Structure of a Letter

Questions and Answers

A salutation in a formal letter usually starts with 'Hi [First Name]'

False

The body of a letter typically consists of 1-2 paragraphs

False

The signature of the writer is usually placed above the printed name

True

The heading of a letter includes the recipient's address and date

False Signup and view all the answers

The enclosures section is always required in a formal letter

False Signup and view all the answers

What is typically included at the beginning of a formal letter?

Date Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended margin for a formal letter?

1 inch Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the enclosures section in a formal letter?

To include additional documents or materials Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended font size for a formal letter?

12 points Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the closing in a formal letter?

To politely end the letter Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Structure of a Letter

A well-structured letter is essential for effective communication. Here's a breakdown of the typical structure of a letter:

1. Heading

Includes the writer's address and date
Usually placed at the top right corner of the page

2. Salutation

A greeting that addresses the recipient
Formal: Dear Sir/Madam, To Whom It May Concern
Informal: Dear [First Name], Hi [First Name]

3. Body

Divided into paragraphs that convey the main message
Typically 3-5 paragraphs in total
Each paragraph should have a clear topic sentence and supporting details

4. Closing

A polite way to end the letter
Formal: Yours Sincerely, Yours Faithfully
Informal: Best Regards, Cheers

5. Signature

The writer's signature above their printed name
A professional sign-off

6. Enclosures (Optional)

Any additional documents or materials sent with the letter
Mentioned below the signature, e.g., "Enclosure: Resume"

Structure of a Letter

A well-structured letter is essential for effective communication.

Heading

Includes the writer's address and date, usually placed at the top right corner of the page.

Salutation

A greeting that addresses the recipient.
Formal greetings include Dear Sir/Madam, To Whom It May Concern.
Informal greetings include Dear [First Name], Hi [First Name].

Body

Divided into paragraphs that convey the main message.
Typically consists of 3-5 paragraphs in total.
Each paragraph should have a clear topic sentence and supporting details.

Closing

A polite way to end the letter.
Formal closings include Yours Sincerely, Yours Faithfully.
Informal closings include Best Regards, Cheers.

Signature

The writer's signature above their printed name.
A professional sign-off.

Enclosures (Optional)

Any additional documents or materials sent with the letter.
Mentioned below the signature, e.g., "Enclosure: Resume".

Structure of a Letter

A typical letter consists of seven essential components
The Date is included at the beginning of the letter, indicating when it was written
The Address of the sender is included, providing the recipient with their contact information
The Salutation is a greeting to the recipient, examples include "Dear [Name]" or "To Whom It May Concern"
The Body is the main content of the letter, where the sender conveys their message or information
The Closing is a polite way to end the letter, examples include "Sincerely" or "Best regards"
The Signature is the sender's endorse, providing authenticity to the letter
The Enclosures section is used to mention any additional documents or materials included with the letter

Formatting of a Letter

Leave a 1-inch margin on all sides (top, bottom, left, and right) to provide a clear and readable format
Use a standard font such as Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri in size 11 or 12 points for clarity and professionalism
Double-space between lines and paragraphs to improve readability and make the letter easy to understand
Use left alignment for the body of the letter to provide a clear and organized format
Use a 5-space indentation for paragraphs to create a clear distinction between them
Avoid using headers and footers in a formal letter, as they can make the letter appear less professional