A model formal letter: asking for a refund
Each paragraph has one job. Notes on the right explain the choices. Every word in the key sentences has its English meaning underneath. The same habits carry over from English; see our guide to writing skills.
Subject line
“Re: refund request”ob-ZHEH: duh-MAHND duh rahm-boors-MAHN Note: Objet tells the reader the purpose at once. Note the space before the colon.
Objet :subjectdemanderequestdeofremboursementrefund
Context
“On 3 March I ordered a computer from your website.”luh TRWAH MARS, zhay koh-mahn-DAY uhn-nor-dee-nah-TUR sür vot-ruh SEET Note: Start with the facts in the passé composé: date, what happened.
Lethe33mars,Marchj’aiI-havecommandéorderedunaordinateurcomputersuronvotreyoursite.site
Problem
“However, the device I received does not work.”OR, lah-pah-RAY kuh zhay ruh-SÜ nuh fonk-SYON pah Note: Or (“however, yet”) is a formal connector for a turn in the facts. Full negation ne … pas.
Or,howeverl’appareilthe-devicequethatj’aiI-havereçureceivednenotfonctionneworkspas.not
Request
“I would be grateful if you would kindly refund me.”zhuh voo soh-REH GRAY duh byan voo-LWAR muh rahm-boor-SAY Note: Je vous saurais gré de … is a classic formal request, softened by the conditional.
JeIvousyousauraiswould-knowgrégracedeofbienwellvouloirto-wantmemerembourser.refund
Closing
“Yours faithfully.”vuh-YEZ ah-gray-AY, mah-DAHM, muh-SYUH, lek-spreh-SYON duh may sah-lü-tah-SYON dees-tan-GAY Note: Repeat the exact greeting from the start inside the closing formula.
Veuillezpleaseagréer,acceptMadame,MadamMonsieur,Sirl’expressionthe-expressiondeofmesmysalutationsgreetingsdistinguées.distinguished
The French essay plan: thèse, antithèse, synthèse
French schools teach a three-part dialectical plan: argue for, argue against, then reach a balanced conclusion. Examiners expect to see it. Each part is announced in the introduction and opened with a clear connector.
Introduction Hook and question Open with a fact, then state the question and announce your plan. Faut-ilmust-oneinterdirebanlesthevoiturescarseninville ?townfoh-TEEL an-tair-DEER lay vwah-TÜR ahn VEEL · “Should cars be banned in town?”
Part 1 · thèse For The arguments in favour, with an example each. D’une part,on-one-handlathepollutionpollutiondiminue.decreasesdün PAR, lah poh-lü-SYON dee-mee-NÜ · “On the one hand, pollution falls.”
Part 2 · antithèse Against The arguments against, opened with a contrast. D’autre part,on-the-other-handlesthecommercesshopssouffrent.sufferDOHTR PAR, lay koh-MAIRS SOOFR · “On the other hand, shops suffer.”
Part 3 · synthèse Balance A nuanced position that goes beyond both sides. Uneasolutionsolutionintermédiairemiddlesembleseemspossible.possibleün soh-lü-SYON an-tair-may-DYAIR SAHNBL poh-SEEBL · “A middle-ground solution seems possible.”
Conclusion Answer and open Answer the question, then open a wider perspective. En somme,all-in-allil fautone-mustrepenserrethinklatheville.cityahn SOM, eel foh ruh-pahn-SAY lah VEEL · “All in all, we need to rethink the city.”
Phrase bank
Ready-made phrases for each stage. More linking words are in French connectors.
Introducing
Giving an opinion
Example and evidence
Concluding
Before you submit: a self-check
Tick each point as you reread your text. Most lost marks at B2 come from the same few areas.
0/8 Reread your text with each point in mind.