Useful language: writing about advantages and disadvantages

Listing advantages

First, / Firstly,… Secondly,… Thirdly…

Listing disadvantages

On the other hand, there are also (some) disadvantages.
For instance,… / For example…
Also, …

Conclusion

In conclusion / To sum up, I think…

Useful language: a formal letter

Formal letters

Start - Finish
You don’t know the person’s name

Dear Sir, Madam -Yours faithfully

You know the person’s surname

Dear Mr / Ms / Mrs Martínez - Yours sincerely

Layout / style

· Put your address in the top right-hand corner with the date underneath.
· Put the name and address of the person you are writing to on the left.
· Don’t use contractions.
· Write your full name under your signature.
· Put I look forward to hearing from you if you would like a reply.

Useful language: describing location

It’s

• Perfectly situated..
• Walking dinstance from…
• A (fifteen-minute) walk from…
• A short drive from…

The neighbourhood is (safe, friendly, etc.)
It’s a (beautiful) area…

Useful language: informal letters / emails

Beginnings

Dear + name (email: Dear or Hi)
Sorry for not writing earlier but …
Thank you / Thanks (so much) for (your letter, having me to stay, etc.)
It was great to hear from you …

Endings

That’s all for now.
Hope to hear from you soon. / Looking forward to hearing from you.
(Give my) regards / love to…
Best wishes / Love (from)
PS I enclose a photo of the three of us (email: I attach…)

Useful language: describing a person

He’s quite / very, etc. + adjective (e.g. friendly, extrovert, etc.)
She’s a bit + negative adjective (e.g. untidy, shy, etc.)
He likes / loves / doesn’t mind + verb + -ing
He’s good at + verb + -ing

Useful language: travel problems

The flight was delayed
You broken down
You got lost
You missed your flight
There was a traffic jam
You got a puncture
You forgot passport
Your flight was overbooked