LETTERS

(FORMAL, INFORMAL, TRANSACTIONAL)

Letters are divided into two categories, formal and informal. There are various types of formal and informal letters, for example: letters asking for or giving information, letters asking for or offering advice, letters of invitation, letters accepting or refusing an invitation, letters of com­plaint, letters of apology, letters expressing thanks/ regrets/congratulations, letters giving or asking for directions, letters of application, narrative/descriptive letters, transactions letters, letters telling the news etc. It is important to think about the person who you are writing to before you begin writing a letter. If the wrong style is used, the letter will look impolite, silly or odd. For example, if you used formal language to write to a closed friend, the letter would look odd, or if you used informal language to write a letter to a company, the letter would look impolite.

There are certain characteristics which allow us to distinguish between formal and informal letters. These are:

· The salutation (e.g. Dear Sir/Madam, Dear Bill)

· The style or language (e.g. use of formal language for formal letters, or the use of slang and idioms for informal letters)

· The closing remarks (e.g. Yours faithfully, Lucy Cohen /Yours sincerely, Lucy Cohen / Love, Lucy)

Note:

1. In formal letters your address and the date as well as the recipient's address are included in the letter. When you do not know the name of the recipient, you should include their title in the address, e.g. The Director f Studies, St Michael's School, 15, Pine St., London. You should begin the letter with Dear Sir/Madam, and end with Yours faithfully, Peter Jones. When the name of the recipi­ent is known, their name and title should be included in their address, e.g. Mr. Witkins, Accounts Manager, Rockdell Financial Services, 15 Stockdale Ave., London. The letter should begin with Dear Mr. Witkins, and end with Yours sin­cerely, John Smith.

2. In semi-formal and informal letters the recipient's address is not included in the letter. In a semi-formal letter showing respect for the recipient with whom you are on friendly terms, begin the letter with Dear Mr/Mrs Smith and end with Love/Regards/Best Wishes/Yours, Anna.

3. In an informal letter, begin with Dear John and end with Love/Regards/Best wishes/Yours, Mike.

4. Remember that it is not necessary to write addresses in the FCE Exam.

STYLE IN FORMAL AND INFORMAL LETTERS