對朋友未考取大學表示慰問
【內容提示】
你的一位朋友彼得，今年高考落榜了。請你寫一封信向他表示慰問。內容要點如下：
①聽說你的朋友未考取大學你感到驚訝。
②他在校學習一直很用功，成績也很好，大考時經常名列前茅。
③這次高考失敗原因不在於他，而是另有別的緣故。
④勉勵他不要灰心，加勁準備，來年再戰，必能考取。
【作文示範】
Consolation at a Friend Who Failed in the Entrance Examination to College
Sept. 10, 199____
Dear Peter,
What a surprise to me it was when the news came that you failed in the Entrance Examination to College. You have always worked hard in school. In the final examination, you have distinguished① yourself with honour. Your failure is not your own fault, I am sure.
Those who have real knowledge may fail in the examination if chance is against them. I hope you won＇t take this to heart ② and will get ready to try again.
Yours sincerely,
Johnson
【詞語解釋】
①distinguish [dis＇tiRgwiM] oneself 使傑出
②take something to heart 介意；對某事耿耿於懷
【寫法指要】
慰問信（letters of consolation）是向失敗者、不幸者、愁苦者、生病者或遇到天災人禍的人表示安慰或同情的信件。這類信要寫得及時、簡短扼要，感情要真誠，措辭要貼切；儘量以樂觀的口吻減輕親友的煩惱和痛苦，並鼓勵對方對日後的生活、學習、工作充滿信心。
慰問信常用語句有：
①I was shocked to learn of the news that….
②I am deeply grieved to hear that….
③Please accept my deepest sympathy（同情）.
④ I want to send you my best wishes for your quick return to good health.
⑤I could not believe that….
⑥I shall be very much delighted if I can be of any service to you.