Letter Writing and Applied Writing: Layout and Register
What this domain tests
Letter writing and applied writing test whether you can produce a correctly laid-out formal or informal letter in Garo, choose the right register, state the purpose immediately, and include the details the reader needs.
Core rules and concepts
- Formal layout: sender’s address; date; receiver’s designation and address; salutation; subject line; body; closing; signature.
- Informal layout: address and date are still needed; salutation is warmer; subject line is usually omitted.
- Purpose first: in an application or complaint, state the request in the first sentence of the body.
- Details: give dates, times, and reason precisely. For leave, write ‘from 10 to 12 May’, not ‘for some days’.
- Register: formal letters avoid contractions, slang, and personal chat; informal letters may be warmer but still need clear paragraphs.
- Closing: use ‘Yours faithfully’ when the salutation is ‘Dear Sir/Madam’; use ‘Yours sincerely’ when you name the person.
Worked example
Task: application for three days’ leave. Subject: ‘Application for three days’ leave.’ Body: ‘I request three days’ leave from 10 to 12 May because I must attend my sister’s wedding.’ Reasoning: the body names the exact dates, gives one clear reason, and makes the request politely. A long story about the journey is unnecessary. The closing and signature follow the formal pattern.
Traps that cost marks
- Missing date or subject line in a formal letter.
- Using ‘Yours faithfully’ after naming the receiver.
- Writing a long narrative before making the request.
- Using contractions in a formal application.
- Forgetting to sign below the closing.