A. You have read an advertisement about a post of shop assistant in a book shop.

Write a letter to the manager of the book shop applying for the job.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to apply for the post of shop assistant in the book shop as advertised in
yesterdays newspaper I Kathimerini.

I believe I have all the necessary skills and qualifications for this post as I already have two
years experience working in a bookshop at the position of shop assistant. Besides, I have
received 6 months training in universitys library, completed a week ago.

I have recently awarded a diploma in Library Administration and Informative Systems and I
am able to carry out most day-to-day tasks in a bookshop. Moreover, I have received training
in computers and I obtained an International Diploma in IT Skills Standard Level and a
Certificate in Internet Applications. Furthermore, I hold a certificate in English language.

In addition, I am a hard-working and responsible person. I generally like organization and

enjoy reading books. I would be grateful if I had the opportunity to work for a bookshop
because this job would offer me more experience in this professional field and would be a
great chance for me to improve my skills.

Please find enclosed my CV and references from my past employers. I would be pleased to
attend an interview at a time convenient to you. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you
require any further information. I hope to hear from you in the near future.

Yours faithfully

B. A friend of yours is coming to spend a week in your home town. Write to him or
her giving information about the people and local leisure activities (cinemas,
swimming)

Hi Linda,

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With regard to your coming to spend a week in my hometown, I am delighted to inform you
that Thessaloniki, Greeces co-capital, is renowned for its festivals, events and vibrant
cultural life in general.

To begin with, the most well-known monument and citys symbol one notices upon entering
Thessalonikis waterfront is the White Tower. Large open spaces gardens around its
waterfront, range that span for 3 km along the coast, include a variety of facilities such as
rock climbing facilities, a skate park and paintball. A variety of events takes place in these
spaces which, mostly during summer, are full of Thessalonians enjoying their long evening
walks. The forest national park offers residents and visitors alike, quiet viewpoints towards
the city, mountain bike trails and landscaped hiking paths while the city's zoo is located
nearby. Besides, it is renowned for its major shopping streets and lively laneways.

Thessaloniki is lined up with several cafs and bars and some of the best nightlife and
entertainment in the country, thanks to its large young population and multicultural feel.
Furthermore, the city houses many museums, theaters, orchestras, art galleries, the largest
planetarium in Greece and multiplex cinemas in major shopping malls one of which is the
largest retail and entertainment development in the Balkans and the largest water park in
southeastern Europe. As Thessaloniki is proximity to beaches of Chalkidiki, often allows its
residents to easily have access to some of the best outdoor recreation in Europe.

I would be happy to provide you with any additional information. I look forward to seeing
you soon and have a great time together in Thessaloniki!

Best wishes,

C. Write a letter to a friend describing a recent/ disappointing trip.

Hi Anastasia,

How are you and your family getting on? I hope everyone is fine. I wait with eager
anticipation to share with you my strong disappointment when I arrived at the hotel which I
made a reservation in Paros Island. I feel I must inform you how shocked I was from how

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inhospitable the staff was and how old fashioned, without any main convenience, the room I
had booked was as well.

I got lots of background information on where we were going and find out about the places of
interest, "must-see" sights, excursions and cruises to nearby islands. To begin with, it was two
weeks before I made a reservation at a hotel there and after our telephone conversation I was
sure that the hotel was in the capitals center and the rooms were as those described on the
web. However, the hotel was quite far from the center and the room was not as I had seen it
on the site but with old fashioned furniture and electrics while the bathroom was disgusting.
Neither my grandparents would go there.

When we made our complaints at the reception, as we had make a reservation for something
completely different, they said to us, with a very rude tone, to hire a car or a motorcycle to
drive to the center as all tourists do and that they had never had a problem about how the
rooms were before. Then we asked to be given the rooms which I had seen saw in the web or
our money back; but it was reserved as she said. She proposed another room but it was so bad
and dusted, so we decided to search for another hotel and entitled a refund.

I was wondering if this is called Greek hospitality with the way they treated us without a
refund to use it for our service at another islands hotel, since that one did not cover us and it
was their blame. For our good luck, two hours later, we met a very hospitable owner of a
hotel in the capitals center and he services us great with a very good price for 5 days with
bed and breakfast in a modern room with many comforts. The weather was hot and sunny, our
arrival in Paros was disappointing but we finally spent five days on the beach, sightseeing,
relaxing and exploring Cyclades.

Thats all for now. See you on the day you get back from London. I am looking forward to
hearing from you!

Cheers,

D. A friend of yours is constantly staying at home watching TV. Write a letter to

him or her suggesting what else to do instead.

Dear Jim,

I am writing in response to your letter requesting suggestions about what else to do instead of
staying at home watching TV. If you are constantly staying at home watching TV all day, you

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would end up with many health problems such as cholesterol, myopia, obesity or
psychological problems. I hope the following suggestions will be of some help for you.

To begin with, it is important that you do not wait until you notice you're having a lot of
health problems and then go on to do something but to change what you do all the time.
One possible suggestion of preventing the problem would be to enjoy recreational activities. It
doesnt matter if you have not found a job yet to have your own money. Visiting parks,
museums and places of historical importance or going for a walk at the coast do not cost a
thing.

Furthermore, it would be a good idea to come up with a proposal for your joining to sports
activities at citys public gym where you would meet new people, make new friends and
socialize. Besides, this would help you in developing leadership qualities and interpersonal
skills which are great advantages for some jobs.

Though these proposals may not be the answer to all the problems of what somebody could
do instead of watching TV all the time, it does provide some solutions and is worth some
serious consideration.

I hope that these suggestions will prove to be of some assistance to you and I trust that you
will accept and follow some of those. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any
further help. Keep me posted.

With love,
Maria.

E. Write a letter to a friend giving advice for a healthier diet.

Dear Tania,

Thank you for your letter requesting advice about a healthier diet and I hope the following
advice will be of some help for you.

The problem appears to lie in the fact that you have a sweet tooth and like eating cakes,
sweets or chocolate as me. The consequence would be eventually to put on weight. As we are

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what we eat, one possible advice would be not to wait until you notice you're gaining a lot of
weight and then go on a crash diet; but to watch what you eat all the time. Alternatively, the
situation could be prevented if you reduce the amount of fatty or sugary foods.

Though this proposal may not be the answer for how somebody has a healthier diet but it
provides some solution and is worth some serious consideration. It wouldnt hurt us to review
our eating habits and strive for a more balanced diet, low fat, and high-fiber diet. It would be
a good idea to eat more fish and poultry and your daily portions of fresh fruit and vegetables.

In an attempt to be fit you ought to take plenty of exercise as well. I believe that your best
course of action would be exercise as often as you can. No matter how busy we are with
studies or work, we can still find two or three times a week to go to a gym for aerobics or
even go for a walk together. After all, it is important that we do something to burn those extra
calories.

I hope that this advice will prove to be of some assistance to you and I hope that you will
accept and follow it. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any further help.

With love,
.

F. Write a letter to a friend describing which is your best meal to cook and where
you buy the ingredients from.

Dear Ellen,

With regard to our telephone conversation concerning how to prepare a meal for your
boyfriend, I would propose to make my best meal as John is fan of healthier diet. You can't
get much healthier than baking salmon and steaming some vegetables.

To begin with, you will need a fillet of salmon per person. I feel that your best course of
action would be to buy salmon from my fisherman who I trust for what he gives to me and he
is nearby my neighborhood; unless you have someone else you trust. Furthermore, you will

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need the following ingredients: olive oil, lemon juice, dried dill leaves, broccoli, carrots, kale,
and celeriac. If you dont have any of the above ingredients as stock in your kitchen, you
ought to buy. I usually go to the supermarket as it has everything I want and vegetables are
always fresh.

How to make baked salmon with steamed vegetables? First of all, preheat oven to 200C.
Secondly, place the salmon on a piece of foil, brush with olive oil and sprinkle with lemon
juice and the dill. Thirdly, wrap the salmon in the foil and place in the oven for 10-15
minutes. Finally, remove and allow resting for 5 minutes before opening the foil. Meanwhile,
steam the vegetables to serve alongside the finished salmon. Your meal is ready, so easy and
quickly!

I hope that this information will be of some assistance. I look forward to hearing from you, as
soon as possible. I would be happy to provide you with any additional help. Good luck!

With love,
Maria.

G. Write a letter thanking someone who helped you recently.

Dear Sofia,

Thank you very much for your helping me to organize my birthday party and the elegant
necklace you gave me. It's exactly what I need to wear in special occasions.

We had a very fabulous and entertaining birthday party at home. All my friends ate too many
nuts, sweets, foods and drank a lot. So now we're all on a diet! I hope your participation in the
party was as good, and that you were able to relax after that night. I hope you had a good time
as well. After two days, we altogether had a day trip out nearby. We went for horse riding
which was fun, ate in a traditional tavern and drank a coffee in a patisserie.

In addition, I went to University the following week and met my professor for a discussion
about my doctoral studies. This year I have to study hard. I have really enjoyed my studies so
far, but I'm not sure what to do since I cannot find a job in parallel with my studies. I had a

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career interviews arrangement and I will have 280-hour-subsidised seminars during the New
Year. Hopefully, it will become easier to find a job that responds to my studies and
qualifications.

Thank you again for your helping and giving me such a thoughtful gift. My best wishes for a
happy New Year.

Lots of love,

H. Your best friend is going to move to another country due to his studies;
therefore he is giving a farewell party. Write a letter to him refusing the
invitation; give instructions about how to move in and ask for his new address.
Hi Jim,

Thank you for your invitation letter to your farewell party due to your moving to another
country. However, I am writing to apologize for my not coming. Please accept my apologies
for that.

I would be so happy to attend your farewell party but it is very hard for me, as there are many
reasons which make it difficult. A week ago my cousin passed out. I was so shocked of his
death and I do not feel that I am a good company for a party. I send you all my love and best
wishes to your new settling in another country.

Without a doubt moving to a foreign country is one of the biggest life transitions you can ever
have. So being well prepared will make your transition much easier, and much more
enjoyable. I hope the following instructions will be of some help to you.

First of all, make sure your passport is up to date. In addition, interview at least three different
companies and get their quotes for the move. See if people you know are already living in the

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country you're moving to because they can be a valuable source of help if you need
information, support and connection.

Will you stay in a hotel or serviced apartment accommodation while looking for a place to
buy or rent? If so, set up banking accounts that work for you. It is easier to transfer money
among many countries without giving up too much in processing fees.

Let me know about your plans and your new address. Its likely that I will come to meet you.
I hope you will accept my sincerest apologies for the inconvenience caused.

Best wishes,
Maria.

I. Your pen friend is going to move to your country due to his studies; therefore he
is giving a party. Write a letter to him refusing the invitation; give instructions
about how to move in and ask for his new address.

Ayth einai h idia me thn prohgoumenh!

Hi Jim,

Thank you for your invitation letter to your party due to your moving in to my country for
your studies. However, I am writing to apologizes for my not coming. Please accept my
apologies for that.

I would be so happy to attend your farewell party but it is very hard for me, as there are many
reasons which make it difficult. A week ago my cousin passed out. I was so shocked of his
death and I do not feel that I am a good company for a party. I send you all my love and best
wishes to your new settling in another country.

Without a doubt moving to a foreign country is one of the biggest life transitions you can ever
make so being well prepared will make your transition much easier, and much more
enjoyable. I hope the following instructions will be of some help to you.

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First of all, make sure your passport is up to date. In addition, interview at least three different
companies and get their quotes for the move. Will you stay in hotel or serviced apartment
accommodation while looking for a place to buy or rent? If so, set up banking accounts that
work for you. It is becoming easier to transfer money between many countries without giving
up too much in processing fees. Let me know about your plans and your new address. Its
likely that I will come to meet you. I could host you for a while until you find somewhere to
stay.

I would be grateful to help if you need information, support and connection. Please do not
hesitate to contact me should you require anything. I hope you will accept my sincerest
apologies for the inconvenience caused.

Best wishes,

J. Write a letter to a friend describing your favorite holiday destination.

Hi Ellen Louise,

How are you and your family getting on? I hope everyone is fine. I wait with eager
anticipation to share with you that I spend a one-day cruise to Santorini, a popular island
resort which shots to fame to the legend of Atlantis during my four-day summer vacation on
Paros, a Greek Cycladic island.

To start with, we started our journey early in the morning; we boarded the ferry boat from
Paros for the 2 hour magical journey to Santorini while sailing the blue waters of the Aegean
Sea. I was so excited to be on my first boat ride to this magic island but the excitement soon
wore off once I was in the open sea with nothing much to see except the scenery of Santorini
in the hazy distance. It is the most photogenic island in the world, with its sparkling white
capital, clinging to the edge of its red cliffs.

Out in the open water, the sky was blue and cloudless but in the distance, clouds hovered
above Santorini. As we neared the island, visions of the legendary island with unique, wild
scenery brought out feelings and emotions not experienced on other places.

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Upon arriving at Santorini, our bus picked us up and took us first to the charming, artistic
Village of Oia, and finally to the stunning town of Fira, the island's capital. There was plenty
of time to stroll around the beautiful alleyways, admire the breathtaking views and have a
lunch and coffee.

The beautiful town of Fira, the attractive settlement of Oia and the black sandy beaches,
which stretch as far as the eye can see, made my trip unforgettable. Santorini was the best
holiday destination I have ever been to. This island is one of my favorites. I would
recommend you to travel to this island one day you come to Greece for holidays. I look
forward to hearing from you soon.

With love,

K. Write a letter to your pen friend about a drink or food you have tried for the
first time explaining if you liked it or not.

Dear Ellen,

How are you? In response to your letter giving information about how to make a romantic
meal, I am writing to let you know that I have tried to cook, for the first time, your best meal,
baking salmon and steaming some vegetables. I and my boyfriend liked it so much.

To begin with, you can't get a much healthier, easy and quick meal; you are right. I followed
your suggestions to try your fisherman to buy a fillet of salmon per person. It was such fresh
fish and delicious. Furthermore, your recipe was so simple and understanding. Besides, the
ingredients combined with the filet on the foil, made the meal tasty whereas the steaming of
some vegetables which was served alongside the finished salmon completes this great dish!

As you can imagine, the meal was superb. It has been our favorite dish and Jim would try to
cook it for me. I feel it was the best meal I have ever cooked and it is amazing the fact that as
it was my first time to try it, it had great success.

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Thanking you in anticipation of your kind cooperation. I look forward to hearing from you as
soon as possible. I would happy to try a meal for you in the future.

With love,
Maria

L. Write a letter to your teacher thanking him/her for helping you succeed in your
exams.

Dear Despoina,

Thank you very much for helping me to succeed in my exams in English. I appreciate you are
a knowledgeable, patient, enthusiastic and kind person.

We all had a very interesting and pleasure time at English lessons with you. All the students
had been studying, writing a lot of compositions and speaking in English for too many hours,
so now we're all happy as we passed the exams! We are very lucky to have you in our class.
We hope you know how much we appreciate your hard work!

Personally speaking, I learned a lot of things. Your instructions and recommendations in

different tasks helped me a great deal in addition to the dynamic way you delivered lessons
and encouraged participation. I hope you had a good time with us as well. After our success in
exams, we must celebrate and have a trip in England altogether!

I would like to let you know that I had career interviews arrangement for Paid internships
abroad by universitys AISIEC and the lessons I have with you made me have more
confidence in using the English language as I work in many tasks which help me to that.
Hopefully, it will become easier to find a job abroad that responds to my studies and
qualifications.

We're thankful that there are teachers like you. I appreciate your time, your patience, your
ability to make a dry subject interesting, and your smile. Thank you again for your helping.
My best wishes for a happy New Year.

Yours faithfully,
Maria

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 M. Describe a country you would like to visit.

I am always eager to travel to unknown places or to others I have been and I really liked. I
used to travel in places of my country but I haven't had the opportunity to see other countries
abroad. As far as foreign countries are concerned, one of the countries that I would like to
visit is England.

I have this curiosity and attraction towards England because I like the accent of people there.
It's a pleasure for me to hear them talking when I watch BBC News on TV. Moreover, a
travel to England was my dream when I was ten years old and the reason I started to study
English; but I have never been there. I firmly believe that it would be an opportunity for me to
practice my English there.

Besides, I am curious in what concerns this country and places to visit. I have friends who
study or work in England who invited me to go and visit them when I will have the time and I
seriously think about satisfying my curiosity. As the years are difficult in my country, I would
like to have a working experience in this country.

What I would like to visit more in England is the outstanding city of London, the
overwhelming Tower Bridge, the amazing London Eye and the majestic Palace of
Westminster which transfers you in another century. I have seen many photos of London with
the stimulate Big Ben clock tower and some other sights of picturesque England and I really
like them as well as the red telephone boxes and the unique London double-decker buses on
the roads.

I will end up saying that, if we really want something form the bottom of our hearts and we
try to fight for our dreams, then it is possible to see our wises become true and feel happy for
our achievements.

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 N. Young children should not watch TV. Discuss.

There is no doubt that television is usually one of the first media which children have contact
with. Is it right for children to do this? As with many things in life, there is no easy answer.
Watching TV for a young child can have both positive and negative influence.

On the positive side, television can be treated as a great source of information and fun. In
other words, as TV channels offer a wide variety of programs, beginning on cartoons and
finishing on exciting films, children have the opportunity to expand their horizons and acquire
knowledge which might be useful in school for instance.

Furthermore, there is no doubt that it is beneficial for some busy parents to turn on cartoons
on TV, video or DVD for their children because they do not want to be disturbed by them. In
addition, as there are many who cannot survive without TV, there is completely no sense in
forbidding children to watch television. Still a child who doesn't watch the latest cartoon
movies can be seen by his peers as worse.

On the other band, it's necessary to mention about dangers carried by TV nowadays. Children
are the most endangered with the bad influence of this powerful medium. First of all, children
who watch TV habitually, are more likely to have a risk of obesity and many health problems,
even heart attack in the future, than their peers who watch TV less often. Apart from health
aspect, children may find difficulties in communicating with other people, become more
aggressive and excitable. Difficulties in learning are also possible.

Last but not least, there are many contents on TV like violence or porn that are unsuitable for
young people, as well as advertisements that obviously manipulate the young TV-viewers. All
these can badly disturb a process of mental development.

To sum up, it's hard to decide whether television is a really dangerous thing for young
children or not. All parents should think about it individually. After all, they should control
carefully what their kids watch and choose programs which are "children-friendly'. It is
obvious that young people should not watch everything as it goes. However, I believe that
kids must be brought up by their parents, not television.

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 O. The best birthday party I have ever been to.

I like the parties where there are many groups of friends to celebrate at a house. Well, the best
party I have ever been to, happened years ago, but that's beside the point. My friend from
university celebrated his twenty years and he had a moderate size party in his house.

First he invited pretty much every mate I know while he celebrated in his house with his
friend who has birthday on the same day. According to this act, the party included many
friends who did not know each other. Then, we all went to his house at the time he had said to
us. It was pretty cool because I had the chance to spend an autumn night with my friends from
university and meet new friends as well. Every person instead of buying a present for our
friend, who celebrated his birthday, brought something to eat and drink such as snacks, drinks
and nuts.

The party started with a lot of music. The furniture of the living room had been removed to
another free room so as we have a large space for dancing. There was a big table in the corner
of the living room. On that table were gathered the presents so there were many drinks and
snacks for all. When we gathered all together we cut and ate a big delicious birthday cake.
One of the highlights of this birthday party was the fact that we were singing karaoke and
dancing all the night while we had had time to talk to each other, laugh, drink and eat. I really
enjoyed it! We did not go to bed till 5. Finally, after the party some mates had to go home
while others stayed to clean the house.

All in all, it was a great night. It is probable true that I had such a good time. I seriously can't
remember when I last laughed so much and had that much fun.

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