Formal Letter Writing Guide

This page provides a comprehensive overview of how to write a formal letter in English, which is particularly useful for students preparing for exams like the Matura or those needing to write professional correspondence.

The guide begins by emphasizing the importance of using formal language throughout the letter. This means avoiding phrasal verbs and contractions (such as "I'm"), which are more suitable for informal communication.

Structure of a Formal Letter

1. Salutation

The document suggests starting the letter with "Dear Sir/Madam," which is a standard formal greeting when the recipient's name is unknown.

Example: Dear Sir/Madam,

2. Introduction

The guide recommends beginning the letter by clearly stating its purpose.

Example: I am writing to you with reference to...

This opening line helps to immediately contextualize the letter for the recipient.

3. Body Content

While the guide doesn't provide specific details about the body content, it implies that this is where the main message of the letter should be conveyed. This section would typically include:

• The reason for writing
• Any relevant details or explanations
• Your request or the action you want the recipient to take

Highlight: When mentioning an event in the letter, it's appropriate to include the date.

4. Conclusion

The guide offers several options for concluding the letter:

Example:

• Thank you for taking the time to read my letter.
• Thank you for your consideration.
• I would appreciate your immediate attention to this matter.
• I look forward to receiving your reply.

These closing statements serve to politely reinforce the purpose of the letter and express appreciation for the recipient's time and attention.

5. Closing Salutation

The document provides two formal options for ending the letter:

Example:

• Respectfully yours,
• Yours faithfully,

Vocabulary: "Yours faithfully" is typically used when the letter begins with "Dear Sir/Madam," while "Yours sincerely" (not mentioned in this guide) is used when the recipient's name is known.

This comprehensive structure ensures that your formal letter in English follows the expected conventions, which is crucial for Matura exams and professional communication.

Highlight: Remember, the key to a successful formal letter is maintaining a professional tone throughout, using appropriate language, and following the correct structure.

By following this guide, students can improve their skills in writing formal letters for English exams and prepare themselves for future professional correspondence.