Page 7 - İngilizce 9 | 9.Ünite

WISE UP

Didn’t They Write Invitation Letters?

Writing invitations has a very long history. Many years ago most people didn’t know how to
read or write, so only the upper class society could write and send invitations.
English and French aristocrats like kings, queens, dukes and duchesses used the invitations
only for social events. They sent handwritten announcements of an event or party to invite
other high society members. The beautiful handwriting was really important because you could
understand that the sender family was educated. The words were similar to today’s invitations,
but putting the letter into a handmade envelope was necessary. They sealed the envelope
with the family’s wax seal and put it into an outer envelope. They had to do this because
they carried this valuable invitation on horseback in every weather condition. And this outer
envelope protected the letter from dirt and water.
Now, writing letters has changed a lot. We don’t care about beautiful handwriting. We send
e-mails and text messages or just call the people.

Discuss the questions below in class.
1. Is writing an invitation letter or calling the person better?
2. Is beautiful handwriting necessary for invitations? Why / Why not?

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