LETTER WRITING

When writing letters decide

if they are going to be
FORMAL INFORMAL

 To people you don’t  To people you know

know such as friends or
relatives
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
 NOTE
45 Orange Close
West Burnham
West Yorkshire
ADDRESSES 23rd March 2000
AND DATE 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.

Space for signature but write or type your

Yours faithfully name clearly underneath

(Ann Angry)
 When writing formal
letters
Always Never

• No commas outside the • Use slang

main body of the letter

• Use jargon
• Use short sentences
and simple words

• Use proper paragraphs

 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.