Letter writing. When writing letters decide if they are going to be

1. LETTER WRITING

2. When writing letters decide if they are going to be

3.

FORMAL
INFORMAL
To people you don’t
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

4. Writing a formal letter

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

5.

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

6. 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.
Yours faithfully
(Ann Angry)
Space for signature but write or type your
name clearly underneath

7. 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

8. 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.