Writing

1. SPEAKING Describe the photo. Have you ever stayed in a youth hostel? How are they different from hotels?

(Mô tả bức ảnh. Bạn đã bao giờ ở trong một ký túc xá thanh niên? Chúng khác với khách sạn như thế nào?)

Answer:

In the photo, there is a room with bunk beds, which is the main focus of the image. The beds are made with red sheets and there are red cushions on them. The bedding is red and white, adding a pop of color to the room. A ladder can be seen in the corner of the room, presumably used to access the top bunk. There is also a white folded blanket on a red surface, possibly on the lower bunk. The room has white walls and a black floor, which provides a nice contrast to the colorful bedding. A white pillow can also be seen on the red surface, adding to the overall color scheme of the room.

• Differences between youth hostel and hotels:

Youth hostels are generally more affordable and offer basic accommodations, while hotels tend to be more expensive and offer a wider range of amenities and services.

In a youth hostel, guests typically share dormitory-style rooms with bunk beds and communal bathrooms. Hostels often have shared kitchen facilities where guests can prepare their own meals, and they may also offer common areas for socializing and activities.

In contrast, hotels usually offer private rooms with en suite bathrooms, and may provide additional amenities like room service, swimming pools, fitness centers, and on-site restaurants. Hotels are generally more formal and provide a higher level of service than hostels.

Another key difference is that hostels tend to attract a younger, more budget-conscious crowd, while hotels cater to a wider range of travelers, including families, business travelers, and luxury-seeking tourists.

2. Read the writing task and the letter. Has the writer covered all four points in the task?

(Đọc bài viết và bức thư. Người viết đã bao quát hết bốn điểm trong bài chưa?)

You are planning to visit Bristol in the UK this summer with a small group of friends and have been given a recommendation for a youth hostel. Write a letter to the youth hostel in which you

* give information about your group.

* inform them of the dates you want to stay and ask about availability.

* ask about food and drink.

* ask for suggestions about places to visit in Bristol.

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to enquire about a visit to your youth hostel in Bristol next month. I'll be travelling to Bristol with three mates from school. All four of us are female and aged seventeen or eighteen. We're planning to stay for seven nights between 10 and 17 August. Please tell me whether you have beds available for those dates. I’d also like to know whether your youth hostel has a café or restaurant. If not, would it be possible to recommend any places to eat near the hostel which are not too expensive? This will be our first visit to Bristol. Although I have read about the city on the internet, I’d love to hear any tips for places to visit in the city. I look forward to getting an answer from you in due course so that we can finalise the details of our visit.

Yours faithfully,

Hage Jones

Hazel Jones

Answer:

Yes, the writer has covered all four points in the task:

1. Information about the group: The writer mentions that they are a small group of four female friends who are aged seventeen or eighteen.

2. Dates and availability: The writer informs the hostel that they plan to stay for seven nights between 10 and 17 August and asks about availability.

3. Food and drink: The writer asks if the hostel has a café or restaurant and if not, for recommendations of places to eat near the hostel.

4. Suggestions for places to visit: The writer asks for tips on places to visit in Bristol as it will be their first visit.

Writing Strategy

1. Divide your letter into paragraphs.

2. In the first paragraph, which can be a single sentence, say why you are writing.

3. Each paragraph should have its own topic. It is usually best to deal with each point in the task in a separate paragraph.

4. In the final paragraph, which can be a single sentence, say that you expect a reply.

5. Avoid colloquial language and short forms.

3. Read the Writing Strategy and do the tasks below.

(Đọc Chiến lược viết và thực hiện các nhiệm vụ bên dưới)

1. Divide the letter into six paragraphs.

2. Find three examples of short forms. Correct them.

3. Find words and phrases in the letter which would be bette expressed with these more formal words and phrases:

friends I would be grateful if you could inform me

I would certainly be interested receiving a reply

recommendations

4. Find words and phrases in the letter which express these things in a more formal way:

ask about soon sort out tell me about

Answer:

1. Here's a suggested division of the letter into six paragraphs:

Paragraph 1: Introduction and purpose of the letter Paragraph 2: Information about the group Paragraph 3: Dates of stay and availability Paragraph 4: Inquiring about food and drink Paragraph 5: Requesting suggestions about places to visit in Bristol Paragraph 6: Conclusion and expectation of reply

1. Examples of short forms and corrected versions:

• "we're" (we are) - "We are"

• "I'll" (I will) - "I will"

• "can't" (cannot) - "cannot"

1. Words and phrases that could be expressed in a more formal way:

• "friends" - "travel companions"

• "I would be grateful if you could inform me" - "Please inform me"

• "I would certainly be interested" - "I would be interested"

• "recommendations" - "suggestions"

• "receiving a reply" - "receiving a response"

1. Words and phrases that could be expressed in a more formal way:

• "ask about" - "inquire about"

• "soon" - "in the near future"

• "sort out" - "arrange"

• "tell me about" - "inform me about"

You are planning to visit York in the UK this summer with a friend from school and have been given a recommendation for a small hotel. Write a letter to the hotel in which you

* give information about who will be travelling and when.

* enquire about prices and availability.

* ask about the best way to get to the hotel using public transport.

* ask about suggested activities in the surrounding area.

4. Read the task above. Make a paragraph plan and include brief notes for each of the four points in the task.

(Đọc nhiệm vụ trên. Lập một kế hoạch đoạn văn và bao gồm các ghi chú ngắn gọn cho từng điểm trong số bốn điểm trong nhiệm vụ)

Paragraph 1: Giving reason for writing

Paragraph 2: First point in task

Paragraph 3: Second point in task

Paragraph 4: Third point in task

Paragraph 5: Fourth point in task

Paragraph 6: Requesting a reply

Answer:

Paragraph 1: Introduction and reason for writing

• Introduce yourself as someone planning to visit York this summer with a friend from school

• State that you have been recommended the hotel and would like to enquire about prices, availability, transport and activities in the area

Paragraph 2: Information about travelers and dates

• Mention the number of travelers and their names

• Provide the dates for the planned stay at the hotel

• Highlight any special requirements or preferences if relevant

Paragraph 3: Enquiry about prices and availability

• Ask about the prices of the rooms for the specified dates

• Inquire about the availability of rooms during the planned stay

• Mention any specific room preferences if applicable

Paragraph 4: Asking about public transport to the hotel

• Request information about the best way to reach the hotel using public transport

• Mention any nearby stations, bus stops or landmarks that can assist with navigation

• Inquire about the frequency and timings of public transport

Paragraph 5: Inquiring about suggested activities in the surrounding area

• Ask for recommendations for nearby attractions, events, restaurants or other activities

• Mention any specific interests or preferences that you and your friend have

Paragraph 6: Requesting a reply

• Thank the hotel for their time and consideration

• Provide your contact information and request a prompt reply

• Express your interest in staying at the hotel and look forward to hearing back from them.

5. Write your letter (150—180 words) using your notes from exercise 4. Remember to follow the advice in the strategy.

(Viết thư của bạn (150—180 từ) bằng cách sử dụng ghi chú của bạn từ bài tập 4. Hãy nhớ làm theo lời khuyên trong chiến lược)

Answer:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to enquire about the availability and prices of your hotel rooms for a planned trip to York this summer. My friend and I, both high school students, are interested in staying at your hotel and would appreciate any information you can provide regarding our stay.

We will be traveling to York from 1st July to 4th July, and would require a twin room with an ensuite bathroom. Could you please let us know the prices for these dates and whether you have any availability during this period?

Additionally, we would like to know the best way to reach your hotel using public transport. Are there any nearby stations or bus stops that we should be aware of? What are the timings and frequency of public transport in the area?

Finally, we would love to explore the surrounding area during our stay. Could you suggest any nearby attractions, events, restaurants or other activities that we might enjoy?

Thank you for your time and assistance. Please feel free to contact us via email or phone provided below. We look forward to hearing back from you soon and hope to have the opportunity to stay at your hotel.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]