LITERATURE BOOK 4

LISTENING QUIZZES 6

WRITING 6: FORMAL LETTER

Definition:

A formal letter is used to address a person or organization with whom you are not familiar.  Because of this fact, it is really challenging to write it:  the quality of your content, including spelling and grammar will probably be strongly scrutinized.

Some reasons to write a formal letter are the following:

• Make a complaint
• Request something or give information
• Suggest something

USEFUL FORMAL LANGUAGE

To complain:
I am writing in order to complain about…

I was unsatisfied with…

In the first place…

I suggest that you…

My main criticism is…

I’m afraid to say…

To request and give information:
I am writing to inquire…

I would like to know…

Do you think you could tell me…

Would you mind telling me…

The first thing I would like to inform you is…

To suggest:

I am writing to suggest…

I would like to suggest…

A further possibility is…

TIPS

·        Underline key information.

·        Make a plan – make sure you include all the points in the notes.

·        Think about who you are writing to and decide how formal your letter should be.

·        Use your own words; avoid using the same words as those in the question.

·        Make sure you use a variety of language.

PLAN

·        Use neutral or formal language.  Be polite.

·        Answer or ask all the questions in the original letter.

·        Use set phrases to sound natural.

Paragraph 1

a)      Give your reason for writing.

Paragraph 2

a)      Ask for or give information.

Paragraph 3

a)      Ask any other questions.

Paragraph 4

a)      Finish your letter with a set phrase.

EXAMPLE

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to you about a recent visit I made to your Museum on 9^th July.  I was particularly interested to come to the Museum as I am studying Science in school and I know you have some special exhibitions.

The recycling plastics exhibition was very interesting because it showed what happens to plastic after we throw it away and how it is turned into other products.

However, I was very disappointed with the show on travelling in space.  I contained very little information and was boring because it had too many technical details in it and not enough on what it is like to travel in space.

Furthermore, I found the restaurant very expensive.  I think you should have a small shop selling snacks. 

I hope you will consider my points seriously and improve the museum for other visitors.

Yours sincerely,

Peter White

Revising

	YES	NO
Did I follow the plan?
Did I use neutral or formal vocabulary?
Did I use full forms of verbs?
Did I use set phrases?
Did I use question forms correctly?

Proofreading

	YES	NO
Did I check spelling using a dictionary?
Did I check comparatives?
Did I check superlatives?
Did I include the passive?
Did I includeconditionals?
Did I use at least three new vocabulary words?