Formal Letter/Email Writing Guide

This page provides a comprehensive structure for writing formal letters or emails in English for the Selectividad exam.

Greeting

• If you know the recipient's name and title: "Dear Dr/Professor/Ms/Mr Smith"
• If writing to a specific person but don't know their name: "Dear Sir or Madam"
• If you don't know who will read it: "To whom it may concern"

Body Structure

1. Introduction: State the reason for writing
2. Main body: Present your points in separate paragraphs
3. Conclusion: Summarize and state what you want to happen next

Highlight: Use formal language, passive voice, and linking phrases between paragraphs for a polished tone.

Example: "The reason why I am writing this letter is..."

Closing

• "Yours sincerely" (if you know the recipient's name)
• "Yours faithfully" (if you don't know the recipient's name)

Definition: Passive causative - A grammatical structure used to show that someone else performed an action for the subject, e.g., "I had my temperature taken (by the nurse)."

Informal Letter/Email and Article Writing Tips

This page covers the structure and key elements for writing informal letters/emails and articles for the Selectividad exam.

Informal Letter/Email Structure

1. Introduction: Start with a friendly greeting and mention why you're writing
2. Main body: Address the recipient's questions or share information
3. Closing: End with a friendly sign-off and your name

Example: "Hi..., How are things? Sorry to be slow getting back to you but..."

Vocabulary: "Count me in!" - An informal way to express enthusiasm about participating in something

Article Writing Structure

1. Introduction: Grab the reader's attention with a rhetorical question or statement
2. Body: Include personal opinions, examples, or anecdotes
3. Conclusion: Address the reader directly and summarize your main points

Example: "I'm sure everyone would agree that..." or "Have you ever thought about...?"

Narrative Writing Tips

• Begin by setting the scene, introducing characters, and establishing time and place
• Use action verbs, contractions, direct speech, and adverbs in the middle section
• End the story with a satisfying conclusion or reflection

Quote: "It was a bright cold day in April and the clocks were striking..."

Writing Templates and Phrases for Selectividad

This page provides useful templates and phrases for various types of writing in Selectividad exams.

Opinion Essay Phrases

• "Nowadays, it is widely known that..."
• "There's no doubt that the... has experienced..."
• "I firmly believe that..."

For & Against Essay Phrases

• "Those who are in favour claim that..."
• "Nevertheless, in spite of the advantages, there is a main drawback."
• "Taking into consideration the previous ideas we can conclude that..."

Formal Letter/Email Phrases

• "I am writing in response to..."
• "I would like to get more information about..."
• "I am looking forward to hearing from you."

Highlight: Remember to include your address in the top right-hand corner and the recipient's address on the left above the greeting in formal letters.

Informal Letter/Email Phrases

• "What great news! I'm glad to hear that..."
• "Well, if I were you I would... since..."
• "I'm looking forward to hearing from you."

Narrative Writing Template

"Ever since I can remember, I have (passionately) wanted to... Finally, last (day/month/year)... my wish was accomplished. I felt so (feelings adj-ex: happy, excited...) that I could not believe it."

Example: "I will never forget the moment/day when I met (a person)/ landed in such a special country/place..."

Additional Writing Tips and Idioms for Selectividad

This page offers extra writing tips and introduces some useful idioms for enhancing your writing in Selectividad exams.

General Writing Tips

• Use clear and concise language
• Employ a variety of sentence structures
• Incorporate relevant vocabulary and expressions
• Ensure proper paragraph structure and coherence

Useful Idioms

1. "I'm on cloud nine!" - Extremely happy or elated
2. "X is my cup of tea!" - Something you really enjoy or are good at
3. "Easy-peasy!" - Very easy or simple to do

Vocabulary: Idiom - A phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning different from its literal meaning

Narrative Writing Techniques

• Use descriptive language to set the scene
• Incorporate dialogue to bring characters to life
• Build tension and suspense throughout the story
• End with a satisfying resolution or thought-provoking conclusion

Example: "I was (insert action, flying... travelling... in front of...)... It was a bright cold day in April and the clocks were striking (time) (describe the weather, the situation)"

Highlight: Remember to use a mix of short and long sentences to create rhythm in your narrative writing.

Advanced Language Features

This section covers sophisticated language elements for Textos argumentativos selectividad resueltos.

Vocabulary: Key phrases include "breathtaking" (impressive), "astonishing" (incredible), and "filthy/spotless" (contrasts).

Quote: Common proverbs like "Actions speak louder than words" and "Don't judge a book by its cover" enhance writing.

Highlight: Using second conditional structures (If + past simple, would + verb) adds sophistication to arguments.

Opinion Essay and For & Against Essay Structure

This page outlines the key components for crafting effective opinion essays and for & against essays for the Selectividad exam.

Opinion Essay Structure

1. Introduction: Set the context using phrases like "Nowadays, most people share the view that..." or "Lately, not only has... been a popular topic, but..."

2. Body paragraphs: Present arguments using transitions like "Firstly," "Secondly," and "Last but not least"

3. Conclusion: Summarize your stance with phrases such as "Taking everything into account, I strongly believe that..."

Highlight: Use the phrase "It should be a crucial target for the administration/whole society to..." to emphasize the importance of your topic.

For & Against Essay Structure

1. Objective introduction: Present the topic neutrally

2. Arguments for the subject

3. Arguments against the subject

4. Conclusion: Weigh both sides and present your final opinion

Example: "Having looked at both sides of the argument, I really think that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages."

Vocabulary: "Voice criticism" - to express disapproval or objections about something