writing a formal letter

• Other languages
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Writing a Formal Letter

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Reasons to Write a Formal Letter

Formal 

• To someone you don't know
• To a business or other organisation
• To make complaints, official requests etc. 

Informal

• To people you know
• Friends 
• Relatives

Your Address

1 line per address detail, include post code

keep on right hand side of the page

the date of writing

their address

1 line per address detail, include post code

keep on left hand side of the page

Greeting / Salutation

Dear Sir/Madam,

 

or their name (eg. Mr. Reeves), if you know it

Introduction: your reason for writing

Briefly outline your reason - briefly  introduce the scenario, problem, request etc. 

Content paragraphs

Further details: outline problem / request / idea / scenario etc.

Concluding paragraph

Outline what you would like the outcome to be 

Thank them for taking the time to read your letter

Closing salutation

"Yours faithfully" with "Dear Sir/Madam"

"Yours sincerely" if you have used their name

Leave and line underneath and sign you name

Practice

Arrange the tiles in the correct layout 

Formal Writing Tips

• Keep language formal - no slang or contractions
• Keep your points relevant to the question / task
• Write 150-200 words in your main body of text
• Point. Evidence. Explain/Evaluate
• Proofread - your spelling, punctuation and grammar scores marks!

www.bbc.co.uk

Practice!

• You had ordered a present for a friend/relative/partner in a local store. 
• When the item arrived, the staff had failed to contact you and had been rude when you made enquiries about it. 
• When the product did finally arrive, it was damaged, but the assistant was unsympathetic and refused to address your issue.
• You have ended up having to order another present elsewhere, and want an apology and a refund for your purchase. 

• Write 150-200 words and proofread your work!
• Remember no slang and keep it relevant!