书信
书信是人们在日常生活和工作中进行交际的工具。由于民族语言和习惯上的差异，英语信件在书写格式及表达方式上与汉语不大一样，有些地方迥然不同。英文书信分为两大类：公务信件和私人信件。公务信件是单位与单位或单位与个人之间来往的书信，可能是推荐信、求职信、入学申请书、邀请信，或询问、答复、反映意见（如投诉信）等的信件。私人信件是指亲戚朋友之间的通信。这两类书信各有自己的格式。一般说来，私人信件不拘形式，信文多用手写，也可打印；公务信件要求比较严格，必须遵循一定的格式，信文一定要打印。
一般格式
英文书信的构成可分为7个部分：
信头(Heading), 日期(Date), 收信人姓名及地址(Inside Name and Address), 称呼(Salutation), 信文(Body of the letter), 结束语(Complimentary close), 署名(Signature)
信头(Heading)
信头是指发信人的单位名称或地址。一般情况下发信人只需把自己的地址写(打字，手写均可)在信的右上角，离开信纸的顶头约1英寸，占二三行或四行均可，格式如下：
① 齐头式
② 缩进式
地址的书写顺序由小到大：门牌号、街道、城市、省（州）、邮编、国名，最后写发信日期。
私人信件一般只写寄信日期即可。
Example: 123 Tianhe Road
Tianhe District
Guangzhou 510620
Guangdong Province
P. R. C.
Jan. 8, 2010
日期(Date):
① 年份应写全，例如不能用“99”来代替“1999”；
② 月份应写英文名称，除May, July外，可用缩写，如：Sep., Oct.。但不要用数字来代替，如7／4／99 或7， 4， 99，因为在英国此日期代表 7th April，1999，而美国则代表4th July，1999。
③ 日期可用1，2，3，4…11，12…21，22…31等，也可用lst，2nd，3rd，4th…11th，21th…22nd…31st等。
日期的几种写法：a．July 7，1998 b．1st October, 1998
c．30 Nov., 1997 d．Sep. 3rd, 1999
④特别注意英文书信日期应紧接着写信人地址下一行，不能像写中文书信那样写在书信签名之后。
收信人姓名及地址(Inside Name and Address)
写信人的地址和日期写好以后，接着就要写收信人的姓名和地址，一般的事务信件或给较生疏的朋友的信件要写，而在给极熟的朋友的信中则可省去。这一项写在日期下一行的左上角。收信人姓名写一行，收信人地址可分两行或三行写，和写信人的地址一样，上下可取齐，也可以向右缩进。在姓名前一般要加上称号，称号因人而异。
①对普通男子用Mr；②对未婚女子用Miss；③对已婚女子用Mrs，对婚姻状况不明确的通常用Ms(后跟本人姓)；④对男子用Master；⑤对教授或博士(医生)用Prof．或Dr．
称呼(Salutation)
称呼指的是信文开头的那种称呼，如Dear , Mr, Uncle，各种称呼因人而异。称呼直接写在收信人地址的正下方，中间空一至二行。在称呼后面一般是用逗号，但也有用冒号的。现归纳如下：①对父母、兄弟、姐妹等；a．Father, b．My dear Mother, c. Dear Sister, d. Dear Tom,
②对亲戚：a．My dear Auntie, b．Dear Cousin, c．My dear Cousin,
③对朋友、同学a．My dear friend, b．Dear Mr Jackson, c．My dear Mr Jackson, d．Dear Sir,
④对未婚女子：a．Dear Miss Luce, b．My dear Miss Luce,
⑤对一般女子，不论是否结婚：a．Madame, b．Dear Madame,
⑥对已婚女子：a．Dear Mrs Helen Jackson, b．My dear Mrs Helen Jackson,
⑦对公司、工厂、学校等：a．Dear Sirs, b．Sirs, c．Gentlemen,
⑧如果不知收信人的性别: Dear Sir or Madam
信文(Body of the letter)
信文是信件的主体部分，也就是信的内容。正文应在称呼下两行开始。信的开头第一个字母通常和称呼开头第一个词平齐。也有往后退四个或八个字母的。正文是书信的主体。与中文信件不同的是，英文书信的正文的开头不是先写一些问候语，再阐明写信的目的，而是直接说明写信人的身份及写信的目的，然后提出写信人的情况、想法或要求，并加以必要的解释或说明。英文书信陈述目的时，应该直截了当，意思明确，层次清楚，言简意赅。
书信正文的第一句话或第一段，通常被称为起首语。一般说来，人们习惯用一些客套的写法作为书信正文的起始，即先将对方来信的日期、主题加以简单描述，以便使对方一看便知该信是回答哪一封信的。如果是第一次给别人写信，也可用开头语作必要的自我介绍，并表明自己写信的主要目的。
下面介绍一些开头语和结尾语。
开头语 ①相当于中文的“敬君者”。
a．I beg to inform you that…
b．I beg to take this opportunity to inform you that …
c．I have the honor to address you that…
d． I write in a hurry to inform you that…
e．I have the pleasure to tell you that…
f. I'm very much delighted to inform you that…
②相当于中文的“接读某月某日来信，一切知悉”。
a．I thank you very much for your letter of May 20th …
b．Your letter of May 20th has been received with thanks.
c．It gives me great pleasure to receive your kind of May 20th.
d．In answer to your kind letter of May 20th, I deeply regret that …
e．I have received your kind letter of May 20th.
f．Words can't express my delight on finding your favor of yesterday on my desk this morning.
g．Your letter dated May 20th has been received.
结尾语
采用三种方法：
①采用分词短语：句末用逗号，不用句号。例如：
a．Waiting for your good news,
b．Looking forward to your early reply,
c．Hoping to hear from you soon,
d．Hoping you are enjoying good health,
e．Regretting that I can't give you a more favorite reply,
f．Regretting the trouble I'm causing you,
g．Wishing you every success,
h．Wishing you a pleasant journey,
i．Wishing you a happy New Year,
②采用介词短语，例如：
a．With best regards,
b．With kind regards to your family,
c．With best wishes to you and yours,
d．With best wishes for your success and happiness,
e．With best wishes for your success in your new field of work,
f．With best regards and wishing you all success,
g．With warmest regards,
h．With best regards to you and your family,
i．With the season's greetings,
③采用完整句子：
a．We are waiting for your good news.
b．I hope to receive your early reply.
c．We look forward to your reply at your earliest convenience.
d．I thank you very much for your services, and wish your continued success.
结束语(Complimentary Close)
结尾套语写在签名上面一行，第一个字母要大写，套语结尾后面要加逗号。
结束语的一般写法如下：
① 业务书信常用：Yours faithfully, Faithfully yours, Yours truly, Truly yours, Sincerely yours,
② 公函常用：Yours respectfully, Respectfully yours, Yours sincerely,
③私人书信常用：Sincerely yours, Yours very sincerely, Yours affectionately, Yours ever,
④给亲戚朋友的信常用：Love, All my love, Your(ever)loving son/daughter/cousin , etc.
Your affectionate nephew, lovingly, Lovingly yours,
署名(Signature)
写信人的签名常位于结尾礼词正下方一二行。除非是给很熟悉的人写信，签名一般须写出全名。签名常常较潦草，不易辨认，因此在签名的正下方须打印出全名。如果是用打字机或电脑写的信，在写信人签名的上方，同样应该打上写信人的姓名。
下面是署名的例子：
① 个人署名：truly, W. J. Watson ,Yours faithfully,
②公司署名：Legend Computer Company, Wang Lin ,Sales Manager
除以上七个部分外，有时一些英语书信还包括：
（1）附件 (Enclosure)，以Enc. 表示，如“附有。。。。。。证明”应写为Enc…Certificate；（2）附言(Postscript)，以P.S. 表示；发信人有时在写完信后又想起一件比较重要的事没有说，可以在信末署名下面几行写上， P. S.，然后将要补充的话写上。不过要注意写信时最好将事情一次讲清楚，尽量少用或不用P.S.。
（3）抄送件(Carbon Copy to…)，以c.c. 表示，说明一式多份抄送其他有关人员。这些都是次要的补充部分。
P.S. 主要在私人信件中使用，事务信件中应避免使用，以免造成写信人粗心大意的印象。Enc.和c.c. 大都用在商贸信函中。
信封（envelope）。英语的信封和中文的一样，有三部分组成，即发信人地址、收信人地址和邮票。只不过英语信封的格式除了邮票所贴的位置（信封的右上角）和中文的一样外，英语信封上要写的发信人和收信人的地址和中文的大不一样。发信人的地址应写在信封的左上角，收信人的地址应写在信封偏中右偏下处，如下：
2．书写款式
英语书信的款式一般有两种：齐头式 (Block Style) 和折衷式 (Semi-Block Style)。齐头式常常在商贸、官方以及一些正式的信件中使用，以显示信件内容的严肃性，真实性，
可靠性。而折衷式则显的比较随便，主要用于家人、朋友、私人之间来往的信件。如果两人之间不是第一次通信，相互比较了解，可以省略信内的双方地址。
以下分别介绍齐头式和折衷式信件两种款式。
A: 齐头式信件款式：
注：用齐头式信件写信，其正文与称呼之间空一至二行。每段的第一句句子不需要空
格，但段与段之间需要空一至二行。齐头式信件的信尾客套话和签名可以有两种款式。第一种写在左下方，这是最常用也是最正式的。另外也可以写在右下方，这种形式则表示写信人与收信人之间的关系比较熟悉随便。下面是另一种齐头式信件的格式。
齐头式信件款式：
B: 折衷式信件款式：
用折衷式书写信件，其正文与称呼之间空一至二行。第一段第一句的第一个单词必须在Dear称呼的直接下面。以后每段开头都要与第一段第一个字对齐。信尾的客套话和签名都写在右下方。朋友之间写信一般都使用折衷式，而且称呼与正文之间一般不空行。具体款式和要求参见后面的一些信件。
以下是一封折衷式信件。 
3.书信写作常用套句
It is so great to hear from you again.
It is a great pleasure for me to …
With great delight I learned that …
I must apologize for not writing to you sooner.
建议：In my experience, it seems that _______ would make sense in your situation
In my opinion, it would be wise for you to take the following actions:
感谢：I truly appreciate your kindness.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for...
道歉：I apologize most sincerely for...
I am so sorry to have put you through so much trouble...
邀请：We would be honored to have you there with us...
I will cover all the expense involved.
抱怨：I very much regret to have to inform you that...
We will appreciate your willingness to make up for the loss
I hope that the above situation will be improved as soon as possible
咨询：I would like to request some information about...
Should I need to send further materials, please let me know.
求职：In anwser to your advertisement www.cet4v.com a post as … in your office.
I hope I may be granted an interview…
4. 各类常用信件例子
1）感谢信
2）祝贺信
3）邀请信
4）一般信件
5）商业信件
5. 书信作文的出题形式和写作要领
20##年6月四级考试的作文题：
Directions: For this part, you are allowed thirty minutes to write a letter. Suppose you are Zhang Ying. Write a letter to Xiao Wang, a schoolmate of yours who is going to visit you during the week-long holiday. You should write at least 120 words according to the suggestion given below in Chinese:
1. 表示欢迎
2. 提出对度假安排的建议
3. 提醒应注意的事项
A Letter to a Schoolmate
June 23, 2001
Dear Xiao Wang,
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________.
Yours,
Zhang Ying
从上面的例子可见，书信作文不仅给出正文部分的内容的提纲，而且还给出书信各部分的结构的框架。也就是说，我们只要考虑如何表达提纲部分的内容，而不用考虑书信的结构。
在写书信作文时，首先要把书信正文的提纲内容细化，扩展成更细的英文提纲，然后用简洁、明了、礼貌、正确和得体的语言表达出细化了的提纲内容。例如前面的那封信就可以列出下面的提纲：
Topic: A Letter to a SchoolmateQuestion: What are the holiday arrangements and points for attention?
Outline:I. Extending my welcomeII. Holiday schedule1. 1st day – campus2. 2nd day – the art gallery & music hall3. 3rd day – mountain climbing4. next 3 days – other places of interest (Swan Cave, Golden Lake …)5. Last day -- departureIII. Points for attention1. Train number & time of arrival2. SunglassesIV. Looking forward to seeing you.Introduction Body 1Body 2Conclusion
范文：
A Letter to A Schoolmate
June 23, 2001
Dear Xiao Wang,
I’m very glad to learn that you’re going to visit me during the week-long holiday. My parents will also be happy to see you again. I am sure you will enjoy every minute here.
I have arranged our schedule for the holiday as follows. On the first day you arrive, I’ll show you around our campus. On the second day, we’ll visit the art gallery and the music hall. Next day, we’ll climb a hill in the northeastern part of the city. On the top of the hill, we can have a wonderful bird’s eye view of the city. During the next three days, we’ll make some short trips to some places of interest nearby, such as the Swan Cave, the Golden Lake, etc. On the last day, I’ll see you off at the railway station.
Please remember to call and tell me your train number and time of arrival so that I can meet you at the railway station. By the way, it’s very hot here and we have a lot of sunshine, so don’t forget to wear you sunglasses.
I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.
Sincerely yours,
Zhang Ying
写信日期称呼正文第一段：表示欢迎正文第2段：活动安排第一天的安排第二天的安排第三天的安排第4-6天的安排第七天：送行正文第三段（注意事项）： 注意事项一注意事项二结束语结尾礼词签名
上面举的是私人信件的例子，下面我们再来看一封投诉信（Letter of Complaint）。
投诉信的目的是为了让收信人读信后同情你的遭遇,解决你所遇到的问题。所以写投诉信时应该实事求是地反映情况，注意措辞，不使用过多的讽刺或责备的语言，也不要因为发泄怒气而离题，以避免引起收信人的不信任或反感。
一般而言，投诉信包括以下内容：提出要求和理由；解释详细的情况；把请求具体化以及希望收信人采取行动的日期等。例如：
September 1, 2001
Dear Sir or Madam:
I’m writing to complain about a typewriter I bought seven months ago.
In February of 20## I bought a Jones Typewriter, Portable Special Model, at ABC Store, I had used it only a few days when the space bar broke.
I took it to a local shop, they told me it was factory defect and suggest I take it back to ABC. ABC accepted the machine and sent the part in. I waited three months, and since your company did not send a replacement, they let me have the space bar from another typewriter.
Now, six months later, it has broken again. I took it back to ABC. They are no longer carrying your typewriter, but they assured me that the guarantee is still good and suggested that I write you for further instructions as to what steps to take.
I will appreciate anything you can do to help us on this matter.
Respectfully,
(Signature)
James Bergen
写信日期 称呼正文第一段：表明写信的目的正文第二段：具体说明购买产品的时间、地点及出现的问题第三段：说明尝试的解决方法 第四段：说明尝试的解决方案无效，请求帮助结尾礼词签名打印的姓名
这是一封态度冷静、措辞有理、有节的投诉售后服务不周的信。由于这类信涉及经销商（厂家）和卖方，因此，投诉信中写明了以下详细的情况：
1） 购物的时间：In February of 2001
2） 购物地点： at ABC Store
3） 产品型号：Jones Typewriter, Portable Special Model
4） 使用时间：I had used it only a few days；six months later
5） 主要问题：The space bar broke
6） 产生问题的原因：factory defect
7） 为什么向你方反映：
They are no longer carrying your typewriter, but they assured us that the guarantee is still good and suggested that I write you for further instructions as to what steps to take. (商店已没有贵公司的打字机，但他们让我相信，保修卡仍有效，并建议我写信给贵公司以寻求解决办法)
此外，写信人还用了礼貌的结束语：
I will appreciate anything you can do to help us on this matter. (贵公司在这件事上给我的任何帮助都将令我不胜感激)
小结：1）英文书信的结构；2）书信作文的出题形式；3）书信作文的写作要领。
下面我们进行写作练习。我将给大家一个作文题，请大家根据这一讲的内容，在30分钟内完成。大家在写作的过程中要注意审题，考虑文章的结构、采用的起首语和结束语等。
练习五：
Directions: For this part, you are allowed thirty minutes to write a letter. Suppose you are Xiao Li. Write a letter to Xiao Zhang, a roommate of yours who is a heavy smoker. You should write at least 120 words according to the suggestion given below in Chinese:
1. 吸烟已成为宿舍的一大问题
2. 吸烟的危害
3. 建议戒烟
A Letter to a Roommate
March 16, 2002
Dear Xiao Zhang,
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________.
Yours sincerely,
Xiao Li
参考文章:
A Letter to a Roommate
March 16, 2002
Dear Xiao Zhang,
Recently I have noticed that you have been smoking heavily, which is becoming a serious problem. As long as you are in, our bedroom is filled with that terrible smell. The ashtray always overflows with cigarette butts.
Your are ruining your health, destroying brain cells which can never be replaced, not to mention the damage to your lungs and windpipes. Smoking, especially heavy smoking, correlates highly with lung cancer. It is possible that you'll be caught up with it. I'm not scaring you. Besides, smoking is also harmful to the health of our roommates and the friendship among us. The roommates avoid being in the bedroom for fear of being polluted. As a result, the brotherhood among roommates is gradually fading.
If I were you, I would try to get rid of the bad habit. It is not difficult to break away from it if you are really determined to quit. Remember 'Where there is a will, there is a way'. I will always be there to help, if you need.
Yours sincerely,
Xiao Li
6.英语书信范文精选
一、感谢信
Sample 1
20 June 2006
Dear Mr. Seaton，
Thank you very much for taking me with you on that splendid outing to
London. It was the first time that I had seen the Tower or any of the
other famous sights. If I'd gone alone, I couldn't have seen nearly as
much, because I wouldn't have known my way about.
The weather was splendid on that day, which I thought was rare. I still
remember some people told me that in Britain there was weather and no
climate. During the same day, it might snow in the morning, rain at noon,
shine in the afternoon and be windy before the night falls. So I think I
was lucky.
I think the river trip was the best thing of all. London really came alive
for me as we saw it from the Thames during that wonderful journey down to
Greenwich. It was all tremendously exciting － a day that I shall never
forget.
Thank you for giving me such a great birthday treat.
Yours sincerely,
Linda Chen
Sample 2
20 July 2006
Dear Mr. Wang,
Thank you for taking the time to write your wonderful letter in support of MCEA (Maywood Chinese Education Association). Your letter clearly articulates all the major reasons children in Maywood will benefit from studying the Chinese language as part of their elementary school education. It provides invaluable support that will help making bilingual. Chinese education a reality in Maywood public schools.
Although MCEA would like to see Palo Alto public schools implement the first bilingual Chinese kindergarten class in September of 2006, we have learned that the school district must take the time to understand how a new program will affect existing educational offerings, and to validate community interest. Nevertheless, MCEA, with more than 70 members, will continue to actively promote bilingual Chinese education in the Palo Alto public schools and will keep you apprised of the progress we make.
Thanks again for sending a letter in support of MCEA. We' will continue to do all we can to realize this program both for families of Chinese descent and those with a general interest in participating in the growing economic power of China.
Yours sincerely,
George Chen
Useful Expressions
l Thanks for. . .
l It was very nice/good of you to ...
l Thank you very much for. . .
l I must thank you for. . .
l I am extremely grateful for your help. . .
l I am most grateful for. . .
二、建议信
Sample 1
21 June 2006
Dear Mary,
Thanks for your last letter. I'm so glad that you have been able (at last!) to arrange a holiday in Australia. As I fear I won't be able to meet you at the airport when you arrive, nor will I be able to be home until later in the afternoon, so here are some instructions and suggestions.
There is a bus from the airport to the city. It is much cheaper than a cab. Take the bus to the city and ask to get off at Town Hall railway station.
To get to my place in the eastern suburbs you have three options. You can either take a cab, a bus or the train. I suggest you take the train, since the airport bus will leave you right at the station. Get off at Cliff Station. From there you can either walk to my place (about ten minutes) or take a taxi. Probably you should take a taxi as you will have luggage.
When you arrive at my flat, ring the intercom for Flat 2. My friend Lillian will be at home and she will open the front door for you and let you into my flat.
Presumably you will be tired and want to sleep. But if you feel like some exercise after that long flight, you could stroll down to Cooper Park, which is only ten minutes away ¾ you can see it from the window.
Cheers and looking forward to seeing you.
Yours sincerely,
Annie
P.S. I will leave something for breakfast in the fridge. Help yourself to anything you want.
Useful Expressions:
l Here are some instructions and suggestions.
l May I suggest that we meet at the gate of the university?
l I'd like to suggest you should visit London for at least two days on your way to Scotland.
l Considering your present situation, I propose that you should apply for the post.
l What I want to suggest is ...
l My suggestion is that. . .
l If you. .. , you had better. . .
三、申请信
Sample 1
20 March 2006
Dear Sir,
I was very interested in your advertisement in today's edition of The Evening Post and I should like to apply to be a member of the Amazon Expedition team.
I am twenty-three years old and have an honors degree in Botany from Bath University. Since leaving university I have been working in a research laboratory but my contract comes to an end in six weeks. I would particularly like to join the expedition for the opportunity it would give me to study the plant life of the area.
I enjoy several outdoor activities including rowing and rock climbing and I consider myself to be both fit and healthy enough to undertake such an expedition.
If you would like me to attend an interview, I would be able to come at any time convenient to you, (J1) my employers have agreed to give me time off for the purpose.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
Lily Ma
Sample 2
20 June 2006
Dear Sir,
I noticed an ad. In the paper today you said you were looking for people to join your expedition team. It sounded as if it might be fun so I'm writing to say I'd like to come along.
About myself: I left school at 16 because I wanted to earn a bit of money.After that I got a few part-time jobs as a waiter, etc. But I didn't stick to any of them for long. Recently I've been doing a bit of hitch-hiking round Europe so I've had some experience of traveling the hard way which should come in handy on the expedition you're planning. By the way, I'm a great guitarist so I can keep you all amused round the campfire at night.
Let me know when I can call in for a chat about dates and other details,etc.
Yours,
David Smith
Sample 3:
12 May 2006
Dear Sir,
I am writing to apply for a British Council scholarship to study in Britain. I did my five years' basic training in medicine at Shanghai University. After this I successfully completed a one-year postgraduate course in Ophthalmology at the People's General Hospital, where I am at present serving a two-year probation in the Eye Clinic.
As a result of the publication in 20## of my article in New Scientist entitled "Soft and Rigid Contact Lenses ", which was based on a survey of 37 patients over 6 months, I made contact with Dr. Li Ming of the Capital Hospital and Dr. Ma Li of the University College Hospital. I have received their help and advice with my current research project, which is a two-year survey of the acceptance of various types of contact lenses in 200 patients.
Despite their help, I feel that I cannot make real progress in this field unless I can actually have day-to-day contact with these specialists. I would therefore like to continue my research at either the Capital Hospital or the UCH as soon as my probationary period here is completed, and I would like to study in Britain for two years.
I enclose a detailed curriculum vitae and an offprint of my article, together with two letters of recommendation from Dr. Li Ming and Dr. Ma Li.
Yours faithfully,
Lily Chen
Sample 4
22 October 2004
Dear Sir,
I would like to apply for the post of Works Manager, which was advertised in The Guardian of I2 October 2004. I feel that my qualifications and experience are ideally suited for the position.
I was born in 1968, and I went to school from 1973 to 1988. In 1987 I took the General Certificate of Education, and I got good grades in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. After leaving school, I attended the Orient Technical College, where I first studied Fiber Technology and Color Chemistry; later I studied other subjects related to textile manufacture, and in 1991 I obtained the Diploma in Textiles.
After completing my studies, I joined the Top Clothing Company where I worked until 1996. In that year I moved to Prior Productions, who was pleased with my work, and as a result, in 1998, I was promoted to Assistant Works Manager there.
I enjoy my work, and I am prepared to work hard. Moreover, I am sure that Prior Productions would give me an excellent reference. I therefore feel that my application deserves your serious consideration.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
Mary Ma
Useful Expressions:
l I would like to apply for . . .
l I wish to apply for the position of . . .
l If you need any other information concerning my background, . . .
l I am writing to you to apply for admittance to your university as a visiting scholar.
l I hope it would be possible for me to take some training courses and work in your laboratory.
l I believe that with your help I would make progress in my career.
l Should you think favorably of my application, kindly grant me an interview.
l An early response will be very much appreciated.
l Enclosed please find a resume and a list of my publications.
四、投诉/抱怨信
15 April 2006
Dear Sir,
I saw your advertisement for "the perfect lighter" in Sunday Times last week and immediately sent off a £2 postal order and the completed form for the lighter.
Imagine my surprise when all I got in return was a box of matches! I could understand a mistake. I might even pardon a joke. But in this case, your advertisement is a deliberate lie since a friend of mine who also sent the coupon got the same result.
I think it's a shame to promise an economical lighter when in fact you are not selling a lighter a1 all. Instead of saying it works quickly, you should admit that you are offering matches. And what about "only" £2: I usually pay 10 pennies for a box of matches, and they are often given away free.
I regard your advertisement as a serious deception and demand that you send me my money back immediately. Otherwise I will take active steps to make sure the Consumers' Association hear about it.
Yours faithfully,
Peter Li
Sample Writing 2:
12 March 2006
Dear Sir,
I am highly disappointed in the proposed 20##-05 budget cuts to educa1ion. Taking away basic aid status and slashing our school budgets is a recipe for educational disaster in our school. The future lies with our children. They must have access to high quality educa1ion.
My husband and I have worked hard to be able to live in a school district that provides high quality education for our children. Cutting funding in districts like ours will have a negative impact on property values.
The school that my daughter attends is hardly wha1 I would describe as a "rich" school. Parents are asked to pay for books for all the classes, science supplies and for their students to participate in the performing arts among other items. If our school is to remain a world leader in technological development, cutting our school funds is the worst possible choice to make.
Education funds should not be diverted away from education.
Yours faithfully,
Tom Williams
Useful Expressions:
l I am highly disappointed in . . .
l I am writing to place a complaint against. . .
l I am sorry to inform you that. . .
l I am writing to draw your attention to . . .
l Please make sure that appropriate measures are taken to solve the problem.
l I hope you will look into the matter and give me an immediate reply.
l If our demand is not accepted and put into practice, we would resort to other measures.
五、邀请函
Sample Writing 1
16 May 2006
Dear Mr. Williams,
Thank you for your letter of congratulation on my exam results. I was very pleased to hear from you. The results were a great relief. I did much better than I thought I would.
We are having a celebration party on Saturday 22 May and we shall be pleased if you can come. It is a party for me, but my parents and some of their old friends are joining in, so you will find "real people" as well as teenagers to talk to.
The party starts at half past six－ drinks, and a buffet supper later. You said in your letter that you've given up driving, so my father will meet you with the car at San Mateo station. Please let me know what time your train arrives.
There is a good train back to San Palo at 10:30 and we'll arrange transport for you to catch that. I hope that won't be too late for you. It would be a pity if you had to leave while the party was still in full swing.
I do hope that you will be able to come.
Yours sincerely,
Lily Chen
Sample Writing 2:
12 September 2006
Dear Mr. Wang,
I am pleased to invite you to a luncheon, to be held by the Monterey Institute of International Studies on October 12, 20## at noon, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the death of General Stilwell and in honor of his daughter, Mrs. Nancy Stilwell Easterbrook. Mrs. Easterbrook was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Monterey Institute and founder of the Stilwell Scholarship, which is dedicated to supporting students from China.
For many years until she passed away, Nancy had served as a goodwill ambassador of the American people who made unremitting efforts to promote exchanges between the United States and China. The Stilwell Scholarship she founded helps support deserving students from China who have come to the Monterey Institute to pursue professional degrees in translation and interpretation, international policy studies, language teaching and business management.
I hope you will be able to join us. Mr. Chuanyun Boo, Dean of the Graduate School of Translation and Interpretation, will be calling you soon to discuss this event further.
Yours sincerely,
Tom Burton
Useful Expressions:
l I am pleased to invite you to . . .
l Is there any chance of your coming. . .
l I was wondering if you could come. . .
l I would like to invite you to ...
l I wonder if you would like to come. . .
l I would be very happy if you could come. . .
l Please accept my invitation.
六、描述信 12 Mary 2006
Dear Tom,
Thanks for your letter which finally caught up with me in London. I suppose you're keen to hear how the trip has been so far. So here's a description of what's happened.
Well, you remember we left Sydney on Monday and arrived in London 24 hours later. After such a long and exhausting flight the first thing we did was to have a good, long sleep. And after that¾a good meal to make up for all that horrible airline stuff!
The first real day of our holiday was spent just walking around London to get a feel of the place. After that, however, we were more particular and planned each day carefully.
First, we looked at all the historical sights, such as the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament, the British Museum and the National Gallery. Then we visited some other famous places, such as Kew Gardens and Hampstead Heath. Finally, we took a one-day trip to Oxford, which is really the most marvelous town. You should make sure to go there when you visit England.
After we had seen a lot of London, we flew to Paris. A t first, we didn't like the place－I suppose because it was so different from London. Later, though, we began to really love it and started to appreciate its differentness.
The final stage of our trip is a visit to Rome, after which we will be staying in Singapore for two days before returning to Australia.
Hope everyone is well. See you soon.
Sample Writing 2:
22 March 2006
Dear Tom,
I'm just writing to let you know that we're all well, and I hope you are, too. Unfortunately, I've got some rather bad news for you: I'm afraid I made a bit of a mess of John's car. Anyway, here's what happened.
We were on our way to Carol's after a long party, and I suppose it must have been about eleven o’clock. Well, the last few miles back home were really dark and deserted. I now realize I was probably going a bit too fast for a country lane because, although the road was fairly straight, I drove up onto the curb and went into a tree.
Of course, John was absolutely furious and started shouting at me and cursing. After we' d argued for a few moments, we decided to look at the damage, and he calmed down a bit. Well, we found we could move the car, but the wing was caught on the wheel, so we couldn't drive it. I tried to pull the wing clear, but I didn't succeed.
Anyway, John went off to phone for a breakdown lorry, but while he was away, I had another go at the wing and this time succeeded in pulling it right off. I threw it onto the back seat, and by that time John got back and we were ready to go¾so we didn't need the breakdown lorry at all. John has more or less forgiven me now, but he was very angry with me for a few days. I suppose I was a bit careless.
Well, that's all for now. Next time I write I hope I'll have better news for you.
Yours sincerely,
Linda Chen
Useful Expressions:
l When I knew him he must have been in his early thirties. (people)
l It is an exceptionally old university town. (places)
l It was long, round, cigar-shaped, and had several curious markings on the bottom. (objects)
l The whole flat seems to be a hive of activity. (human scenes)
l My hotel room looks out across a main road which runs beside the river. (landscape)
l My father would often bring home gramophone records. (habits and conditions)
l If you want a quick reply, the letter should be taken to the central post office and registered. (processes)
七、道歉信
Sample 1
22 March 2006
Dear Ms. Reinhart,
I am terribly sorry that I failed to arrive at BLCU last Friday. I hope that this did not mess you up completely, although I know that you had already made some special arrangements for my visit with you parents and friends. I am very sorry about all that. I am sure you will be sympathetic, however, when I tell you that my father is dangerously ill in hospital, and that I found it impossible to leave for the visit when he is in this state.
My father was working very hard on his project on protecting the environment. I know the project has come to a very important stage. He and his assistants did not take regular rest for three weeks. Last night, my father had a heart attack and was soon sent to the hospital. The doctor said my father was in a very serious situation, and, he might need an operation. 24 hours have passed. Nothing has changed. I have to stay at the hospital. I will let you know if there is any good news.
I am sorry again and look forward to seeing you soon.
Yours sincerely,
Tom Williams
Useful Expressions:
l I must apologize for. . .
l I do apologize for. . .
l I am awfully/terribly sorry about. . .
l I offended you quite unintentionally.
l Please accept my apologies.
l This is one of the reasons I couldn't make it.
八、寻求帮助的信函
Sample Writing 1:
12 May 2006
Dear Mary,
I am sorry to trouble you, but nobody would come into my mind to help me except you. You know, I had planned this holiday for several years. A t last, my dream came true. You could imagine how excited I was. My mind was completely occupied with the holiday. I forgot to collect my laundry. I don't know if you can help me collect my laundry. I sent the laundry to the John's. It is the one down the corner on St. Peter's Street. You can't miss it, because the house is painted green－a big green house. I have got two pairs of trousers, three shirts, one T-shirt and a blanket. Call a taxi to send you home. I will pay you back when I am home.
My first stop is London. It is raining. The streets are very clean. How I wish I could have the chance to see the famous London fog. But someone told me that was already the history. One can only read things like that about London in books.
My best wishes to you.
Yours sincerely, Peter Chen
Sample Writing 2
16 April 2006
Dear Sir,
I am working on a new project which is called A Survey of New Industry in the Maywood District. According to the design of our district, we need information about firms that have recently moved into this area. Your firm is one of the largest of these, so I shall be very grateful if you can spare the time to help me.
Three points are specially important to the project. The first one is the training schemes for school leavers. The second one is about the transport arrangements to overcome poor road and rail links in this district. The third is the plans for expansion.
Any other information will be useful, but those points are the ones with which I most need your help.
I am enclosing an information form for you to fill in. I hope you can post it to us as soon as possible. I apologize for adding to your work with this request, but I do hope that you will feel able to assist me.
I would be most grateful for your favorable consideration of this request.
Yours faithfully,
Mary Spencer
Useful Expressions:
l I am sorry to trouble you, but nobody would come into my mind to help me except you.
l I would like to seek help from you.
l I would greatly appreciate it if you could help me.
l I would be most grateful for your favorable consideration of this request.
九、安排信
22 March 2006
Dear Mr. Wang,
Thank you for a rapid response to our invitation. Enclosed you will find an outline of events to take place during International Week here at the University of Montana. I will also list a number of possible speaking engagements so that you can choose those things in which you are most interested. As far as topics are concerned, the topics for classroom visits are generally determined by the professor, but most professors are very flexible. We have approximately thirty-five faculty members that teach courses in Asian Studies, ranging from language and culture to history and economics.
Here is a tentative schedule:
Sunday, April 8th
10 am - Cultural Exhibition opens
12 am - International Festival begins with a speech by the university president and an introduction of visiting dignitaries
1-5 pm - Opportunity to visit festival, interact with student performers, taste foods
6 pm - Dinner with Director of Mansfield Center Phil West, Ambassador Mark Johnson, and staff of Mansfield Center
As you can see, there is tremendous interest in China here at the University of Montana. Please let me know if this outline suits your purpose, and if not, please don't hesitate to offer any suggestions for changes. We can arrange as many or as few speaking engagements as you have time for.
Thank you for your attention and enthusiasm.
Yours sincerely,
Lily Ma
Useful Expressions:
l You will find an outline of . . .
l I will also list a number of possible speaking engagements so that you can. . .
l As far as the topics are concerned…
l Please let me know if . . .
l The flight gets in at . . .
l The flight leaves at . . .
l One thing I'd like to do/to arrange is to . . .
十、要求和询问信
Sample Writing 1:
22 May 2006
Dear Sir,
I understand your well-respected college offers a number of places to overseas students every year, and I am writing to enquire about the application procedure.
I am at present a student at Mary High School, Hong Kong, where I have been studying for the past five years. I passed the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination last year with distinctions in English and History, and credits in Economics and English Literature. My advanced-level subjects are History, Economics and English Literature. In addition to these subjects, "Use of English" is also a compulsory subject because a pass in English is a minimum requirement for admission to most faculties of the University of Hong Kong.
Apart from academic work, I have been actively involved in extra-curricular activities. I am Chairman of the English Club and I haverepresented my school in many inter-school contests.
On the advice of my friends, I have decided to further my studies in England because I wish to widen my horizons and benefit from the scholarly heritage of your country.
I wish to continue to study the above-mentioned subjects at your college in the 2006/7 academic year before I sit the Advanced-level Examinations in England.
As regards my character, Mrs. Chen, my Principal, and Mr. Huang, my English master, have agreed to act as my references. As I come from a family of fairly limited means, I would like to know if there is any financial assistance available for overseas students. Attached is a summary of my qualifications for your reference.
I should be grateful if you would kindly consider my application and notify me of the result at your earliest convenience. Should you require any further information, please feel free to contact me or my references.
Yours faithfully,
Lily Chen
Sample Writing 2
12 May 2006
Dear Sir,
I am a December 20## graduate from the University of San Francisco (USF) with a bachelor's degree in International Business. As part of my career planning, I am very interested in supplementing my international business education with a basic knowledge of the Chinese language. This I hope will help me enter into business commerce with business organizations partnering with China's economic development.
I already have information from BLCU and hope to study there for at least one full year starting with this summer's program continuing through the fall and spring semester 2006. Can your office advise me if such scholarships might be available to me?
I have been studying Chinese for one year now. I am not sure what level I belong to. I was told that there will be an HSK test in our university in September. I am planning to attend the test. But I don't know if the result of the test is recognized by your university. If so, can it be a help for me to apply for the scholarship?
I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours faithfully,
Tom Jolly
Useful Expressions
l I am writing to enquire about. . .
l I am at present a student at . . .
l I have been studying. . .
l Apart from academic work, I . . .
l On the advice of my friends, I . . .
l I wish to continue to study. . .
l Attached is a summary of my qualifications for your reference.
l I should be grateful if you would kindly consider my application and notify me of the result at your earliest convenience.