Useful language

Informal letter

Beginning the letter:
Many thanks for your letter, it was really nice to hear from you again.
I thought I'd better write and give you some more details about...
It's been such a long time since we wrote to each other.
How are you and your family?
How are things with you?
How was your holiday?

Introducing the topic:
I know you're longing to hear all about...
You remember I told you in my last letter...

Ending the letter:
Once again, thanks very much for...
Give my love/regards to...
Please write/drop me a line soon
I look forward to...

Descriptive composition

The main character...
The story takes place in...
The book tells the story of...
Events revolve around...
The first thing that happens is...
The best thing about the book is that...

Letter of application

I have always been interested in...
One of the main reasons I am applying for this job is that...
I have a lot of experience of...
I am available to start work...
Thank you for considering my application.
I would be grateful if you would...
I can be contacted on.."telephone number"..at any time.
I can be contacted at the above address.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Article

Involving the reader:
Are you thinking of...?
I'm sure you'll agree...

Developing your points:
Let's start with...
Another advantage...
On top of that...

Giving your own opinion:
I think that/In my opinion...
It seems to me that...

Story

We had been....just before...
It wasn't until...that...
While...
As soon as...
I was just about to...,when...
By the time...
A few seconds later,...
Eventually/After a while...
At last...

Report

Introduction:
The aim of this report is to...
This report is intended to...

Reporting results:
Most people seem to feel that...
Several people said/told me/suggested/thought that...

Presenting a list:
They gave/suggested the following reasons:...
They made the following points: 1)...2)...

Making recommendations:
I would therefore recommend...
It woul seem that...is the best idea.