A friend of yours has written a letter to you telling you that they have started to suffer from asthma. You know that they started to smoke a few months ago and you are worried that they will become addicted. They are very enthusiastic about athletics and would like to win a scholarship to study sport technology at university.

Write to your friend and tell them that you think that smoking could be the cause of their health problems and how it might affect their future. Suggest ways in which they might get help in giving up smoking.

Write your letter. You do not need to include postal addresses

You see this advert in a newspaper:

Tour guides needed 

We need a hard-working team of people to work as tour guides throughout the summer period. A good knowledge of your local area is required, as well as the ability to get on well with people. If you are at least 18 years old, write to us and tell us about your character and interests. We would also like you to say what you think is one of the highlights of your area and why.

Write a letter applying for the job advertised. You do not need to include postal addresses.

You have been asked to provide a reference for a friend of yours who has applied for a job as a receptionist in an English language college. The person appointed will be good at dealing with a range of different people and will have excellent administrative skills.

You should include information about your friend's character and personal qualities and skills, their previous relevant experience and reasons why they should be considered for this job.

Write your reference.

A friend of yours has just bought a new computer and has high-speed Internet connection for the first time. Write them a letter telling them about the advantages of having the Internet. 

Tell them about interesting websites that you have visited. You should also warn them of any security dangers and disadvantages of the Internet.

Write your letter. You do not need to include postal addresses.

You see this advertisement in an international student magazine.

HOST FAMILIES WANTED

We are inviting applications from families who would like to offer accommodation to international students during their stay in your country. If you are interested, please write answering the following questions:

• What do you think are the advantages for a student of staying with a host family compared with college accommodation? 

• What qualities is it necessary for a successful host family to have? 

• Why would you like to host international students?

Mr S Martin Hosts International Ltd.

Write your letter of application.

You recently had an unpleasant experience when you were shopping in a department store. One of the assistants wrongly accused you of shoplifting. Although you were able to prove that you had paid for the item in question, you received no apology.

Write a letter to the manager of the shop. saying why you are angry and disappointed and asking for some kind of compensation for the way you were treated. Say that you will take further action if you do not receive an official apology

Write your letter. You do not need to include postal addresses

You have just come back from seeing a play at the West End with a classmate and want to tell your sibling about it so they go to see the play/performance before it leaves to tour in the United States.

• • Tell your sibling in a letter about the play including the characters, story, direction, stage props and audience reaction, among other aspects 

  • Mention anything you would have changed or done differently, if applicable.

Write your letter. You do not need to include postal addresses.

You are reading a local newspaper editorial where the publication argues that the citizens of the city should pay higher taxes to help fund the building of new facilities to host the Olympic Games. You disagree with this idea and write a letter to the editor explaining your reasons. 

You argue that the hard economic times have made it difficult for people to live and more taxes now would only increase their burden. You don't see the value after the Olympic Games are over, and, moreover, you are against all the traffic and noise that will result from the new construction.

Write your letter. You do not need to include postal addresses.

You have read an opinion on a blog about a new mobile application for finding nightspots in a given postal code. The author of the piece presents a negative picture of the application criticising its speed, accuracy, and usability. You, however, have used the application regularly and believe it to be excellent.

Write a response to the blogger expressing how the application has served you well, highlighting its user-friendliness, design, accuracy and speed. Feel free to address other points in your letter to be sent by e-mail.

Write your letter in reply. You do not need to include postal addresses

You have received a letter from a friend:

I'm really enjoying the variety in my new job, which often allows me to travel on business. Actually, with that in mind, I'm contacting you now, as I'll be in your town for a week next month. Could you tell me the best places to go and what I can do, so that I can make the most of my free time when I have the odd evening or weekend free?

Sheila

Write your letter.

You have decided to go backpacking around Europe. One of your best friends did exactly that last year. Write to your friend asking for advice. Look at the notes you have made below of all the things that you need to ask your friend.

Notes 

• plan route or just go for it? 

• accommodation? 

• places not to miss?

• best way to travel? 

• insurance? 

• possible problems?

Write your letter. You do not need to include postal addresses.