悼某人丧母
【内容提示】
假定你的名字叫Emily，你有一位同学，名叫Paula。你听说她母亲去世的消息后为她深感悲痛。你写一封吊唁信表示慰问。要点如下：
①消息传来，十分震惊。
②其母的去世对她和她妹妹是极大损失。
③其母是位为社区做好事、广交朋友的人。此时，肯定有许多人为其吊唁。
④如有什么可帮忙的你可尽自己的努力。
【作文示范】
On the Death of One＇s Mother
Dec. 2, 199___
Dear Paula,
I have just this morning learned of the sudden death of your mother. I cannot tell you how shocked I am at this sad news. I know what it meant to you and your sister, and I send you both my sympathy① and condolence②.
I am sure that many hearts must be heavy with sorrow today, for I never knew anyone who has done so many good deeds for the community③ and who has had such a host④ of friends as your mother. She will be keenly missed by everyone who knew her.
Is there any way I can help, Paula? You know I would gladly do anything I can for you.
                                                                                                                         With Love,
                                                                                                                                 Emily
【词语解释】
①sympathy [＇simp+Ii] n． 同情（心）
②condolence [k+n＇d+ul+ns] n. 吊慰；慰问
③community [k+＇mju:niti] n． 社区（全体居民）
④host [h+ust] n． 许多；一大群
【写法指要】
吊唁信（letters of condolence）是写给家中有人丧亡的亲友以表慰问的信函。写这类信要求态度认真、感情真挚。信文的措辞要严谨，不能滥用辞藻，切忌写“He /She was to young to die!”等语句，也不宜提及故去人生命或死亡的细节，以免触及亲人的伤感。
二、请柬（invitation card）
请柬，也称请帖，是用于隆重社交活动的信件或帖子。一般都是印刷的，偶尔也手写。请柬分为非正式的和正式的两种。