Writing 1: DESCRIBING
EXPERIENCES

You have been asked to
write about "a disastrous journey". Expand the notes into a complete
story, paying special attention to the verbs in brackets.

I (catch)/evening train/London, where (spend) the day working. I (know) journey well because/(do)
it many times before. Halfway home/(decide)/have
something to eat. (Finish) sandwich/(open) book I
(bring) with me. Nearly (finish) it/(want) to know how
(end). Next thing (know),/dark outside train. (Hear)
announcement for station/(not recognise). Immediately
(realise)/(fall) asleep/(miss) my station. (Get) off
quickly/(ask) time/next train back.

Unfortunately,
one (leave) five minutes before/(have to) wait an
hour/next one.

Writing 2: FORMAL AND INFORMAL STYLE

Match the meanings of the formal and informal phrases.

Example:
A = 5

Informal

Formal

A Hi there, Bill

1. Moreover

B You'll never guess
what

2. Would it be
possible to

C Also, about

3. The problem is
now

D Like I said

4. Resolved I'm
afraid I can't

E Can I

5. Dear Mr.
Williams

F Chuffed to bits

6. Rather
problematic

G I've sorted it

7. That will be fine

H A bit of a pain

8. I wonder if you
can imagine

I Sorry, no way

9. Look forward to
seeing

J Yes, ok then

10. As
I've already mentioned

K Can't wait to catch up

11. Really
delighted

Now read the following
email from a friend and write a reply, using as many informal phrases from list
A-K as possible. Reassure your friend about the arrangements for the trip.

Hi!

Really looking forward to the trip, but I'm a
bit worried about the problem of the early flight. Have you managed to change
it yet? Please let me know how things are with the arrangements. Sorry I've
left it all up to you but I've been really busy. Anyway, it'll be great to see
you again.