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 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 9th 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
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YES
|
NO
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Did I follow the
plan?
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Did I use
neutral or formal vocabulary?
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Did I use full
forms of verbs?
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Did I use set
phrases?
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Did I use
question forms correctly?
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Proofreading
|
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YES
|
NO
|
|
Did I check
spelling using a dictionary?
|
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Did I check
comparatives?
|
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Did I check
superlatives?
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Did I include
the passive?
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Did I includeconditionals?
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Did I use at
least three new vocabulary words?
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