You had an appointment with your friend last Friday. Unfortunately, you did not keep the appointment because your mother fell ill at that time. Write a letter to your friend to:

1.apologize for not attending the appointment as planned,

2.explain why you could not meet him/her that day,

3.make suggestion for another appointment next time.

Dear Linda,

称呼：写给关系亲密的个人

I am excessively sorry to say that I had failed to keep the appointment that we made last Friday.

Now, I am writing you this letter of apology to show my deep regret.

Please accept my sincere apology. I hope you will understand me and excuse me for my failure to turn up.

第一句是本段的中心句，直接道出道歉的原因。

（积累：I am excessively sorry to do …; fail to do …; make an appointment）

第二句展开道歉，真诚的表达自己的歉意。

(积累： letter of apology)

第三、四句表达自己希望对方接受歉意。

（积累：excuse … for …; turn up）

The reason for my absence was that my mother fell ill at that time.

I had no way out because I had to send her to hospital and look after her.

Therefore, it’s not in my power to meet you.

第一句是本段的中心句，综述写信人出现过失的原因。（积累：The reason for … was that…; fall ill）

第二句是本段中心句的展开，讲述当时的处境和情况。

第三句承接上一句，表述事实面前的不可抗力。进一步澄清出现过失的原因。

（积累：in one’s power）

Naturally, I want to suggest that we should make another appointment next time.

I shall be obliged if you will kindly write and tell me when and where you will be at convenience.

We may meet again and I hope to see you soon.

第一句提出下次见面的建议。

（积累：suggest表示“建议”，后接从句用should+动词原形）

第二句是征询对方下次见面的具体地点和时间。

（积累：be obliged; at convenience）

最后一句期待下次见面。礼貌收尾

Yours sincerely,

Li Ming

信件结尾和署名