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Formal and Informal Letter Writing Guide

Formal letters should avoid contractions and colloquial language. They begin with a greeting of "Dear Sir/Madam" if the recipient is unknown or "Dear [Name]" if known. The first sentence introduces the purpose for writing, such as objecting to plans or complaining. The main body logically connects arguments between paragraphs using transition words. The letter ends with a closing phrase like "I look forward to hearing from you" and is signed "Yours sincerely" or "Yours faithfully". Informal letters use spoken language and begin with a friendly greeting like "Dear Mark" or "Hi Katie". The first sentence refers to the last correspondence or makes a general statement rather than summarizing. Arguments are connected

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113 views2 pages

Formal and Informal Letter Writing Guide

Formal letters should avoid contractions and colloquial language. They begin with a greeting of "Dear Sir/Madam" if the recipient is unknown or "Dear [Name]" if known. The first sentence introduces the purpose for writing, such as objecting to plans or complaining. The main body logically connects arguments between paragraphs using transition words. The letter ends with a closing phrase like "I look forward to hearing from you" and is signed "Yours sincerely" or "Yours faithfully". Informal letters use spoken language and begin with a friendly greeting like "Dear Mark" or "Hi Katie". The first sentence refers to the last correspondence or makes a general statement rather than summarizing. Arguments are connected

Uploaded by

Rodica Stoian
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Formal Letters

Formal letters are the most common writing task. Avoid using contractions e.g. Im instead write the full words I am. Also avoid colloquial language. Firstly, you begin your letter with addressing the receiver. If the receiver is unknown: - Dear Sir/Madam If the receiver is known: - Dear Miss Adams Secondly, first sentence in the letter is about WHY you are writing, examples: - I was extremely distressed to hear about your plans to ... (Object to someones plans) - I am writing to complain about / I am writing to tell you how disappointed... (Letter of Complaint) - I am writing to you on behalf of ... (Letter of Recommendation) - I am writing about the article published in / I have just read your article on... (Letter to de editor) Thirdly, during the main part of the letter you will try to connect your arguments together. Using paragraphs when appropriate, and logically connecting all of the elements in your letter using connecting words and/or sequencing: At first / To start with/In the beginning, in addition / furthermore / moreover, firstly / secondly / lastly etc. Then, ending phrase prior to signature (just a few suggestions): - I look forward hearing from you / I trust you will give my proposal your full consideration Finally, signature is in general one of the two: - Yours sincerely, (If you know the name of the person you sent the letter to) - Yours faithfully, (If you started the letter with Dear Sir/Madam)

Informal Letters
Informal letters are less common. When writing informal letters be aware that there are differences whether we are talking about a letter to your closest friend, or whether the letter is to your friends mom. Common is, however, that you will try to use language very similar to spoken language. Firstly, you have a friendly form of addressing the letter: - Dear Mark, / Hi Katie, Secondly, first sentence refers to last correspondence or is a general statement and not a summary

of what you are going to write about. Some eamples: - Thanks for your letter, it was great to hear from you... - Just thought Id drop you a line... Thirdly, in a real informal letter you might waste time talking about the weather. In the CAE exam you have, however, limited space and time so just try to get to the point, connecting your arguments with informal language. Examples could be: - You asked me about... - As for ... - Whats more ... - Mind you, ... - Having said that ... Then, ending phrase prior to signature (just a few suggestions): - Get back to me quickly / Let me know what you think / Cant wait to see you again Finally, a friendly informal signature: - Best wishes, - Take care, - All the best

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