英语专业四级note writing讲解

Notes must be precise and to the point; the style is casual. In notes of introduction, the following are usually included:

1.The name of the person to be introduced

2.His/Her identity

3.The purpose of the introduction

4.Appreciation

Sample 1

12 July, 2005

Dear Mr. Sullivan,

This is to introduce Mr. Hu Ming. He is a linguistics student at our university. Mr. Hu is looking for a teaching assistant’s post. Any assistance rendered him would be highly appreciated.

Thank you.

Sincerely yours,

Geoffrey Jackson

Sample 2

12 July, 2005

Dear Mr. Keller,

This is to introduce Ms. Ruby Hermann. Ms. Hermann is a well-trained, experienced and conscientious secretary. Her former employers have all found her competent. She left her former post because it took her too long to get to the office. You told me last Saturday that your secretary had left you. You may interview Ms. Hermann and see if she can fill the vacancy. I can vouch for her honesty.

Henry Monroe

Sample 3

12 July, 2005

Dear Mr. Wang,

Liu Li is an English literature student. She is presently working on a paper on modern English literature. I would appreciate it if you could help her locate some reference books she needs badly. Thank you.

Liang Beijun

Sample 4

12 July, 2005

Dr Hope,

This is to introduce my friend Wayne Morris who has stomach trouble. He has been suffering for two weeks now. He has been to several hospitals and given various drugs, but there has been no effect. He is still not cured. I’d appreciate it if you could give him a thorough examination. Thank you.

Sally Simpleton

A note of invitation should state precisely:

1.What invitation it is

2.The time and the place

3.The pleasure of seeing the addressee on that occasion

4. A reply is expected. (In some, this is not mentioned.)

Sample 1

12 July, 2005

Dear Meili,

We are going to have a music appreciation evening in our classroom this coming Saturday. The time is 7:30 pm. Symphony No. 9 by Beethoven will be on the programme. We would like to have you join us, as we know you are one of the classical music lovers. Drop me a line if you are interested. Hoping to see you on Saturday.

Yours,

Wang Fang

Sample 2

12 July, 2005

Dear Mona,

Prof. Henderson is back from is lecture tour around the world. While abroad, besides participating in academic activities, he had been to famous spots of interests and videoed some interesting events. The tapes are not only informative but eye-opening as well. He’d like to show them to his colleagues. Are you interested in coming? The time is 6:00 p.m. this coming Saturday, and the place, his residence at Cherry Blossom Garden. He would be very happy if you could come.

Nan

Sample 3

12 July, 2005

Dear Frank,

There will be a sports meet on Thursday, 25 September, in our university. Some sports stars will participate to show their skills. Lots of our friends will be here, too. And there will be a tea party afterwards. Call or write to say that you are coming.

Yours,

Gerald

Sample 4

12 July, 2005

Dear Tony,

Remember our old school fellow, Graham Young? He arrived here last Thursday on a business trip. He is eager to meet his old friends and I think we also feel the same. I’m giving a dinner party in his honor at 7:00 p.m. 24 November, at the Rose Restaurant. Coming? Please let me know.

Thomas McGill

In writing a telephone message, it is necessary to give the name of the person who called and the exact time of call. The message must be stated clearly and in good order.

Sample 1

12 July, 2005

Prof. Johnson,

Prof. Smith called at 9:50 a.m. He said his rheumatism prevented him from leaving the house in this nasty weather. So he would not be able to come to discuss the energy project with you and your colleagues. He asked to be excused. He sent his regards to Mr. Johnson.

Mary

Sample 2

12 July, 2005

John,

Your tutor, Mr. Jefferson, just called. He has finished reading your paper and thinks it could be better. He has thought of some new ideas and would like to discuss with you. Call on him as soon as you can. He’ll be in his office all day.

Gerald

Sample 3

12 July, 2005

Dr Lee,

Mr. Mills called at 9:10 a.m. He asked if you would agree to cancel his three o’clock appointment. He, an ardent stamp collector, was offered a stamp that could make up a complete set of rare stamps that he had had. He did not want to miss this chance. He was sorry for this sudden change of plan and requested that another appointment be made for next week.

Marilyn

Sample 4

12 July, 2005

Dr. Ericson,

Dr. Bingham called at 9:30 a.m. He said there would be a group consultation on a case of heart transplant this afternoon. He asked you to be there at 2 p.m. A number of heart specialists will also be participating. Please call him back at once. This is urgent.

Jane.

In writing a note of thanks, besides expressing our gratitude, we also show our pleasure at the gift itself, for example, we may say that it is exquisite or it is just what we want, etc. We may also show our appreciation of the sender’s considerateness or his/her cleverne ss at picking out the right thing, etc.

Sample 1

12 July, 2005

Dear Aunt Mabel,

Thank you for your wonderful gift! How could you possibly have known? I did need a more sophisticated recorder. The old one that I have has seen me mature from a lanky school boy to a college student. Indeed, it has more than served its purpose. Remember? It was also a present from you. Again a million thanks!

Your loving nephew,

Henry

Sample 2

12 July, 2005

Dear Marian,

How did you find out that it was my birthday yesterday? I had not told anybody about it. Imagine my happiness at seeing your lovely present! A pair of sun-glasses for sports use! Just what I need as we are all training hard for the coming tennis tournament. The sun will not hurt my eyes any more! My gratitude!

Nan

Sample 3

12 July, 2005

Dear Father,

Imagine my pleasure when I returned home for the weekend! An exquisite computer on my desk! Though not of the latest model, it’s more than enough for me. It will not only make my studies easier, but will save me a lot of time as well. Dear Father, you are always so thoughtful. It’s indeed lucky to be your son! Thanks a million!

Love,

Mike

Sample 4

12 July, 2005

Dear Jack,

Thank you for the desk calendar, which, after a journey of four months, finally reached me. Anyway, the very useful information printed at the back of each page is worth the long wait. It widens the scope of my knowledge on various topics. Great appreciation for your thoughtfulness and million thanks.

Joseph

In writing a note of congratulation, one usually relates how he/she hears of the good news, what the good news is, how he/she is happy for the addressee … , and then extends his/her congratulations.

Sample 1

12 July, 2005

Dear Prof. Cai,

We have just been informed that your lifework on elementary Chinese teaching methodology had been fully recognized during the recent International Conference on Language Education where your article “Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language” was awarded first prize. This is the first honor ever won by a Chinese scholar. Since we are your students, we know, of course, how you’ve worked. You are fully worthy of it! Please accept our heartiest congratulations!

Respectfully yours,

Ron, Mabel, Kay, Pete Sample 2

12 July, 2005

Dear Lingling,

Father wrote that you graduated from high school with honors. Please accept my heartfelt congratulations! It is what I have always expected. No chance was involved. You earned it by hard work and diligence. What with the long distance, and what with my work of the never ending observation of the stars, I regret very much that I was not able to attend the graduation ceremony. To make it up, I’m sending you some money and you can buy whatever you wish with it. Again, congratulations!

Your loving sister,

Qingling

Sample 3

12 July, 2005

Dear Henry,

I read from the newspaper that you were awarded the second prize at the National Photo Contest. Congratulations! I also learned that you were the only amateur participant, and you are only a first-year college student. Your parents must be very proud of you, especially your father, who has trained you in this hobby. Again my felicitations to you all!

Edward

Sample 4

12 July, 2005

Dear Peiyun,

I saw your name listed among the winners of the composition contest. It was just what I had expected, though the honor came rather late. I feel so happy for you. You are talented in this respect and I have always envied you. I have decided to work harder, but I doubt if I can succeed as writing needs inspiration in addition to hard work. My warmest congratulations to you!

Yongmei

In writing a note that gives information, one must state the news/information clearly. Since it is a note, it should be short and to the point.

Sample 1

12 July, 2005

Dear Liuping,

This is to inform you that Prof. John Jefferson has arrived in Shanghai. He will give a series of lectures on banking. We are going to have a welcome party in his honor. The date is set for next Tuesday, 26 August, at 3 p.m., at the College Guest House. It is expected that everyone in our class will participate, so that he can get to know our Department and his future students. Please write if you cannot come.

Huang An

Sample 2

12 July, 2005

Dear Mary Ann,

Aunt Jean called to say that Grandma is down with pneumonia. As she is aged, her condition is rather critical. She’s in Ward IV, St. Luke’s Hospital. She still l oves company as she used to, though she is too feeble to speak much. Pay her a visit as soon as you can. I’m going this afternoon. I’ll get her so me roses.

Alice

Sample 3

12 July, 2005

Dear Albert,

I have recently received some new magazines from Kim. There are some articles on rare stamps which may be of great interest to a philatelist like you. Furthermore, I have an inkling that you have swi tched your attention to rare stamps. Come and get the magazines, I’ll be home during the evenings. Just drop in.

Ken

Sample 4

12 July, 2005

Dear Katie,

I’m leaving for Beijing next Monday. As you have many friends there, are there any errands I can run for you? Is there anything for me to take to them? Or, do you have any messages to pass on to them? If so, please let me know or send them to me before Sunday.

Ruth

In writing a note to make arrangements, one has to be very precise as to the time, place and what has been arranged. Everything must be stated very clearly. Usually a reply is expected.

Sample 1

12 July, 2005

Dear Dr. Baker,

As previously arranged, you are invited to deliver a lecture on humanism at our university sometime in August. Your lecture is now scheduled for Monday, 14 August, at the University Auditorium. A car will be sent to bring you to the university at 1:30 p.m. Please inform us if you are otherwise engaged. Thank you.

Mary Cooper

Sample 2

12 July, 2005

Dear Minnie,

Next Sunday is Arbour Day. Our study group is going to Daisy Hill to help with the afforestation there. As this is quite a distance from our college, we’ll take the long distance bus, which starts at 6:00 a.m. Be punctual. Take your lunch box with you. Put on your raincoat and galoshes if it rains. Tell me if the plan doesn’t suit you.

Mary Smith

Sample 3

12 July, 2005

Dear Liping,

As previously discussed, the party celebrating the New Year will be held at 2:00 p.m. on New Year’s Day at eh Students’ Hall. Your talk on Young Peoples’ Aspiration for the New Year will follow the party chairman’s opening speech, probably at 2:15 p.m. You will be given 20 minutes. It is requested that you be on time. If you have any questions, please contact me. Thank you.

Wang Jialing

Sample 4

12 July, 2005

Dear Mengyu,

There is an exhibition of new books on social sciences at the City Exhibition Hall. Tickets are available at the Students’ Union. You used to be interested in this field, are you still interested? Anyway, I think we can always learn something from exhibitions like this, and further, the City Exhibition Hall is not far from where we live. Call at any time between 2:00 –5:00 in the afternoon to make arrangements for the tickets.

Mingan

In writing a note to keep in touch with a friend, we usually give information as to our present work, address, etc. Then we ask after our friend and express our wish to keep in touch with him/her.

Sample 1

12 July, 2005

Dear Minliang,

We haven’t me t each other since July, after the crucial matriculation exams. I have eventually passed the examination and am now a first-year business administration student. My present address is P.O. Box No. 101, Pujiang University. I heard that you are now an English major in Hujiang University. How do you feel about being a college student? I’m now a freshman, and I think the name suits me well as I do feel that everything around me is so fresh to me. If you are not too busy, drop me a few line. Hoping to hear from you soon.

Jiawei

Sample 2

12 July, 2005

Dear Professor Jenkins,

It has been months since we met at the symposium last June. Your paper on child psychology made a deep impression on me. I truly admire your erudition. I am sure I will further benefit from your forthcoming papers.

The book I have working on will soon come out. I’ll send you a copy and would like very much to have your comments.

Hoping to hear from you from time to time.

Yours respectfully,

John Hodgson

Sample 3

12 July, 2005

Dear Mr. Qiuyun,

We have been out of touch with each other since July. Fortunately, I got your address from Qinling. I am now teaching English in a middle school. I am happy to have built up a friendly relationship with my students. I think you are enjoying your job as an accountant in a bank, too, as you have always been good at figures. I long to see you so that we may chat about old times. Write me! A prosperous New Year!

Maochang

Sample 4

12 July, 2005

Dear Juanita,

We haven’t seen each other for ages. It was at Jennie’s birthday party that we had a hearty talk, wasn’t it? How have you been? I have changed my job since. I am now a tourist guide and it suits me fine. How about another hearty talk sometime? I am home most evenings. Call me at your convenience.

Ann

In a note offering tickets to a friend, the specific offers should be clearly mentioned. Usually the reason for the offer is given. Sometimes a reply is required if the contents require one.

Sample 1

12 July, 2005

Dear John,

I’ve got two tickets for the Chinese Folk Song Concert, which is on this coming Sunday at the Lyceum Concert Hall, at 7:30 p.m. I know you have always been a music lover. But do you care for vocal recitals? The singers are all famous vocalists from all over the country. And the orchestra is also composed of top Chinese instrumentalist. If it suits you, we can go together. Please let me know by calling me up at the office.

Ken

Sample 2

12 July, 2005

Dear Martin,

I heard that you need a laptop. I know where you can get one that is still new but cheaper. Mary Smith has bought one recently. As she was given another by her brother yesterday, she’s considering selling the old one. Are you interested in it? Give me a ring.

John

Sample 3

12 July, 2005

Dear Frank,

I know that you need an alarm clock to wake you up for your morning shift. The other day I saw some quartz alarm clocks in a shop near my office. The design is simple but unique, beautiful but not vulgar. Besides, they chime the quarter, the half hour, and the hour, just like Big Ben. What attracts me is that they are inexpensive. Are you interested? If so, come and see for yourself.

Henry

Sample 4

12 July, 2005

Dear Yongnian,

A clay sculpture of a little cowherd accompanies this note. I found it in a shop in Wuxi, where I was on a business trip recently. Somehow I was strongly attracted by this small figurine and so I bought two. One is now on my desk, and I think it will look nice on yours, too. I hope you like it.

Xuanwu

In a note of invitation one usually states:

1.the occasion for the invitation

2.the reason for inviting the addressee (optional)

3.the time and the place

4.the hope of having the invitation accepted/of receiving an answer

5.the reason for this (optional)

Sample 1

14 February, 2005

Dear Tom,

Next Monday is my 20th birthday. Imagine, there are already twenty years behind me! No wonder I feel old!

My parents are giving a dinner party to mark the occasion. The first person they wish to invite is you, my childhood pal. Indeed, all of those 20 years are more or less associated with you.

We’ll be expecting you any time after six. See you then.

Yours,

Dick

Sample 2

12 July, 2005

Dear Mattie,

We’re having a Folk Dance Evening next Saturday, at 7 p.m., at the Recreation Hall. We hope you’re interested in coming. You’re Finnish, maybe you can teach us some of your folk dances. On the other hand, some of your minority nationality students will also show us how they dance. Annette, Hans, Maria, and Pedro are also coming. I’m sure we’ll have a good time. We’ll be seeing you!

Lingling

Sample 3

11 July, 2005

Dear Mary and John,

We have just moved to a suburban district in southwestern Shanghai. Now that everything is more or less orderly again, we are going to have a house-warming party this coming Saturday afternoon, 16 July.

We want you to see for yourself that living in the country is not so terrible after all, what with the fresh air, clear sky and, above all, the subway that can take us to city proper almost in no time.

We will have a good time on Saturday, we are sure. Many old friends are coming, too. Give us a ring to say that you are coming.

Yours,

Jill and Jack

Sample 4

12 July, 2005

Dear Zhengzheng,

Xiaoning is home for the winter vacation. We’re giving him a homecoming party next Tuesday, at 2 p.m. at Wang Laoshi’s house. Xiaoning has been in Beijing for the past term. We are sure to have a lot of things to talk about. Each of us is bringing something to eat. Be sure to give me a ring if you’re not coming. Hoping to see you on Tuesday.

Wenwu

A note accepting an invitation usually includes:

1.appreciation of being invited

2.his/her certainty of having a good time

3.his/her assurance of being punctual /his/her apology for having to be late (optional)

4.his/her offer of help (optional)

5.his/her looking forward to the occasion

Sample 1

12 July, 2005

Dear Rebecca,

Thank you for asking me to come to your house-warming party. I have long heard that you’ve moved to the suburbs, away fr o m all kinds of conveniences. I’m a little s urprised that you seem quite happy with your renewed house. I’d be only too glad to come and see for myself. You can count on me to be punctual. You’re quite a green hand at housekeeping, as is known to all. Do you want me to come earlier to help? Looking forward to seeing you.

Love,

Kate

Sample 2

12 July, 2005

Dear Peiming,

Thank you very much for asking me to attend a lecture on Indian folklore. You know, I have always been interested in folklores of various peoples. Exotic stories, wise sayings, social customs, folk songs and dances, etc., are always fascinating to me. I heard Dr. Burns is a specialist on India. I’m sure I can learn a lot from this lecture. Again, my gratitude.

Lingyen

Sample 3

12 July, 2005

Dear Bill,

I’m happy to be informed of o ur alumni get-together. Surely I will meet many old friends and we’ll be able to chat over days long gone by. Incidentally, do you know that Prof. Chadi arrived in our city yesterday? I think his presence will make our meeting more memorable. He can be reached by phone no. 84123348.

Yes, I’ll be prompt. I’m counting the days to see you all.

Yours,

Martin

Sample 4

12 July, 2005

Dear Mrs. McDonald,

I’m very happy to be invited to attend the graduation piano recital of your daughter Marian, to be held on the 20th of this month. I’ve long heard about her great virtuosity with this instrument.

I look forward to hearing her perform. Thank you for asking me.

Amy Stone

A note declining an invitation usually includes:

1.appreciation for being invited

2.reason for not being able to attend

3.regret for missing such an occasion

4.extending felicitation, etc, should the occasion require

Sample 1

12 July, 2005

Dear Rebecca,

Thank you for inviting me to your 20th birthday party. But, alas, I must stay away from this gala occasion, which, to me, is excruciatingly painful. You see, I’ve been down with the flu for some time now. And I was told that I wouldn’t be able to recover soon. I can’t pass on the virus to you all. It really breaks my heart to miss this great party! All the same, my heartiest congratulations!

Yours,

Kate

Sample 2

12 July, 2005

Dear Paul,

Thank you for asking me to join a bicycle trip to Suzhou this coming weekend. This is indeed tempting, but there’s something wrong with the pedals of my bike. Though I’ve had it repaired several times, they still don’t work very well. I’m really sorry to miss such an enjoyable trip. I hope you’ll have a wonderful time.

Mike

Sample 3

12 July, 2005

Dear Wenhua,

Thanks for inviting me to the chamber music concert to be given at the golden wedding anniversary party of your grandparents. I really ought to be there, but as I have an appointment with Professor Zhang, who is leaving for the United States the next day, I’m afraid I can’t be present. I’m dreadfully sorry to have to be absent from this very important occasion. Indeed, their kindness to me when I was child has always been remembered with gratitude. I also regret to have to miss the chamber music, which I adore. Please extend my heartiest congratulations to your grandpa and grandma.

Yours,

Minhao

Sample 4

12 July, 2005

Dear Mathew,

It is a great pleasure to be asked to attend a dinner party in honor of Professor Harrison for winning the Lebon Prize. It is indeed a great success. I should be present but a meeting calls me to Paris on 22 September, the very day of the party. I can’t tell how sorry I am. Please extend my congratulations to Professor Harrison. Thanks.

Mark

In a note canceling an appointment, the following is usually included:

1.what appointment it is,

2.the reason to cancel it,

3.suggestion to make up for it (optional),

4.expressing regrets

Sample 1

12 July, 2005

Dear Mr. Grayson,

I was just informed that Prof. Ian Hendersen would arrive in Shanghai tomorrow at 10:00

a.m. I was asked to meet him at the airport as he is our much respected senior advisor. I regret that I can’t come to interview Mr. Song with you tomorrow morning. Will you please see to it that some one else takes my place? Sorry to give you such short notice. This will certainly cause you much trouble. My regrets.

Paul White

Sample 2

12 July, 2005

Dear Xiaogang,

I was given an unexpected assignment yesterday. I was to write a report on our study of the mystery of memory, and I’ll be busy for the coming week. So it is impossible for me to attend the alumni meeting next Sunday. Please say “hello” to all of our old pals. Thank you. My deepest regrets.

Ningan

Sample 3

12 July, 2005

Dear Prof. Lee,

I am sorry to inform you that I won’t be able to take you to t he Old City Temple tomorrow afternoon. My mother is suddenly ill. In order not to disappoint you, I have asked Liang Yan to take my place. She is a better guide, I think. She’ll come for you at 2 p.m. Sorry to have t o miss a very pleasant afternoon with you.

Respectfully yours,

Du Lan

Sample 4

12 July, 2005

Dear Jesse,

I’m sorry to inform you that I won’t be able to go on an excursion with you all on Sunday. My sister is away on business and my brother-in-law is in hospital. And it is my job to look after my little niece. I’m supposed to take her to the zoo. You can ask Gene to take care of the camera work. My deep regrets.

Joe

In a note of condolence, we usually include the following:

1.the distress at hearing the sad news,

2.some good words about the departed,

3.expressing regrets at his/her passing away,

4.some comforting words,

5.extending condolences.

Sample 1

12 July, 2005

Dear Mark,

We were shocked at the sad news in the newspaper this morning. Your grandma’s sudden passing away has indeed caught us quite unprepared emotionally. Her image at the Charity Bazaar two weeks ago remains fresh in our mind. It is a great loss to all who knew her. However, this is life. Please accept our profoundest condolences.

Helen and Tony

Sample 2

12 July, 2005

Dear Mildred,

I am greatly saddened by the news of the passing away of your Aunt Mabel. I will always miss her great humor, warm hospitality, eagerness to help, and, above all, her willingness to listen to us, the young, baring our hearts to her. And what encouraging words she used to give us! How my heart aches! Please convey my profoundest condolences to Uncle Alan. I’ll come and see him when I have calmed down a little.

Amy

Sample 3

12 July, 2005

Dear Lilian,

It grieves us deeply to learn that your little nephew is no more. Imagine such a sturdy little boy could have been struck down by meningitis. His happy laughter still rings in our ears. Please convey profoundest condolences to your brother and sister-in-law as well as to your parents.

Ellen, Fanny and Grace

Sample 4

12 July, 2005

Dear Nancy,

We just read in the newspaper about the sad news. We could hardly believe our eyes when we saw that your brother Clyde could have been a victim of the plane crash. We’re deeply grieved by the loss of a dear friend, a brilliant young executive. Please extend our condolences to your parents. With best regards to you all.

Connie and Conrad

A note accompanying a present usually includes:

1.the reason of sending the present,

2.the hope that the present will suit the receiver.

Sample 1

12 July, 2005

Dear Meili,

I happened to come across this Student’s Dictionary of English Phrasal Verbs at the Foreign Language Book Store this morning. It reminded me of your English studies. I have always appreciated your work style, so earnest and meticulous. And I have wanted to do something to help make your studies easier for you. Here it is as a reward for your hard work. I hope it will be helpful to you.

Love,

Aunt Mabel

Sample 2

12 July, 2005

Dear Aunt Caroline,

The last time I was at your house, your cat upset the table and broke a beautiful vase. I happened to see a vase similar to yours in a window display the other day, and I thought it would look good in your living-room. Her it is. I hope you like it. Best regards.

Your loving niece,

Olive

Sample 3

12 July, 2005

Dear Yaoliang,

I have told that you’ve been working hard on your paper day and night. Here is a CD of chamber music, which I think may provide you, a lover of serious music, with some relaxation and soothe your nerves. Call me when you have finished your work, then we can have a hearty talk. Best wishes for the coming year!

Yours,

Weibo

Sample 4

12 July, 2005

Dear Albert,

I just heard that you had finally got permission from your mother to ride the bike to school. Congratulations as this had always been your wish. Summer is approaching, and the bright sunlight will irritate your eyes. Here’s a pair of sunglasses. I hope the color and style suit your taste.

Love,

Uncle Mike

In a note regretting not seeing someone, the tone must be apologetic and an explanation of the reason for being absent is also necessary. A hope to remedy missing the opportunity is usually suggested.

Sample 1

12 July, 2005

Dear Conrad,

I just got back from a lecture. I saw your note and read it with great regret. When you were in my neighborhood I had to be away! What a trick Lady Luck played on us! Fortunately you’ll still be in town for the nex t two days. We’ll still be able to meet and have a nice chat. I’ll call on you at your hotel at 6:00 p.m. tomorrow. Be seeing you.

Bernard

Sample 2

12 July, 2005

Dear Carol,

I’ve just been to your house. To my deep regret, you weren’t in. My fault, of course, I should have phoned. We haven’t met for a long time. It’s high time that we got together and had a long chat. Don’t you think so? I’m home most evenings. Call before you come. Hoping to see you soon.

Yours,

Susie

Sample 3

12 July, 2005

Dear Liqiu,

I was told that you had asked after me. Thank you. I was away on a trip to Qingdao. I left in

a hurry, so I didn’t inform anyone about it. I regret very much for not having met you. I have so many th ings to tell you. I’ll be at home in the afternoon all week next week. Drop in, please. Looking forward to seeing you!

Miaoying

Sample 4

12 July, 2005

Dear Jinling,

I was on my way to a lecture when I recalled that you were also interested in ancient Chinese literature. I called at your dorm, but was told you were home suffering from the flu. How are you now? The lecture was enlightening. My deep regrets for your illness and for your having missed the lecture. Hoping you’ll be well soon.

Yours,

Guoqin

In a note returning something borrowed, the writer usually includes:

1.the thing that is being returned,

2.his/her gratitude for the addressee’s kindness,

3.the thing has served its purpose,

4.hope to get more helping in the future (optional).

Sample 1

12 July, 2005

Dear Marian,

Here are the six cassette tapes you were so kind as to lend me. I’m happy to inform you that they have helped me enormously. I more than passed the listening test – I was highly praised by the teacher. They have really helped me wonderfully. I really don’t know how to thank you enough. I hope you’d help me again i n the future. Again my heartfelt gratitude!

Laura

Sample 2

12 July, 2005

Dear Eric,

You were so kind as to lend me your camera. I took many photographs of the beautiful sceneries of Huangshan. They bring back many pleasant moments of my trip. Your camera is of high quality, the pictures are so “sharp”. It has enabled my family members to share the beauty of the famous mountain. My heartfelt gratitude!

Steve

Sample 3

12 July, 2005

Dear Tom,

We’re just back from our camping trip. We had a thoroughly enj oyable time. Thanks for the camping equipment you lent us. It was light and convenient to use. Furthermore, it was strong and absolutely waterproof. Please accept our gratitude for your generosity. A million thanks!

Graham

Sample 4

12 July, 2005

Dear Nelson,

Thank you for the water hose you lent me. It was convenient to water the flower beds and the lawn. The work was completed in 30 minutes. Now my flowers are no longer fading, and the lawn is flourishing again. They again provide me with the pleasure necessary for a working man. I am now considering buying one. My appreciation again!

Willard

A note asking after one’s health usually includes:

1.source of sad news,

2.expression of regrets,

3.some comforting word,

4.some “get well soon” words.

Sample 1

12 July, 2005

Dear Harold,

Gary told me yesterday that you are down with the flu. To tell you the truth, I was a little surprised. You never used to be sick. Then I recalled that you’d been extraordinarily busy with your work recently. You must have been weakened physically somehow. You do need a good rest. I’m sure you’ll be up and around very soon. Take care and best regards!

Paul

Sample 2

12 July, 2005

Dear Jiaying,

I met Liming yesterday and she told me your grandpa had had a stroke. This news greatly saddened me. Is he still in the hospital or is he home? I heard that with good care patients like him can recover soon. Is there anything I can do to help? Please don’t hesitate to ask. Give my best regards to your grandpa.

Yours,

Kailing

Sample 3

12 July, 2005

Dear Jane,

I expected to see you this morning at the swimming meet, as you have always been a swimming enthusiast. When I didn’t, I inquired about you. I’m sorry that you had a sunstroke the day before yesterday. As I’m going away tonight on a business trip, I won’t be able to come to see you. My regrets. I hope you’ll get well soon. I’ll be seeing you. Take care!

Enid

12 July, 2005

Sample 4

Dear Ken,

We were surprised not to see your brother performing in the play last night. He should have been playing the role of the hero. Later we learned that he had had stomach trouble. We missed his excellent portrayal of the character. How is he now? Please extend our regards to him. Thank you.

Mathew and Ernest