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. |