FREE SPEECH VERSUS CENSORSHIP.
“Freedom of speech” is defined as the right to express certain concepts without fear or retribution from higher authorities, and the corresponding right to express your views and opinions without being reprimanded. On the contrary, we can define “censorship” as the institution, system or practice of examining in order to suppress or delete anything considered objectionable. The question is: Can we mix both concepts?
Advocates of free speech claim that censorship stifles debate. However, proponents of censorship suggest that it is necessary to prevent the broadcast and publication of obscene material which is considered offensive or harmful to public morals. For this reason, governments have the duty to impose certain restrictions on the mass media, such as the Internet, TV or radio by censoring films and texts which contain explicit scenes of sex, violence or foul language.
In contrast, opponents of censorship point out that when it is abused by governments, censorship becomes an instrument used to misinform society and maintain power. What is more, it is widely believed that repressive regimes try to put constraints on the media in order to control the flow of information which reaches the public. Thus, denying citizens the right to information it may lead them to seek greater freedom. In other words, censorship is like a wall which has been built to suppress the rights of some societies. Indeed, most people hold that freedom of speech is needed to create balance. Actually, the right we have to speak out on our own opinions and beliefs is useless without an outlet to make your voice heard, and consequently it represses debate.
Taking everything into account, I personally reckon that in our modern and global society we can mix two totally different concepts as free speech and censorship, in order to keep an objective debate. While on the one hand a certain degree of censorship is always necessary, freedom of speech is the way that we need to express our personal opinions. The best course of action would be to attempt to achieve a balance between the requirements of the governments and the society on the one hand, and individuals´ rights on the other. Needless to say that, not only do we have the right to express an objective and plural debate, but we also have the responsibility to do so.(C.T)
Monday, May 24, 2010
IS TELEVISION DUMBING DOWN OUR CULTURE?
If a child were asked to mention three important people in our society they probably would name some of those Big Brother's celebrities, or maybe some gorgeous men who go to those programmes in which they have to seduce a woman because they have not found their true love in real life. They are, however, unlikely to refer to a politician or a scientist. Then, can we claim that television is making our culture dumb? If so, can we do anything about it? Or are current trends just dominating our education without us being aware of the consequences?
It is my view that television does dominate us. The first and most serious problem is that we are not aware of it. It proves the point that generation gap problems are increasing. Another thing is that people are ashamed of what they do. For instance, people are at pains to deny that they watch television more than three hours a day. Furthermore, children mimic them. As a consequence, they make do with their failings at school. Another thing is that misbehaviour, swearwords and insults are the key of television nowadays. This happens due to the fact that there are fewer and fewer culture programmes, which are replaced by reality shows. And last, but not least, young people behave as if they were on television. Their only aim in life is to be famous so as to be rich without having to study, as their idols once did.
Of course, television has possitive effects on us. For example, we can have a rest watching that television series we like so much, or we can learn other languages by watching those international channels, and we can learn how to cook with that expert at lunch time, and so on. The thing is that we have to focus on programmes with which we can learn something, and not on those about strange people who show disrespect to their mates, or else we will have to face the music.
To draw a conclusion, and after thinking it over, I would rather read a book, whatever it is about, than watch television. You cannot even begin to compare your feelings after reading a book with those after watching television. Not only will you learn more with the book than with the programme, but you will also develope your imagination and make your brain work.
S.C.M.
If a child were asked to mention three important people in our society they probably would name some of those Big Brother's celebrities, or maybe some gorgeous men who go to those programmes in which they have to seduce a woman because they have not found their true love in real life. They are, however, unlikely to refer to a politician or a scientist. Then, can we claim that television is making our culture dumb? If so, can we do anything about it? Or are current trends just dominating our education without us being aware of the consequences?
It is my view that television does dominate us. The first and most serious problem is that we are not aware of it. It proves the point that generation gap problems are increasing. Another thing is that people are ashamed of what they do. For instance, people are at pains to deny that they watch television more than three hours a day. Furthermore, children mimic them. As a consequence, they make do with their failings at school. Another thing is that misbehaviour, swearwords and insults are the key of television nowadays. This happens due to the fact that there are fewer and fewer culture programmes, which are replaced by reality shows. And last, but not least, young people behave as if they were on television. Their only aim in life is to be famous so as to be rich without having to study, as their idols once did.
Of course, television has possitive effects on us. For example, we can have a rest watching that television series we like so much, or we can learn other languages by watching those international channels, and we can learn how to cook with that expert at lunch time, and so on. The thing is that we have to focus on programmes with which we can learn something, and not on those about strange people who show disrespect to their mates, or else we will have to face the music.
To draw a conclusion, and after thinking it over, I would rather read a book, whatever it is about, than watch television. You cannot even begin to compare your feelings after reading a book with those after watching television. Not only will you learn more with the book than with the programme, but you will also develope your imagination and make your brain work.
S.C.M.
Advertising and Consumerism
BY P.C.S
Advertising is a form of communication that tries to persuade an audience as big as possible to take some action. Commercial advertisers usually want to increase consumption of their products or services. However, in general, we should wonder if consumers really need to get all those goods.
One of the arguments that may be used for advertising is that it is an art, a very good way to create and maintain business and in consequence, jobs in a region or even in a country. Besides, good habits like driving in a proper way or helping people through NGOs can be known as well. Moreover, huge sports events are promoted by advertising and the tourism and local business in the area should raise their benefits by the event. What it is more, advertisements contribute to pay taxes, essential for paying services such as health or education.
On the other hand, advertisements could increase unreal needs. If people could not afford to spend money on some unnecessary products it would cause them frustration and anxiety. Even, someone could commit some crime like burglary or kidnapping in order to get money. In addition, the features of the products showed on the media are not always true. A good example is some toys. Only when children go to the toy shop do they realize what the item is and their disappointment is reflected on their faces.
To conclude, it must be said that although advertising has some benefits, people should decide if they want to live in a consumer society where your worth is measured by your bank account. In my view, the family and a right upbringing will give us the way to distinguish between the basic needs and the created ones and what is more important, we can make our own decisions.
BY P.C.S
Advertising is a form of communication that tries to persuade an audience as big as possible to take some action. Commercial advertisers usually want to increase consumption of their products or services. However, in general, we should wonder if consumers really need to get all those goods.
One of the arguments that may be used for advertising is that it is an art, a very good way to create and maintain business and in consequence, jobs in a region or even in a country. Besides, good habits like driving in a proper way or helping people through NGOs can be known as well. Moreover, huge sports events are promoted by advertising and the tourism and local business in the area should raise their benefits by the event. What it is more, advertisements contribute to pay taxes, essential for paying services such as health or education.
On the other hand, advertisements could increase unreal needs. If people could not afford to spend money on some unnecessary products it would cause them frustration and anxiety. Even, someone could commit some crime like burglary or kidnapping in order to get money. In addition, the features of the products showed on the media are not always true. A good example is some toys. Only when children go to the toy shop do they realize what the item is and their disappointment is reflected on their faces.
To conclude, it must be said that although advertising has some benefits, people should decide if they want to live in a consumer society where your worth is measured by your bank account. In my view, the family and a right upbringing will give us the way to distinguish between the basic needs and the created ones and what is more important, we can make our own decisions.
ESSAY
IT IS TRUE THAT POP MUSIC HAS A WIDER POPULAR APPEAL THAN CLASSICAL MUSIC. BUT EVERYBODY HAS HEARD A MOZART´S SONG AT LEAST ONCE IN THEIR LIFE.
Nowadays pop music is the most popular sort of music . Advertisements, television, TV series, radio and so on fill our ears with pop music. You do not usually listen to classical music. However, it is also true that it is present more frequently than we can imagine. For example, when you go to the cinema to watch a film, it has a soundtrack based on classical music. Films such as Chariots of fire, The madison bridges, The English patient or The mission were winners in the Oscar´s ceremony for the best original soundtrack.
It is my view that classical music should be a point of reference. It is the foundation of the rest of the music. When young people choose an instrument to play, the most popular item is the guitar, but think about this: If the legendary musicians had not played instruments like the violin or the piano, we would not have known the current chords. Mozart, Beethoven and Chopen "invented" modern music. It is known that you must study our classical musicians if you want to play some instrument in a professional way. I personally believe that classical music is very important to understand pop music.
On the other hand, there are a lot of people who do not like classical music. They only enjoy playing or listening to pop music, and they think that people who listen to classical music are old people or "crazy people". There can be no doubt that pop music is a new style of music with a lot of followers. When you go to the disco, you usually listen to hip hop, disco or pop music, not "The Swan Lake ", for example. Pop music is the sort of music in the music market. For that reason, record companies only launch albums full of pop music and they have forget the importance of our classics. But, when there is some Classical concert in a theater, tickets are sold out very quickly. Why? Think about it carefully.
To sum up, we must not forget the importance of classical music. A wise person is someone who chooses an option when they know the range of possibilities, and after that they make a choice. We must give an oppotunity to classical music, and then we will have a wide knwoledge about music in general.(L.M)
Nowadays pop music is the most popular sort of music . Advertisements, television, TV series, radio and so on fill our ears with pop music. You do not usually listen to classical music. However, it is also true that it is present more frequently than we can imagine. For example, when you go to the cinema to watch a film, it has a soundtrack based on classical music. Films such as Chariots of fire, The madison bridges, The English patient or The mission were winners in the Oscar´s ceremony for the best original soundtrack.
It is my view that classical music should be a point of reference. It is the foundation of the rest of the music. When young people choose an instrument to play, the most popular item is the guitar, but think about this: If the legendary musicians had not played instruments like the violin or the piano, we would not have known the current chords. Mozart, Beethoven and Chopen "invented" modern music. It is known that you must study our classical musicians if you want to play some instrument in a professional way. I personally believe that classical music is very important to understand pop music.
On the other hand, there are a lot of people who do not like classical music. They only enjoy playing or listening to pop music, and they think that people who listen to classical music are old people or "crazy people". There can be no doubt that pop music is a new style of music with a lot of followers. When you go to the disco, you usually listen to hip hop, disco or pop music, not "The Swan Lake ", for example. Pop music is the sort of music in the music market. For that reason, record companies only launch albums full of pop music and they have forget the importance of our classics. But, when there is some Classical concert in a theater, tickets are sold out very quickly. Why? Think about it carefully.
To sum up, we must not forget the importance of classical music. A wise person is someone who chooses an option when they know the range of possibilities, and after that they make a choice. We must give an oppotunity to classical music, and then we will have a wide knwoledge about music in general.(L.M)
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
LETTERS OF COMPLAINT
J.L. Smith
10 Apple Street
245121 Dublin
The Valley Hotel
17 Maple Avenue
021521 London
3rd January 2010
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to express my disappointment with aspects of my recent business trip at your hotel. During the week I stayed there I discovered a number of problems with the accommodation. Having complained about them to the receptionist and having got no answer or solution, I am writing to you to express my concerns.
The most serious problem was the noise. The irritating dripping tap of the bathroom made it impossible to sleep and when I managed to get asleep, suddenly, in the middle of the night I was woken up by people talking out loud and a noise that seemed to be a vacuum-cleaner in the corridor. As a result, I was so weary that I did not look as neat as you could expect from a high-executive.
I am also concerned about the fact that the thermostat and timer of the central heating did not work properly, which constituted a health hazard, considering it was winter time and outside the temperature was around 0º.
As you will appreciate, these problems caused me some inconveniences. What is more, it makes me feel really disappointed since I have stayed in your hotel several times and I have always felt comfortable.
Ignoring costumer's requests is not the best way to keep them up, so what I am asking you is a complete refund as well as improving the hotel's facilities and the staff's behaviour.
Yours faithfully,
J.L. Smith
23 2ºB, Vencejo Street
47012 Valladolid,
Spain.
March 28, 2010
NH Hotel
14, See Avenue,
37005 Barcelona,
Spain.
Dear Sir / Madam,
I am writing to express my dissapointment with some aspects of my recent holiday. I was very much expecting these relaxing days, but to my disappointment they turned into a nightmare.
The first problem happened when I booked a room in your hotel. I had been promised a beautiful room with impressive views to the beach, and when I arrived at the room, the first and only thing that I could see was “a beautiful and impressive wall”. For that reason, the room was dark and very wet. It was depressive.
I am also concerned about the swimming pool. In your brochure, you said that I could enjoy myself in your Olympic swimming pool. As it turned out, I found a pool for children. I am very dissapointed with it because I love swimming and I could not even take a dip.
Finally, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the service´s restaurant was very bad. The buffet was very poor and your waiters were very unpleasant, wich was extremely disagreeable. One day, when I asked for a glass of wine, one of your waiters spilt the wine on my new dress. As a result, I needed to have my dress cleaned at the dry cleaner´s, wich was very expensive. (I enclose the bill for the laundry)
I would therefore be grateful if you could contact me on the above address to solve these problems as a matter of urgency, and let me know how you propose to solve them, as they have been causing me a great deal of distress and waste of money. Unless I receive a satisfactory reply, I will write to the Consumer Association. Having received this unsatisfactory treatment, I should receive a complete refund.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
Laura Moncada Sánchez
4, Oak St.
Newcastle
England
20 March.2010
The Manager
The Grand Hotel
12, Jasmine Road,
Sydney (Australia)
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my disappointment with aspects of my recent holidays. I am sorry to inform you that the holidays just did not match up to the promises made to me in the brochure. First of all, I had been promised a four-star accommodation. However, on arrival I ended up being put up in a hotel which was no better than a boarding-house. When I asked the receptionist if I could be moved, she refused and avoided me for the rest of the holidays.
Furthermore, there were considerable problems on arrival. The shower and the air conditioning did not work at all, the cleanliness and decoration was very poor and there was no room service available. A further source of irritation was that the windows in the living room were broken and I could not sleep during all my holidays because of the noise.
Finally, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the beach was a long way from the hotel and not behind the building, as you say in the brochure, and I had to take the bus every day.
As you will appreciate, these problems have caused me a great deal of inconvenience and distress.
As the price for these holidays was at the top of your price range, I would like a complete refund. I enclose some photographs which I think show clearly the low standard and specific faults. Unless I receive a satisfactory reply, I will write to the Consumer Association.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully
Silvia Rioja
8 Democracia Street
47355 Valladolid
Spain
March 26, 2010.
Customer Service,
NH Hotel,
3 Station Street,
6128 Brighton.
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing with regard to the recent holiday I spent with my family in your hotel. Unfortunately, since we arrived there three weeks ago, we discovered a number of problems with the accommodation. I have left several messages on your answering machine but as I have not yet received a reply, I am writing to you to express my concerns. Let me just go through some of the main problems we had.
First of all, we had been promised beautiful sea views. Your brochure claimed that the landscape and the views over the coast were breathtaking. However, on arrival it turned out that our room was at the back of the hotel looking over a huge wall.
A further source of irritation is that the TV set did not work at all. You can imagine my disappointment when on complaining at reception, I was told rather rudely that your hotel was short-staffed and that there was nothing that could be done about it.
I am also concerned about the fact that I was recommended your hotel by some friends who assured me that you had an excellent restaurant, but I learnt that the chef was off duty the time we were there and the quality of the food left much to be desired .Not only was not this what I expected, but it also was worse. Your advertisement said that you welcome children as your hotel offers a family atmosphere, but children were terrified of a large dog that was always barking at the reception.
To make matters worse, when we went to pay we were told we had to pay an extra spring supplement in spite of the fact that there were special offers for March. Had I known that you were so unreliable I would not have come to your hotel.
I am sure that you will understand the reason why I feel the need to write this letter. I look forward to receiving a letter of apology from an establishment of your reputation, as well as a full refund. I enclose the invoice. I have to say that if I do not receive prompt news from you, I will take legal actions.
Yours faithfully,
Marta Ubeda
45,Oxford St.,
Bath,
England
28th April, 2010
The Manager
Palace Hotel,
22, Green St.
Cambridge, England
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my strong dissatisfaction with the poor service I was offered at your hotel on 12nd April.
The first and more serious problem is that having booked the Royal Suite 5 months in advance, on arriving at the hotel I was told that it was impossible to use that room because “very important people” wanted to keep using it for one more week. It was so unprofessional that I tried to speak to the Personnel Manager and the receptionist answered that she was really busy to solve “such a simple problem”.
Having asked for the Complaints Book I was addressed to speak to the Manager in person, who told me that nothing could be done. She explained that the people who were occupying the Royal Suite had paid a big amount of money to use it for more time.
Not only was it an unprofessional situation, but also it was not fair especially having booked such a long time ago. That is the reason why I would like my money to be refunded and also to be given an amount a of 250 euros as compensation. I hope to receive a satisfactory reply, otherwise I will take legal action.
I look forward to hearing from you soon,
Yours faithfully,
Paz Fernández de Vera
Calle Magallanes, 18 - 3º D
Valladolid - 47006
Spain
28th March, 2010
The Sun Hotel,
37, Spring Road,
London
England
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my strong dissatisfaction with the service I received at your hotel last week. As you can see from my e-mail of 20th January (attached), my reservation was made with two months in advance and with all the details I needed.
To begin with, the receptionist could not find my reservation and I was made to wait for about one hour to have my room.
Also, there were considerable problems with the room. The TV, the internet and the flush were not working properly. Not to mention the fact that I was put on the smoking corridor when I had requested a non-smoking room. Last but not least, the swimming pool was absolutely filthy.
Asking for solutions at reception, I was told that there was nothing that could be done about the problems since the manager was not there that week. Unless I receive a satisfactory reply and a complete refund, I will write to the Consumer Association.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
Katiuscia Mello.
Villarcayo nº3 3ºcentro Burgos
29th March 2010
Lasa Hotel, Magdalena Street nº15
London
Dear sir or madam,
I am writing to express my disappointment with some aspects of the acommodation in your hotel in my recent
honeymoon.
As you can see in the document I have sent you with this letter, my husband and I booked a shared room for a
couple and we did it three months before the date we wanted to go on holiday for our honeymoon. We believed
everything would be in order when we arrived, but everything was wrong.
The first and most serious problem is we have different rooms instead the shared room we had booked and
as a result we have been sleeping in separate rooms in our hooneymoon, which is very annoying for me. To make
matters worse, the rooms were not in the same floor, which means that we have been taking the lift all the time in
order to stay together.
In addition, when we arrived we discovered that our rooms were not prepared for us. They were not clean and
there were no sheets in our beds or towels in the bathroom so, we had to wait at least three hours at the recepcion with our
bags until someone came to clean the rooms. Finally, the last problem was that having paid for the restaurant room
service at the hotel we did not have it and we had to go to eat to other restaurants.
As you will apreciate, these problems have made a complete disaster of our honeymoon We are told that your hotel
is considered one of the best in London so, we hope that these problems are unusual and you know how to compensate
us.
I look foward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
Noemí Grajera Izquierdo.
14 Spain Square,
Valladolid,
Spain
April 28, 2010
St Mark Hotel
22 Cannon Street,
London
Dear Mr. Smith,
I am writing to express my disappointment with some aspects of my recent holiday. Unfortunately, during our stay in London several problems came up. The room in the hotel was like a battlefield and the staff of the hotel did not contribute to solve the situation.
The first and most serious trouble was the fact that the electric light did not work properly, it was erratic. What it is more, a very expensive medicine, which had to be delivered the day after we arrived, could not reach its destination. It was ruined because the packet needed to be preserved cold; the fridge in the room was not working right due to the wrong electric power.
Apart from this, the room seemed as if it had not been cleaned for ages. The carpet was covered in dust, the pieces of the furniture did not be in the right place and the blankets did not look very clean. I would have been grateful if your person in charge had solved the situation, but he argued with us. Not only was he unable to solve our problems but he also questioned what we were saying.
I feel that I am entitled to a compensation for losing the medicine and the great distress that the situation has caused us. Holidays are supposed to be relaxing and the problems with your equipement and your personnel have not contributed to get any calm. I hope this matter will be dealt with as soon as possible because you are a very competent manager as you have shown us the previous times that we have used this hotel.
Yours sincerely,
Pilar Cotrina
Pº del Cauce Nº78, 3ºA
47005 Valladolid
March 31st, 2010
Alejandro Curiel,
Montesa Nº10, 4ºI
28006 Madrid
Dear Mr Curiel,
I am writing to you with regard to the apartment in Valladolid that I am renting from you. I have discovered a lot of problems since I moved in on January 16th, 2010. I have left you several messages on your answering machine but have not received any reply from you. Therefore, I am writing to you to express my concerns.
The first and most annoying problem is the fact that the electrical system of the apartment is faulty, causing the fuses to blow repeatedly even without overconsumption of power. As a result, I have had to spend many nights in total darkness and with no heaters on.
Another source of irritation is the washing machine. Since it was not correctly installed, water is not properly fed into the detergent and softener compartments, leaving the laundry unclean. As a temporary measure, I have had to do my laundry at a friend’s and at times take it to a dry cleaner’s, which constitutes an unnecessary expense for me.
As you will understand, these problems have been causing me a great deal of inconvenience and frustration. It would be highly appreciated if you could contact me on the telephone number I gave you upon signing the lease contract and let me know how you propose to resolve the problems.
I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Setapon Juengsanguansit
Here you are! Lots of examples of letters of complaint for you to read and learn from.
55 James St
25050 London
25th August 2010
Mr Jones Brown
75, L Street
25049 London
Dear Mr Brown,
My name is Cristina Sancho. As you might remember I rented a flat from you a couple of weeks ago. You can see the adress in the envelope. I am writing with regard to this flat so that I can express some problems I have found with my accomodation.
To start with, it has been two weeks now since I began to live in the flat and you assured me that the problem with the toilet would be repaired. However, it has not been repaired yet. As an urgency, I have had to hire a plumber so that the problem could be resolved. That is causing me a great deal of inconvenience as I must pay you for the flat and the expenses at the end of the month. I have been trying to phone you but there was no answer and that is why I decided to send you this letter. I think we both should face the costs of the plumber, so I would like to discuss that matter with you. I do not know if I will be able to pay you at the end of the month unless we find a solution as soon as posible. I have attached the plumber's bill so that you can take notice about it.
Moreover, I am sorry to tell you that a further source of irritation it is that the door from the lumber room is blocked. I would like to draw your attention to the fact that this affects the whole neighbourhood. As far as I'm concerned some of the neighbours are going to write to you too. I would like you to get in touch as a matter of urgency and let me know how you propose to resolve these problems.
I look foward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Cristina Sancho
10 Apple Street
245121 Dublin
The Valley Hotel
17 Maple Avenue
021521 London
3rd January 2010
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to express my disappointment with aspects of my recent business trip at your hotel. During the week I stayed there I discovered a number of problems with the accommodation. Having complained about them to the receptionist and having got no answer or solution, I am writing to you to express my concerns.
The most serious problem was the noise. The irritating dripping tap of the bathroom made it impossible to sleep and when I managed to get asleep, suddenly, in the middle of the night I was woken up by people talking out loud and a noise that seemed to be a vacuum-cleaner in the corridor. As a result, I was so weary that I did not look as neat as you could expect from a high-executive.
I am also concerned about the fact that the thermostat and timer of the central heating did not work properly, which constituted a health hazard, considering it was winter time and outside the temperature was around 0º.
As you will appreciate, these problems caused me some inconveniences. What is more, it makes me feel really disappointed since I have stayed in your hotel several times and I have always felt comfortable.
Ignoring costumer's requests is not the best way to keep them up, so what I am asking you is a complete refund as well as improving the hotel's facilities and the staff's behaviour.
Yours faithfully,
J.L. Smith
23 2ºB, Vencejo Street
47012 Valladolid,
Spain.
March 28, 2010
NH Hotel
14, See Avenue,
37005 Barcelona,
Spain.
Dear Sir / Madam,
I am writing to express my dissapointment with some aspects of my recent holiday. I was very much expecting these relaxing days, but to my disappointment they turned into a nightmare.
The first problem happened when I booked a room in your hotel. I had been promised a beautiful room with impressive views to the beach, and when I arrived at the room, the first and only thing that I could see was “a beautiful and impressive wall”. For that reason, the room was dark and very wet. It was depressive.
I am also concerned about the swimming pool. In your brochure, you said that I could enjoy myself in your Olympic swimming pool. As it turned out, I found a pool for children. I am very dissapointed with it because I love swimming and I could not even take a dip.
Finally, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the service´s restaurant was very bad. The buffet was very poor and your waiters were very unpleasant, wich was extremely disagreeable. One day, when I asked for a glass of wine, one of your waiters spilt the wine on my new dress. As a result, I needed to have my dress cleaned at the dry cleaner´s, wich was very expensive. (I enclose the bill for the laundry)
I would therefore be grateful if you could contact me on the above address to solve these problems as a matter of urgency, and let me know how you propose to solve them, as they have been causing me a great deal of distress and waste of money. Unless I receive a satisfactory reply, I will write to the Consumer Association. Having received this unsatisfactory treatment, I should receive a complete refund.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
Laura Moncada Sánchez
4, Oak St.
Newcastle
England
20 March.2010
The Manager
The Grand Hotel
12, Jasmine Road,
Sydney (Australia)
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my disappointment with aspects of my recent holidays. I am sorry to inform you that the holidays just did not match up to the promises made to me in the brochure. First of all, I had been promised a four-star accommodation. However, on arrival I ended up being put up in a hotel which was no better than a boarding-house. When I asked the receptionist if I could be moved, she refused and avoided me for the rest of the holidays.
Furthermore, there were considerable problems on arrival. The shower and the air conditioning did not work at all, the cleanliness and decoration was very poor and there was no room service available. A further source of irritation was that the windows in the living room were broken and I could not sleep during all my holidays because of the noise.
Finally, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the beach was a long way from the hotel and not behind the building, as you say in the brochure, and I had to take the bus every day.
As you will appreciate, these problems have caused me a great deal of inconvenience and distress.
As the price for these holidays was at the top of your price range, I would like a complete refund. I enclose some photographs which I think show clearly the low standard and specific faults. Unless I receive a satisfactory reply, I will write to the Consumer Association.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully
Silvia Rioja
8 Democracia Street
47355 Valladolid
Spain
March 26, 2010.
Customer Service,
NH Hotel,
3 Station Street,
6128 Brighton.
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing with regard to the recent holiday I spent with my family in your hotel. Unfortunately, since we arrived there three weeks ago, we discovered a number of problems with the accommodation. I have left several messages on your answering machine but as I have not yet received a reply, I am writing to you to express my concerns. Let me just go through some of the main problems we had.
First of all, we had been promised beautiful sea views. Your brochure claimed that the landscape and the views over the coast were breathtaking. However, on arrival it turned out that our room was at the back of the hotel looking over a huge wall.
A further source of irritation is that the TV set did not work at all. You can imagine my disappointment when on complaining at reception, I was told rather rudely that your hotel was short-staffed and that there was nothing that could be done about it.
I am also concerned about the fact that I was recommended your hotel by some friends who assured me that you had an excellent restaurant, but I learnt that the chef was off duty the time we were there and the quality of the food left much to be desired .Not only was not this what I expected, but it also was worse. Your advertisement said that you welcome children as your hotel offers a family atmosphere, but children were terrified of a large dog that was always barking at the reception.
To make matters worse, when we went to pay we were told we had to pay an extra spring supplement in spite of the fact that there were special offers for March. Had I known that you were so unreliable I would not have come to your hotel.
I am sure that you will understand the reason why I feel the need to write this letter. I look forward to receiving a letter of apology from an establishment of your reputation, as well as a full refund. I enclose the invoice. I have to say that if I do not receive prompt news from you, I will take legal actions.
Yours faithfully,
Marta Ubeda
45,Oxford St.,
Bath,
England
28th April, 2010
The Manager
Palace Hotel,
22, Green St.
Cambridge, England
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my strong dissatisfaction with the poor service I was offered at your hotel on 12nd April.
The first and more serious problem is that having booked the Royal Suite 5 months in advance, on arriving at the hotel I was told that it was impossible to use that room because “very important people” wanted to keep using it for one more week. It was so unprofessional that I tried to speak to the Personnel Manager and the receptionist answered that she was really busy to solve “such a simple problem”.
Having asked for the Complaints Book I was addressed to speak to the Manager in person, who told me that nothing could be done. She explained that the people who were occupying the Royal Suite had paid a big amount of money to use it for more time.
Not only was it an unprofessional situation, but also it was not fair especially having booked such a long time ago. That is the reason why I would like my money to be refunded and also to be given an amount a of 250 euros as compensation. I hope to receive a satisfactory reply, otherwise I will take legal action.
I look forward to hearing from you soon,
Yours faithfully,
Paz Fernández de Vera
Calle Magallanes, 18 - 3º D
Valladolid - 47006
Spain
28th March, 2010
The Sun Hotel,
37, Spring Road,
London
England
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my strong dissatisfaction with the service I received at your hotel last week. As you can see from my e-mail of 20th January (attached), my reservation was made with two months in advance and with all the details I needed.
To begin with, the receptionist could not find my reservation and I was made to wait for about one hour to have my room.
Also, there were considerable problems with the room. The TV, the internet and the flush were not working properly. Not to mention the fact that I was put on the smoking corridor when I had requested a non-smoking room. Last but not least, the swimming pool was absolutely filthy.
Asking for solutions at reception, I was told that there was nothing that could be done about the problems since the manager was not there that week. Unless I receive a satisfactory reply and a complete refund, I will write to the Consumer Association.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
Katiuscia Mello.
Villarcayo nº3 3ºcentro Burgos
29th March 2010
Lasa Hotel, Magdalena Street nº15
London
Dear sir or madam,
I am writing to express my disappointment with some aspects of the acommodation in your hotel in my recent
honeymoon.
As you can see in the document I have sent you with this letter, my husband and I booked a shared room for a
couple and we did it three months before the date we wanted to go on holiday for our honeymoon. We believed
everything would be in order when we arrived, but everything was wrong.
The first and most serious problem is we have different rooms instead the shared room we had booked and
as a result we have been sleeping in separate rooms in our hooneymoon, which is very annoying for me. To make
matters worse, the rooms were not in the same floor, which means that we have been taking the lift all the time in
order to stay together.
In addition, when we arrived we discovered that our rooms were not prepared for us. They were not clean and
there were no sheets in our beds or towels in the bathroom so, we had to wait at least three hours at the recepcion with our
bags until someone came to clean the rooms. Finally, the last problem was that having paid for the restaurant room
service at the hotel we did not have it and we had to go to eat to other restaurants.
As you will apreciate, these problems have made a complete disaster of our honeymoon We are told that your hotel
is considered one of the best in London so, we hope that these problems are unusual and you know how to compensate
us.
I look foward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
Noemí Grajera Izquierdo.
14 Spain Square,
Valladolid,
Spain
April 28, 2010
St Mark Hotel
22 Cannon Street,
London
Dear Mr. Smith,
I am writing to express my disappointment with some aspects of my recent holiday. Unfortunately, during our stay in London several problems came up. The room in the hotel was like a battlefield and the staff of the hotel did not contribute to solve the situation.
The first and most serious trouble was the fact that the electric light did not work properly, it was erratic. What it is more, a very expensive medicine, which had to be delivered the day after we arrived, could not reach its destination. It was ruined because the packet needed to be preserved cold; the fridge in the room was not working right due to the wrong electric power.
Apart from this, the room seemed as if it had not been cleaned for ages. The carpet was covered in dust, the pieces of the furniture did not be in the right place and the blankets did not look very clean. I would have been grateful if your person in charge had solved the situation, but he argued with us. Not only was he unable to solve our problems but he also questioned what we were saying.
I feel that I am entitled to a compensation for losing the medicine and the great distress that the situation has caused us. Holidays are supposed to be relaxing and the problems with your equipement and your personnel have not contributed to get any calm. I hope this matter will be dealt with as soon as possible because you are a very competent manager as you have shown us the previous times that we have used this hotel.
Yours sincerely,
Pilar Cotrina
Pº del Cauce Nº78, 3ºA
47005 Valladolid
March 31st, 2010
Alejandro Curiel,
Montesa Nº10, 4ºI
28006 Madrid
Dear Mr Curiel,
I am writing to you with regard to the apartment in Valladolid that I am renting from you. I have discovered a lot of problems since I moved in on January 16th, 2010. I have left you several messages on your answering machine but have not received any reply from you. Therefore, I am writing to you to express my concerns.
The first and most annoying problem is the fact that the electrical system of the apartment is faulty, causing the fuses to blow repeatedly even without overconsumption of power. As a result, I have had to spend many nights in total darkness and with no heaters on.
Another source of irritation is the washing machine. Since it was not correctly installed, water is not properly fed into the detergent and softener compartments, leaving the laundry unclean. As a temporary measure, I have had to do my laundry at a friend’s and at times take it to a dry cleaner’s, which constitutes an unnecessary expense for me.
As you will understand, these problems have been causing me a great deal of inconvenience and frustration. It would be highly appreciated if you could contact me on the telephone number I gave you upon signing the lease contract and let me know how you propose to resolve the problems.
I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Setapon Juengsanguansit
Here you are! Lots of examples of letters of complaint for you to read and learn from.
55 James St
25050 London
25th August 2010
Mr Jones Brown
75, L Street
25049 London
Dear Mr Brown,
My name is Cristina Sancho. As you might remember I rented a flat from you a couple of weeks ago. You can see the adress in the envelope. I am writing with regard to this flat so that I can express some problems I have found with my accomodation.
To start with, it has been two weeks now since I began to live in the flat and you assured me that the problem with the toilet would be repaired. However, it has not been repaired yet. As an urgency, I have had to hire a plumber so that the problem could be resolved. That is causing me a great deal of inconvenience as I must pay you for the flat and the expenses at the end of the month. I have been trying to phone you but there was no answer and that is why I decided to send you this letter. I think we both should face the costs of the plumber, so I would like to discuss that matter with you. I do not know if I will be able to pay you at the end of the month unless we find a solution as soon as posible. I have attached the plumber's bill so that you can take notice about it.
Moreover, I am sorry to tell you that a further source of irritation it is that the door from the lumber room is blocked. I would like to draw your attention to the fact that this affects the whole neighbourhood. As far as I'm concerned some of the neighbours are going to write to you too. I would like you to get in touch as a matter of urgency and let me know how you propose to resolve these problems.
I look foward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Cristina Sancho
BOOK REVIEW
"INVICTUS" (previously published as" Playing the Enemy")
by John Carlin
Had I not felt so impressed by the film "Invictus", I would never have discovered this overwhelming book which the film is based on.The author,who lived in South Africa during the interesting period of the transition from Apartheid to Democracy,tries to reflect how Mandela used the World Championship of rugby in 1995 as a political instrument to unite the nation.
It is through conversations with the real-life protagonists that Carling makes us aware of the superhuman effort that Nelson made to put his strategy into action with the slogan"One team one country".What I find most enriching about this book is that although he frames it around this sporting event, the story spans ten years: from 1985 to 1995.It contains extraordinary anecdotes about this not less extraordinary man:how he promoted the secret conversations with the Government to be released from prison,how he befriended his prison guards or how he convinced Francois Pienaar-the captain of the rugby team-that not only was the final an ordinary match,but it also was an opportunity to bond the whole society around the same target.
To conclude I will say that this is a story about freedom,about life and about a man whose charisma, leadership and capacity to forgive after 27 years in prison have moved me. (P.F)
by John Carlin
Had I not felt so impressed by the film "Invictus", I would never have discovered this overwhelming book which the film is based on.The author,who lived in South Africa during the interesting period of the transition from Apartheid to Democracy,tries to reflect how Mandela used the World Championship of rugby in 1995 as a political instrument to unite the nation.
It is through conversations with the real-life protagonists that Carling makes us aware of the superhuman effort that Nelson made to put his strategy into action with the slogan"One team one country".What I find most enriching about this book is that although he frames it around this sporting event, the story spans ten years: from 1985 to 1995.It contains extraordinary anecdotes about this not less extraordinary man:how he promoted the secret conversations with the Government to be released from prison,how he befriended his prison guards or how he convinced Francois Pienaar-the captain of the rugby team-that not only was the final an ordinary match,but it also was an opportunity to bond the whole society around the same target.
To conclude I will say that this is a story about freedom,about life and about a man whose charisma, leadership and capacity to forgive after 27 years in prison have moved me. (P.F)
Monday, May 3, 2010
FEELING DOWN?
Well, if you ever feel like giving up, don't. Watch this video instead!
Thanks for this link, Sandra.
Well, and then watch this one too, just to cheer you up! Thanks, Sara. Click here.
Thanks for this link, Sandra.
Well, and then watch this one too, just to cheer you up! Thanks, Sara. Click here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
