Module 3h Semi-formal style

Three writing styles In English

Formal – textbooks, official reports, academic articles, essays, business letters, contracts, official speeches

Semi-formal – day-to-day interaction with teachers, a friend's parents, popular magazines/books, interviews, when talking with someone you don't know well or whom you respect

Informal – interacting with friends, speaking or chatting online

Semi-Formal English 

DO NOT USE: 

• informal greetings(Hi, Bob,);
• informal endings (Love, Sandra);
• slang ("Cool!" - meaning "Круто!")
• avoid phrasal verbs unless no alternative is possible 

(BUT- I look forward to ... is OK!!! );

• avoid idioms (“Could you give me a hand?” )
• text speak (Tks & we look 4ward 2 meeting u.)
• contractions  (I'm interested in ...)
• avoid short forms of the words (advert  - advertisement, info  - information)

 USE:  

• polite greetings (Dear Mr Brown,) & endings (Kind regards,/ Best wishes,)
• polite language (say “I would like to …” instead of “I want …”); 
• respecful tone (when making requests, use “could you” and “please,” don’t just give commands, say “Could you please tell me ... ?” and not just “Tell me.”)
• full forms (I am interested in ...)

Compare:

Semi-formal (inviting your boss): “Would you like to join me for lunch?”
Informal (inviting your best friend): “Hey, wanna grab a bite to eat?”

Semi-formal: “Hello, how are you?”
Informal: “Wassup?”

Semi-formal: “The weekend was great!”
Informal: “It was awesome!” “It was the bomb!”

A cover letter

a cover letter (Am. E. ) = a covering letter = an application letter

сопроводительное письмо (письмо, прилагаемое к резюме, в котором кандидат сообщает работодателю об источнике получения информации о вакансии, перечисляет причины, почему он претендует на данное место работы)

CV [ˌsiːˈviː] = resume - резюме, краткая биография (сведения об образовании и профессиональном опыте)

Now, the same in English:

A letter of application, also known as a cover letter, is a document sent with your resume or CV to provide additional information on your skills and experience. Your application letter should let the employer know what position you are applying for, why the employer should select you for an interview, and how you will follow-up.

Have a look at one of the real letters!

Dear Mr Graff,

I am writing to apply for the position of a programmer advertised in the Times yesterday. As requested, I am enclosing a completed job application, my certificate, my CV and three references.

I believe that my strong technical experience and education will make me a very competitive candidate for this position. The key strengths that I possess for success in this position include: I have successfully designed and developed many computer applications, I strive for continued excellence and I provide exceptional contributions to customer service for all customers

With a degree in Computer Programming, I have a full understanding of the full life cycle of a software development project. I also have experience in learning and excelling at new technologies as needed.

Please see my CV for additional information on my experience. I can be reached anytime via email at john.donaldson@hotmail.com or my mobile phone, 909-555-5555.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your reply.

Yours sincerely,

John Donaldson

Useful Language 

Reason for writing

I am writing to apply for the position of ... which was advertised in ... . 

With reference to your advertisement in ..., I am interested in applying for the position of ... .

Qualifications/Experience

I am a student at ... .

I have a degree in ... .

I am studying for a Master's degree in ... .

I have no experience in ... .

Although I have no experience I feel that I would be suited for the post.

Personal Qualities

I am reliable/hardworking/careful/patient/ honest etc.

People say I am ... .

I consider myself to be ... .

Availability/Contact details

I am available for an interview ... .

I would be grateful if you would consider me for the position.

I am available for an interview at your convenience.

I can be contacted at ..., or by telephone on ... .

I look forward to hearing from you.