Russian, from zero to B1

Week 66, Lesson 131, Monday

Write a formal request

A Russian formal request rests on one word, прошу́, and a fixed frame. The application, заявле́ние, even has its own layout, from the top right corner down.

In this lessonabout 70 minutes
New words7
FocusПрошу́ …, в связи́ с …, the written application

1Recap 5 minutes

Three questions from Week 65, before anything new.

2Goal 1 minute

I can write a formal request and a short written application.

3The lesson 20 minutes

In this lesson

  1. Requests
  2. The application

Requests

The layout of a written application.

1To whomДире́ктору2From whomот …3TitleЗаявле́ние4RequestПрошу́ …
Top right, then down the page.
RussianMeaning
Прошу́ вас присла́ть мне докуме́нты.Please send me the documents.
Прошу́ сообщи́ть о ва́шем реше́нии.Please let me know your decision.
В связи́ с боле́знью прошу́ перенести́ встре́чу.Due to illness, I ask to move the meeting.

Прошу́ + the dictionary form; в связи́ с + the instrumental.

The application

PartExample
To whom, top rightДире́ктору ООО «Ве́ктор» Петро́ву И. С.
From whomот Ивано́вой А. П.
TitleЗаявле́ние
The requestПрошу́ предоста́вить мне о́тпуск с 1 по 14 ию́ля.
EndДа́та, по́дпись

To whom takes the to-whom form; from whom, от + the genitive. The names are invented.

Прошу́сообщи́тьplease informв связи́с …in connectionв отве́тна …in reply to
Three phrases that make a letter official.
Week 66 on one plate. Lesson 131: Прошу вас; в связи с; Заявление; Прошу сообщить. Lesson 132: в ответ на ваше письмо; К сожалению; вынужден сообщить; Приношу извинения.
Week 66 on one plate. This lesson is band L131.

4Listen and say 5 minutes

Sound of the lesson: заявле́ние

заявле́ние: za-yav-LYE-ni-ye, five syllables.

5Phrases and words 5 minutes

Phrases to learn whole

Learn each one as a single unit, the way you would learn a word. They come back in your Daily 10.

Words to read aloud

Read each one aloud, then open it to check.

Прошу́ …

I request …, please …

Прошу́ сообщи́ть …

Please let me know …

в связи́ с …

in connection with …

в отве́т на …

in reply to …

заявле́ние
предоста́вить о́тпуск

to grant leave

по́дпись

6Class exercises 15 minutes

Checked instantly. Get one wrong and you can try it again.

In class. With Екатери́на: write a written application together, then a short formal email with a request.

Role-play

Take one card each. Swap roles for a second round.

You

  • Make a formal request by email, out loud.

Екатери́на

  • Reply formally, asking for one more document.

7Your turn 5 minutes

Write a formal request with a reason.

See a model answer

В связи́ с боле́знью прошу́ перенести́ встре́чу на пя́тницу.

Saved as you type. It goes to Екатери́на together with Homework 131.

8Mini questionnaire required, 80% to pass

9Feedback 5 minutes

10Check your goal 1 minute

I can write a formal request and a short written application.

Can you do this now? Be honest: the answer decides your next step.

11Homework

Homework 131 on Tuesday: a formal request.

I can write a formal request and a short written application.

Can you do this now?