Structure

Letters, whether formal or informal, need planning and organization. The examiners expect to see a suitable opening paragraph, middle paragraph(s), and appropriate closing lines. Even informal letters have certain conventions about how to start and end the letter:

 

Informal letters (1) – (3)

Formal letters (4) – (6)

Opening paragraph

Either

Enquire about the recipient’s health and well-being – How are you?

Or

Straightaway do what you’re writing

for e.g.

-Thank you for…

-Sorry …

-Congratulations on…

Say why you are writing –

 

I am writing to request/enquire

 

Reference to any previous

correspondence or relevant facts

Middle paragraphs

Provide substance and detail of the

letter

Provide substance and detail of the letter

Closing paragraphs

Either

Make general statement of your

feelings, hope or expectation

Or

Give an excuse for ending the letter

e.g. Got to go now – Dad’s waiting

to take me to the dentist

Make general statement e.g. about what you expect the outcome of the letter to be.

Final sentence

Pre-closing e.g.

Take care,

Write back soon,

See you soon,

Use set expression e.g. I look forward to hearing from you soon.