Formal Letter Writing

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 4

Formal letter writing

Why formal (letter) writing?

Most likely, all the writing in English you will do in your future is formal: 

- Essays for your future studies

- Correspondence of a formal nature (application, enquiry, complaint) 

Formal letter/email outline

1.A. Your own address without your name, with the country

 Marinus Postlaan 1

 8264 PB Kampen

 the Netherlands

1.B. Address of the receiver, with name, function (if known), and country

 236 Time Square 
New York, NY 103600
United States of America

Formal letter/email outline

2. Date of writing

 

21 March 2025

March 21st 2025

All options are correct; the first one is the easiest. Remember to write months with capital letters in English!

(NB: You may also place the date between the two addresses.)

Formal letter/email outline

3. Salutation

 Dear Mr. Jones / Mrs. Jones, (if you know who you are writing to)

 Dear Sir/Madam, (if you do not know who you are writing to)

• Use capital letters
  
• Never use a first name.
  
• Do not write ‘Mister/Missus’
  
• Always end with a comma
  

Formal letter/email outline

4. Three paragraphs*

   

Paragraph 1: Introduction - State the reason of writing your letter.

= I am writing this letter..

Paragraph 2: Body - Provide background information. 

Paragraph 3: Conclusion - What do you want to achieve? 

*The content may vary depending on the assignment. 

Formal letter/email outline

5. Final sentence

  I look forward to hearing from you soon.

This is a sentence you can almost always use. 

Formal letter/email outline

6. Closure

   Yours sincerely, (when you used a name in the salutation) 

   Yours faithfully, (when you used Sir/Madam in the salutation)

Formal letter/email outline

7. Your signature and full name

 

 [signature]

 Renske van Dijk

https:

Basic rules

Between each new part of your letter you leave a blank line.

It is okay to start a letter with “I” in English.

In the address for the receiver, do you include a name?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Only if you know the name

Can you use "can't" in a formal letter?

1. Yes
2. No

Do have to include a signature in a formal letter?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Only in certain cases
4. Only on paper

When you don't know the name of the person you are writing to you use?

1. Dear Mr/Mrs,
2. Dear Mr./Mrs.,
3. Dear Mr./Ms.,
4. Dear Sir/Madam

What is the correct order of elements in a formal letter?

1. Salutation, body, address of the sender, date, closing, signature
2. Address of the sender, Date, Salutation,, Body, Closing, Signature
3. address of the sender, salutation, date, body, closing, signature
4. Address of the sender, salutation, date, body, closing, signature

Which of the following is NOT a correct closing for a formal letter?

1. Yours sincerely
2. Best regards
3. See you soon
4. Yours faithfully

When should you use "Yours faithfully" instead of "Yours sincerely" in a formal letter?

1. When you know the recipient's name
2. When you do not know the recipient's name
3. When writing to a close friend
4. When writing a casual email

What should be included in the first paragraph of a formal letter?

1. A detailed explanation of the main topic
2. Personal anecdotes
3. The closing statement
4. A greeting and the purpose of the letter

Which of the following is an example of a proper formal closing?

1. Cheers
2. Take care
3. Yours faithfully
4. Bye for now

Is this a good sentence for in a formal letter? "And I'd like to inform you of this new opportunity."

1. Yes
2. No

Practise letter

Assignment 

- 1) Briefly explain the purpose of the letter.

- 1) Mention the job title and company name.

- 1) State where you found the job listing.

- 1) Provide a short overview of why you are a good candidate.

- 2) Highlight relevant skills and experience.

- 2) Provide an example of an achievement related to the job.

- 3) Explain why you want to work at the company.

- 3) Discuss how your skills match the job requirements.

- 3) Mention how you can contribute to the company’s success.

- 4) Express enthusiasm about the opportunity.

- 4) State your availability for an interview.

- 4) Provide your contact details.

- 4) Thank the employer for their time and consideration.