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Writing

Letter: Communicating effectively
When you write to someone in authority about a problem, you are hoping
that they will take action on suggestions you make in your letter. If you
want the reader to react positively, you should write in a personal and
polite way, saying how you feel about the problem, suggesting measures
that should be taken and showing how they would help.

1 Read these extracts from letters to a town’s chief of police. Which one
is written in the right tone and is most likely to get a good reaction?

Last week’s street demonstrations were Last week’s street demonstrations made life in
a b
policed really badly. Why didn’t you have the town centre very frightening for many of
enough policemen to control what was us. I think that we should have more of your
happening? People were terrified! Make sure officers on duty next time, if possible, in order
there are more of them there next time! to make life safer for ordinary citizens.

2 Read this extract from a letter to the local mayor. What solution could you suggest? How would it help?
It’s dangerous outside the school at home time. Children run across the street, cars drive past too fast and no one
is in charge of what’s happening.

3 Read this writing task and discuss in class what could be done and why it would help.

The City Times
The city council recently published a report which reveals that Letter: Write a letter to the mayor
many elderly people in the local nursing home are suffering explaining what could be done to
from depression caused by boredom and loneliness. The help the elderly in the nursing home.
council says it would welcome ideas on what could be done by Begin your letter, “Dear Mayor.”
council officials and local people to help the situation.

4 Read the letter that was written in answer to the task in 3 and answer the questions below it.

Dear Mayor,
I have just read in the local newspaper that many of our vulnerable, elderly citizens in the city’s nursing home are
depressed. I think this is a very sad situation and I am writing to ask that you urgently consider taking the following
measures.
First of all, the city council should employ an entertainment organiser at the home. Small music concerts, book-
readings and other events could be organised in order to stimulate the old people and, hopefully, make them smile.
I am sure you agree that laughter is often the best therapy.
Furthermore, the council could organise outings. If coach excursions to famous landmarks or trips to the countryside
were arranged, it would enable the elderly to experience the outside world again instead of sitting inside all day.
Finally, with your agreement, my friends and I intend to arrange for volunteers to visit the home perhaps once a week
so that the elderly have regular contact with other people.
I look forward to seeing you put some ideas into action soon.
Yours faithfully,
Mary Clark

1 Is the writer’s tone of voice polite?
2 What words does the writer use to sum up her opinion of the situation?
3 The writer talks directly to the mayor in the letter. Underline four examples of this.
4 The writer suggests three solutions to the problem. Circle the results of these solutions.
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