Letter Writing - A Vanishing Art Form

Do you use e-mail or "snail mail"? The last time I wrote a "real" letter was... well, a long time ago.
Does anyone write letters anymore?

Sometimes it is unavoidable, especially when corresponding formally to a university, job, or authority. But while e-mail is often informal and immediate, "snail mail" must be written a bit more formally. Before you go to the post office, look at the phrases below to be sure that you are using the correct degree of formality (or informality) in your next letter.

Formal
Thank you for your letter of (date) concerning...
I am writing to inquire about...
I am writing to inform you that...
I am pleased to inform you that...
I regret to inform you that...
I hope this information has been of use.
Please give my regards to (name of person).
Thank you for all you have done.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Informal
Thank you for your letter about...
I'm writing to ask about...
I'm writing to say that...
I'm pleased to say...
I'm sorry to tell you that...
I hope this has been useful. / I hope this helps.
Regards to (name of person).
Thanks for all your help.
Hope to hear from you soon.

Note that formality often depends on the verbs used, and that more formal language does not use contractions.

Taken from Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary, study pages.

Creating an English Learning Journal

Have you ever heard of "keeping a journal"? Have you ever used a journal in your own language? What exactly is a journal?

A journal is a small book or notebook where you write down your thoughts, your favorite things, your dreams and goals. You can write anything in a journal. Journals can be kept private or shared with others.

Keeping a journal in English can help you see how your English is improving, as well as where you’re still having problems. Journals are good for practicing your writing and they’re a nice way of communicating privately with your teacher.

Here are some ideas (called "prompts") for writing in your English learning journal . Complete these sentences every day in your journal to reflect on your progress.

1. “Today I learned……………………………………………”
2. “Today’s lesson was easy /difficult because………”
3. “The most fun/boring part of today’s lesson was…….”
4. “I like it when my teacher……………………………………….”
5. “I don't like it when my teacher……………………………….”
6. “I’m good at…………………………………………….……………”
7. “I need to improve…………………………………………………”
8. “To improve my English I want to do more…………………in class.”
9. “To improve my English I want to do more…………………at home.”

Go back to your journal often and look at what you wrote yesterday, last week, or last month.

Buy yourself a nice notebook and a good pen, and use them only for your English learning journal.