PERMAI SCHOOL
2021-2022
Class: Sec 3 Subject: English
Term: 1 Handout: 5
Directed Writing
Letter
FORMAL LETTERS
These will be written to somebody in a position of authority, usually to your
school principal, the manager of a company etc. I’ll give a very brief idea of how
to write one.
1. Salutations and Signatures: use either of these format
a. Dear Sir or Madam……. Yours faithfully
b. Dear Ms Weasley…………. Yours sincerely
2. Introduction: Dive straight into the point.
Why are you writing? To appreciate, complain, suggest, request or
disagree?
What are you writing in regards to? A new project, a newspaper
advertisement, an article or an event? Mention it. That’s your introduction.
3. Body: This can be divided into two paragraphs
a. Details of the situation: give the previous history of the event or your
background or experience. Say what happened exactly if you are making
a complaint, or focus directly on the text you are arguing with. This
section should include specific data such as names, dates, facts and
details.
b. Further development: Give further support to your claim or request.
Summarise the current situation and why you should be given
consideration. Persuade the reader.
4. Conclusion: Say what you wish to happen next. Suggest, firmly but politely,
what may happen if you do not receive a response to a complaint. Wrap up
once again, stating your request/complaint/suggestion and politely say
something along the lines of ‘I hope you will consider this and take action
as soon as possible.’
TIPS
● Use formal vocabulary only. Instead of ‘can’t wait for your reply’ say
‘I hope you will consider the above suggestion and take prompt action‘.
● Don’t use contractions like can’t, won’t, don’t, we’re etc. Use their full
forms. Contractions are informal.
● Don’t use exclamation marks.
● Your tone should be serious and respectful.
● Keep to the word limit.
INFORMAL LETTERS
1. Salutations and Signatures:
Dear/Dearest..,etc. → With Love/Yours Truly, etc.
2. Introduction:
○ Start with a warm, friendly opening. Ditch the boring ‘How are you
doing?‘. Go for these:
■ It was good to hear from you.
■ Sorry for not replying sooner. I have been very busy.
■ I’m so sorry for taking so long to reply. I have been revising for my
Exa ms.
■ Congratulations on your award! It’s been a hectic week over here. So
sorry I couldn’t write to you earlier. (This is a good opening, because it
tells the examiner that you know this person well).
○ Tell them why you’re writing the letter. This will be specified in the
question paper itself. Keep it very short. In the example above, you could
say: I’ve been dying to tell you about this circus that came to town last
Friday!!
3. Body: This is the actual content of your letter. Provide more details about
the topic. Use lots of adjectives and verbs and really relay your thoughts
and emotions.
4. Conclusion: The conclusion has to wrap up the letter.
For example, I really wish you were there! You would have loved it! Give my
regards to Margaret and Aunt Marie! Reply soon!
TIPS
● Take care of spelling, punctuation and grammar.
● Don’t use abbreviations and slang such as ‘u’ and ‘OMG’! This is an
international exam, not an actual email to your friend!
● Keep the tone very light and warm. An informal letter should be informal.
● Writing a paragraph for each bullet point (given in the question) can be
a good method of keeping the letter organised.
● Try using time phrases. Eg: shortly after that/later/that afternoon/after
dinner etc.
● Charm your examiner; get them to like you. The best way to do this is with
some humour, so add the occasional joke or mild hyperbole for effect.
Compliments are also very welcome, something like “p.s. I loved the shoes
you were wearing last time we met!”
