Study the following information about the ways of writing a letter of request
A request letter is written to ask for a favor. Hence the language should be simple and polite. Introduce yourself and tactfully address the reader. Put forward reasonable demands as polite requests. Mention the exact point and be brief in communication.
The first paragraph should contain reason(s) for writing. The next several paragraphs explain reasons for making the request and possible results of this request. The last paragraph(s) should have information where the person can contact you for further details. If asking for a favor, mention your ways of returning it. Do not apologize for asking for the favor. Make it look like it will return another good turn. Ask for an appointment or a personal meeting if the favor is too big and requires the involvement of people in higher positions. Mention alternatives if the favor is too big or according to you may be beyond the means of the addressee. Don’t forget to thank the person.
2) Select an article which is closed to your scientific interests. Read it thoroughly. While reading you will inevitably come across some things which require further discussing (clarification) such as experimental conditions, measurement techniques, material composition, etc. Formulate the questions you would like to receive answer to from the article’s author. Write a letter of request to the contact author of the article, asking him the questions. Don’t forget to introduce yourself briefly and explain why answers to the questions are so important for you. Use appendix 7 for sample letter of request and useful language given below.
| Useful language for letters of request | ||
| Opening remarks | Formal | Informal |
| I am writing to inquire about / in connection with / could you possibly / I would be grateful if you could / would it possible for you / I would appreciate some information about / another matter I need / I wondered if you could possibly do me a favour / I would be most grateful if you could | I want you to tell me / can you let me know / can you also find out / could you do something for me | |
| Closing remarks | I am looking forward to receiving / I would appreciate it if you could inform me as soon as possible / I hope it is not so much trouble / thank you in advance for your assistance in this matter | Please let me know / tell me soon / I hope you can help me out |
3) Work in pairs and check your classmate’s letter using the criteria for assessment of appendix 8
4)You would like to get familiarized with the site of St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota, http://www.stolaf.edu/catalog/1011/academiclife/bmcomprehensive-requirements.html/ in order to compare it with Purchase College (see above) concerning the studies of humanities. You would like to know about the disciplines included in the Bachelor curriculum and their syllabi, the minimum number of hours for getting credits, content and expectations, tuition fees, enrolment policies and any relevant additional information. Write a letter to your friend sharing this information and expressing your opinion on the available choice.