Writing a letter of complaint and application

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 6

Letter Writing 

Letter of complaint

Structure email or letter of complaint

part 1	opening	When you do know the recipient's name: Dear Mr (or Mrs, Ms, Miss, etc.) Surname. When you don't know the recipient's name: Dear Sir/Madam, or To whom it may concern.
part 2	introduction paragraph	In your first sentence draw the recipient’s attention to the matter you’re going to raise or discuss.
	body paragraph(s)	Provide some detailed background information; describe the circumstances that resulted in your dissatisfaction. Then, expand on the effects and consequences the problem had—show what damage you’ve suffered.
	final paragraph	In conclusion, you should state what your expectations are and when you want to receive an answer to your complaint.
part 3	the close	When you do know the recipient's name: Yours sincerely, When you don't know the recipient's name: Yours faithfully, Type your name underneath your signature.

time to practice formal language

5 min

test-english.com

Outline application letter

Remember where to put the addresses and date!

Your own address first, without your own name and including country

Addressee's address

Date

All on the left is easiest.

Write today's date as you would at the top of a formal letter.

Outline application letter

2. Salutation

Write the salutation as you would when you do not know the name of the person you are writing to

Write the salutation as you would when you are writing to John Harper.

Outline application letter

3. Paragraph 1: 

• write when and where you read the advertisement (as in where online or in which newspaper, not where as in 'in the park' or 'in the swimming pool' or 'at home') 
• state that you're interested in this position

Outline application letter

3. Paragraph 2: 

• introduce yourself giving your age, gender and nationality (i.e. I am a sixteen-year-old girl from the Netherlands); 
• give information about your education (i.e. I am in the sixth grade of pre-university education);
• state your good qualities and mention why you would be suitable for this position

Outline application letter

3. Paragraph 3: 

• ask any questions you might have; 
• refer to the fact that you can elaborate about yourself in an interview;
• mention the fact that you have attached your CV for further information

Outline application letter

4. Closing sentence

Give an example of a closing sentence

Outline application letter

4. Closure

How would you end your letter if you do not know the name of the person you are writing to?

How would you end your letter when you do know the name of the person you are writing to?

application letter

Next class

Make sure your letter is finished before this class

So that we can provide feedback one last time.

Have a nice day!