1. LETTER WRITING
Kindly contributed to the Adult Basic Skills Resource Centre Robert Holt, Henley College, Coventry. July 2007.
Main curriculum links
Wt/L1.4 Use language suitable for purpose and audience (a) understand that writers can select language at different levels of complexity, formality and specialism, and depending on context, audience and purpose (b) understand that some types of written communication have specific language associated with them (c) write different texts using the language appropriate to the form of communication and situation, e.g. an advert for a shop window or local paper, a letter of application for a job.
Wt/L1.5 Use format and structure for different purposes (a) understand that there are different ways of organising and presenting text, depending on its type and purpose, e.g. paragraphs, numbered lists, bulleted points, charts, tables, sub-headings
Wt/L2.4 use format and structure to organise writing for different purposes (a) understand which format, structure and layout are best for which sort of task, e.g. a table to organise information for reference or comparison, numbered points to separate stages in a process, paragraphs to develop an argument (b) understand that some forms of writing follow standard formats and structures, e.g. memos, business letters, agenda and minutes of meetings.
Wt/L2.5 use formal and informal language appropriate to purpose and audience (a) understand that formality of language is a continuum, from informal speech with friends and family through to formal official written language (b) know how to judge the appropriate level of formality suitable for different types of writing tasks and contexts, e.g. letter to a friend, safety report.

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

3. To people you don’t know INFORMAL
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

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 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

7. When writing formal letters
Always
Keep to the point be precise
Use short sentences and simple words
No commas outside the main body of the letter.
Use proper paragraphs
Never
Use slang
Use jargon

8. Writing formats
Say Dear Sir or Madam if you do not know the name of the person you are writing to.
This would end in Yours faithfully
If you know the name write
Dear Mr....../Dear Mrs....../ Or Dear Ms
These would end in Yours sincerely
Type or print your name at the bottom and leave a space just above it for your signature. Put Mr Mrs or Ms in brackets next to it.

9. Remember Layout of formal letters
Your address on left hand side
Date under address
Their address under date
Greetings Dear Sir/ Mr Jones
1st Paragraph introduction
2nd and maybe 3rd paragraph what you are writing about
Final paragraph what you want them to do about it.
Endings Dear Sir – Yours faithfully
Dear Mr Jones – Your sincerely

10. Exercise 1
The Government has to save money and are making a lot of cuts to services.
Write a formal letter to your local MP putting a case what cuts you think they should reconsider.

11. Exercise 2
You bought a second hand car for £700. It had only been running for a week when the engine broke down. Another garage says it will cost over £400 to repair.
Write a letter:
To the garage where you bought the car asking for your money back.