Study the rules of writing a letter to a magazine and read the example below

1. Use a formal style. Start with Dear Editor/Sir/Madam and end with Yours faithfully and your full name.
2. Finish your letter with Yours sincerely, when you know the name of the person you are writing to.
3. In the first paragraph mention the article or letter you are writing about and say clearly if you agree with it or not.
4. Start a new paragraph for each of your arguments. Use phrases like first of all, then, next and finally.
5. Quote opinions from the original article. Use these phrases to say whether you agree with them or not.

I have to say, I (dis)agree with this.

In my opinion, this is a good point/nonsense.

I totally (dis)agree with this.

73 Spring Flats

Malbury Road

Great Yarmouth

Norfolk (A)

Editor of Home and Garden

Magazine

Summerfield Ave.

Norwich (B)

24 October 20___(C)

Dear Editor, (D)

I am writing in connection with Sam Fieldstone’s article about decorating home in Zen style which appeared in your last month magazine. I must say I agree with many things that were mentioned by the author. (E)

First of all, Mr Fieldstone believes that Zen décor is not for those disorganized people with a pack rat syndrome who keep piles of useless items just in case they need them in the future. I totally agree. However, in my experience most of us have to admit that because of out hectic lifestyle there are times when we are too busy to keep the right thing in the right place. Next, he says that decorating in the Zen Style is a perfect solution when you are looking for a relaxing area in your home. In my opinion this is a very good point. Warm colours, simple lines, soft lighting and the sound of water can calm the spirit and the eye and create tranquil atmosphere in your home. (F)

What’s more, I agree that decorating in Zen Style won’t cause any wallet anxiety. It is less expensive then some traditional rich decorations such as Victorian or Barocco styles.

Finally, Mr Fieldstone says that it is a perfect retreat for a hard-working and stressed businessman. This is absolutely true. Although there are many other styles – Country, Casual and so on – that can be chosen for home decoration. (G) On the other hand, Zen décor is the easiest and the most soothing one.(H)

Yours faithfully, (I)

Roger Reters (J)

Read the letter again and match the information with the correct parts of the letter.

1. End formally.
2. Give more details in the main paragraph.
3. Use words like Although and However to compare ideas.
4. Put the date when you are writing.
5. Start by saying why you are writing.
6. Sign the letter and write your full name.
7. Summarise your ideas in the last paragraph.
8. Start formally.
9. Write the name and the address of the person you are writing to on the left.
10. Write your address but not your name at the top right.

Read the letter again and circle linking words in it.

72. Imagine that you have just read a magazine article called “Traditional Homes for Retired Riches Only”. Write a formal letter to the editor. Remember to arrange your letter correctly and use linking words and phrases.

In pairs, roleplay the conversation.

Student A

You start the conversation.

You are calling to one of the popular call-in programs on TV and ask the interior specialist how to decorate your hall with your granny’s antique mirror in the black metal frame.

Answer his/her questions and tell

- where you would like to use this item in your décor.

- what colours you like in your interior.

- what style you are going to decorate this room in.

Accept the suggested solution and thank for the professional help.

Student B

Your partner starts the conversation.

You are an interior decorator. You are a guest at one of the popular alive TV programmes about home decoration. A man (woman) is calling to the studio to ask for your advice how to use his/her granny’s antique mirror in the black frame in his/her home interior.

Talk to the caller. Ask him/her

- what room he/she is going to put this accessory in.

- what interior style he/she prefers.

- what colours he\she likes.

Give some advice and the example of the interior. Give your contact phone number and offer your further help.