22
Selling the service (B)
Textbook: pp. 94–97
GoalWriting a letter of request with polite modals; explaining a process; suggestions (should, could, why don’t we).
New words
request · so‘rov, iltimosreply · javob qaytarmoqdeadline · muddatattach · ilova qilmoq
Explanation
A formal request letter has: a greeting (Dear Mr Karimov, / Dear Sir or Madam,), the purpose (I am writing to ask whether...), details, thanks (I would be grateful if you could...) and a closing (Yours sincerely, if you know the name; Yours faithfully, if you do not). For suggestions use: You should..., You could..., Why don’t we...?, How about...? A formal letter avoids contractions (I’m, don’t). When you explain a process use sequence words and the passive: First, the form is completed and then it is sent by email.
Worked examples
I would be grateful if you could send me the course timetable by Friday.
Why don’t we compare prices before choosing a supplier?
Class activity
Letter writing: students write a request letter (60–80 words) to a library or language centre; a partner checks the Dear/Yours rules.
Practice
1
Which closing: you do not know the name of the person? Yours ___
Yours faithfully
2
Rewrite formally: I can’t come to the meeting.
I am afraid I cannot attend the meeting.
3
Write a suggestion with Why don’t we...? about a school event.
Why don’t we hold a book fair in the spring?
4
Why are contractions avoided in formal letters?
Contractions sound informal and conversational; a formal letter should sound serious and careful.