TEXT TYPES REVISION #9: LETTERS

Tips on writing Letters

                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                               (Date)         May 25^th

Formal Greetings and endings:

Dear Mr /Mrs/Ms X,                                 Yours sincerely,

                                                                       Signature

                                                                     Full Name

Dear Sir/Madam,                                    Yours Faithfully,

                                                                   Signature

                                                                    Full Name

Structure

Introduction

State the reason for writing (formulaic Language)

Body

Development of the subject

Give opinion/Give information/ provide suggestions/ state complaints

Use a separate paragraph when you introduce a new idea

Conclusion

Closing remarks (Formulaic Language)

-          Use formal language

-          Avoid contractions

-          Frequent use of  the passive

-          Complex sentences

- Style: direct, empathetic; concerned; evaluative

Semi-formal Letters

-Formal greetings

- Informal endings

- Respectful tone, depending on the relationship you have with the recipient of the letter

Informal Letters

-          Informal greetings and endings

Dear X,                             Love,

                                          Best wishes,

                                           Name

Structure

Introduction (Make reference to past letter /Show intimacy through shared information)

Body

Closing paragraph

-Informal language and style (idioms, phrasal verbs, colloquial English, omission of pronouns)

- Use abbreviated forms