Homework, 27th November, 2017

You recently read an article in a magazine which argued that school uniform should be scrapped in schools in the UK. 

Decide whether or not you agree with this point of view, then write a letter to the editor (the person in charge) of the magazine giving your view. Use the guidelines below to help you. 

It should be around 250 words long. 

Generic letter to the editor structure

Your address, e.g.: Mr Quillfeldt 12 Bishop’s Avenue London SW6 6EG

The date in long form, e.g.: 15th September, 2015

The address of the person you are writing to, e.g.: The Editor Education Today Magazine 567 Brooke Avenue Barnsley BR4 8YG

If you don’t know the name of the person you are writing to, start Dear Sir/Madam. If you do know the name of the person you are writing to, start Dear Mr if it is male, or Ms if it is a female.

In the first paragraph, explain why you are writing the letter, e.g.: I am writing to you to express my views on … Give the opposite view first: Some people believe that …

Then give your view: My own view on this topic is that …

Sum up everything you have said: For all of these reasons, I believe …

Sign off. If you know the name of the person you are writing to, use Yours sincerely. If you don’t know the name of the person, use Yours faithfully.

Write your name

Homework, 13th November, 2017

Read the following letter and answer the questions that follow. 

This is due tomorrow (Tuesday, 14th November). 

Dear Sir/Madam

I am writing to apply for the position of infantryman in the British armed forces. Below I will outline the reasons why I feel I would be ideal for the job.

Firstly, I am a passionate patriot who believes in his country and is absolutely committed to the war effort. I believe in the greatness of our nation and, like so many other young men, I want to do my bit.

Secondly, I believe I have the skills required to be one of the best soldiers the British army has ever seen. I am physically fit, having worked on a farm since a young age, and am able to adapt quickly to using new tools and pieces of equipment. I am also an excellent team player, working well with others, respecting their opinions and acquiring new skills quickly.

                                                                                                    

Furthermore, I always follow instructions first time, without hesitation, something which is very important in a battle situation, where the enemy is around all the time and won’t wait for you to make your mind up.

I am sure you will agree that all these factors make me the ideal candidate to be an infantryman in the army and I look forward to hearing your response in the near future.

Yours sincerely,

Albert Narracot

Questions

1. What three things are missing from the top of the letter?

2. What position is Albert applying for?

3. Based on how it is used in the letter, what is a passionate patriot?

4. Complete the sentence: ‘Secondly, I believe I have the skills ______________ to be one of the best ______________ the British army has ever seen.

5. Which of the following is this an example of:

a)      Simile

b)      Alliteration

c)       Hyperbole

d)      Metaphor?

6. Write down one of the skills Albert claims to have.

7. When does Albert hope to hear a response?

8. There is something not quite right about the sign-off. What is it?

Extension activity

The following is a list of words which are quite informal. Find the more formal version of each in the letter and write it next to the informal one. The first one has been done for you.

Job – position

Perfect ___________________

Enthusiastic _________________

Totally _________________

Needed ______________

Change ______________

Really good ______________

Getting/picking up _______________

What’s more _________________

Things _______________

Reply ____________________

Homework 6th November, 2017

Read the letter from Captain Nichols to Albert and answer the questions that follow.

This is due tomorrow (Tuesday, 7th November). 

Dear Albert

I hope this letter finds you well. I am well myself; we have been on manoeuvres, getting ready for the first big push against the Germans, which will be happening in a few weeks’ time, and whilst I feel that we are in good shape, I am having trouble with the idea that this is going to be easy and the war will be over soon. I worry that we may have underestimated the enemy.

Anyway, I’m sure you are wondering how Joey is doing. Well, I don’t think it’s too much of an exaggeration to say that he is the finest horse this regiment has ever seen. Even Corporal Perkins admires him, and believe me, he is a very hard man to please. I will certainly feel confident, or, at least, as confident as I possibly can, riding Joey into battle.

I wish I could tell you that everything will be okay and that Joey will return to you in one piece, but at the same time, I don’t want to set you up for disappointment. This is war, and the reality of war is that there are casualties. I will make this promise to you, however: I will do my utmost to make sure that Joey is looked after and protected as much as possible and that you are reunited with him one day. I know you miss him, and he misses you, I am sure of it.

I have to go know; it’s dinner time and I don’t want to miss out! I’ll need all my strength if we’re going to beat those Germans.

Warmest regards,

Captain Nicholls

Questions

1. What is missing from the top of the letter?

2. What has Captain Nicholls been getting ready for?

3. Complete the sentence: ‘Anyway, I’m ______ you are _____________ how Joey’s doing.’

4. What compliment does he pay Joey in the second paragraph?

5. What will make him confident?

6. What does he wish he could tell Albert?

7. Why does he not tell him this?

8. Complete the sentence: ‘This is ____ and the ____________ of war is that there are _________________.’

9. What does he promise?

10. Why does he have to go?

Extension questions

11. What does Captain Nicholls think about Britain’s chances of winning the war?

12. How can we tell this?

13. What evidence is there in the second paragraph that he is not totally confident of winning his first battle?

14. How can we tell from what is written that Corporal Perkins is a tough man?