对朋友未考取大学表示慰问
【内容提示】
你的一位朋友彼得，今年高考落榜了。请你写一封信向他表示慰问。内容要点如下：
①听说你的朋友未考取大学你感到惊讶。
②他在校学习一直很用功，成绩也很好，大考时经常名列前茅。
③这次高考失败原因不在于他，而是另有别的缘故。
④勉励他不要灰心，加劲准备，来年再战，必能考取。
【作文示范】
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
【词语解释】
①distinguish [dis`tiRgwiM] oneself 使杰出
②take something to heart 介意；对某事耿耿于怀
【写法指要】
慰问信（letters of consolation）是向失败者、不幸者、愁苦者、生病者或遇到天灾人祸的人表示安慰或同情的信件。这类信要写得及时、简短扼要，感情要真诚，措辞要贴切；尽量以乐观的口吻减轻亲友的烦恼和痛苦，并鼓励对方对日后的生活、学习、工作充满信心。
慰问信常用语句有：
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.