I I I

Informal letters Addressing envelopes Postcards

7 12 14

Section 2:

Formal Letters
I I I I I

Letters of complaint Letters asking for information Letters making a booking Letters of application Curriculum Vitae

26 31 34 37 42

Section 3:

Keywords
I I I I

Abbreviations Quiz Wordsearch Word Grid

47 48 49 49

Junior Certificate School Programme

Letter Writing

Introduction
This booklet is about writing letters. People can tell a lot from the way you write letters, so you will need to practice writing many kinds of letters.

Most of the letters you will need to write will be:

* *

Informal or personal letters Formal Letters for example: Business letters Job application letters

This workbook will give you a chance to write all of these.

How to use this book

1 2 3 There are three sections. Each section shows you how to write a different kind of letter. There is a sample letter, followed by exercises for you to do. Write each letter in your copy first. When you and your teacher have corrected it, you can copy it carefully into the blank page provided in this book. When you finish the workbook you will have your own collection of letters to look back on when you need to revise.

Letter Writing

Introduction

Rules for all letters * * * * * * *

It is important that your handwriting be neat and clear. The writer's address is written in the top right-hand corner. Leave a space between the address and date. Spell out the month in full, e.g. 15th February 2006 Begin the letter Dear . . . . , on the left-hand side. The first paragraph of the letter begins under the person's name. A formal letter usually ends with either: Yours sincerely, or Yours faithfully, Followed by your signature. (Note: 'Yours', always begins with a capital letter, but 'sincerely' and 'faithfully' begin with a small letter. Always use plain unlined paper and the same colour envelopes. A large size writing pad is best for most letters. Write your letter in blue or black pen only. Revise the rules for using capital letters. Always use paragraphs when writing a letter. All of these rules are shown on the sample layout on the next page. After you write out your letter in the workbook or in your copy check back here to see you have followed all the rules for letter writing.

* * * * * * *

Junior Certificate School Programme

Section 1
Informal Letters & Postcards

Letter Writing

Informal Letters & Postcards

Section 1

* * * * *

Informal or personal letters are those you write to people you know friends, cousins, aunts, uncles, etc.

Formal Letters

Section 2

Informal letters should be friendly, chatty and relaxed as though you're talking to the person. You sign an informal or personal letter using phrases like Best Wishes, Love, Yours truly, Lots of love etc.

Formal Letters

Section 2

You must, however, obey the rules for all letters. Look back at page 2 and check these out. Look at the example of an informal letter below and do the exercises Formal Letters Section 2 that follow.

Your address

rk, 46 Riverview Pa Glentown, Keywords Section. 3 Dublin 23 008 15th February 2

The date reeting The opening g

Dear Jim,

to ages so I decided not seen you for ave in Wicklow? I h Paragraph 1 How are things lentown. G all the news from rite and give you w ve reached the is season. We ha ell th is doing really w left is great. he football team we got after you T per The new goalkee Paragraph 2 final of the Cup. semie matches. thre a goal in the last He has not let in I an uncle. Maybe girl, so I am now baby a, has just had a en I can come My sister, Sandr by-sitting and th ba some money from Paragraph 3 be able to make will in to visit you. down on the tra s. now all the new on and let me k Write so Your friend,
The closing Your signature

Martin

Junior Certificate School Programme

Letter Writing

Informal letters exercises

1 2 In your copy write your own address and today's date as you would write it on a letter. Write the following addresses and dates as they would be written on a letter: Remember capital letters, commas and fullstops. Address: 65 shamrock court mounthill limerick valeview shadowlands mallow co. cork 125 st. patricks crescent doddermount dublin 22 3 4 Date: 6-4-06 28-9-06 17-2-06

Write your own signature as you would write it at the end of a letter. Write out these endings as they would be written at the end of a letter. Use capital letters and commas. best wishes tom lots of love margaret

Letter Writing

Informal Letters & Postcards

Section 1

Look at the following letter and rewrite correctly using capital letters, commas, and full stops. There are 14 mistakes you need to correct! (9 capital letter, 4 commas Formal Letters Section 2 and 1 fullstop).

Formal Letters

12 tulip road flowertown Section 2 dublin 20

08 6th february 20 Formal Letters Section 2 dear sally

ite k? Our class is qu new school in Cor r achers are ling down in you start. All the te How are you sett r for aKeywords Section 3 iete left. It's much qu erent since you diff ! remarking on it in today with rs. Byrne came M rs! yesterday. When ing out of her ea d an English test We ha early smoke com as n s so mad there w e results she wa th ps, down in the dum up. Phil is really split wn to the club andra Byrne have e are all going do hil Martin and S P rm. W dy is in great fo 't be with us. herwise everybo but ot 's a pity you won t. It e on Friday nigh the Sports Centr in . . Goodbye for now us all about Cork tell Write soon and love joe.

Pretend that you are Sally. Reply to Joe's letter above telling him all about life in your new school in Cork. Pretend you are Phil Martin. Write to Sally telling her all about your break-up with Sandra Byrne.

Junior Certificate School Programme

Letter Writing

Letter of invitation
1 Read Sallys letter below and write a letter back, letting her know if you can make the party or not. Use the blank paper on the opposite page to write your reply.

2 West Road, Violetville, Cork. 008 25th February 2

Dear Joe,

am our new house I e have settled in w Cork! Now that . Greetings from rty to celebrate ouse-warming pa having a h my new school ublin and some of om D e of the gang fr I am inviting som k. friends from Cor me down on rd March. Why not co n to on Saturday, 3 Sandra and Bria fun begins at 9pm The d? I have asked ken stay for the wee Friday night and stay over also. .30pm. My dad ives in Cork at 7 nd arr lin at 4.15pm a train leaves Dub The the station. will meet you at you can come. on as possible if so Let me know as Love, Sally.

10

Letter Writing

Informal Letters & Postcards

Section 1

Write your reply here using Joes address from page 8.

Formal Letters

Section 2

Formal Letters

Section 2

Formal Letters

Section 2

Keywords

Section 3

You have been asked to your cousin Paul's 21st birthday party on Friday 15th April at 9pm. In your copy write your reply letting him know if you are going or not. You have just spent the weekend with your friend in the country. Write a letter thanking him/her, in your copy. You have just received a very expensive birthday present from your godmother. In your copy write and thank her. Your class tutor is sick in hospital. Write a letter to her/him on behalf of the class. Dont forget to give the news and gossip.

Junior Certificate School Programme

11

Letter Writing

Addressing an envelope
Look at the following envelope and note where the address goes and the use of capital letters, commas and full stops.

ere r the stamp h leave room fo

ame the persons n the town

h y, Ms. S a ll y Mu rp 2 We st R o ad , Vio le t v il le , C o rk .

f the house the number o name and the street the county

This letter is addressed incorrectly. Using the blank envelope on the next page rewrite the address correctly. There are 8 capital letters missing, 3 commas and 1 fullstop.

m r. jo e o b r ie n 14 h il l s t re e t we s t p o rt m ayo

12

Letter Writing

Informal Letters & Postcards

Section 1

Remember to put the address and the stamp in the correct place on the envelope.

Formal Letters

Section 2

Formal Letters

Section 2

Formal Letters

Section 2

Keywords

Section 3

Address the envelope below to yourself.

Junior Certificate School Programme

13

Letter Writing

Postcards
There are two types of postcards: plain postcards * picture postcards *

Plain postcard can be used for short messages. For example: to send for an application form. You would include your name and address on * the postcard. to enter a competition. You would include your contact details phone number * or address. to remind somebody of an appointment or a meeting. *

Picture postcards are often used to send greetings when you are on holidays. The message is usually fairly short and friendly. Leave out: your own address * the date *

Plain Postcards
This is the back of a plain card, asking for an application form.

Your address

ve, 46 Re d way G ro Bro o k fie ld , Dubli n 11. 08 4th M a rch 20

The date

a P le a se se n d me ri ng . in mo u n ta inee

rm fo r th e su n a pp licati o n fo

oking for. hat you are lo e explaining w A lin

mmer co u rs e

Jame s Bro w n

Your signature

You address the front of the plain postcard the same way as an envelope, leaving room for the stamp. 14 Letter Writing

Informal Letters & Postcards

Section 1

Exercise
Formal Letters
1

Section 2

Send for a job application form for a summer job in a local clothes shop on the postcard below.

Formal Letters

Section 2

Formal Letters

Section 2

Keywords

Section 3

Send for information on photography courses this college runs. Information Officer Marion College of Further Education Fairview Dublin 3 Write out the front and the back of the postcard in your copy.

Write a postcard to the members of your youth club, reminding them of a meeting on Friday 21st June, in St Josephs School at 7pm.

Junior Certificate School Programme

15

Letter Writing

Picture Postcards
Picture postcards are usually sent to friends and relatives letting them know how your holiday or trip is going.

Greetings All! Arrived safely. er are Hotel and weath king on the tan. wonderful. Wor l but Ill live! The food is awfu 1 See you on the 2 Love, Pat
st.

y, Th e Do y le Fam il t, 23 M a in Stree Ba ldo y le , C o. C la re .

Exercise
1 Write the postcard you would send home to your family from a school trip to a hostel in Wicklow.

16

Letter Writing

Informal Letters & Postcards

Section 1

Write the postcard you would send to your friend from a camping holiday with your family.

Formal Letters

Section 2

Formal Letters

Section 2

Formal Letters

Section 2

Keywords

Section 3

Write the postcard you would send to your brother or sister from a holiday with your friends family in Spain.

Junior Certificate School Programme

17

Section 2
Formal Letters

18

Letter Writing

Formal Letters

Section 2

Formal letters
Keywords

Section 3

Formal letters are business like and get quickly to the point. Formal letters are different to personal letters. You do not write in a chatty manner or use slang. For example, you would write a different letter to your Principal inviting him to your class JCSP graduation as you would to your friend.

Formal letters are usually written for some of the following: To To To To To To To To apply for a job. make a complaint. order goods. the editor of a newspaper. ask for something a form, an appointment. ask for information. make a booking for a holiday etc. invite someone to an event or to visit such as a school open day or a JCSP celebration.

Points to note:

* * * * * * * *

The sender's address (your address), is on the top right hand corner. The address of the company/person to whom the letter is being sent is written on the left-hand side. When you do not know the name of the person to whom you are writing, you may start with 'Dear Sir/Madam'. If you begin with 'Dear Sir/Madam', you end the letter with 'Yours faithfully', and your full name. If you know the name of the person you are sending the letter to e.g. Dear Ms Smith, you end the letter with Yours sincerely and your full name. Remember to use capital letters, full stops and commas. Use paragraphs in your letter at least 3. Look at the following example and try the exercises that follow.

Junior Certificate School Programme

19

Letter Writing

Your address

venue, 65 Roselawn A Riverside, Dublin 19. 6th May 2008

The date

rtment, Mail Order Depa Unisport Ltd., dustrial Estate, 26B Ardmore In Hightown, Co. Cork. , Dear Sir/Madam

erson dress of the p The name & ad u are writing to yo and company

f the w the name o you dont kno ting to use Sir/Madam If e wri person you ar

sed in today's hich you adverti ers, w ting r a pair of train on you are wri ould like to orde 1 give the reas Iw In paragraph Herald'. 'Evening . l Order for m25 . I enclose a Posta e main point of e five ir of trainers, siz graph 2 you write th ase send me a pa ara Ple In p
the letter

without delay. e letter n be sent to me s ca and finishes th raph sums up that the trainer g I hope This last para ow the , Yours faithfully Mark Black.
o not kn u use if you d the ending yo e writing This is m you ar person to who Your signature

20

Letter Writing

Formal Letters

Section 2

Exercise
Keywords
1

Section 3

Rewrite the letter below on the opposite page, using paragraphs (3) and the capital letters that are missing (11).

17 manor drive, castletown, co. longford.

th june 14 2008

The Manager, Jeans World, Castletown, Co. Longford. , Dear sir/madam op. When I took jeans in your sh vi shop th I bought a pair of Le ent back to the Friday, June 9 On ere missing. I w sw the jeans for a I noticed 2 button the jeans home tant to exchange assis ect d asked the shop e jeans were perf h the receipt an wit fused. She said th re leaving the ot damaged. She en damaged since pair that were n had be wn on ld and said they ad never been se en they were so wh n that buttons h would have show the factory. shop. A quick look had happened in that or my money ost likely a fault for an exchange d that it was m an wish a consumer and le. on my rights as s soon as possib I insist above address a tact me at the back. Please con yours faithfully,

jeanne murphy

Junior Certificate School Programme

21

Letter Writing

Write out the the letter from page 19 here.

22

Letter Writing

Formal Letters

Section 2

Look at the advert below. On the opposite page write a letter to the Mail Order Department asking for a tracksuit to be sent to you. Remember to include the colour Keywords Section 3 and size you are looking for.

Junior Certificate School Programme

23

Letter Writing

Write your letter here using your own address.

24

Letter Writing

Formal Letters

Section 2

On the envelope below address the envelope for the letter you have written ordering a tracksuit. Look back at the advert for the address.

Keywords

Section 3

Pick out an advertisement for goods in a newspaper or magazine like Buy and Sell and write a letter ordering something you like. Write a letter to your local shop asking them to order a magazine you would like to be able to buy there.

Junior Certificate School Programme

25

Letter Writing

Letters of complaint
Another type of formal letter which you may have to write is a letter of complaint. You will need this kind of letter if you have bought faulty goods, or you have a complaint over a certain issue or topic. Remember always to include all the important details of your complaint.

Letter of complaint faulty goods

Your address

venue, 65 Roselawn A Riverside, Dublin 19. 1st June 2008

The date

epartment, Mail Ordering D Unisport Ltd., dustrial Estate, 26B Ardmore In Hightown, Co. Wicklow. , Dear Ms. Smith

riting to son you are w artment or per Dep to u are writing The address yo

The greeting

rder from your bought by Mail O it I t about a tracksu number 324SR. make a complain I wish to , small size, model reason you are writing cksuit th. It is a red tra paragraph 1 give the mpany last mon In co ions on g to the instruct shed it accordin I wa colour had faded e tracksuit and ing machine, the My son wore th e wash took it out of th e label. When I r fits my son. th int runk. It no longe sh of your compla e tracksuit had give the detail 2 and th In paragraph ace the tracksuit ld like you to repl I wou possible what satisfactory and know as soon as und this most un e I fo back. Please let m u e have my money ph say what yo or let m atter, In the last paragra about this m happen you intend to do would like to sons name Yours sincerely, Mary Black
per you know the this ending if Use Your signature

26

Letter Writing

Formal Letters

Section 2

Exercise
Keywords
1

Section 3

You have bought a pair of trainers which are faulty the sole of the trainer has become unglued after one day. In your copy, write a letter of complaint to the company/shop from which you bought it, giving all the details and asking them to replace or refund your money. You have recently bought a 3-in-1 stereo set from Murphy Electrical Stores, Talbot Street, Dublin 1. It has broken down and Murphy's have repaired it once. Now the CD part of it is broken and you would like a new one but Murphy's have refused to give you one. You have decided to write to the manufacturers/makers of the stereo to complain. (a) Write out your final version of one of these letters on the following blank page. Remember to use capital letters, full stops and commas. Also use at least 3 paragraphs in your letter. (b) Write to the manufacturer: Sonny Electronics Ltd., Newtown Road, Finglas, Dublin 11, and include these details: Name of shop where you bought it Date you bought it Model number (WVF 200GB/34) What is wrong with it What you want them to do

Junior Certificate School Programme

27

Letter Writing

28

Letter Writing

Formal Letters

Section 2

Another type of letter of complaint could be about an issue or topic that you are concerned about.

Keywords

Section 3

Letter of complaint Issue or Topic

venue, 65 Roselawn A Riverside, Dublin 19. 1st June 2008 ng, Minister Pat Lo Lenister House, Dublin 2. Dear Minister, This ark playground. fety in White P ns sa dirty for the ou about childre is dangerous and am writing to y I t it be a safe area bu ound is meant to playgr e writing ng why you ar paragraph sayi ho play there. children w The opening to ed it as a place enagers have us of te little months a gang ld not want my r the last three Fo en bottles. I wou rubbish and brok meet. It is full of plaint so dangerous. l of your com the place as it is go near gives the detai h brother to This paragrap til it e playground un be allowed in th ld not ice is ng children shou rvised and a not I think that you nd should be supe up. The playgrou children aged 4 has been cleaned only to be used by d is e happen at the playgroun ould like to se needed saying th ys what you w h sa This paragrap ears. 10 y look forward to e situation and I e th er be done to improv hes off the lett e something can I hop aragraph finis The final p . hearing from you Yours sincerely,
w the when you kno ending is used you are writing to This erson name of the p

Joe Ryan

Your signature

Junior Certificate School Programme

29

Letter Writing

Exercise
1 Address the envelope for the letter written on the previous page.

Write a letter to your Principal telling him/her of a bullying situation in the school that you know about. Tell him/her what has happened, how long it is going on for and what you think is needed to improve the situation. Write a letter to your local politician asking for more bins to be put in your area to improve the litter problem. Write a letter to your favourite radio station asking them to have less stories of teenagers behaving badly and more about the good things teenagers do in their communities.

30

Letter Writing

Formal Letters

Section 2

Other formal letters that you can write are to organisations or companies looking for information.

Letter asking for information

Keywords

Section 3

Drive, 23 Glendalough Rathnew, Co. Wicklow. 8 12th May 200

ice, Information Off An ige, quare, 39, Mountjoy S Dublin 1. , Dear Sir/Madam d. I am fifteen hostels in Irelan outh rmation about y with a group of ld like some info I wou e of the hostels som ould like to visit years old and I w mer. friends this sum rship fees and details of membe with the pplication forms, showing where se send me six a Plea also like a map would ing in hostels. I the cost of stay ted. hostels are situa . earing from you ing forward to h Look , Yours faithfully Pat Clarke.

Junior Certificate School Programme

31

Letter Writing

Exercise
1 Write a letter to Redrock Adventure Centre, Castletown, Co. Galway, asking for information about summer courses for young people. Explain what kind of course you are interested in (football, basketball, canoeing, sailing, rock climbing etc.) and the cost. Also look for information on places to stay near the Adventure Centre.

You are the secretary of your local youth club. They have asked you to find out about taking a group of ten people on a cycling tour of Co. Wicklow, staying at three different hostels. Write to the Information Office, An ige, 39 Mountjoy Square, Dublin 1, asking for information about hostels in Wicklow, and about group rates. Use the blank page to write our your final version of one of these letters.

32

Letter Writing

Formal Letters

Section 2

Keywords

Section 3

Junior Certificate School Programme

33

Letter Writing

Sometimes you might need to write a letter to make a booking for a trip or a concert.

Letter making a booking

Drive, 23 Glendalough Rathnew, Co. Wicklow. 8 24th May 200

Booking Office, An ige, quare, 39 Mountjoy S Dublin 1. , Dear Sir/Madam e sent me. I enclos telling which you hos e information on embership fees hank you for th rder to cover m T tal O forms and a Pos eted application compl and myself. for five friends e th Hostel for Jun in Knockree You ation d book accommod are available, an at these nights We would like to th . Please confirm th, 5th and 6th, 2008 4 ly. yment immediate I will send on pa l. ay at your hoste rward to our st Looking fo , Yours faithfully

Pat Clarke.

34

Letter Writing

Formal Letters

Section 2

Exercise
Keywords
1

Section 3

You have received a brochure from the Oaktree Hotel, Marigold Street, London EX12. Write a letter booking accommodation for your family of two adults and three children. You will be staying for one week and would like bed and breakfast only. Send a deposit to confirm your booking. An ige have sent you the information you asked for. Write to them, booking accommodation for your group. You will be staying for one night in each of the following hostels:

* * *

Glencree Hostel Aughavannagh Hostel Glendalough Hostel.

Copy out one of these letters neatly on the blank page opposite.

Junior Certificate School Programme

35

Letter Writing

36

Letter Writing

Formal Letters

Section 2

Letters of application
Keywords

Section 3

* * * * * *

It is very important to be able to write a good letter when you are applying for a job. This kind of letter is called a letter of application. Sometimes you will have to fill in an application form, but at other times you will be asked to write a letter. Many people send a Curriculum Vitae, or CV for short, with a letter of application. A CV gives all the basic details about you and means your letter of application can be quite short. If you have not prepared a Curriculum Vitae/CV, you will need to give all the important details about yourself in your letter. These are important things which an employer needs to know about you. age. school attended. educational record. work experience. any special skills. hobbies or interests. have you got references? are you available for interview?

Junior Certificate School Programme

37

Letter Writing

Letter of application (1) Sample (without CV)

ve, 63 Glenwood Dri Brooklawn, Glentown, Dublin 22. 26th June 2008

Your address

The date

The Manager, e, Mac's Superstor Red Lane, Dublin 8. , Dear Sir/Madam

title of the The name or e writing to person you ar to u are writing The address yo

Greeting

e s advertised in th shop assistant a e writing r the position of ng why you ar I wish to apply fo Paragraph sayi 25th June. vening Herald' on 'E in Brooklawn pleted third year com old, and have just . My strongest Junior Certificate am fifteen years I the ntown. I received Metalwork. unity College, Gle Comm e Economics and ut your education , Hom o ish, Mathematics Information ab bjects were Engl su et where I a local supermark b in ad a part-time jo st year, I have h For the pa with the public. ence of working rk experience e experi t your job/wo have gained som rmation abou Info ember of my cycling. I am a m nd ming, athletics a the members. terests are swim My in ise activities for r hobbies & interests organ You and have helped local youth club . ry school, Ms. A pal of my seconda princi ny. rences from the rket, Mr. J. Ken I can supply refe Thrifty Superma who can give a reference the manager of ple Names of peo hat kind of person you are Burke, and from e. rview at any tim available for inte of letter I am Finishing line , Yours faithfully Karen Andrews.
saying w ot know hen you do n ng to this ending w Use are writi e person you the name of th

Your signature

38

Letter Writing

Formal Letters

Section 2

Exercise
Keywords
1

Section 3

Look at the following job application letter. Rewrite this letter on the following page. Divide the letter into 6 paragraphs and put in the 9 capital letters that are missing.

63 wood road, beechhill, co. monaghan. 26th june 2006

The Manager, Jean World, Castletown, Co. Monaghan. , Dear Sir/Madam e s advertised in th shop assistant a ve just r the position of ears old, and ha I wish to apply fo th June. I am fifteen y ived the Junior on 25 ity College. I rece 'Evening Herald' mun ics, in Brooklawn Com dies, Home Econom eted third year compl ish, Business Stu tics, Ir -time job in a glish, Mathema have had a part Certificate in En rs, I the past two yea with the public, ch and Art. For Fren ence of working peri where I gained ex sts are football, local newsagent cash. My intere ith ed, and dealing w club.I can supply ng shelves stock keepi my local football of e . I am a member hool and from th music and clothes my secondary sc principal of interview at rences from the am available for t. I refe op, Mr. P. Wrigh of Newstime sh manager any time. yours faithfully, keith lyons

Junior Certificate School Programme

39

Letter Writing

In the space below address the envelope that the job application letter from question 1 would be posted in.

Write a letter applying for one of the following jobs that appeared in the Evening Herald on May 23rd: Part-Time help required by fast food restaurant would suit student. Apply to: The Manager Pizza World Main Street Rathcoole Co. Wexford

Friendly, Honest young person needed for part-time work in busy sports shop Apply to: Sam Brown Manager Sports Scene O'Connell Street Limerick

40

Letter Writing

Formal Letters

Section 2

The following is an example of a letter that you would send along with your CV when applying for a job.

Keywords

Section 3

Letter of application (2) Sample (with CV)

rove, 99 Thornbush G Riverside, Jamestown, Dublin 8. 26th June 2008

The Manager, e, Mac's Superstor Red Lane, Dublin 8. , Dear Sir/Madam e s advertised in th shop assistant a r the position of I wish to apply fo on 25th June. 'Evening Herald' d rsonal details an ae, giving my pe Vit of my Curriculum I enclose a copy rd. educational reco a supermarket, ce of working in rien ve had some expe . you will see, I ha ed in this position As icularly interest I am part and that is why w at any time. ilable for intervie I am ava , Yours faithfully hy. Kenneth McCart

Junior Certificate School Programme

41

Letter Writing

ITAE CURRICULUM V

ils Personal Deta arthy Kenneth McC 99 Thornbush Riverside, Jamestown, Dublin 8. Grove,

Name: Address:

: Date of Birth

1986 16th February Record Educational

hool, wn National Sc ool: Jamesto ch Secondary S The Hill, Dublin 8. ed: Dates Attend 98 2004 September 19 s Qualification te 2001 Junior Certifica cate 2004 Leaving Certifi Grade Subject C English D Mathematics B Irish C French D History C Biology

1. 2.

42

Letter Writing

Formal Letters

Section 2

Keywords
ence Work Experi n Ryan, yer: Mr. Joh market, ress of Emplo dd Golden Super Name and A venue, Churchgate A Dublin 8.

Section 3

2003 February 2002 mployment: Dates of E ely kly approximat 10 hours wee store, Part-time: elves, tidying t stacking sh an General assist uties: pricing. D packing, ring. , Mountainee otball, Cycling lic Fo , Hobbies: Gae wn GAA Club Interests and ber of Jamesto ross, Mem , Junior Red C et Youth Club High Stre eering Group. Ace Mountain ring. d Mountainee in First Aid an courses Have attended Referees: Principal, Ms. J. Nolan, e, munity Colleg Riverside Com New Road, Dublin 8. , Mr. John Ryan market, Golden Super venue, Churchgate A Dublin 8.

1.

2.

Junior Certificate School Programme

43

Letter Writing

Exercise
1 Write a letter of application that you would put with your CV, in reply to the advertisement below. The advert appeared in the Evening Herald on July 2nd. Friendly, responsible young person needed part-time for busy petrol station and shop. Apply with CV to: The Manager Max Petrol Station Summerhill Road Naas Kildare

Use the headings that follow and complete this CV. (Use your own details for this CV.)

CURRICULUM VITAE
Personal Details Name: Address:

Date of Birth:

Educational Record Secondary School:

Dates Attended:

44

Letter Writing

Formal Letters

Section 2

Work Experience Name and Address of Employer:

Keywords

Section 3

Dates of Employment:

Part-time:

Duties:

Interests and Hobbies:

Referees: 1.

2.

Junior Certificate School Programme

45

Letter Writing

Section 3
Keywords

46

Letter Writing

Keywords

Section 3

Some important keywords and phrases Abbreviations

These are short forms of words which are sometimes used in letters or addresses. When you shorten a word, you must put a full stop after it to show that you have left out some letters.

Quiz abbreviations in names

Match the following abbreviations to their meaning drawing a line. The first one is done for you. Mr. Street

Ms.

Grove

Dr.

Road

Fr.

for a priest

Ave.

Gardens

Cres.

Park

Dr.

Avenue

Gdns.

Drive

Gr.

for a woman

Pk.

for a man

Rd.

for a doctor

St.

Crescent SCORE: _____ out of 12

Junior Certificate School Programme

47

Letter Writing

Letter Writing Quiz. Put a tick in the box beside the correct answer.
1 When you write an informal or formal letter you always put your address on: The top left hand corner 2 The date of a letter always goes: Under your address 3 Under your signature Under the greeting The bottom left hand corner The top right hand corner

When you do not know the name of the person you are writing to you begin your letter with: Dear Sir Hi Dear Sir/Madam

In a formal letter when you know the name of the person you are writing to the sign off you use is: Yours faithfully Yours sincerely Lots of Love

You are writing to a person called Ronan Quinn, who is the Manager at Sports World. You want to complain about a tracksuit you bought. The colour has faded after one wash How would you begin the letter? Dear Ronan Dear Mr Quinn Dear Quinn

You are writing to the Principal of a school. Which sign-off would you use? Yours faithfully Your friend Love

You are writing to the manager of Max Petrol Station to ask about vacancies for part-time work. It's on Summerhill Road, Castletown, Dublin 4. You don't know the name of the manager. How would you address your envelope? Max Petrol Station Summerhill Road Castletown Dublin 4 The Manager Max Petrol Station Summerhill Road Castletown Dublin 4 The Manager Summerhill Road Castletown Dublin 4

SCORE: ____ out of 7

48

Letter Writing

Keywords

Section 3

Letter writing word search

C Z T S R Q R F T W O N W N K Y L U A B R N A X E E D X F I I C Z V K E N M I O S S S A M L V I R U M B E I D T D C E I U F H A I L L N S A A T I A M D C E T T U N R I R C A A E M U A N L U N S M T R D D S X L T A E U R R L L R P G C S A S I A F B L E W I M V I A Q P J P Y N O F P O F F U U J R M Y E M V A D N E D X O E W V T N W C Q B I L U F K V S I P S A A P P O I N T M E N T C T N V Y L E R E C N I S U E P X A L S I G N A T U R E Y J F L D E ADDRESS APPLICATION APPOINTMENT AVAILABLE CURRICULUM VITAE DATE DEAR DEPARTMENT FAITHFULLY FORMAL INFORMAL INTERVIEW REFERENCE SIGNATURE SINCERELY
1.

Letter writing word grid

3. 4. 5. 6.

2.

7.

8.

9.

Across Short for avenue 2 4 Another way to write this is Rd. 6 This goes at the bottom of you letter 7 Short for a woman 8 Short for a doctor 9 If you don't know who you are writing to sign off with this

Down Most letters start this way- it's a greeting 1 2 You put this in the top right hand corner of a letter 3 Short for a man 5 It's on a calendar 6 If you know the name of the person you are writing to, you finish the letter with this Junior Certificate School Programme 49

Letter Writing

More abbreviations
You may see these short forms of words used in letters: Bros. Co. C/o C.O.D. Dept. Etc. N. B. P. S. Brothers (in a company name, e.g., Smith Bros). Company Care of (if you are writing to somebody at an address which is not their own). Cash on Delivery (means goods will be paid for when they are delivered). Department "and so on" (et cetera). "note well" (nota bene). post script (a message added on at the end of a letter, after the signature. Usually only used in personal letters).

R. S. V. P. please reply (French respondez s'il, vous plait). s.a.e. stamped addressed envelop (an envelope with a stamp, addressed to yourself).

50

Letter Writing