Unit 2

By Chen Xidong

Unit 2

Social Correspondence Lesson 10

Letters of Sympathy

By Chen Xidong

Contents

• Section 2 Sample Study

• Section 3 Composing Your Message

• Section 4 Writing Your Message

• Section 5 Letter Practice

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• Section 1 Getting Started

• Section 6 Supplementary Materials

By Chen Xidong

Section 1 Getting Started

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SEC 1 1 Read the news from China Daily of December 20, 2006 and share your feelings with your partner. (1)

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Comic Dialogue Master Ma Ji Died at 72

By Echo Shan (chinadaily.com.cn)

Updated: 2006-12-20 13:46

Famed Chinese cross talk master Ma Ji passed away for heart failure in

Beijing on Wednesday morning. He was 72.

Ma Ji, originally called Ma Shuhuai, was born in 1934 in Beijing. For a time he

was an apprentice in a factory. In 1951, he began to take an interest in

Xiangsheng. In 1956, he was enrolled by the Central Broadcasting Recitation and

Ballad Troupe as a professional Xiangsheng actor.

He not only inherited and developed Xiangsheng of the Hou School (school of

the master performer Hou Baolin) but also created his own art style, which was

followed by many successors. He has contributed a lot to China’s Xiangsheng art.

By Chen Xidong


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Ma Ji excelled at performing new items reflecting real life. Apart from satire, he

pioneered new items praising the new life and new heroes and heroines.

In addition to performing traditional items he started writing and performing

cross-talk comic dialogues such as Ode to Friendship, Storm on the State and

Multistory Restaurant, and solo comic dialogues like The Universal-Brand

Cigarette. In Five Officers Contend for Fame, he was joined by several other

comedians.

Ma Ji also set great store by theoretical research into Xiangsheng so as to

make his creations more socially relevant. His books include Selected

Xiangsheng by Ma Ji and An Informal Discussion on the Art of Xiangsheng.

Read the news from China Daily of December 20, 2006 and share your feelings with your partner. (2)

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By Chen Xidong


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Have you ever used some of the following words to describe your sadness after reading the news? Work with your partner and add as many words to the groups as possible.

2

Noun Adjective Verb

sorrow unfortunate mourn

hardship distressed shaken

misfortune shocked suffer

comfort heartbroken remember

consolation grief overcome

____________ ____________ ____________

____________ ____________ ____________

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By Chen Xidong

Section 2 Sample Study

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Translate

Sample 1

Sept. 1, 2005Dear Teri,

I wish you all good luck in as quickly as possible. I want to assure you that although I will temporarily order my supplies elsewhere,

I appreciate our long association and I’m looking forward to doing business with you again.

Sincerely, Marti

听说在新奥尔良的卡特里娜飓风导致的洪水中你的房屋严重受损我很难过。

I was sorry to hear that your house was seriously damaged in the flooding caused by the hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.

这是萦绕在任何地方的个体经营者们脑海中的恶梦。

It is one of those horrible stories that haunt the dreams of self-employed business people everywhere.

恢复到原来的样子getting things back to normal

你一准备妥当我就继续同你做生意

I will be bringing my business back to you as soon as you are ready.

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By Chen Xidong


Sample 1

亲爱的泰瑞：听说在新奥尔良的卡特里娜飓风导致的洪水中，你的房屋严重受损。我很难过。这是萦绕在任何地方的个体经营者们脑海中的恶梦。希望你能顺利地并很快地恢复一切。我向你保证尽管我暂时从别处订货，你一准备妥当我就继续同你做生意。感谢我们长期的合作。盼望早日再度与你做生意。

马迪2005 年 9 月 1 日

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By Chen Xidong


Sample 2 (1)

November 15, 2006

Mrs. Edith Hampton4575 Village DriveSeattle, WA 98105-5032

Dear Mrs. Hampton:

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惊悉弗兰克去世的消息不胜悲哀，我代表 Interconnect 高层管理人员向您及家人表示诚挚的慰问。

I was deeply saddened to learn of Frank’s death and I would like to express my sincere sympathy to you and your family on behalf of the senior management team here at Interconnect Corp.

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By Chen Xidong


Sample 2 (2)

Your husband was highly respected by managers and employees alike throughout the entire company. He a visionary leader by anyone who ever worked with him.

Frank’s to this company during his 27 years of dedicated and selfless service were many and varied. In the early years he was a major part of our initial expansion overseas, and a number of offices he set up in Europe are still operating very successfully. In recent years Frank was a key player in our transformation to full digital technology, a move which catapulted us into a leadership position in the industry. His contributions to this company will not be forgotten.

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被认为是was regarded as

贡献contribution

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By Chen Xidong


Sample 2 (3)

Please accept my heartfelt condolences at this difficult time and I ask you to please pass these sentiments on to your children. I will be in touch to see if you need help with the memorial service.

With sincere sympathy,

Charles T. Simpson

Charles T. Simpson

President and CEO

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By Chen Xidong


Sample 2

华盛顿州西雅图市乡村大道 4575 号伊迪丝 · 汉姆普顿太太邮编 98105

尊敬的伊迪丝 · 汉姆普顿太太：

惊悉弗兰克去世的消息不胜悲哀，我代表Interconnect 高层管理人员向您及家人表示诚挚的慰问。

您的丈夫深受公司全体经理及员工们的尊敬。任何与他工作过的人都认为他是有远见的领导。

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在过去的 27 年中弗兰克兢兢业业无私地工作，为公司作出巨大贡献。在早期向海外扩大业务时他是主力，许多他在欧洲建立的办事处现仍然成功经营。近几年在向全数字技术转化过程中弗兰克起着关键作用，这使我们迅速挤进公司的领导阶层。我们永远不会忘记他对公司的贡献。

在这艰难时刻请接受我衷心的慰问，也请您把我的感受传达给孩子们。我会与您联系看在追悼会方面是否有帮助。

查尔斯 ·T· 西姆普森董事长兼首席执行官2006 年 11 月 15 日

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By Chen Xidong

Section 3 Composing your Messages

Template

Date

Salutation

Opening: acknowledge the loss and express your sympathy

Focus: mention the loss (In the letter of condolence, note special qualities of the

deceased, include a memory about the deceased and remind the bereaved of their

personal strengths or special qualities.)

Closing: offer assistance

Complimentary close

Signature

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By Chen Xidong


Practice 1 (1)

Complete the following chart according to the information given in the samples. The first one has been done for you as an example.

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Sample 1 Sample 2

Opening I was sorry to hear that...

Focus one of those horror stories;

good luck in getting things

back to normal as quickly

as possible

I was deeply saddened to learn

of...

__________________________

__________________________

be highly respected; a visionary

leader many and varied

contributions; a major part of

our initial expansion overseas;

a key player in our

transformation to full digital

technology

__________________________

__________________________

__________________________

__________________________

__________________________

__________________________

__________________________

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By Chen Xidong


Practice 1 (2)

Complete the following chart according to the information given in the samples. The first one has been done for you as an example.

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Sample 1 Sample 2

Action bring my business back to

you as soon as you are

ready

Closing I appreciate our long

association and am looking

forward to doing business

with you again.

accept my heartfelt

condolences at this difficult

time; pass these sentiments on

to your children; be in touch

__________________________

__________________________

__________________________

__________________________

with sincere sympathy__________________________

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By Chen Xidong


Practice 2 (1)

Write O if the sentence is for the Opening, F for focus, A for action and C f

or Closing.

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1. Please accept my sympathy on the fire that leveled your home.

2. I remember one time when we all went for the outing with the

children. He seemed to be enjoying the outing with all of the

children very much. What a beautiful day for a walk!

3. I will call you in a few days to see if you need help with watching

the children or with the memorial service.

4. I have learned with deep regret of the death of Mary, and I am

writing to express my heartfelt sympathy.

F _____

A_____

O _____

O_____

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By Chen Xidong


Practice 2 (2)

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5. Dora was a wonderful person, talented and loving, and I know that

you and your family have suffered a great loss.

6. The loss of your warm and charming home saddened us all.

7. Remember that “Those who live in the hearts of others never die.”

8. We’ll be seeing you in the next couple of days.

F_____

C _____

C _____

O_____

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By Chen Xidong

Section 4 Writing Your Message

Practice 3 (1)

Rewrite the sentences, changing the focus of the sentences from professional to personal.

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1. The news of your father’s death came as a surprise to us. You told us that he was sick, but his death must still be a shock.

The news of your father’s death came as a surprise to me. You told me that

he was sick, but his death must still be a shock.

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

2. Our thoughts and sympathies are with you as you mourn the loss of your father.

My thoughts and sympathies are with you as you mourn the loss of your

father.

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

3. We hope that fond memories of him will help you through this difficult time.

I hope that fond memories of him will help you through this difficult time.____________________________________________________________

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By Chen Xidong


Practice 3 (2)

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4. Please know that you have been in our thoughts, and accept our heartfelt condolence for your loss.

Please know that you have been in my thoughts, and accept my heartfelt

condolence for your loss.

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

5. I hope you don’t mind, but Marion told us about your recent bad luck and I wanted to tell you how sorry we were to hear of it.

I hope you don’t mind, but Marion told me about your recent bad luck and I

wanted to tell you how sorry I was to hear of it.

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

6. Please extend our condolences to the members of your family.

Please extend my condolences to the members of your family.____________________________________________________________

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By Chen Xidong


Practice 3 (3)

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7. We felt so bad when we heard about the burglary.

I felt so bad when I heard about the burglary.____________________________________________________________

8. Please accept our most heartfelt condolence on your miscarriage.

Please accept my most heartfelt condolence on your miscarriage.____________________________________________________________

9. We were stunned to hear the news about Oliver.

I was stunned to hear the news about Oliver.____________________________________________________________

10. If there is anything that we can do to be of assistance during this difficult time, let us be your side.

If there is anything that I can do to be of assistance during this difficult

time, let me be your side.

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

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By Chen Xidong


Practice 4 (1)

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Circle the prepositions in the sentences. If the preposition is wrong, correct it using at or of. Not all the prepositions are wrong.

1. I remember meeting your mother to your firm’s tenth anniversary party.

I remember meeting your mother at your firm’s tenth anniversary party.____________________________________________________________

2. Although I knew your father had been ill for a long time, I was surprised to hear of his passing.

Right____________________________________________________________

3. He was very proud to you, and he always wanted to talk about your success.

He was very proud of you, and he always wanted to talk about your

success.

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

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By Chen Xidong


Practice 4 (2)

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4. All of us will miss her sense of humor and her ability to get us all to work harder.

Right____________________________________________________________

5. I will be to my son’s graduation ceremony, so I can’t come to the memorial service.

I will be at my son’s graduation ceremony, so I can’t come to the memorial

service.

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

6. I will see you at the memorial service.

Right____________________________________________________________

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By Chen Xidong


Practice 4 (3)

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7. I feel you ought not to be unduly distressed in the result.

I feel you ought not to be unduly distressed at the result.____________________________________________________________

8. I often think to the time when your parents came to the office.

I often think of the time when your parents came to the office. ____________________________________________________________

By Chen Xidong


Practice 5 (1)

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Write DM for dangling modifier or C for correct for each sentence, and then correct the dangling modifier in the sentences.

1. Carrying a heavy pile of books, her foot caught on the step.

DM: When she was carrying a heavy pile of books, her foot caught on the

step.

Or: Carrying a heavy pile of books, she got her foot caught on the step.

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

2. Dropped in the bushes, the child found the missing keys.

3. Falling asleep often in class, Larry found the final exam to be difficult.

DM: Dropped in the bushes, the missing keys were found by the child.____________________________________________________________

C____________________________________________________________

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By Chen Xidong


Practice 5 (2)

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4. To answer the questions quickly, the driving manual must be studied carefully.

DM: To answer the questions quickly, you must study the driving manual carefully.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. To enter the Olympics, an athlete must compete very hard.

C____________________________________________________________

6. To please the children, some fireworks were set off early.

DM: To please the children, the parents set off some fireworks early.____________________________________________________________

7. Having failed in the examination, I feel you ought not to be unduly distressed at the result.

DM: Although you had failed in the examination, I feel you ought not to be unduly distressed at the result.

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By Chen Xidong


Practice 5 (3)

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8. Demonstrating an incredible initiative and a strong dedication, she moved up the ranks quickly.

C____________________________________________________________

9. Kicked carelessly under the bed, Rose finally found her sneakers.

DM: The sneakers were kicked carelessly under the bed, but Rose finally found them.Or: Kicked carelessly under the bed, Rose’s sneakers were finally found.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

10. Not having had much sleep, I found it hard to concentrate in class.

C___________________________________________________________

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By Chen Xidong

Section 5 Letter Practice

Practice 6 (1)

The following letter of sympathy is not well organized. Please arrange the sentences to make the letter logical.

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Dear Mr. De Frontells:

I met Jane twenty years ago when I joined Kraft & Cromwell. With genuine sadness I learned of your wife’s passing. As I still remember, Jane had the respect and admiration of all of her colleagues.

Her cheerful disposition was an inspiration to all of us. She will be dearly missed by everyone here. Jane was then my mentor and supervising attorney. Jane loved Chinese culture;

she visited China many times and gave our firm a lot of lectures and professional guidance. Please accept my and all my colleagues’ heartfelt sympathy on the loss of Mrs. Jane W. Kane.

If there is anything that we can do to be of assistance during this difficult time, let us be your side.

You are in my thoughts and prayers,

Mick ZhangManaging Partner

Answer

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By Chen Xidong


Practice 6 (2)

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Aug. 20, 2006Dear Mr. De Frontells:With genuine sadness I learned of your wife’s passing. Please accept my and all my colleagues’ heartfelt sympathy on the loss of Mrs. Jane W. Kane.

I met Jane twenty years ago when I joined Kraft & Cromwell. Jane was then my mentor and supervising attorney. As I still remember, Jane had the respect and admiration of all of her colleagues. Jane loved Chinese culture;

she visited China many times and gave our firm a lot of lectures and professional guidance. Her cheerful disposition was an inspiration to all of us. She will be dearly missed by everyone here.

If there is anything that we can do to be of assistance during this difficult time, let us be your side. You are in my thoughts and prayers,

Mick ZhangManaging Partner

AnswerSEC 2

By Chen Xidong


Practice 7

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Compose a letter of condolence with sentences given. You may give additional information if necessary.

1. Please know that I’ll also be keeping you in my thoughts.

2. I’m sorry to hear of your father’s death.

3. You can take comfort in these memories.

4. I’m sure you have many good memories of your father when you

think of him.

5. Please accept my condolences.

6. I know that it is impossible to prepare for the loss of a parent.

Answer

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By Chen Xidong


Practice 7

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Answer

December 4, 2006

Dear Michael:

I’m sorry to hear of your father’s death.

I know that it is impossible to prepare for the loss of a parent.

I’m sure you have many good memories of your father and when you think of him. You can take comfort in these memories.

Please accept my condolences. Please know that I’ll also be keeping you in my thoughts.With sincere sympathy,

Tom

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By Chen Xidong


Practice 8

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Read the following news and write a letter of sympathy to Ding Junhui.

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Ding Junhui Lost to O’Sullivan at British Masters

(Xinhua/sina.com)

Updated: 2007-01-22 09:00

China’s Ding Junhui feels depressed

after losing to former world champion

Ronnie O’Sullivan at the Snooker

British Masters finals Jan. 21, 2007.

Ronnie crushed Chinese snooker

prodigy Ding 10-3 to win his third

British Masters final.

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By Chen Xidong

Section 6 Supplementary Materials

Useful Expressions (1)

1. It was with greatest sadness/ profound sorrow that I learned of ...

得知……我很悲伤。2. How sad I was to hear of ...

得知……我很悲伤。3. I was saddened/grieved to learn /hear that...

得知……我很悲痛。4. I am extremely/terribly/so sorry to hear of ...

得知……我很伤心。5. offer/send most sincere/heartfelt/deepest sympathy to...

向……表达最诚挚的 / 衷心的 /最深切的慰问

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By Chen Xidong

Section 6 Supplementary Materials

Useful Expressions (2)

6. wish to extend my condolences/sympathy to...

希望向……表示我的哀悼 / 慰问7. ...long be remembered for...

……因为……将被人们永远记住。8. I remember so well that...

我清楚记得……9. The loss of ...saddened us all.

…… 的损失令我们所有人伤心。

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