ANG-4103

Expressing Feelings and Opinions

Pen Pal Project

Student Booklet

Created by Janie Lamoureux, CSSMI, May 2019,

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P e n P a l P r o j e c t , J a n i e L a m o u r e u x , C S S M I , M a y 2 0 1 9 P a g e 2

Where have you traveled to in the province of Quebec? Where did

you find information about the region before you left?

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

Try to name all 17 regions of

Quebec. If you need help, click on https://monurl.ca/ppregions1

1 8 15

2 9 16

3 10 17

4 11

5 12

6 13

7 14

HOW CAN YOU PRACTISE YOUR ENGLISH WITH NEW AND EXCITING PEOPLE

WHILE DISCOVERING WHAT OUR BEAUTIFUL PROVINCE HAS TO OFFER?

BY CORRESPONDING WITH REAL PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT REGIONS OF

QUEBEC. THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT THIS LEARNING SITUATION IS ABOUT!

YOU WILL GET TO DISCOVER THE PERSON AND ALSO THE REGION WERE

THEY LIVE. IN RETURN, YOU WILL ALSO HELP THEM DISCOVER YOUR

REGION. ARE YOU READY FOR THE ADVENTURE?

P e n P a l P r o j e c t , J a n i e L a m o u r e u x , C S S M I , M a y 2 0 1 9 P a g e 3

In this learning situation (LS), you will get the chance to practise

with adult education students from other parts of Quebec. They

are learning English as a second language too, so you will both

have the possibility to practise and improve your English. At the

end of this learning situation, you should know more about

interesting things to do and visit in a new region (for you) of

Quebec.

Here are the suggested steps to follow to establish a writing

relationship with your new Pen Pal*.

• First, write a presentation letter to your Pen Pal. Give them

relevant information about yourself to help them better

understand what you like to do when you visit a new town.

• Second, you will find interesting things to do and upcoming

events in your region. Find a wide variety of activities since

you don’t know your Pen Pal’s likes and interests yet.

• Third, based on your Pen Pal’s likes and interests, you will

send them a second letter with your suggestions for

activities and events to do in your region. You will also

receive their letter with suggestions for you.

• Finally, you will write a thank-you letter to your Pen Pal

expressing your appreciation for all of their great

suggestions.

*Pen pal: someone with who you exchange letters as a hobby.

You don’t know which region your Pen Pal will be from, so even the region

that you will discover is an adventure!

P e n P a l P r o j e c t , J a n i e L a m o u r e u x , C S S M I , M a y 2 0 1 9 P a g e 4

Fill in the following information chart to help you write your

presentation letter. If you feel uncomfortable writing about

yourself, you can invent a persona*.

Your name

Age

Where are you from?

What part of Quebec do you live in now?

What do you like to do when you visit a new place?

Do you have children? • How old are they?

• What do they like to do?

What are your hobbies?

What are your interests?

What do you like to do on your days off?

What type of activities do you like to do?

Have you travelled before? Where did you go?

How long would you stay?

When do you like to travel?

*persona: a role or character adopted by an author or an actor.

P e n P a l P r o j e c t , J a n i e L a m o u r e u x , C S S M I , M a y 2 0 1 9 P a g e 5

Step 1: Write a presentation letter introducing yourself to your

Pen Pal.

This letter doesn’t have to be as formal as a presentation/cover

letter for a job (see Annex page 14 for model and page 18 for

informal/formal). You can use the form below to write your letter

draft. However, the final version will be sent to your Pen Pal electronically, so please write it using Google Doc, Word, or

another word processor of your choice.

______________

______________,

______________________________________

______________________________________

______________________________________

______________________________________

______________________________________

______________________________________

______________________________________

______________________________________

_______________________________________

_______________________________________

_______________,

__________________

Date

Opening salutation

Introduction:

introduce yourself and

state why you are

writing.

Body:

Give main information

and details. Use the

information from the

chart on page 4.

Conclusion:

Briefly summarize the

information from this

letter. Call to action

(what you expect will

happen next).

Closing salutation

Signature

P e n P a l P r o j e c t , J a n i e L a m o u r e u x , C S S M I , M a y 2 0 1 9 P a g e 6

Once you have written your first draft, review your

presentation letter using the following grid. Discuss with your

teacher. Write your final version.

Structure Got it! To

improve

Layout (all essential elements are in my letter:

• date • opening salutations • introduction • body • conclusion • closing salutations • signature • my contact information

The information in my letter • follows a logical order • is relevant to help my Pen Pal know

my likes, interests and limits (time, $)

Clarity of message

I verified the spelling of new words

I questioned myself on which verb tenses to use.

I paid attention to the 3rd person singular in the present tense

I looked for the correct vocabulary

I remained polite and formal

What is the main element that you want to improve in your next

letter? _____________________________________________

Using Google Doc to write your letter can save you time.

Once you are done writing, you can “share” your file with

your teacher. They will be the messenger that will relay

your letter to your Pen Pal.

P e n P a l P r o j e c t , J a n i e L a m o u r e u x , C S S M I , M a y 2 0 1 9 P a g e 7

Step 2: Find interesting things to do and upcoming events in

your region to have information to share with your Pen Pal. Remember to look for a variety of activities since you don’t know

anything about your Pen Pal yet.

r region.

Be sure to take notes to remember all of the information that you

will find. You can use the chart on the next page to organize your

information, or you can use your own method. Here are just a

few sites to start you off.

www.quebecgetaways.com

https://monurl.ca/ppfestivals

https://monurl.ca/quebecoriginal

• click on Explore • then go to Let it Go

To find ideas on what to suggest, you can visit a tourism

website or read tourism brochures about your region.

P e n P a l P r o j e c t , J a n i e L a m o u r e u x , C S S M I , M a y 2 0 1 9 P a g e 8

Sell us your Region!

Interesting activities to do Festivals/ Expositions/ places to see

Best accommodations (where to

sleep) Best places to go out

Family activities

Solo activities

Fun Facts

Best means of transportation

Other info

Other info

P e n P a l P r o j e c t , J a n i e L a m o u r e u x , C S S M I , M a y 2 0 1 9 P a g e 9

Now, think of some questions that you would like to ask about a

new region. What elements are important to you? Your Pen Pal may have similar questions.

For example:

• Are there many bugs in the region at the end of July?

• Is it easy to find and book last minute accommodations?

Five questions to ask about a new region: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

P e n P a l P r o j e c t , J a n i e L a m o u r e u x , C S S M I , M a y 2 0 1 9 P a g e 10

Photo by Kaitlyn Baker

Unsplash

Photo by Kaitlyn Baker

Unsplash

Step 3: Write an

informative letter to

suggest activities, places

and things to do in your neck of the woods*.

When you receive your Pen Pal’s presentation letter, read it

attentively. Note down their likes and interests and try to suggest

activities, events, things to see that will please them (match their

interests).

When you talk about your area, give the facts but also add your

opinions and feelings relevant to these facts. The information will

be much more interesting if you add your personal touch.

Ex: “There is the Montréal Jazz Festival from June 26th to July 5th.

This event is one of my personal favorites. I get so excited to be

part of it every year. I love being in the middle of all of that

singing, dancing and smiling! The energy is amazing!”

You can write your informative letter following the letter template

on page 4. You can also look at the model on page 15 (annex).

*Neck of the woods: means a certain region or neighbourhood

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P e n P a l P r o j e c t , J a n i e L a m o u r e u x , C S S M I , M a y 2 0 1 9 P a g e 11

Once you have written your first draft, review your informative

letter using the following grid. Share with your teacher.

Structure Got it! To

improve

Layout (all essential elements are in my letter:

• date • opening salutations • introduction • body • conclusion • closing salutations • signature • my contact information

The information in my letter follows a logical order.

I connected information about my region

with my Pen Pal’s likes and interests.

I included my opinions and feelings with the facts

Clarity of message

I verified the spelling of new words

I questioned myself on which verb tenses to use.

I paid attention to the 3rd person singular in the present tense

I looked for the correct vocabulary

I remained polite and formal

Make the necessary changes, then send your final copy to your

teacher who will play the part of the messenger.

Did your writing skills improve since your last letter? What did

you change?

P e n P a l P r o j e c t , J a n i e L a m o u r e u x , C S S M I , M a y 2 0 1 9 P a g e 12

Step 4: Write a thank you letter.

Once you receive your Pen Pal’s second letter, send them a

thank you letter telling them just how much you appreciate their

suggestions and good ideas.

If you need inspiration, you may look at the model of a thank you

letter in the annex page 16.

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P e n P a l P r o j e c t , J a n i e L a m o u r e u x , C S S M I , M a y 2 0 1 9 P a g e 13

Once you have written your first draft, review your thank-you

letter using the following grid. Share with your teacher.

Structure Got it! To

improve

Layout (all essential elements are in my letter:

• date • opening salutations • introduction • body • conclusion • closing salutations • signature • my contact information

I thanked my Pen Pal for specific suggestions and ideas (made connections to

what they wrote in their letter)

I showed my appreciation for all of their information by sharing my opinions and feelings

Clarity of message

I verified the spelling of new words

I questioned myself on which verb tenses

to use.

I paid attention to the 3rd person singular in the present tense

I looked for the correct vocabulary

I remained polite and formal

When you are satisfied with your final copy, send it to your

teacher who will play the part of the messenger.

Did you discover a new place to visit this year?

P e n P a l P r o j e c t , J a n i e L a m o u r e u x , C S S M I , M a y 2 0 1 9 P a g e 14

Annex

Presentation Letter (first letter)

Model (informal)

September 17, 2019

Dear Pen Pal,

My name is Teresa. I am studying English as a second language in an adult

education center. I am now working on a learning situation where I correspond

with someone from another region of Quebec.

I am very excited about this project. I have no idea where you will be from, but I

am very curious to learn about interesting things to see and do in your part of the

province.

Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I love the outdoors. I like to go on hikes,

to play on water (kayaking, water-skiing, paddle board) and when I can, I like to

visit historical sites. I have a limited budget, and I can only take a one-week

vacation. I am a single mom, and I have two very curious children.

I can’t wait to hear all about your region! Which sports are practised in your area?

Are there many bugs in August? I’ll wait for your letter, impatiently.

Please write soon,

Teresa Lopez

Teresa.lopez@email.com

P e n P a l P r o j e c t , J a n i e L a m o u r e u x , C S S M I , M a y 2 0 1 9 P a g e 15

Annex

Informative Letter (second letter)

Model (informal)

October 17, 2019

Dear Cedric,

I am Teresa from the Lower Laurentians. You say that you are from Rouyn. I’ve never been there. I would love to learn more about your region.

Here is some information about my area based on your interests and hobbies. The best time to visit my region is in the summer. I love to go kayaking on the Rivières-des Milles-Îles and le Lac des Deux-Montagnes. If you feel like partying you can spend an exciting day at the Super Aqua Club. In July, because you like music, I think that you will enjoy the Blues Festival in Mont-Tremblant. To keep your two young children happy and moving, there are many family activities at the Oka National Park, the Parc du Domaine Vert or the Bois de Belle-Rivière Regional Park.

For accommodations that respect your budget, you can reserve at the Oka camping ground. There is a supermarket approximately 10 minutes from there.

I hope that this information will spark your interest in my neck of the woods. Please let me know if you decide to come.

Sincerely,

Teresa

teresa.lopez@email.com

555-555-5555

P e n P a l P r o j e c t , J a n i e L a m o u r e u x , C S S M I , M a y 2 0 1 9 P a g e 16

Thank You Letter (third letter)

Model (informal)

November 1, 2019

Dear Cedric,

I hope you are well. I just wanted to say thank you so much for sharing with me all

of the interesting facts about your region. I especially liked the stories that you

wrote about the haunted mine.

I appreciate that you took the time to do some research about the historical sites

because I told you that I liked history. Thanks to your information, I am eager to

travel to your region this summer! My children really enjoyed the pictures that

you sent.

Again, thank you so much. I greatly appreciate your interest in helping me

discover your region.

Best regards,

Teresa

teresa.montgomery@email.com

555-555-5555

P e n P a l P r o j e c t , J a n i e L a m o u r e u x , C S S M I , M a y 2 0 1 9 P a g e 17

Activity to do while you wait for an answer

(optional for curious minds only!)

While you are waiting for your Pen pal’s answer, you can

explore Google Map and Street view.

• Go to Google Map, click on “directions.”

• In “choose a starting point,” put the city where you live,

then in “choose a destination” put the city where your

Pen Pal lives.

• On the map, choose a spot that seems to be in the

middle for both of you. Select the city.

• Click on “nearby.” Doing this will show you what you

could do there.

Google Map not only gives you directions on how to get from

point A to point B, but it also can give you a lot of information

on where you can find restaurants, hotels, stores, halls, etc.

You can also see the distance between each place and the

estimated time to get there.

To see the area that you will visit before you go, while in

Google Map, click on the icon (see image on the right), place

the yellow person where you want on the map and see the

scenery in 360 degrees! It works for places all around the

world. Have fun exploring!

To find ideas on what to do in a new place, you can type in “what

to do in (name of the place)?” in the Google research bar. Try it.

What are some suggestions that pop-up on Google for the area

you chose?

P e n P a l P r o j e c t , J a n i e L a m o u r e u x , C S S M I , M a y 2 0 1 9 P a g e 18

Useful Expressions

Informal/Formal

Openin

g

salu

tation Informal Formal

Hello, Hi ____(name)

Dear____ (name)

Hi there!

Dear Ms/Mrs/Miss

Dear Sir/Madam

To Whom it may concern

Intr

oduction

Thanks for your letter/email

It was great to hear from you.

I’m writing to tell you about…

Guess what?

How are things with you?

What’s up? How are you?

How was your vacation/ trip/ holiday?

Thank you for your letter/email

I am writing to request information

about/ to inform you/to complain

about/to apologize for

I am writing in reference to

I would like to offer my services

Let me congratulate you on…

Conclu

sio

n

Hope to hear from you soon

Looking forward to seeing you/hearing

from you

I can’t wait to see you

Write back soon

I look forward to hearing from you

without delay

I look forward to meeting you

I hope to hear from you at your

earliest convenience

Thank you for your time and

interest

Clo

sin

g

Salu

tation Best wishes,

Love,

All the best,

Let’s keep in touch,

Yours truly,

Sincerely yours,

Yours sincerely,

Regards/Best regards/Kind regards,