书信体作文应遵循的原则
1． 格式要正确、规范。对于书信体作文，阅卷教师首先关注的是格式。如果格式出现重大问题，阅卷教师对作文的整体印象就会受到影响。
2． 语气要因人、因事而异。如果写信的对象是长辈或上级领导，语气中要流露出尊重、委婉、礼貌；如果是同辈或朋友，语气要友好、亲切、平等。无论采用何种语气，一定要贯穿全篇，在称呼、正文和信尾套语中都有所体现。
3． 表达要清楚、简洁。书信体作文最忌含糊其辞、模棱两可。因此，信的开头最好开门见山，让对方清楚地了解到写信人的意图。同时，在把意思表达清楚的前提下，尽可能做到惜墨如金、简洁明了。
4． 选词要准确、具体。书信体作文切忌选用笼统、抽象的词。否则，会给人以空泛的感觉。例如，"打开词典包装"中的"打开"，用unsealed或unwrapped要比opened 具体、生动得多。再如，"匆忙返回教室"，如写成went back to the classroom quickly就显得平淡无奇，但如果换成hurried back to the classroom不仅能准确达意，而且有活灵活现之感。
5． 句式要有多样性。书信作文如同其他类型的作文，也要注意句式的变化。同一个意思可通过多种句式来表达：既可用主动式也可用被动式，既可用肯定式亦可用否定式，既可用正常语序也可用倒装语序，既可用简单句也可用主从复合句。只有各种句式的结合并用，作文才会显得丰富多彩、富有生气。
附：常见应用文范文（供参考）
1.Letters of Congratulations
(1)祝贺圣诞节及新年
Dec.24,2001
Dear Anne and Jerry,
A merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you! Allow me to offer you Season's Greeting on the advent of what will surely be a bright and prosperous New Year. I trust that you and your family are enjoying this holiday season in excellent health.
My family, who are well and happy, join me in my good wishes. May every year unite
our hearts more closely.
Your very sincerely,
Barbara
advent出现，到来
holiday season节期
(2)毕业贺信
June 27,2001
Dear Mrs. Taylor,
We hear that your son Paul has graduated from the notable M.I.T with honors. You must be quite happy with his splendid accomplishment. He is doubtlessly a pride of your family.
We are very happy for you and wish to extend to you our utmost congratulations. I believe that the knowledge he has acquired will enable him to be successful in
whatever calling in life he may enter.
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With best wishes for his success and happiness.
Sincerely yours,
Myra T.Clark
M.I.T麻省理工学院(简称)
with honors以优异成绩
splendid accomplishment卓著的造诣
2.Letter of Thanks
(1)感谢老同学赠送礼物
May 18,2005
Dear Laura,
I was truly enraptured beyond expression to receive your flowers which turned our living room into a garden. How considerate and wonderful of you to remember my
birthday. You just couldn't have selected anything I'd have liked more! You have
a positive genius for selecting the right gift!
The four years I spent with you at the college have been the pleasantest period
in my life. I will cherish this memory forever. How nice it would be to see you again.
You have been more than kind, and I won't ever forget it. My love and deepest gratitude, now and always!
Sincerely yours,
Jane
be enraptured欣喜若狂
beyond expression难以表达，形容不出
You just couldn't have selected anything I'd like more! 你所选择的礼物是我最喜欢的了。
(2)感谢友人赠送书刊
July 8,2005
Dear Mr. Peterson,
I was thrilled and excited when I received the book“Modern English”you sent me. It's indeed an invaluable book and a real help to the study of the English language. What a precious book! Thank you ever so much for your generosity and thoughtfulness.
Many of my colleagues have constantly mentioned its merits and I should say that
it is the only book of its kind which suggest to the Chinese students ways to read, write and speak English to their great benefit. It is, in fact, a key to the mastery of idiomatic English.
I repeat my thanks, in which my wife joins me.
Sincerely yours,
Anthony Stewart
I was thrilled and excited…我十分激动
to one's benefit使某人获益
key to…的决窍
idiomatic English地道的英语
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3.Letters of Introduction
(1)介绍两个朋友相识
Sep.4,2005
Dear Mr. Breen,
My intimate friend Dr. Reid is going to your city next week to deliver a lecture
on psychological linguistics. I have given him your address and told him he might
call on you for assistance in case of need. However, you needn't bother about contacting him until he comes to meet you, as I know you are busy and so will he be for the time being.
I have long wanted you and Mr. Reid to meet each other, and I'm happy to take this opportunity to bring you together .He is a man of knowledge as you are. I'd appreciate anything you could do to make his stay in your city more enjoyable—and I know he would, too.
With kindest regards to you and Catherine.
Cordially yours,
Arthur Norman
deliver a lecture举办讲座
in case of need万一需要的话
for the time being暂时，眼下
(2)向朋友介绍自己的表弟
Oct.9,2004
Dear Laura,
This will introduce to you Edward Brewster, my cousin, who is going to spend the winter in New York gathering material and doing research for a new book. As he is an entire stranger in your locality, will you kindly conduct him to a comfortable
hotel. I know how busy you are and I don't want you to regard this as an obligation. But I'm sure you'll enjoy meeting him and once you meet him, you'll want to keep on seeing him! For Brewster's good company anywhere—at bridge, chess, tennis or just talk. He is just about the most brilliant and entertaining conversationalist I know.
I don't need to tell you how much I'll personally appreciate any courtesies you show him.
Affectionately,
Ellen
locality地方，场所
obligation义务
good company好的同伴
4.Letters of Recommendation
(1)推荐家庭教师
May 30,2005
Dear Mr. Franklin,
I am pleased to recommend Miss. Parker to you. She is going to respond to your want ad. for a governess for your five-year-old son. She is my former classmate and
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I have found her very intelligent, honest and always jovial. She is well versed in both English and Chinese literature. If you have not yet made your choice, please spare her a few minutes to observe, at least, her personality and I feel certain you will be interested. I shall be very glad to answer personally any inquiries about her.
Your kind attention to this will be highly appreciated.
Cordially yours,
Hilda Powell
respond to响应
want ad.招聘广告
jovial爽快的，愉快的
be versed in对…精通
(2)推荐译员
Nov.5,2004
Dear Sir,
Mr. Turner, the bearer, wishes a position as translator. He has been in my employ as a translator for nearly four years during which he gave me every satisfaction.
His knowledge of English is sound and amply sufficient for all practical purposes. He is an excellent penman, industrious and thoroughly reliable in every way. I am confident that I can't recommend him too highly, and with him every success with you.
Truly yours,
John Smith
bearer持有人
amply充分地，丰富地
industrious勤奋的
I can't recommend him to highly.我怎样推荐他，都不会过分。
5.Letters of Sympathy and Solicitude
(1)慰问病中之友
July 7,2001
Dear Jane,
I'm very sorry to hear that you have been taken ill and have been in bed for some time. I cannot still believe it, as you looked so lively when I saw you last.
I hope that by the time this note reaches you, you'll be feeling a great deal better. I'm sure that it won't be long before you are entirely and completely yourself again. I'm sending you a novel and I hope you like it, and that it will help to pass the time more pleasantly.
You know that if there's anything I can do, please don't hesitate to let me know.
Yours as ever,
Sonya
be oneself康复
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to pass the time more pleasantly比较愉快地度过这段时间
(2)慰问在车祸中受伤的朋友
Jan.15,2005
Dear Tom,
We were shocked and saddened beyond words by news of the car crash. But we were grateful, too, that your injuries were not too serious.
Your family tells us that you are progressing nicely, and that you'll be out of the hospital in about ten days. We are certainly relieved to know that!
We are sending some books we think you'll enjoy. I hope to hear very soon that you are well.
Faithfully yours,
Bob
beyond words难于表达的，言词所不及的
But we were grateful, too… 庆幸的是
6.Letters of Inquiry
(1)询问健康状况
May 8,1998
Dear Tom,
You have been in the hospital for over a month. But I didn't learn of your illness until yesterday afternoon because of my long negligence in writing to you, for which I sincerely ask for your pardon.
How is your recent condition? I can easily imagine the pain of the disease you are having now, especially since the weather is gloomy and it rains from time to time.
Please take good care of yourself. One of these days I'd like to call on you in person to see how you are doing.
Yours ever,
Hob
ask for your pardon敬请原谅
gloomy郁闷
call on拜访，探望
in person亲自
(2)询问有关奖学金事宜
Apr.10,2005
Dear Sir,
I have a favor to ask you. My son Bill is at present a senior student at the No.1 High School and desires to go to England after finishing the above school, to study English literature at a university or college there.
I have heard that a number of scholarships are offered to college students in England . Would you be good enough to give the necessary information about them, so that I can see if my son is eligible to apply? And will you kindly recommend some
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colleges there which enjoy the highest reputation?
With many apologies for troubling you.
Yours sincerely,
Howard Payne
be eligible for sth./be eligible to do sth.适合，合格
reputation声誉
7.Letters of Apology
(1)失约道歉
Nov.19,2004
Dear Mr. Harkness,
Much to my regret I was unable to keep my engagement to meet you at the park gate. I fear you are displeased at my failing to keep my promise, but I trust you will forgive me. Let me explain. My mother was suddenly taken sick early yesterday morning, and I had to send her to hospital.
I shall be obliged if you will kindly write and tell me when and where we may meet again. I hope to see you soon.
Yours sincerely,
Evelyn McCormack
Much to my regret非常使人抱歉的是
be displeased at不愉快
be taken sick (or ill)得病
(2)因推迟约期而道歉
Oct.19,2005
Dear Mr. Bruce,
I write to apologize for having had to put you off on Monday. As my brother explained to you, an emergency at our corporation forced me to leave town unexpectedlyand I have, in fact, only just got back.
I sincerely hope that this last-minute cancellation of our meeting did not inconvenience you too much and that you will understand what prompted it. Can we meetnext Monday instead, at the same place and time?
Failing that, do please suggest a more convenient day, as I look forward to seeing
you.
Sincerely yours,
Dorothy Evans
emergency紧急任务、情况；突然事件
last-minute cancellation临时取消
8.Letters of Application
(1)申请工作
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May 25,1999
Dear Sirs,
I am looking for a position in an engineering department in which I may use my training in computer science to solve engineering problems. I would be interested in exploring the possibility of obtaining such a position within your firm.
I expect to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from
Tangshan Institute of Technology in June. Since September 1996 I have been participating, through my institute, in the Professional Training Program as Programmer Trainee and have gained a great deal of experience in computer applications. Details of the academic courses I have taken are contained in the enclosed résumé.
May I have an appointment for an interview with you to discuss my qualifications
in detail? Please write to me at my home or telephone me at 221701 any weekday.
Sincerely,
Zhang Lin
Bachelor of Science degree理科学士学位
enclosed附带
résumé个人简历
(2)申请读书
May 18,2001
Dear Professor Smith,
I would like to apply for a place at the Graduate School of Physics of the University of Illinois for studies leading to the degree of Doctor of Science.
I was born in 1979,and graduated in Physics from Beijing Polytechnic University in July 2000.I have recently passed the English Proficiency Test(EPT)sponsored by the National Education Committee of China. This means that a government scholarship will be granted to me for my postgraduate studies in the United States. All my expenses will be covered by the Chinese government.
Enclosed please find a transcript of records of all the subjects which I completed at the university. Attached you will also find three letters of recommendationby three of my professors.
I hope a letter of admission will soon be issued to me for my visa, so that I shall be able to arrive in Chicago in time for the fall term.
I am looking forward to an early reply.
Yours sincerely,
Wang Kang
Graduate School研究生院
Doctor of Science理科博士学位
scholarship奖学金
grant准予；补助
postgraduate博士生
9.Friendly Letters
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(1)
The No.1 Middle School, Beijing, Oct.8,2005
Dear Mary,
How are you getting on with your studies? It's autumn now. How's the weather in Liverpool? It's Saturday today. I'm sitting at the desk. I'm writing a letter to you. I'm going to tell you about things in Beijing.
Beijing is different from Liverpool. In our country cars drive on the left side of the road, but here cars drive on the right side. Most people go to work by bus or by bike. The rush hours are from six to eight in the morning and five to seven in the afternoon. People in China work eight hours a day, six days a week. They usually begin the day's work at eight in the morning. Sunday is the day off for most of the people here in Beijing.
I have Chinese classes every morning from Monday through Friday. The students in our class are from many countries. We're all working hard and are friendly towards one another. The Chinese students are ready to help us with our lessons. In return, we help them a lot with English. We're getting along very well.
That's all for today. Please write to me often.
Yours, Jack
(2)
30 West Street,2nd floor, Hong Kong. June 12,2005
My dear Jack,
Thank you ever so much for you kind invitation to spend my holidays with you. It was very good of you to invite me, and only I wish I could accept. Your description of all we might do together makes my mouth water—boating, and fishing and picnics and jolly excursions! It would be splendid!
But alas! It is impossible for me to come. I will tell you why. First of all the marriage of my brother is coming on. My mother's health is always bad and she is now worse than usual; and so she cannot help in the arrangements. And my father is so busy just now with the firm that he relies upon me to make all the preparations.
Then my father has a case in the courts about some land, and I shall have to look after the firm when he is away.
Altogether I shall be so tied up with one thing and another all the holidays, that I cannot possibly get away.
I am very disappointed; but it can't be helped. Thank you again, all the same, for the invitation.
Yours very sincerely,
William lee.
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I wish I could accept.我希望我能够接受便好了。
makes my mouth water垂涎三尺(即不胜羡慕之意)
relies upon倚仗，倚靠
make all the preparations做好一切准备
tied up束缚住了
it can't be helped无可如何，无可避免
10.Announcement(通告)
An English Evening Party
The Art Club
of the English Department
takes pleasure in inviting you to
its Annual English Evening
to be held
at the Assembly Hall
on Sunday evening, December 31,2001
Program begins at 6∶30 p.m. performing
artistic creation
to be followed by
A Match Girl
assembly hall会议厅
artistic creation小品
Notification
Tomorrow being New Year's Day, there will be no classes. All classes will be resumed as usual in the 2nd.
William Johnston
Dean
December 31,2000
notification通知
New Year's Day元旦
Academic Report
Under the auspices of the Student's Union
a lecture will be given
on
English Literature
by Prof. Edward Albert
in the auditorium
on Saturday,Sept.16,2001 at 1∶30 p.m.
under the auspices of由…主办
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11.Note(便条) (1) Asking for Sick Leave
Apr.10,2001
Dear Mr. Fang,
Please excuse my absence from class today. I had a cold yesterday evening and could not fall asleep until late in the night. I'll go and consult the doctor today, and will resume my study if I feel better tomorrow.
Very truly yours,
Liu Wen
(2)Asking for Sick Leave
Nov.27,2001
Dear Mr. Wu,
I'm seriously ill today and can not come to class. I'm writing to ask for sick leave of two days.
Your student,
Li Jing
Encl: doctor's certificate for sick leave
Encl=enclosure附件 certificate证明
12.Message left(留言)
(1)Asking a Friend to Give a Ring
10∶20 a.m. Mar.28
Dear Li,
I arrived here this morning by plane. I am staying at Peace Hotel, Room 1404.Please come over or ring me up as soon as you read this note. My telephone number:241316.
Chou
(2)Transmitting a Telephone Message
3 p.m. Tuesday
Dear Lin,
Mr. Cheng of He bei University has just rung you up saying that he will be expecting you in his office about ten tomorrow morning.
Please give him a ring if the time does not suit you.
Xiao Wang
(3)Saying Good-bye
8 p.m. July 9
To Lao Zhang,
I will leave by the train at 7∶00 a.m. tomorrow morning. This is to say good-bye to you.
Ji Wen
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