How to improve the studentsletter writing skill in english at higgh school

TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 1.1 Reasons for the study 1.2 Aims of the study 1.3 Object of the study 1.4 Study method 1.5 The new points of the initiative STUDY CONTENT 2.1 Theoretical rationale of the study 2.1.1 “What is a letter?” 2.1.2 Types of letters 2.1.3 Format of a letter 2.1.4 Some different types of formal letters and informal letters 2.2 Status of the study problem 2.3 Solutions and methods for implementation 2.3.1 Solutions 2.3.2 Methods of implementation 2.3.3 Some demonstrations in teaching writing types of letters in English 2.4 Study effects Page 3 3 4 4 12 13 15 16 16 22 CONCLUSION, PROPOSALS 3.1 Conclusion 3.2 Propossals 23 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 not know how to write and use reasonable structures… They 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 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 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 STUDY CONTENT 2.1 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: Formal letter: Dear Mary, Dear Mrs Brown Dear Mummy, Dear Sir/Madam, Dear Aunt Mary 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: Formal letter: Yours lovingly, Yours sincerely, With love, Yours faithfully, Your friend, 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 parts: Part 1: Introduction: paragraph - 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 parts: Part 1: Introduction: paragraph - 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 Informal - I am writing to inquire about/in - I want you to tell me connection with - Can you let me know Closing Remarks: Formal Informal - I look forward to receiving - Please, let me know - I would appreciate it if you could - Send me the details inform me as soon as possible - 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 parts: Part 1: Introduction: paragraph - 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 Informal - I am writing in reply to your letter - This is what I found out asking for information about - Remember the information you - I am writing to inform you about wanted - In reply to your query - 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 parts: Part 1: Introduction: paragraph - 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 parts: Part 1: Introduction: paragraph - 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 not know the exact of the b Accepting an invitation: includes parts: Part 1: Introduction: paragraph – 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 parts: Part 1: Introduction: paragraph – 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: Informal: - We thank you for your recent - Thank for the invitation, but invitation to but - Thanks for inviting me to , but I'm - I wish I could but Iam busy afraid I can't come - I am terribly sorry to have to refuse - I’d love to but… Closing Remarks: Formal: Informal: - Thank you again for the invitation - I hope we can get together some - I hope we will have the opportunity other time to meet - 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 parts: Part 1: Introduction: paragraph - 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 parts: Part 1: Introduction: paragraph - 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: 10 Formal: Informal: - No words can express my gratitude - Thanks - I am most grateful - Thank you very much - We would like to express our - You shouldn't have gratitude *) 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 parts: Part 1: Introduction: paragraph - 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: In my opinion, / In my view, / To my mind, / To my way of thinking, / Personally I believe that / It strikes me that / I feel very strongly that / I am inclined to believe that / It seems to me that / As far as I am concerned, / I think that To list points: Firstly, / First of all, / In the first place, / Secondly, / Thirdly, / Finally, / To start with, BEGINNING- First, / To start with, / To begin with, / First of all, CONTINUING- Secondly, / After this/that, / Afterwards, / Then, / Next, CONCLUDING- Finally, / Lastly, / Last but not least, To list points in a specific sequence: To add more points on the same topic: To express cause: What is more, / Furthermore, / Apart from this/that, / In addition ( to this), / Moreover, / Besides (this), / not to mention the fact Not only … but … as well because / owing to the fact that / due to the fact that / on the grounds that / since / as In view of / Because of / Owing to / for this reason / Seeing that / now that 11 To express effect: To emphasise what you say: thus, / therefore, / so / consequently, / as a result, / as a consequence, / for this reason Clearly, / Obviously, / Of course, / Needless to say, To express reality: It is a fact that / In effect, / In fact, / As a matter of fact, / The fact of the matter is ( that ) / Actually, / In practice, / Indeed, / To tell you the truth To give examples: For instance, / For example / particularly / in particular, / especially To make contrasting points: yet / however / nevertheless, / but / at the same time / even so, / still, / nonetheless/ Although / Even though / Regardless of the fact that / Despite the fact that / In spite the fact that / While To express balance (the other side of the argument): however / but / on the other hand / Although / yet, / at the same time, / in contrast To clarify / rephrase: In other words, / That is to say, / To put in another way 2.2 Status of the study problem For Vietnamese students, writing including letter writing is one of the most important skills in studying English beacaue not only is writing an academic skill, but it is aslo practical in school or even when they finish school However, many students at high school are not aware of the importance of letter writing skill and the number of high school students is successful in learning this skill is too small In addition, there was a tendency among Engish teachers in high schools to ignore teaching letter writing Teachers provided students with less opportunity to practice writing In other word, the English teachers in general were more concentrate on teaching skills such as reading and listening, and language components such as vocabulary and grammar 2.3 Solutions and methods for implementation 2.3.1 Solutions: - Teacher should help students to improve their letter writing skills in English Started by thinking of a theme to write or they could start writing emails to their friends in English; participate in “the writing letters in English” This may be difficult at first but the more they continue, the easier they will become excited about learning it 12 - Teacher should give students writing homework to It is really important that they these homework as teacher knows their level of English nad will be able to give students good advice on which parts of writing they need to improve most ( e.g vocabulary, spelling, grammar, letter formats…) - Teacher should be interested in teaching letter writing, because their suggestion instead that paying attention to what students say will show an improvement in writing 2.3.2 Methods of implementation: 2.3.2.1 Participants Students of class 10C1and class 12A4 at Thach Thanh1High School, Thach Thanh, Thanh Hoa were invited to take part in The research lasted for five months The research took place in the academic year 2018- 2019 It was conducted in order to offer the student participants a lot of opportunities to practice more in the letter writing skills 2.3.2.2 Data collection procedure - Four ninety-minute lessons will be taught during the treatment period, probably starting in Octorber, 2018 The students were taught at sometime outside their normal curriculum time - After the teaching treatment, I asked students to write a letter, and then I collected five writing samples from the same students whose writings were collected previously 2.3.2.3 Data analysis I planned to analyze the data in order to answer the two questions: What problems my students encounter when they write types of letter? Can students improve the quality of their writings after learning how to write types of letters? Based on the students existing writing samples, I found the answers for the first and second questions The same thing is done with the writing samples collected after the teaching sessions, and based on that, I would assess the quality of each student’s letter writing after teaching sessions as well as the general quality of all the student’s writing The results of the research indicated that learners write better when they are made aware of the providing models and form of letters 2.3.3 Some demonstrations in teaching writing types of letters in English Model 1: Sample for writing a letter of acceptance or refusal UNIT 11: NATIONAL PARKS (ENGLISH 10) (WRITING AN INFORMAL LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE OR REFUSAL) I Objectives: 13 - To develop sts’writing skills: Students can write a letter of acceptance or refusal -Sts know some more structures to write a letter of acceptance or refusal II Lexical items: - Language used to write a letter of acceptance or refusal - Structures: "Yes, I’d love/like to ","Yes, that’s a good idea .”, “I’d love to, but etc III Language focus & skills: - Writing & integrated skills - Structures: "Yes, I’d love/like to ","Yes, that’s a good idea .”, “ I’d love to, but ” etc IV Teaching aids: textbook, pictures, handouts… V Procedure: II Procedures: Homework checking: - Ask one st to talk about the special features of Cuc Phuong National Park New Lesson: Teacher's activities Students' activities Pre- writing: - Aims: to get sts to read the expressions in the table and to task and task Activity 1: - Listen to their friend and - Introduce the topic of the lesson: Write a letter of give remarks acceptance or refusal - Introduce some new words: - Listen to the teacher + a'cceptance (n): the noun of "accept" +re'fusal (n) : the noun of " refuse" + dec'line (v) : refuse sth offered ( politely) - Ask sts to listen and repeat and then copy down - Copy down the words these words into their notebooks into theit notebooks - Ask sts to read the expressions in the table in minutes - Remind sts of three invitation letters that they have already read in Unit 10 and ask them to work - Do the task in pairs in pairs to complete three reply letters by using the - Share their answer with expressions in the table their friends - Ask sts to in minutes and move around to - Present their ideas help if necessary Accepting: Yes, I'd - Get feedback and give remarks like/love to Refusing: I'm afraid I Activity 2: can't come because - Remind sts of the letter Nam wrote to Lam to Accepting: I'd be invite Lam to spend a weekend with him And now delighted to Lam write a letter accepting Nam's invitation - Listen to the teacher 14 - Ask sts to work in pairs to rearrange the sentences into a letter - Move round to help if necessary - Get feedback and give remarks While - writing: - Aims: Sts practise writing a letter of acceptance or refusal - Ask sts to read the requirement of task - Ask them to write a letter accepting or declining his/her friend's invitation - Ask them to pay attention to the structure of a letter: greeting, organisation (introduction, body ) +) Suggestion: -The format of a letter: greeting, organization introduction, body, conclusion), ending -Give the reason why accepting or refusing the Invitation - give Ss some useful language for letters accepting an invitation: Opening Remarks: - Thanks for the invitation to , sounds lovely - Yes, I’d love to join you Closing Remarks: - See you then - We're really looking forward to it - give Ss some useful language for letters refusing an invitation: Opening Remarks: - 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: - I hope we can get together some other time - I'm really sorry we'll have to miss it - Let sts write in 13 minutes - Move around to conduct the activity Post - writing: Aims: to get feedback and check sts' work - Get feedback by asking some sts to read their work aloud - Ask some other sts to give remarks - Check and give the correct answer - Listen to the teacher - Work in pairs to rearrange the sentences into a letter - Present their ideas: d e c a f b - Listen to the teacher - Read the requirement - listen to the teacher’s instruction and write down their notebooks - Do the writing task - listen to the teacher - give remarks and listen to -listen carefully and take note Read their writing: ( a sample paragraph) 15 Homework: - Part D (page 68- workbook) Model 2: Sample for letter writing (Grade 12) UNIT 6: FUTURE JOBS (Part D- Writing) (WRITING A FORMAL LETTER OF JOB APPLICATION) I Objectives: Knowledge: - General knowledge: Students will be able to write a formal letter of job application - Language - New words: Words relating to job application Educational aim: Students learn how to understand a formal letter Skills: Write a formal letter of job application II METHOD: Integrated, mainly communicative III TEACHING AIDS: textbook, hand outs, pictures… IV.PROCEDURE: Warm-up : Guessing game: Who am I? - give sts some clues and ask them to guess individually +I am a sociable and confident person + I have a challenging and fascinating job - get feedback: A tourirst guide - lead Ss to the new lesson: “Writing a formal letter of job application” New Lesson Teacher’s activities Students’activitie s Pre-writing: Activity 1: Read the advertisement and fill - understand the aim of the in the notes lesson - Teacher introduces the task: - the new lesson: “Writing a English-speaking Tour Guides Wanted formal letter of job We are a travel company managing holiday application” tours We need English-speaking local guides to accompany foreign visitors on trips throughout Vietnam If you have a - listen to carefully high school diploma, have experience as a - work in pairs Read the tour guide, a good manner, speak fluent following advertisement and English and are willing to work hard for fill in the note long hours, please contact: The Manager, Vinatour, and 450 Nguyen Du Street, Hanoi Answers: Telephone No: 04 824 0139 Tour guide • Type of job: ………………… high school diploma • Level of education needed: …………… experience as a tour 16 • Work experience: …………………… guide, fluent English • Character and interests: ………………… a good manner, willing - guide Ss to fill in the notes to work hard for long hours - walk round the class to give Ss assistance - call a student to read out the letter - give comments Activity 2: Make an outline - ask sts to write an outline of a letter of job application - listen to carefully - Ask Ss to base on the information in task in book - study the task carefully Sender’s name, address date - work in pairs to give Name of the company, address outlines + Greeting Dear Sir/Madam, Introduction: - where you saw the advertisement - listen to the teacher’s - reason ofwriting the letter instruction Body: - your education,work experience, your character/ interest Conclusion: - your willingness to work for the company - when you are available for interview While-writing: - Teacher introduces the task: Task Write a letter to Vinatour, applying for the job - base on the outline write a mentioned in the advertisement in Task Your letter to Vinatour, applying letter should include the following details for the job mentioned in the - Give out some clues for Ss to write: advertisement in Task Some useful languages: Introduction: - I am interested in the job of… - I am writing in reply/response to your advertisement in Sai Gon Times… - write down their notebooks - I am writing to apply for… - I should like to make an application for the position of… Body: - I enclose a full curriculum virtae As you can see, I have had considerable experience as an… - I think I meet all the qualifications that you specify 17 Conclusion: - If you feel that my qualifications meet with your requirements, I shall be pleased to come for an interview… - If you consider that my qualifications and experience are suitable, I should be available for interview at any time - Ask Ss to write - Call on some Ss to read out their writing in front of the class - Ask Ss to exchange their writings for peer correction - Correct mistakes Suggested answer Post- writing: - Ask Ss to read the letter again - Give remarks on the writing Homework: - Rewrite the letter at home - Prepare the section E (The Language focus part of Unit 6) - read out the letter - correct mistakes - Rewrite the letter at home - Prepare the section E (The Language focus part of Unit 6) 2.4 Study effects After applying this research in teaching writing English at Thach Thanh high school, I have got some results coming up to my expectations Generally, students are not confused about the types of letters, know how to use interesting structures, connectors, useful languages Moreover, after learning writing types of letters in English, students can write better and they feel more excited when learning writing skill in general and letter writing skill in particular I considered two letters of my students, I found that they could correct some errors they made when writing The format of letters was well- organized with coherence and clarity.They used and controlled of grammatical structures better Below are two writings of two students: WRITING 1: (After learning how to write an informal letter of acceptance/ refusal) Dear Binh, It's lovely to hear that you are going for a picnic to Cuc Phuong National Park next weekend Thank you for inviting me to join you but I'm afraid I can't come My English friend, Maria, is coming to Vietnam next weekend and I have promised to cook her some of our traditional dishes on Saturday morning After that, I'm going to take her to some famous places in Thanh Hoa I hope that you will have a wonderful day in Cuc Phuong Remember to show me the photos you take in Cuc Phuong when you get home Your fiend, 18 Mai Anh WRITING 2: (After learning how to write an formal letter of application) Flat 3,324, Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hanoi 16, October, 2015 Hanoi Vinatour 250, Nguyen Du Street, Hanoi Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing in reply to your advertisement in the Vietnam News for experienced English-speaking local guides to accompany foreign visitors on trips throughout Vietnam I think I meet all of the qualifications that you specify I was awarded High School Certificate two years ago After leaving high school, I worked as an accountant in a small travel agency for one year Then I had one year of experience as a tour guide so I know many tourist areas in Vietnam and have a basic knowledge of Vietnamese culture, history and geography I speak English fluently In addition, I am a sociable and confident person and can work hard for long hours I would like to work for you and would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this position with you in person I am looking forward to hearing from you at your convenience Yours faithfully, Nguyen Van Đức CONCLUSION 3.1 Conclusion Above is some experience on how to write several types of letters in English for high school students that I have learnt, researched and applied each year on teaching my students I find that when learning to write any types of letter, students can identify all the essential parts of a formal or informal letter more easily Once students have become familiar with letter formats, they are prompted to write their own letters From that, the studying results of the students have become better and they are more interested in learning writing skill However, the above is just some of the small tasks in the process of teaching writing skills and during the time doing this study, I cannot avoid some limitations Anyway, I hope this study may provide students with suitable ways of learning, and then help them obtain the improvement of letter writing and get more interested in learning writing skill as well I'm looking forward to receiving comments from friends and colleagues I sincerely thank you 3.2 Proposals For the teachers: As we all know, to organize a foreign language class is not simple Because each method only offers high efficiency when teachers know to choose and use the activities in a reasonable way Therefore it requires each teacher to choose the practical and appropriate forms of teaching letter- writing skills so 19 that students will be more active For example, teachers should prepare elaborate lessons; clear instructions, the exercises that are suitable for all students; check and evaluate the results of students’ writing in an exact way and so on For students: They must have serious learning attitude, ability of understanding and ability to contact with real life Only can students make their letter- writing skills better In addition to classroom training they need to be aware of studying at home Be persistent to achieve this target language Let yourself be always in English atmosphere so that your English will improve more and more 20 CONFIRMATION OF THE HEAD Thanh Hoa, May 20th, 2019 MASTER I swear this is my experiential initiative, not the copy of the others Author, Trinh Thi Mai 21 REFERENCES Rivers, W (1968) Teaching Foreign Language Skills Chicago University of Chicago Press Davies, P., & Pearse, E (2000) Success in English Teaching Oxford University Press Nunan, D (1991) Language Teaching Method A Textbook for Teachers Prentice Hall International Press Virginia Evans (1998) Successful writing Proficiency Express Publishing English textbook 10, 11, 12 Nhà XBGD Viet Nam ELTTP, the Methodology Course book One Ur, P1996: A Course in Language Teaching Cambridge, Cambridge University Press CUP Website: Teachingideas.co.uk Một số tài liệu qua dự trao đổi kinh nghiệm với đồng nghiệp 10 Http://www.teachingenglish.edu.vn 22 DANH MỤC CÁC ĐỀ TÀI SÁNG KIẾN KINH NGHIỆM ĐÃ ĐƯỢC HỘI ĐỒNG ĐÁNH GIÁ XẾP LOẠI CẤP PHÒNG GD&ĐT, CẤP SỞ GD&ĐT VÀ CÁC CẤP CAO HƠN XẾP LOẠI TỪ C TRỞ LÊN Họ tên tác giả: Trịnh Thị Mai Chức vụ đơn vị công tác: Giáo viên Tiếng AnhTrườngTHPT Thạch Thành I TT Tên đề tài SKKN Sử dụng câu nói líu lưỡi (Tongue twisters) để luyện tập phát âm Tiếng Anh Các giải pháp nâng cao hiệu làm tập phần trắc nghiệm ngữ âm thi tốt nghiệp Helping students learn listening skill effectively by using English songs Helping Students Raise The Sense Of Initiative In Using The Target Language During English Speaking Lessons Kết Cấp đánh đánh giá giá xếp loại xếp loại (Phòng, Sở, (A, B, Tỉnh ) C) Quyết định số: 932/QĐSGD&ĐT ngày 11/9/2008 Quyết định số: 539/QĐSGD&ĐT ngày 18/10/2011 Quyết định số: 972/QĐSGD&ĐT ngày 24/11/2016 Quyết định số: 1112/QĐSGD&ĐT ngày 18/10/2017 Năm học đánh giá xếp loại C 2007- 2008 C 2010- 2011 C 2015- 2016 C 2016-2017 23 ... to improve their letter writing skills in English Started by thinking of a theme to write or they could start writing emails to their friends in English; participate in the writing letters in. .. 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. .. letter to Vinatour, applying for the job - base on the outline write a mentioned in the advertisement in Task Your letter to Vinatour, applying letter should include the following details for the