How to improve the students’ letter writing skill in english at high school

TABLE OF CONTENTS 	 Page 
1. INTRODUCTION. 	2 
1.1. Reasons for the study	3
1.2. Aims of the study	3
1.3. Object of the study	3
1.4. Study method	 	 3	
1.5. The new points of the initiative	3
2. STUDY CONTENT
Theoretical rationale of the study	4	
2.1.1. “What is a letter?”	4
2.1.2. Types of letters	4
2.1.3. Format of a letter	4
2.1.4. Some different types of formal letters and informal letters	6
2.2. Status of the study problem	12
2.3. Solutions and methods for implementation	13
2.3.1. Solutions	15
2.3.2. Methods of implementation	16
2.3.3. Some demonstrations in teaching writing 	16
types of letters in English.
2.4. Study effects	22
3. CONCLUSION, PROPOSALS 	 
3.1. Conclusion	 	23
3.2. Propossals	 	23	
REFERENCES 	24
1. INTRODUCTION 
1.1. Reasons for the study	
	The term “IELTS” has been so popular all over the world. International English Language Testing System or IELTS has become very important to Vietnamese students as well as Vietnamese people. To begin with, it is vital for students planning to study abroad. It is a solid foundation for them to continue their study with programs taught at well-known universities abroad. Next, many universities in Vietnam now accept the IELTS 3.5 qualification to exempt from the English programs in class. Some universities take IELTS standards as the output of students' English proficiency. Finally, it can help if you want to apply for a job in a foreign company or a non-governmental organization because IELTS certificate is important when employers evaluate your ability. Or even at a company that does not require an IELTS, having an IELTS certificate will also help you stand out from someone who does not have an IELTS. IELTS license is one of the extremely favorable conditions to help you get promotion opportunities and be trusted by your boss for important jobs and great partners. In conclusion, everyone should take an IELTS certificate. However, is it difficult to get one? I will say NO if you master all the skills of English. Writing a letter is a must for everyone who takes General training module of IELTS.
	Letter writing is an essential skill. Despite the prevalence of emails and text messages, everyone has to write at some point. Letters of complaint, job applications, thank you letters, letters requesting or making suggestions- the list goes on and on. Encouraging students to write, especially write types of letters in English will improve their communication, social and handwriting skills and teach them what they need to know about writing and structuring letters. To acquire good letter writing skill, students must have vocabulary, useful languages; understand the grammatical structure and have information on the proper formats of letters. 
 Although letter writing is an important skill, many students at high school are not interested in it. For them, learning letter writing skill means inevitable failure. Good writing is sometthing they believe they will never be able to achieve, because they do not know how to write and use reasonable structuresThey often get low marks when doing the tests on letter writing skill and it affects their learning’s result. Therefore, I boldly write the initiative with the topic: “HOW TO IMPROVE THE STUDENTS’LETTER WRITING SKILL IN ENGLISH AT HIGH SCHOOL” to help students understand how to write types of letters and help them do good in every test.
1.2. Aims of the study
From the fact above, I am constantly researching, learning and implementing teaching methods to find out how to teach writing skills, especially letter writing skill effectively such as:
Helping students understand how to write some types of letter
Helping students know how to use the sructure in each part of the letter
Helping students not only love writing skills more and conquer the psychological fear when facing writing tasks but also apply letter writing skill in their daily lives.
1.3. Object of the study	
+ Teaching methods help to promote the positiveness and the ability to use the written language of students in the high school English program.
+ Students in grades 10, 11, 12 of Thach Thanh 1 High School.
1.4. Study method	
+ Observation Method.
+ Research and Practice Method.
+ Synthesis method.
1.5. The new points of the initiative 
	In this information technology era, in addition to the activities and types of textbook exercises, reference books, wed sites, I have designed and implemented ones which are not in the textbook so that my students will have a general view about letter writing to promote their creation, to develop thinking and ability to use English in written language and meet the need of the academic examinations.
2. STUDY CONTENT
Theoretical Rationale of the study
As this study focuses on how to improve letter writing skill, it’s necessary to understand the concept of “letter” as well as types of letters.
2.1.1. “What is a letter?”
 Letter is such a written message that we send to a single person or a group of people who are far away from us and we want to convey our message to them in a clear and forceful manner. 
2.1.2. Types of letters:
 Letters can be classified into many kinds on the basis of their purpose. Letters can be informal or formal.
*/ Informal letter:
- An informal letter is usually addressed to family members, relatives, friends, or people we know personally.
- It is usually written in an easy and friendly manner.
 May, 2019
Dear Aunt,
I was surprised to receive your birthday gift of $30. I will use the money to purchase a nice, sporty shirt. Thank you very much.
 	Your niece,
 	 Mary
*/ Formal letter:
A formal letter is usually addressed to people we don’t know very well, people we haven’t met, or people who are in authority.
- It is usually written to give information, express a concern, make a request or complain.
- It uses a polite and more formal style than a personal letter.
Sample:
 5.5.2019
Dear Sir,
 I am writing about the new car I bought from your toy store last week. It has not been working since the second day after buying it. I read the manual instructions carefully and also tried replacing the batteries. However, it still does not work. I would need your help in getting the car repaired or replaced.
 Yours sincerely,
 Mai
2.1.3. Format of a letter:
A letter format consists of the following parts: the heading
 the salutation/ greeting 
 the body
 the subcription/closing
 the signature
+) The heading: 
The heading is usually written in the upper right-hand corner of the page.
It contains the address of the sender and the date on which the sender is writing the letter.
The address can extend to two or more lines.
The date can be written in full or only using number when writing a formal letter, whereas when writing an informal letter to a person you know very well, and who knows your address, the address can be omitted 
Do not use a full stop or comma at the end of the address and date.
+) The salutation/ greeting:
The salutation or greeting is written on the left-hand side after leaving a few lines below the heading.
It usually begins with the word “Dear” followed by the name of the reciever or the person being written to.
A comma is used after the greeting.
Examples of Salutations:
Personal letter:
Dear Mary,
Dear Mummy,
Dear Aunt Mary
Formal letter:
Dear Mrs. Brown
Dear Sir/Madam,
To whom it may concern,
+) The body/ message:
- The body or message of the letter comes in the next line after the salutation.
The body contains the introduction, the purpose and more details of the message the writer wishes to send.
It can be divided into paragraphs when a lot of information needs to be conveyed.
The first word begins with a capital letter and is written away from the margin and below the name of the receiver.
+) The subcription/ closing:
- The subcription or closing is written after the body.
The subcription contains the closing phrase to indicate a polite way of ending the letter.
It is written in the lower right-hand side of the page.
The first word of the subcrition begins with a capital letter.
A comma is used after the closing.
Example of subcriptions:
Personal letter:
Yours lovingly,
With love,
Your friend,
Formal letter:
Yours sincerely,
Yours faithfully,
Best wishes
+) The signature: The signature ends the letter.
The signature refers to the name of the sender or the person writing the letter.
In informal letters, the signature may contain only the first name of the sender.
In formal letters, the signature contains the title, name and the surname of the sender.
The signature comes below the subcription.
*) The style used in writing formal letters should be direct, clear and polite. Abbreviations and conversational English must be generally avoided.
2.1.4. Some different types of formal letters and informal letters:
*) Letters of complaint:
 - A letter of complaint usually includes 3 parts: 
Part 1: Introduction: paragraph 1 - reason for writing
Part 2: Main Body: paragraphs 2-3 - complaint(s) and justification
Part 3: Conclusion: final paragraph - suggested action to be taken, closing remarks, full name.
- Letter of complaint is normally written in a formal style.
- Letters should start with an appropriate greeting (e.g. Dear Sir, Dear Brown, etc)
- Mild or strong language can be used depending on the feelings of the writer or the seriousness of the complaint, but abusive language must never be used
- You should state the reason for the complaint in the first paragraph
- Start a new paragraph for each different aspect of the topic
- Any complaints you make should be supported with a justification
- Complaints and justification can be linked with appropriate linking words and phrases
Useful language for letters of complaint
Opening Remarks:
- I am writing to complain about/regarding/on account of/because of/on the subject of...
- I am writing to draw your attention to...
- I am writing in connection with...
- I am writing to express my strong dissatisfaction with...
Useful phrases:
- We ought to discuss the matter...
- The first problem was... Another problem was... The most visible problem...
- I hope you will understand that I was very dissatisfied...
- I believe you can appreciate how disappointed I was when...
Linking words:
- Even though, however, furthermore, firstly, finally etc.
Closing Remarks:
- I would like to hear your explanation for the above problems...
- I would therefore be grateful if you could give me a full refund...
- I would like a full refund as soon as possible...
- I look forward to hearing from you in your earliest convenience to offer me a complete refund
- I look forward to hearing your early reply
*) Letters of request:
- Request letter is a letter which is written when you need certain information, permission, favour, service or any other matter which requires a polite and humble request. 
- Request letter can be formal or informal in writing. 
- A letter of request usually includes 3 parts: 
Part 1: Introduction: paragraph 1 - reason for writing, thanking
Part 2: Main Body: paragraphs 2-3 - describe our problem/ask for help
Part 3: Conclusion: final paragraph - closing remarks, full name.
Useful language for letters of request:
Opening remarks:
Formal
- I am writing to inquire about/in connection with
 Informal
 - I want you to tell me
 - Can you let me know
Closing Remarks:
 Formal
- I look forward to receiving
- I would appreciate it if you could inform me as soon as possible
 Informal
 - Please, let me know
 - Send me the details
 - Tell me soon
*) Letters of applicaion:
- A letter of application is written when applying for a job or a place on an educational course. 
- It is important to include only the information that is relevant, and to use a suitable style, formal or semi-formal
- A letter of request usually includes 3 parts: 
Part 1: Introduction: paragraph 1 - reason for writing (the name of the job/course you are applying for and where you saw it advertised)
Part 2: Main Body: paragraphs 2-3 -qualifications/training - previous experience/ qualities and skills; or reasons for wanting to take the course if you write a letter of application for a course
Part 3: Conclusion: final paragraph - closing remarks, full name.
Useful language for letters of application (for a job)
Opening Remarks:
- I am writing to apply for the post/job/position of/which I saw advertised in...
- I am writing with regard to your advertisement...
Closing Remarks:
- I would appreciate a reply at your earliest convenience...
- Please contact me regarding any queries you may have...
Useful language for letters of application (for a course)
Opening Remarks:
- I would like to apply for admission to the ... beginning
- I would like to be considered for...
Reference to experience:
Closing Remarks:
- I would appreciate a reply at your earliest convenience...
- I look forward to meeting/hearing from you
- Please contact me regarding any queries you may have
*) Letters giving information and asking for information:
Useful expression for letters giving information 
Opening Remarks:
 Formal
- I am writing in reply to your letter asking for information about
- I am writing to inform you about
- In reply to your query
 Informal
- This is what I found out
- Remember the information you wanted
- You wanted me to tell you a few things about
Closing Remarks:
Formal
- I hope that I have been of some assistance to you
- Please inform me if I can be of any further assistance
Informal
- I hope this will help you
- Let me know if you need any more help
Letters asking for information:
- A letter asking for information usually includes 3 parts: 
Part 1: Introduction: paragraph 1 - reason for writing 
Part 2: Main Body: paragraphs 2-3 - describe our problem/ask for detaided information (about time of coming, length of staying, price)
Part 3: Conclusion: final paragraph - closing remarks- ask for a reply, full name.
Useful phrases:
Opening Remarks:
- With reference to your advertisement in...
- I am writing to ask for more information about
Closing Remarks:
- please send me the details
- I look forward to hearing from you
 *) Letter of invitation:
a. Letter of invitation:
- Letters of invitation can be formal or informal depending on the situation
and who we are writing to. They usually contain some additional information,
for example: latest news, description of the event (party, wedding, etc.)
place (hotel, house, etc.) and/or directions to the place.
- A letter asking for information usually includes 3 parts: 
Part 1: Introduction: paragraph 1 - reason for writing (to invite)
Part 2: Main Body: paragraphs 2-3 – details/ directions
Part 3: Conclusion: final paragraph - closing remarks , full name.
Useful Language for Letters of Invitation:
Opening Remarks:
Formal
- We would be honoured if you...
- I cordially invite you to...
- You are invited to attend...
Informal
- I'm writing to invite you to...
- I'd love it if you could come to...
- We're organising a ... and would love it if you could come
Closing Remarks:
Formal
- We would be grateful if you could...
- Please indicate whether you will be able to attend
Informal
- I hope you'll be able to make it...
- Hope you can come
- Looking forward to seeing you then
- Please let me know as soon as possible
Directions can be introduced by using some of the following expressions:
- In case you don't know the way...
- I'll give you some directions...
- I have included some directions...
- Here are a few directions so you don't get lost
- In case you do not know the exact of the...
b. Accepting an invitation: includes 3 parts: 
Part 1: Introduction: paragraph 1 – thank for invitation
Part 2: Main Body: paragraphs 2-3 – acceptance of invitation, further comments
Part 3: Conclusion: final paragraph - closing remarks , full name.
Useful language for letters accepting an invitation:
Opening Remarks:
Formal:
- I am writing to thank you for the kind invitation
- Thank you for the kind invitation which I would be honoured to accept
- Thank you a lot. It would be my pleasure.
Informal:
Thanks for the invitation to ..., sounds lovely...
Yes, I’d love to join you
Closing Remarks:
Formal:
- I look forward to seeing you...
- We wait the event with great anticipation
Informal:
- See you then
- We're really looking forward to it
c. Refusing an invitation: includes 3 parts:
Part 1: Introduction: paragraph 1 – thank for invitation
Part 2: Main Body: paragraphs 2-3 – refusal of invitation, giving reasons
Part 3: Conclusion: final paragraph - closing remarks , full name.
Useful language for letters refusing an invitation:
Opening Remarks:
 Formal:
We thank you for your recent invitation to ... but...
I wish I could but Iam busy
I am terribly sorry to have to refuse
 Informal:
- Thank for the invitation, but...
- Thanks for inviting me to ..., but I'm afraid I can't come
- I’d love to but
Closing Remarks:
Formal:
- Thank you again for the invitation...
- I hope we will have the opportunity to meet
Informal:
- I hope we can get together some other time
- I'm really sorry we'll have to miss it
*) Confirmation letter:
 - Confirmation letter is a letter written to confirm various informal and formal activities. A number of such activities pertain to appointments, conferences, events, meetings, travel
- Most confirmation letters are formal letters but sometimes they may have informal tone owing to familiarisation of the sender and the receiver.
- A letter of confirmation usually includes 3 parts: 
Part 1: Introduction: paragraph 1 - reason for writing (expressing interest/ repeating the request) 
Part 2: Main Body: paragraphs 2-3 – confirm the request
Part 3: Conclusion: final paragraph - closing remarks , full name.
Useful language for confirmation letters:
Opening Remarks:
- I am writing to confirm . . .
- I would like to confirm what we discussed .
Closing Remarks:
- I look forward to our meeting on the 7th of October.
- We look forward to hearing from you.
*) Thanks letter:
- Thanks letter is a type of letter which is used when a person or an organisation wishes a gesture of appreciation for a good deed, the good conduct of a work, activity etc. It is also used to acknowledge a favour, a gift or any activity which deserves gratitude. It is also known as ‘Letter of Thanks and sometimes referred as ‘Letter of Gratitude’. 
- Letters of invitation can be formal or informal depending on the situation
and who we are writing to.
- This type of letter usually includes 3 parts: 
Part 1: Introduction: paragraph 1 - reason for writing 
Part 2: Main Body: paragraphs 2-3- brief description of assistance, help, gift, explain the importance of assistance, help 
Part 3: Conclusion: final paragraph - closing remarks, full name.
Useful language for confirmation letters:
Formal:
- No words can express my gratitude
- I am most grateful.
- We would like to express our gratitude.
Informal:
- Thanks.
- Thank you very much.
- You shouldn't have.
*) Letters of recommendation:
- In this letter you are requested to express your opinion on a certain matter and also to provide suggestions supported by expected results
- This type of letter usually includes 3 parts: 
Part 1: Introduction: paragraph 1 - reason for writing 
Part 2: Main Body:paragraphs 2-3 – give opinion; make suggestions/ rcommendations and comment on the expected results. 
Part 3: Conclusion: final paragraph - closing remarks, full name
Useful language for recommendation letters:
Opening Remarks:
- I am writing to commend you to 
- I would suggest + Ving
- May I suggest that you
Closing Remarks:
- You would success in.
- Let me know how it went.
+) Linking words and phrases should be uesd when writing
Personal opinion