This document provides information about informal and formal letters, including their differences and appropriate language. Informal letters are used to communicate with friends and family, and can include contractions, incomplete sentences, and a casual tone. Formal letters are written to professionals or unknown individuals, and require a polite tone, complete sentences, and formal language without contractions. Examples of openings, closings, and phrases are given for both informal and formal letters, as well as a sample job application letter.

1. “WRITING SKILLS”

2. How many different kinds of letter are there?
• Informal Letter
• Formal Letter
What are the differences between an informal letter and a formal
letter?
• Letter format
• The tone of writing
• The language used

3. INFORMAL WRITING EXAMPLES
Contractions
There 'something else I’ve got to tell you
Informal set phrases
Thank you for your letter
Informal greetings in letters
Dear Sam
Incomplete sentences
Great news about your brother
Phrasal verbs
‘go on’ instead of continue’
Informal connecting words
Well, I think that’s all I wanted to say

4. FORMAL WRITING EXAMPLES
No contractions
I do not think there is an excuse for the treatment I received
Formal set phrases
I look forward to hearing from you
Formal greetings
Dear Sir, Madam, Dear Mr./Mrs.
Complete sentences
We should consider redoing the shop window display
Use of passive voice
The local sport centers were opened in the last ten years
Formal connecting words
In addition to this, many people feel that the police are underfunded

5. USEFUL PHRASE REFERENCE
INFORMAL LETTER
• Greetings Dear + first name
• Asking about them Hi! How are things? How’s it going?
• Referring to the news Great news about… Glad to hear that…
• Giving news Listen, did I tell you… You’ll never believe what…
• Making suggestions Why don’t you..? Maybe you could…
• Closing expressions Well, got to go now. See you soon.
• Signing off Love, Lots of love, Yours,
• Name your first name

6. USEFUL PHRASE REFERENCE {FORMAL LETTER}
Greeting name unknown: Dear Sir/Madam
name known: Dear Mr../Dear Mrs…/Dear Ms…
Reason for writing I am writing to.. I am writing with regards to…
Asking questions I would be grateful if.. I wonder if you could…
Referring to their letter As you started in your letter..
Regarding/Concerning..
Closing expressions I look forward to hearing from you.
Signing off If Dear + name :Yours sincerely, if Dear Sir/Madam:
Yours faithfully, Dear+name: Yours
Name your first name + surname

7. USEFUL PHRASE REFERENCES
LETTER OF APPLICATION
Greeting name unknown: Dear Sir/Madam
name known: Dear Mr../Dear Mrs../Dear Ms +name
Reason for writing I am writing to apply for the post/position of
I am writing with reference to your advertisement,
which I saw…
Your experience I gained some experience…My qualification include..
CV Please find attached my CV…
Closing expressions I look forward to hearing from you. Please do not hesitate to contact me if…
Signing off if Dear=name: Your sincerely, if Dear Sir/Madam:
Yours faithfully, Dear+=name:Yours
Name your first name + surname

9. When do we write this kind of letter and who do
we write to?
• write to friends or family members
• the tone is very informal
• sometimes, spoken language can be used

10. “Informal letters can take the form of a quick note to invite a
friend to a party, or they may be more expansive in content.”
Sender’s address
Date
Salutation (Dear Mom,)
Text
(with love,)Subscription
Signature
Layout of an Informal Letter

11. Opening:
How are you doing?
Closing:
Take care. / Write soon.

13. Formal Letter
Write to the “outside world”
example: business world
There are different kinds of formal letter.
• Complaint Letter
Make complaints
• Invitation Letter
Invite a guest to give a talk
• Letter of Application
Apply for a job
• Thank you Letter
Thank you for people’s hard work

14. Layout of a Formal Letter
Sender’s address
Date
Receiver’s Name
Receiver’s Title
Company’s Name
Company’s Address
Salutation
Text
Subscription
Signature
Printed Name and Title

15. Opening sentence:
I’m writing to…….
Closing sentence:
I’m looking forward to hearing/seeing from you.
Dear Mr. Chan,
Yours sincerely,

16. Central Bank
Part-time Bank Clerk
• Required by a large bank in Central
• S.3 or above
• Knowledge of computer such as, Word, Excel
• Fluent in English & Chinese
• Experience not necessary
Example:

17. Reason for writing
Express yourself clearly and concisely.
***When you want to apply for a job, many companies ask for a letter
of application.***
A letter of application gives more insight into the applicant and enables
the company to reject many applicants before the interview stage.
It is therefore important to express yourself clearly and make the most
of this opportunity to impress a prospective employer.

18. Flat A, 8/F. Block 7
Sunrise Gardens
198 Nathan Road
Kowloon1st June 1998
The Personnel Officer
Central Bank
25 Queen’s Road
Hong Kong
Dear Sir/Madam
1
23
4
5
B
EN
A
H

19. Application for the post of Part-time Bank Clerk
I am writing to apply for the post of Part-time
Clerk, which was advertised in the South
China Morning Post on 30th May.
I am a student at St Anne’s School and will
complete my Form 3 studies in July this year.
I am taking seven subjects at school and I
came first in Computer Studies last year.
6
7
8
M
J
F

20. In school, I have a lot of interests. I take part in many
extra-curricular activities. I am the Secretary of the
Computer Club and a member of the Tennis Club. I also
helped in organising an Inter-class Mathematics
Competition last year.
I wish to work in a bank as I enjoy meeting people
and I am very interested in banking. I hope to
continue my studies while working. I understand
your bank encourages employees to go in courses,
and this is one reason why I decided to apply for
this post.
9
10
G
K

21. Yours faithfully
Doris Ng
Doris Ng
If you are interested in my application, I
should be glad to attend an interview at any
time which is convenient for you.
11
14
13
12
C
D
L
I

22. A LETTER
Dear Rudik,
Thanks for your letter. Cambridge sounds great! I’m really glad you’ve having a good
time. We all miss you here.
Yeah, buying a computer sounds a very good idea. It’s a much better idea getting a
laptop, as it’s so easy to carry around.
Also, if you’re going to be using it for essays, you’ll definitely need a word processor
and printer. You’d have to pay extra for them.
Anyway, that’s what think. Let me know which one you decide to get.
Happy shopping! So, take care, work hard (but not to hard) and see you soon.
Bye!
Emma

23. A LETTTER
Dear Ms Turner,
I am writing in response to your advertisement for tour guides, which I
read in the ‘Reporter’ on 11th June. I would like to apply for one of the advertised positions.
I am very interested ib modern art and would welcome the opportunity to
inform visitors to the gallery. I have previously worked in a local museum, as you can see from
my attached CV.
I also believe I have the personal qualities and qualifications necessary for
this position. I speak French as my first language and recently passed the Cambridge First
Certificate in English examination with ‘A’ grade.
Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to
contact me. I am available for interview at your convenience.
Yours sincerely,
Paul Bishop

24. Reservations Manager
Calton Hotel
78 Park Lane
Bristol
June 16
Dear Jack/Sir or Madam
I am writing/This is just a note to confirm a reservation that was made/I asked you for this
morning by telephone. This reservation, for a couple of/two nights, is for me/myself, David Cook.
I want/would like a room with a bathroom. I will be attending/I’m going to pop into The
Trade Fair that is being held/is going on in Bristol that week.
It is all right/Would it be possible for me to have a room at the back of the hotel?
Thank you/Thanks for sending me the brochure about/regarding your conference facilities.
Unfortunately/I’m sorry I can’t give you/I am unable to provide you with any definite dates at the
moment/now,as/because we have yet to finalize/sort out the details of our sales conference.
But/However, I will contact/ I’ll drop a line as soon as I can/possible.
I look/I’m looking forward to meeting you on 12 July.
Best wishes/Yours faithfully,
David Cook.

25. 28 Leahurst Rd
York
YK13 SNL
14th September
Dear Mr Willis,
I am writing to apply for the position of Part-Time Sales Assistant which I saw in the newspaper I
bought while I was walking my dog , Pedro, yesterday.
I am 16 years old, I am tall and I have got long brown curly hair. I have got one sister, who I get on
with very well.
Although I don’t have any experience of working in a shop, I want to work for you. I have had a
regular baby-sitting job for a year now. I am trustworthy and reliable, but I can sometimes be a little impatient and moody.
I’m free to start from July. I finish my exams at the end of May so I can’t wait to hear from you.
Yours sincerely,
A.Leary
Andrea Leary

26. Write a letter of application (100-150 words) choosing the
following adverts
WANTED :
Receptionist’s to work in doctor’s
surgery at weekends. Would suit
teenager who wishers to learn about
medicine as a possible career.
Please apply in writing to
Dr BROWN, Harley Road.
WANTED :
ENERGETIC AND CONFIDENT
Summer WAITERS/WAITRESSES
June-August
Languages & experience working with people an
advantage.
Send CV and letter of application to : Mr Brown,
The Blue Whale Restaurant, 17 White Road, Dover

27. Always check that your writing is consistent with your purpose. In your letter of application, check that:
You have painted a good picture of yourself
Dates, qualifications, experience are consistent
There is no irrelevant information included
It is easy for the reader to follow
GOOD LUCK !!!