Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is an appropriate way to close a formal letter?
What is an appropriate way to close a formal letter?
Using contractions is encouraged in formal writing.
Using contractions is encouraged in formal writing.
False (B)
What should you include at the end of your letter?
What should you include at the end of your letter?
Final salutation, signature, and printed name.
In a letter of application, you should mention your ________ and experiences.
In a letter of application, you should mention your ________ and experiences.
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Match the following phrases with their purposes in formal letters:
Match the following phrases with their purposes in formal letters:
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What is a suitable phrase for polite inquiry?
What is a suitable phrase for polite inquiry?
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You should aim for less than three paragraphs in a formal letter.
You should aim for less than three paragraphs in a formal letter.
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What type of sentence structure is recommended for formal letters?
What type of sentence structure is recommended for formal letters?
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What is the primary purpose of a letter of application?
What is the primary purpose of a letter of application?
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The format of a formal letter does not require an opening paragraph.
The format of a formal letter does not require an opening paragraph.
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What should you use if you do not know the name of the recipient when writing a formal letter?
What should you use if you do not know the name of the recipient when writing a formal letter?
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The first paragraph of a formal letter should state the __________ for writing.
The first paragraph of a formal letter should state the __________ for writing.
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Match the types of formal letters with their purposes:
Match the types of formal letters with their purposes:
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Which salutation should be used if you know the recipient is a woman but you do not know her marital status?
Which salutation should be used if you know the recipient is a woman but you do not know her marital status?
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The body of a letter should be organized into paragraphs for clarity.
The body of a letter should be organized into paragraphs for clarity.
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List one useful phrase for opening an application letter.
List one useful phrase for opening an application letter.
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Flashcards
Application Letter
Application Letter
A formal letter written to apply for work or educational opportunities. It presents your qualifications and why you're suitable for the position.
Complaint Letter
Complaint Letter
A formal letter written to express dissatisfaction with a product, service, or situation.
Enquiry Letter
Enquiry Letter
A formal letter written to gather information about a specific topic or organization.
Opening Paragraph
Opening Paragraph
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Salutation
Salutation
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Body
Body
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Conclusion
Conclusion
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About You
About You
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Introduction of a Formal Letter
Introduction of a Formal Letter
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Asking Politely
Asking Politely
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Closing
Closing
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Final Salutation
Final Salutation
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Paragraphing in Formal Letters
Paragraphing in Formal Letters
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Formal Language
Formal Language
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Connectors in Formal Writing
Connectors in Formal Writing
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Range in Writing
Range in Writing
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Study Notes
Formal Letter Writing
- Formal letters can be for various purposes, including job applications, scholarship applications, complaints, suggestions, and inquiries.
How to Write Formal Letters
Salutation (Greeting)
- Known Recipient: Use title (Mr, Mrs, Miss, Ms) and surname. If unsure of a woman's marital status, use Ms.
- Examples: Dear Mr. Simpson, Dear Mrs. Flanders, Dear Miss Skinner, Dear Ms. Van Houten
- Unknown Recipient: Use Dear Sir, Dear Madam, or Dear Sir or Madam.
Body
-
Opening Paragraph: State the reason for the letter and what it's in response to (advertisement, prospectus). Reference any previous correspondence.
- Examples:
- Applying for a scholarship: "I would like to apply for one of the scholarships I saw advertised in your prospectus."
- Applying for a job: "I am looking for outdoor work… I would like to apply for the position… advertised in my university's student newspaper."
- Applying for a job (from advertisement): "I have seen your advertisement for the post… advertised in the local newspaper on 16 June. I am writing because I would like to apply for the job."
- Examples:
-
Main Content: Organize into paragraphs for clarity.
- Examples of paragraph structure for an application letter:
- Introduction of yourself. (Age, location, education/training/experience relevant to the job, languages, etc.).
- Explanation of suitability for the job (mention reasons why your skills and experience match the job requirements).
- Conclusion and next steps (availability for interview, interest in the role, further information request, etc.)
- Examples of paragraph structure for an application letter:
-
Paragraphing: Group ideas logically. Aim for 3-5 paragraphs.
-
Useful Phrases (polite requests):
- "Could you tell me...?"
- "I would be grateful if you could..."
- "I would be interested in having more details about..."
- "I would like to know if/when/where/etc..."
- "I would like information on..."
- "Do you know if...?"
Closing
- Express Desired Action/Future: State what you want the recipient to do, reference a future event, offer to help.
- Examples:
- "I look forward to hearing from you soon / I look forward to receiving your reply."
- "I would like to thank you in advance for this information (in an enquiry letter to request information)."
- "If you require/Should you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact me/feel free to contact me."
- Examples:
Final Salutation
- Match to Salutation: Use "Yours sincerely," or "Yours faithfully," and sign. Write your full name clearly below your signature.
Other Considerations
- Appropriate Language: Use formal vocabulary and sentence structure appropriate to the context and exam level. Avoid contractions and elementary vocab.
- Connectors: Use connectors specific to formal language to enhance coherence in your writing.
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Description
This quiz will help you understand the essential components of writing formal letters. You will learn about proper salutation, body formatting, and the purpose behind various types of formal correspondence, including job applications and complaints. Perfect your letter-writing skills for any situation.
