FCE WRITING PART 2 – FORMAL LETTER/ EMAIL

When do we write a formal letter/email?

- To request information
- To complain about something
- To apply for a job / scholarship / university
- To make suggestions

STRUCTURE

 Greeting or Salutation
 Opening clause / paragraph - here state the reasons for your writing
 Body of the letter – according to the task (complain, give reasons, request…)
 Conclusion – we say that we expect a solution
 Closing – mention that you expect a reply
 Final salutation - it has to match the greeting

Greeting / Salutation Final salutation

Dear Mr/ Mrs / Ms _______________, Yours sincerely,

Dear Sir, Dear Madam, Dear Sir or Madam, Yours faithfully,
To whom it may be concerned,

Opening Close Closing

I am writing to complain about
I am writing to draw your attention to
I am writing to request some information
about…
I am writing with regard to / with reference
to / in response to……
In reply to your letter,
I am looking for a job…..
I am writing in relation to the
advertisement….
Useful expressions
I am deeply concerned by….
It is essential that …
I urge you to…
I look forward to hearing from you soon
I would like you to know what you are going
to…..
I would like to thank you in advance for
Should you have any more questions, don’t
hesitate to write to me
Feel free to contact me….
I would like information on …
I would be grateful if…
I would be interested in ….