Learn to write a formal letter applying for a grant — structure, useful phrases, and…
You have learned a lot in this unit — asking prices, comparing things, and shopping words. Now let’s use it all to write something new: a letter asking a shop a question.
1
What Is an Inquiry Letter?
An inquiry letter is a letter you write to ask for information — for example, asking a shop about a product before you buy it.
Letter Parts
1. Greeting → 2. Reason for writing → 3. Your question(s) → 4. Closing
رسالة الاستفسار هي رسالة نكتبها لطلب معلومات، مثل السؤال عن منتج قبل شرائه. تتكون من 4 أجزاء: تحية، سبب الكتابة، أسئلتك، ثم الختام.
2
Useful Phrases
Here are phrases that help you write a polite inquiry letter:
Useful Phrases
I am writing to ask about…Could you tell me…?How much does it cost?Is it available in other colors?
💡 Easy Tip
“Could you tell me…?” is a polite way to ask a question — more polite than just “Tell me…”!
“Could you tell me…?” is a polite way to ask a question — more polite than just “Tell me…”!
هذه عبارات تساعدك على كتابة رسالة استفسار مهذبة: “I am writing to ask about…” (أكتب للسؤال عن…)، “Could you tell me…?” (هل يمكنك إخباري…؟).
3
Let's Fix the Mistakes!
Here is a letter with some mistakes. Can you find them before reading the correct version below?
Mistakes to Find
dear sir. i am writing to ask about the blue bag How much it cost
dear sir. i am writing to ask about the blue bag How much it cost
What's Wrong?
Missing capital letters, missing punctuation, and the question word order is wrong.
هذه رسالة بها أخطاء: نسيان الحروف الكبيرة، نسيان علامات الترقيم، وترتيب خاطئ لكلمات السؤال. حاول أن تجدها قبل رؤية الرسالة الصحيحة.
4
A Model Letter
Here is the same letter, written correctly. Compare it to the mistakes above:
Model Letter
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to ask about the blue bag in your shop window. How much does it cost? Is it available in other colors?
Thank you,
Sara
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to ask about the blue bag in your shop window. How much does it cost? Is it available in other colors?
Thank you,
Sara
Now try writing your own inquiry letter about something you would like to buy!
هذه هي نفس الرسالة، مكتوبة بشكل صحيح: تحية، سبب الكتابة، سؤالان، ثم الختام. حاول الآن كتابة رسالتك الخاصة عن شيء تريد شراءه.
Writing a Letter to Ask — Summary Card
Save this card on your phone to remember today's lesson!
⬇ Download the Summary CardTest Yourself!
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An inquiry letter is written to ask for ___.
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A polite way to start a letter to someone you don’t know is “___.”
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“___ you tell me the price?” is a polite question.
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A letter should end with a ___ and your name.
Want More Lessons Like This?
This is one lesson from a full, illustrated study book for Common Core students — every unit, with practice and Arabic help for each lesson.
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