Homework: Monday, November 30th, 2015

Your local council wants to get more people visiting your town. They are paying you to write a guide telling people about the things you can see and do. Make sure you mention the following things:

* Eating and drinking
* Shopping
* Things to do and see

This homework is due on Tuesday, December 1st

Guides

For the rest of the term we will be focussing on how to write guides. You can use the information below both as a guide on how to write guides, but also as an example of a guide, since it is a guide itself. Hopefully that's not too confusing!

HOW TO WRITE A GUIDE

One of the things you might have to do in the exam is write a guide. You should be aiming for somewhere between three and four hundred words and, broadly speaking, it will either need to be:

Instructional

Guides are usually instructional, meaning the purpose of them is give people instructions about how to do something, for example, operate a PlayStation or survive a zombie apocalypse. In this case, you need to use quite formal language.

Or:

Persuasive

Sometimes, however, they are persuasive, meaning the purpose of them is to try and persuade people to do something, for example, visit your town. In this case, you can use more informal language with lots of positive details and adjectives (describing words).

Whether your guide is instructional or persuasive, you must make sure it has the following:

·        A main title, e.g. ‘What to do in the event of a fire’ or ‘How to survive a Maths lesson’

·        An introductory paragraph giving an overview of whatever the guide is about

·        Subheadings, e.g. ‘Call the fire brigade’ or ‘Weaponry’

·        Bullet points

·        Short sentences and paragraphs – remember: this is not an essay or a short story; your text should be broken down into small, easy-to-read chunks

·        Some bold text

·        Some headings in capitals

Basically, your guide should like this guide, that is, the one you have just read, because it is a guide – a guide on how to write guides!

Homework, 23rd November, 2015

This week I would like you to write an informal letter to your friend, who is recovering in hospital from a broken leg. Ask him/her;

* How they broke their leg
* How they are
* What plans you have for when they get out

The homework is due on Tuesday, 24th November

Informal letters

We have moved on to writing informal letters. Below are the worksheets we have been using in lessons. 

Generic informal letter structure

Your address, e.g.: Baz Bazinga 12 Bishop’s Avenue London SW6 6EG

The date in long form, e.g.: 15th September, 2015

Dear Anna Or whatever the name of the person you are writing to is. You will usually be allowed to choose the name yourself.

In the first paragraph, ask how the person is and what he/she has been up to in an informal way, e.g. How’s it going? Then tell him/her what you’ve been up to, e.g. I’ve been studying for my GCSEs, which is really boring. At the weekends I’ve been taking Karate lessons …

In the second paragraph, respond to the question, so, for example, if you are writing to your friend in hospital, ask him/her how he/she ended up there.

In the third paragraph, say you hope that you will see whoever you are writing to soon.

Sign off informally, e.g. Lots of love

Write your first name only

Generic informal letter prompt sheet

Key words
Nouns Hospital Illness Injury Birthday Christmas X Box PlayStation DVD Television Holiday	Verbs Studying Reading Swimming Running Playing Sleeping Healing Resting Eating Having	Adjectives Quiet Loud Exciting Boring Interesting Great Fun Painful Brilliant Terrible
Useful sentences/ideas How’s it going? What have you been up to? I hope you’re okay. I hope to see you soon. I’ve been ·         Reading loads of books ·         Watching lots of television ·         Swimming ·         Learning to play the flute ·         Playing lots of X Box

Francis Benali

12 Bishop’s Avenue

Fulham

SW6 6EG

1^st October 2015

Dear Tiffany,

How are you? Actually, that’s kind of a silly question – I know how you are, you’ve got a broken leg. But how are you generally? I’ve been okay – a bit nervous about exams, so I haven’t been sleeping that well, but I’m mainly good. What are you going to do about your exams? Will they let you take them in the hospital?

I was thinking that when you get out of hospital, we could go bowling. Remember how we used to love going when we were kids, well, we haven’t been for years, so we should do that again. It was always so much fun. We could also go to the cinema – there are loads of new films out that I want to see, although I guess they’ll all be finished by the time you’re out. Oh well, I’m sure there’ll be loads of new films out by then. I must get by the hospital to come and see you soon. I haven’t been yet because I’ve been revising so hard, but that’s not really much of an excuse because friends are more important than exams. How about next Wednesday? I should be free from about 2pm onwards.

Anyway, I have to go – got more revision to do, obviously, but hopefully I’ll see you soon.

Lots of love,

                             Francis

Homework (or lack thereof)

Due to the fact that I missed the last few lessons and did not know who had completed which tasks in my absence, I have not set any homework for this week. 

Fear not, however, as homework will return next week!

Homework, Monday 9th November

Write a formal letter complaining about a television programme you saw last night which offended you in some way.

There is loads of stuff in the previous post to help you with this.  

Writing a letter of complaint

In the exam, they might ask you to write a letter of complaint. There are various situations they might ask you to complain about:

* You had bad service in a shop/restaurant/hotel
* You ate some dodgy food somewhere and got food poisoning
* Your train was delayed and you were late for work
* You saw a television programme/movie or played a video game that you found offensive in some way

Here is an example of a letter of complaint:

Mark Quillfeldt

12 Bishop’s Avenue

Fulham

SW6 6EG

12^th September 2015

The Manager

Vappio’s Restaurant

Fulham Road

SW7 8UP

Dear Sir/Madam

I am writing to express my disappointment about a bad case of food poisoning I recently experienced after visiting your establishment.

I visited with my family last week and, I have to say, overall, the experience was very pleasant. The food was excellent, the service was tremendous; the food arrived quickly and the waiter was very polite. I had the Lasagne, my wife had the veal and my two sons had the fish and chips. The next morning I was woken up extremely early by sharp, painful stomach cramps. Unfortunately there were no Paracetamols in the house to help soothe the unbearable pain that I was experiencing. I spent the rest of the day running in between my bed and the toilet (I’ll spare you the gory details, but let’s just say it was far from enjoyable). I also vomited on several occasions.

The most disappointing aspect of all of this, however, is that I ended up having to take the day off work, but, even worse than this, I had to miss my son’s play at school; I think you’ll agree, that is something no child should ever have to experience.

I would like to make it clear that I fully intend to visit your establishment in the future, as I have had many enjoyable meals there in the past, however, this would not be possible if there was not some kind of compensation for my unfortunate experience, such as a full refund or free meal for myself and my family.

I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Yours faithfully,

                                      Mark Quillfeldt

And here is some stuff to help you write your own letter:

Generic letter of complaint structure

Your address, e.g.: Mr Quillfeldt 12 Bishop’s Avenue London SW6 6EG

The date in long form, for example: 15th September, 2015

Start Dear Sir/Madam if you don’t know their name or Dear Mr or Mrs, followed by their surname if you do.

In the first paragraph write one or two sentences explaining why you are writing. This paragraph doesn’t need to be very long. You can start: I am writing to you to express my disappointment about …

In the second paragraph, start by being positive, but then go on to explain what it is you are complaining about. For example: Overall, I thought the programme was very good, however …

In the third paragraph, explain what the consequences of the negative experience were. For example: As a result of this, I had to spend several days in hospital …

In the fourth paragraph, outline how you think the problem should be resolved. For example: I am sure you will agree that some form of compensation in is order …

Sign off Yours faithfully if you don’t know the name of the person you are writing to, or Yours sincerely if you do.

Write your full name.

Generic complaint letter prompt sheet

Key words
Nouns Outrage Disappointment Despair Inconvenience Annoyance Disruption Noise	Verbs Outraged Disappointed Shocked Appalled Annoyed Inconvenienced Offended Rectified	Adjectives Appalling Unacceptable Disgraceful Shocking Offensive Noisy Disruptive
Useful sentences I would like to express my annoyance/disappointment/outrage (choose one) at … As a concerned viewer/resident (choose one), I feel it is my duty to write to you … This is unacceptable/disgraceful/outrageous (choose one) … Imagine my shock when … I fully expect this situation to be rectified as soon as possible.

How to write a job application letter

There are various scenarios in which you might write a formal letter. They include:

* Applying for a job

* Complaining about something

* Giving your views about something

So far, we have focussed on applying for a job. Below are some examples of job application letters and some stuff you can use to help you when you write your own.

Applying for a job as a teacher

Professor Jane McGonagall,

7 McTavish Street,

Edinburgh,

ED1 1ED.

12th November, 1972

The Headmaster,

Hogwarts,

1 Hogwarts Street,

HO1 1HO

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to you to apply for the position of teacher at Hogwarts School, having seen the advertisement in the newspaper.

I feel I would be excellent for the position as I perform extremely well as part of a team, but can work independently to complete tasks. In addition to this, I am reliable, hard-working, and have good communication skills.

You will also see from my CV, which I have included with this letter, that I have five years’ experience of teaching and a university degree in spells. I have worked in both the state and private sector, and have a track record of achieving outstanding results. Furthermore, I have leadership experience, having been both a Head of Department and Head of Faculty in two of the schools I have worked in.

I am sure you will agree, therefore, that I am the ideal candidate for this position. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,

Jane MacGonagall

Applying for a job at a cafe

Mark Quillfeldt

12 Amberley Crescent

Putney

SW1 7EG

4^th November 2015

Sunrise Café

12-15 Fulham Palace Road

Fulham

SW6 6EG

Dear Sir/Madam

I am writing to you because I am interested in applying for the position of barista in your establishment. I believe I would be ideal, for the reasons given below.

Firstly, I am an excellent communicator and am very good at interacting with customers. Secondly, I am calm and cope extremely well under pressure. Thirdly, I am hard working, energetic, and am punctual. I have outstanding leadership skills, but I am also able to work effectively as part of a team.

In terms of experience, I spent three years working in a branch of Starbucks in Putney, where my duties included making and serving drinks, cleaning and washing dishes, managing the stock, which involved signing off on deliveries and making sure the stock cupboard was always full. During this time, I was promoted to the role of manager, which involved me making sure nothing went wrong, managing the staff and overseeing the general running of the café. I also have several relevant qualifications, including a GCSE in Food Technology and a health, hygiene and food safety certificate.

For these reasons, I am sure you will agree that I am the perfect candidate for the job and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours faithfully

Mark Quillfeldt

Generic job application letter structure 

Your address, e.g.: Mr Quillfeldt 12 Bishop’s Avenue London SW6 6EG

The date in long form, e.g.: 15th September, 2015

The address of the person you are writing to, e.g.: The Manager Sunrise Café 16 Cornwall Road FS1 1FS

If you don’t know the name of the person you are writing to, start Dear Sir/Madam. If you do know the name of the person you are writing to, start Dear Mr if it is male, or Ms if it is a female.

In the first paragraph, explain why you are writing the letter, e.g.: I am writing to you to apply for the position of … Then explain where you saw the job advertised, e.g.: I saw the job advertised online/in a shop window/in a newspaper (pick one).

In the second paragraph, explain what skills you have that would be useful, e.g.: I am a good team player

In the third paragraph, explain what relevant experience and qualifications you have, e.g.: I spent two years working in a café. I have a food hygiene certificate.

In the fourth paragraph, sum everything up, e.g.: For these reasons, I believe I would be ideal for the job and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sign off. If you know the name of the person you are writing to, use Yours sincerely. If you don’t know the name of the person, use Yours faithfully.

Write your name

Generic job application letter prompt sheet

Skills Leadership Being a team player Good communication skills Being independent and industrious Confident Following instructions
Experience/qualifications Working in a similar job for a certain number of years A university degree GCSEs/A Levels Certificates
Nouns Independence Motivation Help Creativity Imagination Skills Position Job Experience	Verbs Working Communicating Helping Thinking Doing Understanding Motivating Assisting Leading	Adjectives Independent Understanding Efficient Motivated Creative Imaginative Dynamic Industrious Resourceful

This term

This half term we are aiming to get through letters (both formal and informal) and leaflets. You have probably done this before in Year 9 and possible in Year 8, so hopefully it will be more about improving the quality of your writing in each of these areas, rather than learning from scratch how to write each one.