Worksheet 1: Formal and Informal Correspondence
Worksheet 1: Formal and Informal Correspondence
Worksheet 1: Formal and Informal Correspondence
Life
Worksheet 1: Formal and informal correspondence
1 How often do you write emails or letters at work? How formal or informal are
they? Mark the level of formality on the scale and compare it with a partner.
2 Read three pieces of correspondence. What level of formality are they? Write 1,
2, and 3 on the scale and compare with your partner. Explain your reasons.
Dear Ryan, 1 2
I am writing in response to your message on my voicemail. Hi,
I’d be delighted to give a talk to your business students on
the subject of Modern Management Practices. I’d be I’m afraid my plane is delayed by
grateful if you could send me any days and times you have two hours. Can you pick me up at
in mind so we can finalize the exact date.
around 2 instead?
I look forward to hearing from you.
See you soon. (I hope!)
Best regards,
Corinne
Yours sincerely,
Alan Johnson
3a The verbs 1–10 tend to be used in more formal correspondence. Match the formal
verbs 1–10 to the less formal verbs in the box.
need tell change say sorry get ask about ask for help stop give
1 inform 6 inquire
2 request 7 alter
3 apologize 8 terminate
4 receive 9 require
5 assist 10 provide
b How many of the verbs 1–10 have a noun form? e.g., inform – information
Life Level 5 2nd edition Business Writing ©National Geographic Learning 2019
4 Find expressions in the texts in Exercise 2 to complete the table.
5 Rewrite this email using an informal style. Use expressions from Exercises 3 and 4.
Hi Maddie,
It’s about the flight times to Italy. Sorry but I can’t fly out on Monday morning. Can you
change it to Monday evening?
I’m happy to talk in Bologna instead.
B.
I CAN
write using a formal and neutral style
write using an informal style
Life Level 5 2nd edition Business Writing ©National Geographic Learning 2019