1. Cambridge First- Writing Informal letters

2. There are various kinds of letter: letters of complaint/ letters asking for/ giving information/ letter of application/ letters of invitation etc...
A good letter should consists of:
An appropriate greeting (Dear Peter,/ Dear Mr Ford,/ Dear Sir/Madam,);
An introduction clearly stating the reason you are writing;
A main body in which the subject is developed. Begin a new paragraph for each main point;
A final pragraph in which you sum up the topic or express your wish for something to be done; and
An appropriate ending (Yours/ Best wishes, + first name, Yours sincerely,/ Yours faithfully, + last name).

3. Style in letters The characteristics of formal style in letters are:
the greeting ( Dear Mrs Lee, Dear Sir,)
frequent use of the passive ( I am writing with respect to a position that was advertised ...)
formal language ( complex senteces, non- coloquial English), i.e I look forward to your reply.
no abbreviated forms
the ending ( Yours sincerely, / Yours faithfully, Jessica Ford)

4. The characteristics of informal style in letters are:
the greeting ( Dear Alex, Dear Dad,)
Informal language and style( idioms, colloquial English), i.e It was a pice of cake to find your apartament building.
Abbreviated forms, i.e I’m really glad.../ pronouns omitted , i.e Hope to see you soon!
the ending ( Yours/Love/ Best wishes/ Regards, Anthony)

5. Formal X Informal FORMAL I felt obliged to write to inform you...
Please accept my sincere apologies for not writing...
Suitable opportunity...
I have become familiar with...
Improving considerably...
I hope to return home...
I look foward to hearing from you soon.
Yours sincerely,
INFORMAL
I just had to write and tell you...
I’m sorry for not writing
Chance ...
I am getting to know...
Getting much better...
I hope to come home...
Please write back soon
Love,

6. Cambridge First – writing task 2