Invintations and Letters

Question 1

Invitation

Answer 1

We would like to invite you to …; we hope you will be able to attend; (we) wondered you would be interested in participating.

Question 2

Decline an invintation

Answer 2

Tip
Elicit from the class two reasons for giving an excuse when you decline an invitation. Then tell them to read the Tip to compare it with their ideas. You could also elicit some more examples of excuses from the class (e.g. Unfortunately, I will be out of the country at the time | I have already agreed to attend a different event that evening | I am tied up with family commitments that day.

Question 3

Letter

Answer 3

Background note
The second paragraph contains an example of a cleft sentence. This structure uses it + be + that-clause to draw attention to part of the sentence by moving it towards the beginning of the sentence. Compare these two versions - the cleft sentence is the second version,
• [We have been able to complete this project] (largely thanks to your generosity].
It is [largely thanks to your generosity) that we have been able to complete this
project].

Question 4

Suggested answers
Paragraph Function Useful phrases Useful techniques

Answer 4

1 Introduce yourself
You may be aware that …
This is a useful phrase for referring to something that the other person may or may not know.
2 The invitation
*As a highly valued partner, we would be delighted if you could attend …, which will take place at … on … from … *
Use positive language (e.g. highly valued, delighted).
State the location, date and starting time very clearly.
3Information about the event
The launch party will feature …
Explain why the event will be worth attending, e.g. special appearances by well-known figures.
4The persuasion
We very much look forward to …, and would like to take this opportunity to …
Use positive language (e.g. very much look forward, celebrate).
Show that the event is not just about you (e.g. launching our new product), but also relevant to the other person (e.g. our partnership, our joint success).
5 The call to action
I would be grateful if you could confirm your attendance using the contact details below.
Explain exactly what the other person should do.