LETTER WRITING

When writing letters decide

if they are going to be

FORMAL

INFORMAL

To people you dont

To people you know

such as friends or
relatives

know

To an organisation such
as a bank or the council
Possibly letters of
complaint or letters
asking for information

Writing a formal letter

One side of the paper only
Plan before you write
Keep it simple

45 Orange Close
West Burnham
West Yorkshire
23rd March 2000
The Manager
Barclay Building Society
Long Street
West Hartlepool
Dear Sir
Thank you for your letter dated 15th March.
I am afraid I cannot agree with your letter. I have studied my
bank statement and still cannot find the charges you say are
outstanding.
This is the third letter I have sent and if no action is taken within
the next five days I will contact my solicitor.
I hope this matter can be settled as soon as possible.
Yours faithfully
Ann Angry

45 Orange Close

NOTE

West Burnham
ADDRESSES
AND DATE

West Yorkshire
23rd March 2000
The Manager
Barclay Building Society
Long Street
West Hartlepool
Dear Sir
Thank you for your letter dated 15th March.
I am afraid I cannot agree with your letter. I have studied my bank
statement and still cannot find the charges you say are outstanding.
This is the third letter I have sent and if no action is taken within the next
five days I will contact my solicitor.
I hope this matter can be settled as
soonfor
as possible.
Space
signature but write or type your
name clearly underneath
Yours faithfully
(Ann Angry)

When writing formal

letters
Always

Never

No commas outside the

main body of the letter

Use slang

Use short sentences

and simple words
Use proper paragraphs

Use jargon

Exercises
You bought a second hand car for 700. It had only been
running for a week when the engine broke down. The
garage says it will cost over 400 to repair.
Write a letter:
A) to the garage where you bought the car asking for your
money back.
B) to your solicitor explaining what has happened and asking for
advice.
C) to a friend explaining what has happened.