Writing Skills: Letter Writing (Formal and Informal)
Letter Writing (Formal and Informal)
This domain tests format, tone, and purpose. A formal letter has a clear addressee, subject, and request; an informal letter has a personal voice but still needs structure.
Core rules and concepts
- Formal: sender's address, date, receiver's address, salutation (Dear Sir/Madam), subject, body, closing (Yours faithfully), signature.
- Informal: address, date, salutation (Dear ...), body, closing (Yours affectionately or Best wishes).
- Open with purpose; use one paragraph per point; close with the expected action.
- Formal tone: no contractions, slang, or emojis; use 'I am writing to...' and 'I would be grateful if...'.
- Informal tone: contractions and personal details are fine, but avoid rambling.
Worked example
Task: ask the principal for an extra library period. Formal opening: 'I am writing to request that Class X be allowed one additional library period each week.' Reasoning: It states the request immediately and identifies the class. A body paragraph can give two reasons: project work and limited access after school. The closing should ask for a decision: 'I would be grateful for your consideration.' An informal letter to a friend would instead say 'Guess what? We might get an extra library period!'
Traps
Missing subject line in a formal letter; mixing 'Respected Sir/Madam' with 'Yours sincerely'; using contractions in formal writing; forgetting to state the request; writing one long paragraph; signing with a nickname in a formal letter; putting the date in the wrong place.