The opening paragraph of a letter should state the purpose of the letter

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!