LETTER WRITING

When writing letters decide if they are going to be

FORMAL  To people you don’t know  To an organisation such as a bank or the council  Possibly letters of complaint or letters asking for information INFORMAL  To people you know such as friends or relatives

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 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) ADDRESSES AND DATE Space for signature but write or type your name clearly underneath

When writing formal letters Always No commas outside the main body of the letter Use short sentences and simple words Use proper paragraphs Never Use slang 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.