Writing Guide: Formal Letter Writing for Highschoolers

1. Formal letter
A W r i t i n g G u i d e

2. When writing a formal letter, take these points
into account:
Write as simply and as clearly as possible
Don’t make the letter longer than necessary
Don’t use informal language like contractions
Pay attention to the purpose of your letter (to complain, to make a request, to
apologize or to defend a point of view)
Always leave a line between paragraphs
Use Standard English and avoid slang

3. Parts of a business letter (formal letter)
Sender’s address (Your address)
Located at the top of the right side of the page. It is optional. Include only the street
Inside address
date
address, city and zip code.
It should be one line below the sender’s address.
The date should be underneath the inside address. (Month “in letters”/day/year:
January 15, 2003)

4. Parts of a business letter (formal letter)
Salutation
Start your letter with Dear Sir, Madam, Mr., Mrs, or Miss
Body
First Paragraph
Shortly introduce yourself. State the purpose of the letter (enquiry, complain, request)
Middle Paragraph
Organize your writing in a clear logical way. Say why you are writing the letter
Last Paragraph
Mention the action you expect the recipient to take

5. Parts of a business letter (formal letter)
Closing
The closing begins at the same horizontal point as your date and one line after your
body.

6. Types of formal letters
Job Application
Cover Letter
Resignation Letter
Thank You Letter
Complaint Letter
Request Letter
Recommendation Letter
Invitation Letter
Apology Letter
Business Proposal
Official Announcement
Follow-Up Letter
Condolence Letter

7. Sender’s adress
Inside adress
Salutations
Body
Closing

8. ASSIGNMENT:
Choose one of the topics
You have noticed people in your area being very careless in
the way they use water. You are concerned about this and
decide to write a letter to your local newspaper outlining your
views.
In your letter, you may wish to include such things as:
Why water is so important
Problems the lack of clean water can cause
How we could teach people, especially children, to respect
water
A Complaint

9. ASSIGNMENT:
Choose one of the topics
Apply for a job in whatever position that interests you in
consideration to your field of study.
Mention your work experience if available and your education
history.
A Job Application

10. ASSIGNMENT:
Choose one of the topics
Inviting someone to an event or meeting.
An Invitation