DeXtEr
I took my time to compile this for you guys.. although its coming in late but you can still make something up from it if you are smart.
1. Identify the type of letter
you are being asked to
write. Is it a formal, semi-formal or informal letter?
The entire tone of your letter is based on your answer to this question. Adjust your style and choice of words according to the type of letter you have been asked to write.
2. Open and close the letter correctly.
Remember
that each type of letter requires a different opening and closing. The chart below will help you remember this:
3. Open a formal and semi-formal letter with a formal sentence.
Don’t try to be friendly, as you do not know the person you are writing to. Get right down to business and indicate the reason you are writing, as shown below:
Dear Sir / Madam,
I am writing to inquire about / I am writing in connection with…
Dear Mr Jones,
I am writing to inform you … / I am writing in connection with…
4. Open an informal letter with a general, friendly
paragraph.
With friends whom we know, we care
about the whole person. We have a broader relationship in the context of which this communication is taking place. So it is best to acknowledge that friendship first, before getting down to the reason for your letter.
In fact, the first paragraph could be purely friendly small talk,
unrelated to the reason for your writing.
Look at the example below:
Dear Jane, I hope you and your family are all well. It was such a pleasure to see you again last summer. We sure had a great time catching up with each other after
so many years. You have always been a cherished friend, no matter how much of a gap there has been since we met. Anyway, the reason I’m writing is that I have some good news – I am getting married this summer…
5. Identify the main purpose of the letter.
Are you asking for help, apologizing, inviting someone, complaining or thanking someone? Learn appropriate and polite expressions that will support
what you need to say.