The opening paragraph
of a letter should state the purpose of the letter. The middle paragraph(s)
should explain the details, beginning a new paragraph for each main point. The
closing paragraph should state the course of action needed or repeat the purpose
of the letter. Always use the appropriate phraseology for opening and closing.
Be clear about the
point being made in each paragraph; topic sentences are very important.
Register is another
important thing in letter writing; always bear in mind who you are talking to
and how this should affect the ‘tone’ of your letter. Remember to use the
appropriate vocabulary for both formal and informal letters.
Another very
important point is the use of linking words and phrases. This doesn't mean that
should use linking words without knowing what you're saying!
The style of the
letter varies depending on who it is addressed to. For instance, a letter to
someone you do not know requires a formal style, a letter to someone you know
but are not intimate with requires a semi-formal style, whereas a letter to a
friend requires an informal style.
Formal style
The greeting (Dear
Sir/Madam, Dear Mr / Ms Lee,)
Frequent use of
passive
Formal Language
(complex sentences, non colloquial English)
No contracted forms
(e.g. it's), nor clippings (e.g. info, ad), nor inappropriate abbreviations
(e.g. CU, asap)
The ending (Yours
sincerely, Yours faithfully)
Semi-formal style
Formal greetings
(Dear Mr/Ms + surname,)
Informal endings (Best wishes, / Yours, + first name /
full name)
Respectful tone, in
any case
Pronouns should not
be omitted and idioms should be carefully used.
Informal style
The greeting (Dear
Alexa, Dear dad,)
Informal language and
style (idioms, colloquial English)
Abbreviated forms,
pronouns omitted
The ending (Yours /
Love / Best Wishes / Regards / Cleo)
Another Transactional
Letter - Invitations. Do the exercise and then copy the resulting letter!
WRITE A 120-180 WORD
TRANSACTIONAL LETTER ON THE FOLLOWING
INFORMAL
1)You recently stayed
with an English penfriend and his or her family. Write a letter thanking them
for their hospitality.
FORMAL
2) You had a very bad
meal at a restaurant recently. Write a
letter about the food and the service.
Example
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing about
the advertising for your school I have seen recently. Some of my friends and I
are interested in spending a holiday in your school.
Could you please tell
me how far is Cotsford from your school? I addition to that we would like to know
which is the nearest airport and is there a transfer available.
We like to come for
two weeks in August. It this possible and if so when could we start?
We like to know how
much it costs and what is included? To be more specific, we like to know if all
the afternoon activities are included. What's more is the equipment provided?
Finally we like to
know how we could pay?
I'm looking forward
to your reply.
Yours faithfully.
If you write a
transactional letter on any topic and wish to send it, to illustrate the
theory, you'll be welcome!
