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How to Write a Formal Letter: Format and Examples

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Krystal N. Craiker

formal letter format

Table of Contents

Formal letter formats, how to write a formal letter in 9 steps, formal letter example templates.

Formal letters can be daunting to write. But once you learn the basic format, you can write a formal letter any time.

People use formal letters (or formal emails) in business and academia. In business, you may need to send sales letters, official announcements, invitations, or legal correspondence. In academia, you may need to write cover letters, letters of intent for school, or recommendation letters. 

A formal letter follows a specific format and uses formal English language. Keep reading to find out how to write formal letters.

There are a few formal letter formats, but they’re all very similar. Your company or academic institution may have a preferred style; otherwise, you can use whatever style you want.

The exception is the Administrative Management Style, or AMS, letter format. This style omits polite greetings and sign-offs. It’s usually reserved for memos or announcements. In general, if you are writing directly to one person, it’s polite to use a more standard formal letter format.

Official Letter Format

Formal letters typically have the same basic elements:

Header with sender’s address, date, and recipient’s address

In the header, you can omit the sender’s address if you’re writing on letterhead stationery. It’s also become common to omit your address completely if the person doesn’t need to write back.

Generally, you write the date in standard format (e.g. March 20, 2023) under the sender’s address. If you leave off your address, the date will be the first line. After the date, include the recipient’s address.

Basic elements in a formal letter

Use a polite greeting and the recipient’s title and surname for the salutation. Skip a line, then start the first body paragraph. Your first paragraph should immediately state why you’re writing this letter.

Sign off your formal letter with a polite closing. Thank them for their time, and use a standard line such as “Cordially” or “Sincerely.”

Then sign your name. If you’re sending a physical copy, skip four lines so you can include your actual signature. Then type your name and title underneath. If you’ll be sending the letter electronically, skip only one line before adding your name.

Formal Email Format

Email has become an acceptable replacement for formal letters in many cases. So, how does formal letter format translate to email?

It’s easy. Omit the heading with the addresses and date. Instead, make sure your subject line briefly states the purpose of your formal email.

You’ll open your email with the greeting and get straight to the body of the letter. Use a sign-off just as you would in a formal letter, and sign your name. Include any relevant contact information under your signature.

Let’s take a step-by-step look at how to write a formal letter.

1. Select a Letter Format

There are four standard formal letter format options, and they’re all very similar.

Full block: all lines are left-aligned, no paragraph indentions

Block: right-align the date, sign-off, and signature, no paragraph indentions

Semi-block: same as block style, except indent the first line of each body paragraph

AMS: left-align all content, do not skip a line before the date, use an all-caps subject line, omit complimentary sign-off

Most people use the full block style letter format, so you don’t usually have to worry about indenting.

It’s standard practice to leave a large gap from the top margin before typing, although this is quickly becoming passé. In the days of typewriters, you would press Enter 12 times before typing the heading. Some people still do this on their word processor.

Of course, this large gap is no longer a requirement. It’s fine to start writing your contact information in the top left corner. 

Full block letter vs semi-block letter

2. Write the Header

When you’re writing the sender’s address, you can include your phone number and email address. Remember to leave your contact information off if you’re using letterhead stationary.

Next, write the date in standard format. This means you spell out the month. If you’re writing to someone in the U.S., follow the format: Month, Day, Year. For other parts of the world, use Day, Month, Year.

Finally, write the recipient’s contact information. You do not need to include their email address or phone number. Include the recipient’s polite title, such as Mr., Dr., Mrs., Ms,. etc. We’ll discuss what to do if you don’t know this information in the next section.

3. Select a Salutation

The standard salutation is “Dear,” followed by the person’s title and surname. You can also use “Greetings.”

In emails, your level of formality may be different. If you’re on a first-name basis with the recipient, or if you’ve met more than once, it’s acceptable to use greetings like “Hello” or “Hi” and their first name.

It’s polite to do your research to find out exactly who the recipient is. Often, you may only have a general business name or email address. Dig around on their website or LinkedIn, or call, to find out the name and title of the person who will read your letter.

If you aren’t sure if a woman prefers “Mrs.” or “Miss,” use “Ms.” If you know the name but not the person’s gender, you can say, “Dear [Full Name].”

Avoid using “To Whom It May Concern” if possible. This letter writing standard is out-of-date and shows you didn’t do your homework to determine who the letter should go to.

But what if you can’t find a person’s name or title? Use the generic salutation “Greetings,” followed by a comma and no name. Always follow the salutation and recipient’s name with a comma, not a colon.

4. State Your Purpose

Begin the first paragraph by saying why you’re writing. Then go immediately into the rest of the body paragraph.

5. Write the Body of the Letter

Keep your body paragraphs short and sweet. Some formal letters, like a resignation letter or complaint letter, may only need one body paragraph.

Try to avoid adding unnecessary information, and be sure to use formal language. If you’re struggling to use formal English, use ProWritingAid’s Rephrase tool. Just highlight a sentence, click Rephrase, and select “Formal” for rephrasing suggestions.

Always single space your paragraphs, but skip a line between paragraphs.

6. Pick a Closing Sign-Off

Polite sign-offs for formal letters

Wrap up your letter with a complimentary closing paragraph. This should only be one line. Thank them for their time.

You can also add a call-to-action if you want them to contact you back. This is standard for formal emails. You might ask them to reply, click a link to schedule an appointment, or fill out a form.

Then choose a polite sign-off. Remember to omit this if you’re using AMS format. Here are some closings you can use:

All the best

Best regards

Yours truly

7. Sign Your Name

Finally, you need to sign your name. Remember to leave four spaces after the closing for your signature if you’re printing a physical copy of the formal letter. Otherwise, type your name directly below the closing.

Underneath your name, put your job title if it’s relevant to the formal letter.

In AMS style or in an email, put your contact information underneath your name and title. If you already have an email signature saved through your email provider, you can just use that instead of typing it every time.

8. Optional Content

There are some optional things you may include in a formal letter. In the past, it was standard to include the initials of whoever typed the email if that person was different from the sender. You may still see this at the bottom of a formal letter if an assistant typed it. This isn't required, though.

It is still standard to make a note of any additional documents you’ve sent along with the formal letter. For example, if you’ve sent a cover letter, you might include a resume and a list of references.

To do this, type, “Attached: [Document Name]” at the very bottom of the letter, underneath your signature.

Don’t do this with email, though, because people rarely read what comes after the signature. Instead, mention you’ve included attachments in the closing paragraph of the letter.

9. Edit Your Letter with ProWritingAid

Don’t send a formal letter full of errors. Run your letter or email through ProWritingAid to catch all your grammar, spelling, and style errors. Rephrase your sentences to sound more formal and concise.

You can even use ProWritingAid in your email provider for formal emails with the browser extension or Office add-in.

Below, you can find examples of formal and business letters. We’ve included a full block style, AMS format, and a formal email.

Full Block Style Letter

Gemma Townsend

Big Business Inc.

1234 Main St.

Big Town, NY 55555

800-555-1234

April 24, 2023

Mr. Jaime Gonzalez

678 Avenue D Ste 303

Anywhere, CT 90009

Dear Mr. Gonzalez,

I am writing in regards to your request for more information about how Big Business Inc. can help you as an entrepreneur. Here at BBI, we are dedicated to making business ownership as simple as possible.

We offer a full suite of services, from payroll to inventory services. You can choose from our tiered packages. I can also assist you with building a custom package.

Please review the materials I’ve sent, and let me know if you have any questions. Thank you for your time.

Warmest regards,

Assistant Director of Sales

Attached: marketing packet

AMS Formal Letter

Jane Doe-Boyd

5555 Victoria Ct.

Jamestown, VA 55555

March 25, 2023

Elmo Monster

123 Sesame Street

Los Angeles, CA 90210

INVITATION TO FICTIONAL CHARACTERS BANQUET

You are cordially invited to the annual banquet for the Fictional Characters of America Foundation. This year’s banquet will be held on June 19, 2023 at the Chicago Omni Hotel. Please send your RSVP card by May 6, 2023 letting us know if you will attend.

President, Fictional Characters of America Foundation

Enclosed: RSVP card and envelope

Formal Email

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: Complaint about upstairs neighbor

Dear Mr. Smith,

I’m writing to lodge a formal complaint against the resident in unit 2022. I’ve attempted to resolve this directly with him three times.

The resident vacuums at 1 a.m. every morning. They then usually turn on loud music. This wakes my entire family up, including my three-year-old daughter.

The lease states that no loud music or other noises should be played between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.

Please keep me apprised of your next steps to address this matter. Thanks for your time.

Maria Salinas

25 Blvd A Apt 1022

[email protected]

Don’t be intimidated by formal letters! Just use the above formats whenever you need to send official correspondence.

Krystal N. Craiker is the Writing Pirate, an indie romance author and blog manager at ProWritingAid. She sails the seven internet seas, breaking tropes and bending genres. She has a background in anthropology and education, which brings fresh perspectives to her romance novels. When she’s not daydreaming about her next book or article, you can find her cooking gourmet gluten-free cuisine, laughing at memes, and playing board games. Krystal lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband, child, and basset hound.

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How to write a letter

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HOW TO WRITE A LETTER:  A GUIDE FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS

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In this age of digital communication, writing letters is becoming something of a lost art. Emails and text messages can be sent instantly and for a fraction of the cost good old-fashioned snail mail can offer.

So, why bother teaching letter-writing at all? Well, though electronic ‘letters’ are often freer in formatting and language than physical letters, we can also apply letter-writing rules to electronic media. However, physical letters do offer some distinct benefits of their own too.

A WELL-WRITTEN LETTER CAN CHANGE THE WORLD.

Whilst we pride ourselves here on how to write a great essay, information report, or another text type that is primarily used in an educational setting, the ability to craft a powerful letter or email has literally changed people’s lives, altered the course of history and been the difference between life and death in some cases.

It can be the one opportunity to remove all the noise and confusion on any subject area and honestly tell someone how you feel straight from the heart.  Pen to paper.  

For whatever reason, a thousand emails, tweets, and likes will never have the same impact as a well-crafted handwritten letter.  Its very creation and existence show your reader how passionate and genuine about what it contains.

Letters fall under the transactional writing category; if you want to know more about transactional texts, be sure to check out our in-depth guide here.

Visual Writing

COMPLETE LETTER WRITING UNIT FOR STUDENTS

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Over 100 PAGES of engaging RESOURCES , various letter SAMPLES , LESSON PLANS and INTERACTIVE DIGITAL RESOURCES to teach your students how to write amazing LETTERS and EMAILS .

Teach this life skill with confidence through this excellent ALL-IN-ONE RESOURCE . No preparation is required.

3 REASONS TO TEACH LETTER WRITING

1. the personal touch: .

how to write a letter | Written in 1939 the EINSTEIN SZILARD LETTER WOULD CHANGE THE COURSE OF HISTORY | How to write a letter | literacyideas.com

Those of us who grew up in an age before the internet got going will remember the excitement of waiting for and receiving a letter. Many of us will have had childhood pen pals we never met or received love letters from our teenage sweethearts. Maybe some treasured letters are still securely stored in a bedside drawer.

There is something extremely personal and intimate about the letter that email cannot capture. Letters are physical, and their increasing rarity makes them seem even more intimate today.

In this day and age, receiving a personally written letter is something a unicorn in communication terms. Students who know how to produce a well-crafted letter can use it to their advantage. For example, any business hiring manager will undoubtedly be numbed by the constant torrent of emails flooding their inbox.

That mailed resume accompanied by a handwritten letter that waits for them on their desk in the morning will surely stand out and secure an attentive read. The letter, in its various forms, is guaranteed to stand out and make an impact in an age where the vast majority of communication is digital.

3. Handwriting

how to write a letter | letter handwriting | How to write a letter | literacyideas.com

Just as letter writing has declined in popularity, so too has the emphasis on well-developed handwriting skills. You can, if you wish, take the opportunity here to have the students work on their handwriting skills.

While students may protest that they can accomplish the task much quicker by word-processing, another benefit of handwriting a letter is that the speed becomes almost meditative. This allows students to focus carefully on their grammar and punctuation without always resorting to the crutch of spell-checkers and grammar correction software.

FORMAL AND INFORMAL LETTER WRITING:  WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

The table below outlines whether your letter should be written formally or informally, with some suggested prompts .  Whilst there are many similarities, a formal letter should always be considered as a document with a real purpose and ramifications.

FORMAL LETTER FEATURES

USED FOR PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION THESE DOCUMENTS FOLLOW A PRESCRIBED FORMAT. THEY ARE WRITTEN IN A PASSIVE VOICE FOR A SPECIFIC PURPOSE AND IN MANY CASES ARE LEGALLY BINDING. SOME EXAMPLES ARE.

INVITATION Make someone feel special about an upcoming event.

APPLICATION Write a professional letter of application for a job or group you wish to join.

REFEREE / REFERENCE Vouch for another’s skills, personality or credibility.

ACCEPTANCE & REJECTION Approve or deny an applicant in a professional manner.

MAKE AN OFFER Make a formal and binding offer in writing.

EXIT / RESIGNATION Formally leave or step down in a professional and dignified manner.

INFORMAL LETTER FEATURES

USED FOR PERSONAL COMMUNICATION THESE LETTERS HAVE NO PRESCRIBED FORMAT AND ARE WRITTEN IN AN ACTIVE VOICE.

THANK YOU Let someone know you appreciate their efforts.

CONGRATULATIONS Acknowledge someone’s achievements in life.

GRIEVANCE / LOSS Acknowledge someones personal loss or suffering and let them know you care.

FRIENDSHIP & LOVE Tell someone how special they are to you and why?

LETTER TO THE EDITOR / MAYOR ETC. Let someone know how their actions and adversely affect you and others.

LETTER TO SELF Give your older or younger self some words of advice and wisdom.

INFORMATIONAL UPDATE Write a letter back home telling them what you have been up to.

HOW TO WRITE FORMAL LETTERS

The writing process begins with planning.

As with all genres of writing, the process of formal letter writing should start with planning. This should involve sketching a brief outline from which to work rather than a comprehensive detailing of minutiae. The plan should include:

  • Note addresses, names etc. – who are you writing to?
  • Record the purpose of the letter – what do you want to say?
  • List points to be made (each will form a paragraph) – how will you say it?
  • State action point – what do you want the reader to do?

Formal letters can be written for a wide range of purposes and may come in various shapes, including a letter of complaint, a cover letter accompanying a job application, a letter of invitation, a reference letter, or a proposal letter – to name a few. Though each will adhere to its own rules of formatting and tone when writing formal letters, students should avoid using slang or contractions.

Language should be straightforward and polite. Encourage students to avoid bursts of purple prose in favor of direct, functional language. Usually, a formal letter will be written to achieve a particular end and should be written with that end foremost in mind. Students should avoid meanderings and stay firmly focused on the task at hand.

TIPS FOR WRITING GREAT FORMAL LETTERS

how to write a letter | how to write a formal letter 1 | How to write a letter | literacyideas.com

  • The writer’s address should be in the top right-hand corner.
  • The date should be written below the writer’s address
  • The recipient’s name and address are below that on the left-hand side
  • Use the correct opening (Dear Sir / Madam, Dear Mrs Ferguson, etc.)
  • Use Standard English
  • The opening sentence should explain the purpose of the letter
  • Each paragraph should make a single specific point
  • Use an appropriate formal tone and register in the wording of the letter
  • Avoid contractions, slang, and abbreviations
  • The concluding ‘action point’ paragraph states what you want the recipient to do
  • The formal ending, such as Yours Sincerely or Yours Faithfully

A Note on Salutations

If the student knows the intended recipient’s name, start with Dear Mr. / Mrs Surname and end with Yours Sincerely. If they don’t know the recipient’s name, start with Dear Sir / Madam and end with Yours Faithfully.

Use of Rhetorical Devices

As mentioned, formal letter writing focuses on attempting to convince someone to take some course of action or other. To do this, it is helpful to employ some rhetorical devices to make the writing more persuasive . Some useful techniques to encourage your students to employ include:

Direct Address: Using the pronoun ‘you’ in a formal letter makes the reader feel that you are speaking directly to them. This helps to engage the reader and encourage them to continue reading the letter.

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Emotive Language: Where students are trying to convince the reader to take a course of action, the use of emotive language can often be a powerful tool. Students can use either positive or negative colored words to create the desired response in the reader.

Facts and Figures: Another way to persuade and convince is to employ facts and figures to support the points made in the letter.

FORMAL LETTER STUDENT EXAMPLES

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How to write an informal letter

Common features of informal letters:.

There are far fewer rules to follow when writing an informal letter, but there are still some practical guidelines to follow that will prove helpful for students engaged in writing informally.

As with any piece of writing, it is important to consider who the audience is and the reason for writing in the first place. In particular, this will help decide the tone and the language register. The more intimate the relationship, the more informal the language can be.

Though the letter will be informal, it will still have a purpose. Information should still be organized into paragraphs, as would be done with a formal, more ‘official’ letter. Students sometimes struggle with this aspect, as they often conflate ‘informal’ with ‘disorganized.’ Making them plan their informal letter before writing can help ensure it is sufficiently organized.

HOW TO START AN INFORMAL LETTER

how to write a letter | how to write an informal letter 1 | How to write a letter | literacyideas.com

Informal letters will start with a greeting appropriate to how close the relationship is. For acquaintances, this may be ‘Dear Tom,’ (using the first name instead of the surname) to a very informal ‘Hi Jane,’. Don’t forget the comma after the name!

After the greeting, a general opening sentence should follow. Usually, this will be something like a ‘How are you?’ or a ‘How have you been?’. If the recipient is married or has kids, you may wish to ask how their spouse or children are.

Next, students should state the reason for writing. The language should be open and friendly in tone and, in contrast to the formal letter, colloquial language, idiomatic expressions, and contractions are perfectly okay and even desirable.

Just as the opening salutation to an informal letter is much more relaxed, so too will the closing salutation. There are many possibilities for the students to choose here, and their decision will depend on who they are writing to and their personal preferences. Some examples of possible closings include ‘Love’, ‘Best regards’, ‘All the best’, and ‘Thanks’.

INFORMAL LETTER STUDENT EXAMPLES

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Teaching Resources

Use our resources and tools to improve your student’s writing skills through proven teaching strategies.

PRACTICE LETTER WRITING WITH THESE ACTIVITIES FOR STUDENTS

The most effective way for students to internalize all the features of letter writing, formal or informal, is to gain experience by writing various letters for differing purposes. The following activities offer some suggestions for students to get practising today:

1. FICTION AS A SPRINGBOARD

Have students write as if they were a character from a piece of fiction you have been reading in class. Choosing a dramatic point in the plot , ask students to imagine they are one of the characters writing a letter to another character in the story. This writer may be either formal or informal, depending on the scenario presented. This will give students realistic letter-writing practice while also getting them to engage closely with the text and respond imaginatively to its themes.

2. THE AGONY AUNT

Either offer a range of possible life predicaments or cut out the questions from the ‘agony aunt’ page of a local newspaper. Students must write back offering advice in response to the predicaments expressed in the question or predicament. The response should be written in full letter format. This activity also lends itself to several variations. The response may be written to a close friend, for example, or written from the perspective of a professional agony aunt employing a more formal tone and presentation.

3. A LETTER OF COMPLAINT

Have students think of their favorite candy bar or clothing item. Encourage them to imagine they have bought this product lately and found it to be substandard. Students must write a formal letter of complaint to the manufacturer outlining their complaint and recommending a course of action to satisfactorily resolve that complaint. They must use all the features of a formal letter as outlined above.

old handwritten letter

HOW TO MAKE YOUR HANDWRITTEN LETTERS LOOK OLD AND AUTHENTIC.

  • Write in pencil or a calligraphy pen,
  • screw them up tightly and carefully unfold and flatten.
  • Lightly dab coffee stains over the paper to make it look aged.
  • Carefully singe or burn the edges of your paper.
  • Add some sepia-filtered photos for effect.

SIGNING-OFF

As students become more confident in their understanding of letter-writing formats, encourage them to exchange letters with each other for peer assessment. You may wish to provide them with a checklist of features to look for while reading over their partner’s work.

Letter-writing can also be a great way to partner up with schools overseas; often, children studying English as a second language will be delighted to receive letters from (and write to) students in English-speaking countries. And though email increasingly encroaches on the traditional territory of the letter, many of the skills garnered in the practice of letter writing are transferable to the modern manifestation. There is ample opportunity here to link letter-writing learning with approaches to writing emails too.

Letter-writing can provide a focus for a wide range of learning objectives while also teaching students valuable practical skills that will serve them well beyond their school years, both in their personal and work lives. And who knows, perhaps in years to come, one of the letters your student writes in your class may become a treasured keepsake in someone’s bedside drawer.

LETTER WRITING GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS (TEMPLATES)

formal_letter_template

WRITING CHECKLIST & RUBRIC BUNDLE FOR ALL TEXT TYPES

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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (92 Reviews)

HOW TO WRITE A FORMAL LETTER TUTORIAL VIDEO

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Personal Narrative Writing Guide

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How to Write a Recount Text (And Improve your Writing Skills)

Content for this page has been written by Shane Mac Donnchaidh.  A former principal of an international school and university English lecturer with 15 years of teaching and administration experience.  Editing and support content has been provided by the literacyideas  team.

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12+ Essay Letter Writing – Format, Examples, Writing Tips

  • Letter Writing
  • March 4, 2024
  • School Letters

Essay Letter Writing: Essay letter writing is a form of written communication that combines the structure and format of an essay with the personal tone and conversational style of a letter. This type of school letter writing can be used to express personal thoughts and opinions on a variety of topics, from social issues to academic assignments.

In essay letter writing, the writer has the freedom to share their ideas and experiences in a unique and creative way, while also adhering to the basic principles of essay writing, such as structure, coherence, and logical argumentation. This Essay Letter Writing is an effective way to communicate complex ideas in a clear and engaging manner.

Also Check: Formal Letter Format Class 8

Essay Letter Writing – Structure of Essay Letter Writing Tips

Content in this article

Essay letter writing follows a basic structure that combines the elements of an essay with the conversational tone of a Essay Letter Writing. Here is a general outline of the structure:

  • Introduction : The first paragraph introduces the topic and purpose of the Essay Letter Writing. It should be engaging and clearly state the writer’s thesis or main point.
  • Body Paragraphs : The body of the Essay Letter Writing should consist of two or three paragraphs that support the thesis with relevant evidence and examples. The paragraphs should be well-organized and flow logically from one point to the next.
  • Conclusion : The final paragraph summarizes the writer’s main points and restates the thesis in a clear and concise manner. Essay Letter Writing should leave the reader with a lasting impression and a call to action.

Essay Letter Writing – Sample Format

Below is a sample format for essay letter writing. This format can be adapted based on the specific purpose and audience of your essay letter:

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date]

[Recipient’s Name] [Recipient’s Title or Relationship] [Company, School, or Institution Name] [Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

Subject: [Briefly Mention the Topic of the Essay]

I trust this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to share my thoughts on [mention the main topic or purpose of the essay]. As someone deeply passionate about this subject, I believe it is crucial to explore and articulate my perspectives on [provide a brief overview of the essay’s focus].

Introduction: In the introduction, I aim to captivate your attention by [mention how you plan to engage the reader, e.g., sharing a personal anecdote, posing a question, or presenting a relevant quote]. This introductory section sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of [the main theme or idea].

Body Paragraphs: The body of the essay will delve into [three to four key points or ideas related to the main theme]. Each paragraph will explore a distinct aspect, supported by [examples, evidence, personal experiences, or relevant information]. This structured approach ensures a coherent and compelling presentation.

Conclusion: The concluding section will summarize the key findings and insights discussed throughout the essay. I aim to leave the reader with [a thought-provoking statement, a call to action, or a reflection on the broader implications of the topic].

I appreciate your time and consideration in reading my essay. I believe that [mention the potential impact or relevance of the essay] and look forward to any insights or feedback you may have.

Thank you for your attention.

[Your Full Name] [Your Title or Affiliation, if applicable] [Your Signature – if sending a physical letter]

Feel free to customize this template based on the specific topic, purpose, and recipient of your essay letter. Adjust the language, tone, and content to suit the nature of the essay and the preferences of your audience.

Essay-Letter Writing – Example

Here’s an example of Essay Letter Writing:

Dear [Recipient],

I am writing to share my recent experience with essay writing. As you may know, essay writing is a crucial skill that is required in many academic settings, including college and university courses.

Recently, I had to write an essay on the topic of climate change and its impact on the environment. At first, I found it challenging to organize my thoughts and ideas in a logical and coherent manner. However, with the help of some research and a lot of hard work, I was able to create a well-written essay that received a high grade.

Through this experience, I have learned that essay writing is not just about putting words on paper; it is about expressing ideas and arguments in a clear and persuasive manner. Additionally, I have realized that careful planning and organization are essential for producing a successful essay.

Overall, I am grateful for the opportunity to improve my essay writing skills and I hope to continue honing them in the future.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Essay – Letter Writing – Example

Essay Letter Writing About Social Media

Here’s an Essay Letter Writing About Social Media

I am writing to share my thoughts on the topic of social media and its impact on our lives. In today’s world, social media has become an integral part of our daily routines, and it is hard to imagine life without it.

While social media has its advantages, such as staying connected with friends and family and accessing a wealth of information, it also has its drawbacks. One of the biggest issues with social media is the spread of misinformation and fake news. Many people tend to believe whatever they read online, without fact-checking or verifying the sources.

Furthermore, social media can also have negative effects on mental health. It is easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others and feeling inadequate, which can lead to anxiety and depression.

In my opinion, it is important to strike a balance when it comes to social media usage. We should be mindful of the information we consume and make sure it is accurate and reliable. Additionally, we should limit our time on social media and use it in moderation, so as not to let it consume our lives.

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts on this important topic.

Essay Letter Writing About Social Media 

Essay Letter Writing for Students

Below is an Essay Letter Writing suitable for students:

[Recipient’s Name] [Recipient’s Title or Position] [School or Institution Name] [Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

Subject: Exploring the Importance of Extracurricular Activities for Student Development

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. As a student at [Your School/College Name], I am writing to share my thoughts on the significance of participating in extracurricular activities for overall student development.

Introduction: In today’s dynamic educational landscape, the role of extracurricular activities goes beyond the traditional classroom setting. These activities encompass a wide range of opportunities for students to explore their interests, develop essential skills, and foster a well-rounded personality.

Body: Paragraph 1: Broadening Horizons Engaging in extracurricular activities exposes students to diverse fields beyond their academic curriculum. It provides a platform to discover and explore various interests, allowing students to broaden their horizons and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the world.

Paragraph 2: Skill Development Participating in clubs, sports, or cultural activities enhances the development of crucial life skills. Teamwork, leadership, time management, and communication are just a few examples of skills that students can acquire through active involvement in extracurricular pursuits. These skills are not only valuable during the school years but also play a pivotal role in shaping a successful future.

Paragraph 3: Building Character Extracurricular activities contribute significantly to character building. Students learn to overcome challenges, face competition, and cope with both success and failure. These experiences foster resilience, perseverance, and a strong sense of responsibility, qualities that are integral to personal growth.

Paragraph 4: Holistic Development The combination of academic excellence and active participation in extracurricular activities leads to holistic development. Students who strike a balance between their studies and interests tend to perform well academically while also developing a more well-rounded and adaptable personality.

Conclusion: In conclusion, I firmly believe that encouraging students to engage in extracurricular activities is crucial for their holistic development. These activities not only complement academic learning but also nurture qualities that are essential for success in the ever-evolving global landscape.

I look forward to discussing this topic further and exploring ways to promote and support extracurricular involvement among students at [Your School/College Name]. Thank you for your time and consideration.

[Your Full Name] [Your Grade/Class] [Your Signature – if sending a physical letter]

Feel free to customize this letter based on your specific thoughts, experiences, and the requirements of your essay assignment.

Writing an Essay in Letter Form

Writing an essay in letter form involves combining the structure of a formal or informal letter with the content and structure of an essay. Here is a sample essay in letter form:

[Recipient’s Name] [Recipient’s Title or Position] [Organization or Institution Name] [Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

Subject: Exploring the Impact of Technology on Education

I trust this letter finds you well. As a concerned student passionate about the role of technology in education, I am writing to share my insights on how technological advancements are shaping the learning landscape.

Introduction: Technology has become an integral part of our lives, and its influence on education is undeniable. In this letter, I aim to examine the positive and negative impacts of technology on the educational experience, shedding light on its transformative effects.

Paragraph 1: Positive Impacts One of the notable positive impacts of technology on education is the accessibility of information. The internet has opened up vast repositories of knowledge, making learning resources readily available to students worldwide. This accessibility has democratized education, breaking down barriers to information.

Paragraph 2: Interactive Learning Furthermore, technology has revolutionized the way we learn. Interactive tools, simulations, and virtual classrooms create an engaging and dynamic learning environment. These tools not only cater to diverse learning styles but also foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Paragraph 3: Global Connectivity The interconnected world facilitated by technology allows students to connect with peers and experts globally. Collaborative projects, online forums, and virtual exchange programs contribute to a richer and more diverse educational experience.

Paragraph 4: Challenges and Concerns However, with the benefits come challenges. The digital divide, unequal access to technology, and concerns about privacy and online security are critical issues that need addressing. Balancing the integration of technology while ensuring equitable opportunities for all students is a pressing concern.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the impact of technology on education is profound and multifaceted. While it presents exciting opportunities for enhanced learning, we must address the challenges to create an inclusive educational landscape that benefits all.

I welcome the opportunity to discuss these ideas further and explore strategies for leveraging technology responsibly in education. Thank you for considering my perspective.

Feel free to customize this template based on your specific topic and the guidelines provided for your assignment. Adjust the tone, style, and content to suit the nature of your essay and your audience.

Essay Letter Writing Template

Below is a template that you can use for essay letter writing. This template is a general structure; you can customize it based on the specific topic or purpose of your essay.

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Date]

Introduction: Begin your letter with a brief introduction. Clearly state the purpose of your letter and provide a hook to engage the reader’s interest.

Body Paragraphs: Divide the body of your letter into paragraphs, each addressing a specific point or idea related to your essay topic.

  • Introduce the topic of your essay.
  • Provide background information to set the context.
  • Clearly state your thesis or the main point you will be discussing.
  • Introduce and discuss the first supporting point.
  • Provide evidence, examples, or facts to strengthen your argument.
  • Explain the relevance of this point to your overall argument.
  • Introduce and discuss the second supporting point.
  • Provide evidence, examples, or facts to support this point.
  • Explain how this point connects to your thesis.
  • Acknowledge potential counterarguments.
  • Refute or address counterarguments, demonstrating the strength of your position.
  • Summarize the key points discussed in your essay.
  • Reinforce the importance of your thesis.
  • Provide a smooth transition to the conclusion.

Conclusion: Conclude your letter by summarizing the main points and restating the significance of your topic or argument. End with a call to action, a thought-provoking statement, or a question to leave a lasting impression.

Closing: End your letter with a formal closing. Choose a closing phrase that matches the tone and purpose of your essay.

[Your Full Name] [Your Signature – if sending a physical letter]

Feel free to adapt this template of Essay Letter Writing based on the specific requirements of your essay or the guidelines provided for your assignment. Adjust the tone, style, and content to suit the nature of your essay and your audience.

Formal Essay Letter Writing

When writing an Essay Letter Writing in Formal tone, you want to maintain a professional tone while effectively conveying your thoughts. Below is a formal Essay Letter Writing:

Subject: An Examination of Environmental Sustainability Practices in [Organization/Institution Name]

I trust this letter finds you in good health. As a dedicated student of [Your School/College Name], I am writing to bring attention to the importance of adopting sustainable practices within our institution, specifically in the context of environmental conservation.

Introduction: Environmental sustainability is an issue of global concern, and its implications resonate across various sectors, including education. In this letter, I aim to shed light on the benefits of implementing eco-friendly initiatives within [Organization/Institution Name] and the positive impact it can have on our community and beyond.

Paragraph 1: The Need for Environmental Sustainability The pressing need for environmental sustainability arises from the escalating challenges posed by climate change. By incorporating sustainable practices within our institution, we contribute to the global effort to mitigate the adverse effects of environmental degradation.

Paragraph 2: Implementing Green Initiatives I propose the implementation of green initiatives, such as waste reduction, energy conservation, and the incorporation of renewable energy sources. These initiatives not only align with global sustainability goals but also instill a sense of environmental responsibility among students, faculty, and staff.

Paragraph 3: Educational Opportunities Furthermore, embracing environmental sustainability provides unique educational opportunities. By incorporating sustainable practices into our curriculum, we equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to address complex environmental issues in their future endeavors.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the integration of environmental sustainability practices within [Organization/Institution Name] is not only a responsibility we owe to the planet but also an opportunity to foster a culture of environmental stewardship among the members of our institution.

I welcome the opportunity to discuss these proposals further and explore feasible ways to initiate and support sustainable practices within our institution. Thank you for considering these recommendations.

Feel free to adapt this formal Essay Letter Writing based on the specific topic and guidelines provided for your assignment. Ensure that the tone remains formal and that the content aligns with the expectations of a formal letter.

Job Application Essay Letter Writing

Below is a job application Essay Letter Writing that you can use as a reference:

[Employer’s Name] [Company Name] [Company Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Employer’s Name],

Subject: Application for [Job Position] – [Your Full Name]

I am writing to express my sincere interest in the [Job Position] advertised on your company’s website. With a strong background in [Relevant Skills or Experience], I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team and the success of [Company Name].

Introduction: In my current role at [Your Current Company], I have successfully [highlight a significant accomplishment or responsibility related to the job]. This experience has equipped me with [mention specific skills or qualities] that align with the requirements of the [Job Position] at [Company Name].

Body: Paragraph 1: Why I am a Strong Candidate I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] due to its commitment to [mention any specific values, projects, or achievements of the company]. My [mention number of years] years of experience in [Your Industry or Field] have honed my ability to [mention key responsibilities or skills relevant to the job].

Paragraph 2: Key Skills and Achievements I possess a proven track record in [mention relevant skills or achievements], as evidenced by [provide specific examples or metrics]. These experiences have sharpened my [mention soft skills] and my ability to [mention any other relevant strengths].

Paragraph 3: Why I Want to Join [Company Name] I am attracted to [Company Name] because of its reputation for [mention any specific aspects of the company culture, projects, or values that resonate with you]. I am eager to contribute my skills and learn from the talented team at [Company Name].

Conclusion: In conclusion, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name] and am confident in my ability to excel in the [Job Position]. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my skills and experiences align with your company’s needs in further detail.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to further discuss how my qualifications make me a strong fit for this position.

Feel free to customize this Essay Letter Writing for job application based on your specific experiences, skills, and the requirements of the job you are applying for.

Essay Letter Writing for Different Audiences

Essay Letter Writing for different audiences involves tailoring your content, tone, and approach based on the specific group you are addressing. Below are examples of Essay Letter Writing for different audiences:

1. Essay Letter Writing to Parents – Topic: Importance of Extracurricular Activities for Student Development

[Your Name] [Your Grade/Class] [Date]

[Parents’ Names] [Parents’ Address]

Dear Mom and Dad,

I hope this letter finds you both well. As your son/daughter and a student at [Your School], I wanted to share my thoughts on the significance of participating in extracurricular activities for overall student development.

[Continue with the body of the essay, discussing benefits, personal experiences, and the impact on academic and personal growth.]

2. Essay Letter Writing to Teachers – Topic: The Role of Technology in Enhancing Classroom Learning

[Teacher’s Name] [School Name]

Dear [Teacher’s Name],

I trust this letter finds you well. As a student in your [Subject] class, I would like to explore the impact of technology on classroom learning and how it can enhance the educational experience for both students and teachers.

[Continue with the body of the essay, discussing positive impacts, examples, and potential challenges.]

3. Essay Letter Writing to Friends – Topic: The Benefits of Reading for Personal Growth

[Your Name] [Date]

[Friends’ Names]

Dear Friends,

I hope you’re doing great. Recently, I’ve been reflecting on the many benefits of reading and how it contributes to personal growth. I thought I’d share my thoughts with you.

[Continue with the body of the essay, discussing the joys of reading, cognitive benefits, and the impact on personal development.]

[Your Full Name]

4. Essay Letter Writing to the Editor – Topic: Addressing Environmental Concerns in Our Community

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Date]

[Editor’s Name] [Newspaper/Magazine Name] [Address]

Dear Editor,

I am writing to bring attention to the environmental concerns in our community, specifically focusing on [specific issue]. It is imperative that we address these issues to ensure a sustainable future.

[Continue with the body of the essay, providing information, possible solutions, and urging community involvement.]

[Your Full Name] [Your Contact Information]

Feel free to customize these letters of Essay Letter Writing for different audiences based on the specific audience and topic you are addressing. Adjust the language, tone, and content to suit the relationship and communication style appropriate for each audience.

Essay Letter Writing About Pollution – Email Format

Here’s an Email Format of Essay Letter Writing about Pollution:

I am writing to you today to express my deep concern about the issue of pollution. In recent years, pollution has become a major problem that is affecting our environment, our health, and our future. It is a global issue that needs to be addressed urgently.

Pollution is caused by various factors, including industrial activities, transportation, and waste disposal. The consequences of pollution are dire, including climate change, respiratory problems, and biodiversity loss. It is important that we take action to reduce our carbon footprint, recycle waste materials, and limit the use of harmful chemicals.

As citizens of this planet, we all have a responsibility to protect our environment and reduce pollution. I urge you to join me in taking action to reduce pollution in our daily lives. We can start by using public transportation, conserving energy, and practicing responsible waste disposal.

Let’s work together to create a healthier and more sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come.

Essay Letter Writing for Various Occasions

Essay Letter Writing for various occasions involves tailoring your content to the specific event or celebration. Below are examples of Essay Letter Writing for different occasions:

1. Essay Letter Writing for Graduation – Reflecting on the Journey

[Your Name] [Graduation Date]

[Principal’s Name] [School Name]

Dear Principal [Principal’s Last Name],

As I stand on the threshold of a new chapter in my life, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey that has led me to this moment. Graduation is not just a culmination of academic achievements, but a celebration of growth, resilience, and the bonds formed in these hallowed halls.

[Continue with the body of the essay, reflecting on memorable experiences, friendships, and the lessons learned during the academic journey.]

[Your Full Name] [Your Graduation Class]

2. Essay Letter Writing for Thanksgiving – Gratitude for Family and Friends

[Recipient’s Name] [Recipient’s Address]

As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude for the blessings in my life, particularly the cherished relationships with family and friends. In the spirit of thankfulness, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for the impact you have had on my life.

[Continue with the body of the essay, expressing specific reasons for gratitude, fond memories, and the significance of the relationship.]

Warm regards,

3. Essay Letter Writing for a Birthday Celebration – Reflecting on Another Year

[Your Name] [Birthday Date]

[Recipient’s Name]

As I celebrate another year of life, I am prompted to reflect on the experiences, growth, and joys that this journey has brought. Birthdays are not just a marker of passing time; they are a celebration of the lessons learned, the relationships cherished, and the memories created.

[Continue with the body of the essay, reflecting on the past year, expressing gratitude, and sharing hopes for the future.]

Cheers to another year,

4. Essay Letter Writing for New Year’s Resolutions – Setting Intentions for the Year Ahead

As the New Year approaches, it offers a fresh canvas on which to paint the aspirations, goals, and intentions for the coming months. In the spirit of new beginnings, I wanted to share my reflections on the year gone by and outline the resolutions that will guide my path in the year ahead.

[Continue with the body of the essay, reflecting on achievements and challenges of the past year, and outlining specific resolutions.]

Wishing you a wonderful New Year,

Feel free to customize these letters of Essay Letter Writing in different occasions based on the specific occasion and your personal sentiments. Adjust the language, tone, and content to suit the nature of the event or celebration.

College Admission Essay Letter Writing

Writing a college admission Essay Letter Writing is an important step in the application process. Below is a sample college admission essay letter:

[College Admissions Office] [College/University Name] [College/University Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am writing to express my sincere interest in joining the [College/University Name] community as a [Your Intended Major] major. As a passionate and dedicated student, I am eager to contribute to and benefit from the academic environment and unique opportunities offered by your esteemed institution.

Introduction: Ever since I attended [Your High School Name], I have been inspired by the pursuit of knowledge and a desire to make a positive impact on the world. [Provide a brief introduction to your academic background and interests.]

Why [College/University Name]? [College/University Name] stands out to me as the ideal place to further my academic journey due to [mention specific reasons such as renowned faculty, exceptional programs, unique resources, or a particular campus culture]. The [Your Intended Major] program, in particular, aligns perfectly with my academic and career aspirations.

Unique Qualities and Achievements: Throughout high school, I have consistently demonstrated my commitment to excellence in [mention specific academic or extracurricular achievements]. These experiences have not only shaped my character but have also prepared me for the challenges and opportunities that a rigorous academic environment like [College/University Name] provides.

Contributions to Campus Life: I am excited about the prospect of contributing to the vibrant campus life at [College/University Name]. My experiences in [mention relevant extracurricular activities or community service] have instilled in me a sense of leadership, teamwork, and social responsibility.

Personal Growth and Goals: Beyond academics, I see [College/University Name] as a platform for personal growth and exploration. I am eager to immerse myself in the diverse learning experiences, engage with a community of like-minded individuals, and broaden my perspectives.

Conclusion: In conclusion, I believe that my passion for [Your Intended Major], commitment to academic excellence, and dedication to contributing positively to campus life make me a strong candidate for admission to [College/University Name]. I am excited about the prospect of becoming a valuable member of your community and contributing to the rich tapestry of experiences at [College/University Name].

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the vibrant academic environment at [College/University Name].

[Your Full Name] [Your High School Graduation Year] [Your Signature – if sending a physical letter]

Feel free to customize this letter based on your specific experiences, aspirations, and the requirements of the college or university you are applying to. It’s important to convey your unique qualities, achievements, and reasons for choosing the institution.

FAQS for Essay Letter Writing – Format, Examples, Writing Tips

What is the basic format for an essay letter writing.

The basic format of Essay Letter Writing includes a salutation, introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Include your contact information, date, and a closing signature. The structure may vary depending on the type of letter and audience.

How do I start an essay letter?

Start with a salutation addressing the recipient. In the introduction, engage the reader with a compelling hook, such as a question, quote, or personal anecdote, to draw them into your essay.

What should I include in the body paragraphs of an essay letter?

Each body paragraph should focus on a specific point or idea related to your topic. Include supporting evidence, examples, or personal experiences to strengthen your arguments or convey your message effectively.

How do I end an essay letter?

Conclude your essay letter by summarizing key points, reiterating the main message, or providing a call to action. End with a closing statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Can you provide examples of Essay Letter Writing for different purposes?

Certainly! Essay Letter Writing Examples include job application essay letters, college admission essay letters, letters to friends on specific topics, and letters addressing various occasions. Tailor the content based on the purpose and audience.

Essay Letter Writing is an important skill that has been around for centuries. It serves as a means of communication and expression of ideas and emotions. With the advancement of technology, letter writing has evolved, but its importance has not diminished. Whether it is a formal business letter or a personal letter to a friend, the art of letter writing requires attention to detail, clear communication, and an understanding of the audience.

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  • Letter Writing
  • Formal Letter Writing In English

Formal Letter Writing in English - Definition, Format and Writing Samples

The article elaborates on the format of writing a formal letter, the definition and structure of a formal letter, along with sample formal letters for your reference. Formal Letters are professional and need to be drafted carefully. The following topics will help you understand how to write a formal letter in the most effective manner.

Table of Contents

Definition of a formal letter.

  • Structure of a Formal Letter – Types of Formal Letters

Writing a Formal Letter – Parts of a Formal Letter

Formal letter writing samples.

  • FAQs on Formal Letter Writing Format in English

Formal Letters, also called Business Letters or Professional Letters, are letters that are written in a strict and specific format. Formal letters are naturally much more formal in style than informal/friendly letters. Formal letters can be written for a number of reasons such as,

  • to express your concerns while working in a professional setup
  • to provide official information across your workspace
  • to order goods, to apply for employment, etc.
  • to the Editor of a newspaper addressing the problems faced by various groups of people in different areas, etc.

Structure of a Formal Letter

In order to be able to write a formal letter, you have to first understand the reason behind the letter. As far as formal letters are concerned, the structure of the letter changes depending on the type of letter. There are certain rules to be followed to be able to draft a formal letter. Every sentence should be well thought out and laid down in such a way that the message you want to convey should be precise and clear to the reader.

Types of Formal Letters

There are different types of formal letters, as discussed, and they can generally be labelled under the following terms:

Business Letters

Letters of application, letters to newspapers.

Business letters should be terse, clear and to the point. There is no room for any kind of stories in a business letter. Before you start to write a business letter, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

  • Use simple, everyday language to convey the message clearly instead of using flamboyant and overemphatic vocabulary.
  • Never use jargon that is commonly used in business when you write a business letter.
  • Avoid using abbreviations as much as possible.
  • The modes of address vary according to the type of letter and the receiver.
  • Clear and exact descriptions of the articles necessary with the expected quality and quantity should be listed with utmost care when you write a letter to order goods.
  • When replying to a business letter, always quote the date of the letter you are responding to and its reference numbers (if any).

Formal/Business letters include letters from an employer to the employees and vice versa, letters to order and replace goods, letters of serious concern to an officer of higher rank, letters of complaint, etc.

Letters of Application usually consist of letters applying for employment. Before and after you write a letter of application, make sure you check for the following:

  • Always start with a short introduction stating whether the applicant is writing in response to a reference from an advertisement found online or in the newspaper.
  • State the age, education and experience of the applicant.
  • Provide the employer with a genuine expression of the applicant’s earnestness in taking up the job in the respective company.
  • Also, furnish references so that the employer can gather an idea of the kind of employee you would be.

Letters of Application should follow the format of formal/business letters.

Always address these letters to ‘The Editor’ and end with ‘Yours faithfully’. Letters to the Editor are letters that express concerns that should be addressed to the higher authorities. These letters should be professional and authentic. No newspaper would publish anonymous letters, so make sure you are writing the letter for a cause and provide your name and address correctly.

When writing a formal letter, always be respectful and conscious of your language, no matter what the subject of the letter might be. To write a formal letter, there are some points to be remembered.

  • Always start with the sender’s address
  • This is followed by the date .
  • The receiver’s address comes next. The receiver can be the name of the firm or the one who represents the firm.
  • The subject of the letter is very important. It is a statement of the purpose of the letter. It should be written in a single line.
  • The salutation can be Dear Sir/Ma’am. If it is a person you know well, you can address them by their name, ‘Dear Shrinath’.
  • The first paragraph should be aimed at introducing yourself and stating the purpose of your letter.
  • The second paragraph should furnish all the information about the matter.
  • The third paragraph can be a concluding paragraph where you lay out your expectations regarding the matter.
  • To close the letter , you can use a complimentary closing like ‘ Yours faithfully’, ‘Yours sincerely’ etc.
  • Unlike informal letters, the signature should include your name (in block letters) and designation below your signature.

Formal Letter Sample 1 – Letter to the publisher ordering books for your store

Read More Book Store

24, Crosby Lane

Bangalore 600045

20th August, 2019

The Manager

Zack Publishing House

Mumbai 400012

Subject: Requirement of new books for the store

I have received the books that you sent last week. The books are in perfect condition, and they were delivered on time. Owing to the great service rendered, I would like to order more books that would be a great addition to the wide range of books available at my store. Given below is a list of books that I would like to purchase:

I shall be grateful if you could send me copies of these books as mentioned by VPP as early as possible to the address given.

Thank you in advance.

Yours faithfully,

Manager,  Read More Book Store

Formal Letter Sample 2 – Letter to the Editor about a road that needs repair

25, SS Street

Cheran Nagar

Coimbatore 641023

8th September, 2019

Subject: Repair of the road in Cheran Nagar

I would like to bring to your notice that the people in and around Cheran Nagar have been facing difficulties in travelling back and forth because of the bad condition of the roads there. We have appealed to the Municipality, but there has not been any response on the issue so far.

As our appeals to their office have had no effect, we believe that perhaps a mention in the media would be of great help. Since the beginning of the last month, the roads in Cheran Nagar have been almost impassable. The surface is badly broken up by the heavy rains, and on a dark night, it is positively dangerous for vehicles to pass that way. Moreover, there are heaps of road metal on both sides of the road, which leave very little room in the middle. The residents of the area have been inconvenienced in this way for weeks.

The situation is becoming worse. There have been multiple accidents happening due to this condition. I request you to highlight the seriousness of the matter in your newspaper so that the road may be properly repaired without further delay.

Thanking You

Yours sincerely,

More Formal Letter Samples,

FAQ on Formal Letter Writing Format in English

What is a formal letter.

A formal letter is written for official purposes such as to express your concerns while working in a professional setup, to share official information at your workspace, to order goods, to apply for employment, to the Editor of a newspaper addressing the problems faced by various groups of people in different areas, etc.

What is the format of a formal letter?

A formal letter should include the sender’s address, date, receiver’s address, subject, salutation, body of the letter, complimentary closing and finally, the signature with name (in block letters) and designation.

How can I write a formal letter?

Before you start writing a formal letter, make sure you understand the pattern of the formal letter. Try to include all the necessary information about the matter that is being discussed. Keep your language simple and clear. Make the receiver understand your requirements and also your expectations. Provide authentic information no matter what.

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Letter Format Example and Writing Tips

formal letter writing essay

What to Include in a Formal Letter

Written letter format, email letter format, letter template to download, professional written letter example, professional email example, tips for formatting your letter, proofread, spellcheck, and print, how to address the envelope.

 Theresa Chiechi / The Balance

Letter format might not be top of mind when you begin writing an important letter or email, but an appropriate presentation is critical to ensure your message is ultimately well received. A printed letter is usually reserved for important professional communications, such as recommendation letters, cover letters, resignation letters, and business correspondence, so you'll want to know how to write one professionally.

Correct formatting is especially important if you're sending a hard copy to the recipient rather than an email because the letter needs to fit the page, look professional, and be clear, concise, and easy to read.

Review information on what you need to include when writing a professional letter, examples, and advice on the appropriate font, salutation, spacing, closing, and signature for business correspondence.

Key Takeaways

  • A formal letter should include details about why you’re writing, an expression of your appreciation to the recipient for considering your request, and your contact information.
  • Correspondence can be sent as a written letter or in an email. When sending an email message, list the reason you are writing in the subject line of the message.
  • When writing a professional letter, carefully proofread and spellcheck before you print or send it.

Formal correspondence should include the details of why you’re writing, your contact information, a greeting and closing, and your signature.

Beginning of the Letter

Contact Information (Written Letter):  A written letter should include the contact information of both yourself and the recipient (name, title, company name, address, phone number, email), followed by the date.

Contact Information (Email):  When sending an email, you don’t need to include the recipient’s contact information. List your contact information at the end of the letter after your signature.

Greeting:  Address the letter using a professional greeting and formal title ("Dear Mr./Ms./Dr.").

Body of the Letter

The first paragraph of your letter  should provide an introduction as to why you are writing so your reason for contacting the person is clear.

In the  following paragraphs , provide specific details about your request or the information you are providing.

The  last paragraph  of your letter should reiterate the reason you are writing and thank the reader for reviewing your request. If appropriate, it should also politely ask for a written response or the opportunity to arrange a meeting to further discuss your request.

Closing the Letter

Use a formal sign-off , such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards."

Signature (Written Letter):  End the letter with your handwritten signature followed by your typed name.

Signature (Email):  Include your typed name followed by your contact information.

It’s important to include enough detail so the recipient understands why you’re writing and the response you expect to the letter.

Here’s a template for each section of a formal letter:

Your Contact Information   Name Address City, State Zip Code Phone Number Email Address

Recipient Contact Information  Name Title Company Address City, State Zip Code

Greeting   Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name,

Use a  formal salutation , not a first name, unless you know the person well. If you do not know the person's gender, you can write out their full name. For instance, write, "Dear Pat Crody" instead of "Dear Mr. Crody" or "Dear Ms. Crody." If you do not know the recipient’s name, it’s still common and acceptable to use the old-fashioned “ To Whom It May Concern .”

Body of Letter

  • Paragraph 1: State the reason you are writing, for example, you are asking for something or sharing a piece of information.
  • Paragraph 2:  Provide details about your request or the information you’re sharing.
  • Paragraph 3:  If necessary, include additional information on the purpose of your letter.
  • Paragraph 4:  Thank the reader for considering your request, and ask for a response to your letter.

Closing Best regards,

Signature Handwritten signature (use black or blue ink to sign a written letter)

Typed Signature  Your typed name

Here’s a template for each section of a professional email:

Subject Line Subject: Your Name — Reason for Writing

Greeting Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name,

Body of Message Your message should generally be two or three paragraphs at most. Explain why you’re writing and what you’re requesting.

Closing Sincerely,

Typed Signature and Contact Information Mikala Schwartz mikala.schwartz@email.com 617-123-1234

When sending email correspondence, include the reason you are writing in the subject line of the message. List your contact information under your typed signature at the end of the message.

Here is a letter template that you can download  (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online), or review the text version below.

Nicole Thomas 35 Chestnut Street Dell Village, Wisconsin 54101 555-555-5555 nicole@thomas.com

September 5, 2023

Jason Andrews Manager LMK Company 53 Oak Avenue, Ste 5 Dell Village, Wisconsin 54101

Dear Mr. Andrews,

I’m writing to resign from my position as customer service representative, effective September 16, 2023.

I’ve recently decided to go back to school, and my program starts in late September. I’m tendering my resignation now so that I can be as helpful as possible to you during the transition.

I’ve truly enjoyed my time working with you and everyone else on our team at LMK. It’s rare to find a customer service role that offers as much opportunity to grow and learn, and perhaps more rare to find such a positive, inspiring team of people to grow and learn with.

I’m particularly grateful for your guidance while I was considering furthering my education. Your support has meant so much to me. 

Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help you find and train my replacement.

Thanks and best wishes,

Signature (hard copy letter)

Nicole Thomas

Subject: Annual Meeting

Dear Kathleen,

Thank you so much for your assistance in planning our annual meeting. Your expertise in handling the meeting arrangements, booking the conference facilities and hotel, coordinating travel, scheduling events, and organizing the meeting is greatly appreciated.

I appreciate your help and advice, and I am hoping we can plan on having your assistance with next year’s event. It’s tentatively scheduled for January 16–20, 2025, in Tampa, Florida. If you can confirm your availability, I’ll be in touch when we’re ready to start planning.

I look forward to working with you in the future, and thank you again.

Best regards,

Peter Hancock

Professional letters should be simple, short, and written in business format using a traditional font.

  • Length of the Letter: Most formal letters are no more than one typed page.
  • Font Style and Size: Use a plain font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. Your font size should be between 10 and 12 points.
  • Margins:  Use one-inch margins and left justify your text.
  • Spacing: Single-space your letter, and leave a space between each paragraph. Use one-inch margins and align your text to the left. Leave an extra space after the salutation, before the closing, and before and after your handwritten signature in a printed letter.
  • Printing the Letter:  Business letters should be printed on plain white paper.

Once you have written your letter, proofread it and carefully spellcheck it on the screen. Then, print it out and read it aloud at least one more time, checking for any errors or typos. This is important as it's often easier to spot errors on a hard copy. 

Reading your letter out loud is a good way to catch a mistake.

Check for formatting errors, such as two paragraphs that don’t have a space between them or lines that are indented incorrectly. Then, before putting your letter in an envelope, sign above your typed name using black or blue ink. 

If you’re emailing your letter, send a copy to yourself to be sure it’s perfect. Then send the final version to the recipient.

Print a copy of your written letter so you have it for your records. Your email will be saved in your “sent” email folder.

When your letter is ready to mail, fold it in thirds so it fits into a business-size envelope. You can use your word-processing program to print the addresses on the envelope or handwrite them. 

Print your name on the top-left corner of the front of the envelope. Print the recipient’s address in the center of the envelope, parallel with the long side. Add a stamp to the top right of the envelope.

NMU Writing Center. " Parts of a Business Letter ."

University of Arizona. " Writing a Professional Letter ."

USPS. " How to Send a Letter or Postcard: Domestic ."

How to Write a Formal Essay: Format, Rules, & Example

If you’re a student, you’ve heard about a formal essay: a factual, research-based paper written in 3rd person. Most students have to produce dozens of them during their educational career. 

Our specialists will write a custom essay specially for you!

The picture enumerates the characteristics of a formal essay.

Writing a formal essay may not be the easiest task. But fear not: our custom-writing team is here to guide you through the process. This article will:

  • explain what a formal essay is;
  • show how to write it step by step;
  • provide you with an essay sample. 

👔 Formal Essay Definition

  • ✅ How to Write
  • ✍️ Writing Rules
  • 🖥️ Essay Format
  • 📑 Sample Paper

🔍 References

A formal essay is a well-structured piece of writing with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. This type of essay often includes cited research, uses an academic tone, and is written in 3rd person. While writing a formal essay, it’s necessary to back up your arguments with factual evidence.

What Is an Informal Essay vs. Formal Essay?

Essays come in two formats: formal and informal (also known as personal .) They differ in terms of style and context. You can choose one of the formats depending on the situation and the type of paper you need to write.

Don’t know how to tell the difference between them? Well, here are some key characteristics of these essay types:

As you can see, these types of writing are almost total opposites. Informal essays are only reserved for creative assignments, which means that most of the papers you write need to be formal.

Just in 1 hour! We will write you a plagiarism-free paper in hardly more than 1 hour

Our article on creative essays can help you write an informal paper. But how do you craft a perfect formal essay? Keep reading to find out.

✅ How to Write a Formal Essay

Traditionally, a formal essay it’s composed of 3 sections: an introduction, 3 or more body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Let’s examine each part in detail.

Formal Essay Introduction

The introduction is what your essay starts with. Its primary goal is to catch the reader’s attention with a hook, briefly introduce the topic, and lead toward the thesis statement located at the end of the first paragraph.

Here is what you might want to keep in mind while writing the introduction:

If you want some more inspiration for your introduction, check out our article on hooks in writing .

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Now on to the thesis statement : the key idea of your essay. When working on it, keep in mind that it should answer the central question in your topic and reflect your essay’s overall structure. your essay’s overall structure.

Suppose your topic is related to the teaching methods involving poetry. In that case, the thesis statement can be like this:

Teaching methods that involve reading and writing poetry in elementary school are beneficial for children as they enhance their capacity for empathy, develop creativity, and help with self-realization.

Formal Essay Body

The next part of an essay is the main body paragraphs. They support the thesis statement with well-developed arguments and explore the topic in-depth. Each body paragraph starts with a topic sentence stating its main point. The length of a paragraph can vary, but the best option is to have between 4 and 7 sentences.

To make the text flow easily, you may use transitional words. Here are some examples:

  • after all, 
  • for instance, 
  • on the one/other hand, 
  • initially, 
  • as a result.

How to Write a Formal Essay Conclusion

Lastly, every essay needs closure. A good conclusion summarizes the essay’s main ideas, includes a paraphrased thesis, and encourages the readers to think more about the topic.

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The structure of a conclusion may change slightly depending on the subject. For instance, it can suggest some solutions to a problem, express an opinion, or give a recommendation. It’s important to remember that the conclusion is a part that emphasizes your essay’s most important points and doesn’t introduce new information.

If you’re curious about writing each essay part, check out our article on 5-paragraph essays .

✍️ Formal Writing Rules

Just like choosing the proper attire to wear to a formal event, we need to use the right words while writing a formal essay. Here are some suggestions that can help you maintain a formal tone in your paper:  

Dos of formal writing

  • Pay attention to your vocabulary. The words you will use in a formal essay will likely have a nuanced meaning. Make sure you know exactly what the terms mean, and do your best to sound precise.
  • Use punctuation correctly. Here are some of the things to watch out for: Avoid exclamation marks; Use dashes for insertions; Use colons with enumerations; If you’re unsure of whether to use a punctuation mark or not, rewrite the sentence in a way that doesn’t require it.
  • Use varied sentence structure. In formal writing, there is always a danger of sounding monotonous. Avoid repeating sentence structures to make your essay more readable.
  • Provide references. It’s essential to cite every idea that you borrow. Try to paraphrase quotations from your sources: it will help you avoid plagiarism.

Don’ts of formal writing

  • Avoid using pronouns.  With words such as “I,” “me,” “we,” or “us,” an essay becomes wordy. It also makes the author seem less sure of their ideas. If you want to use personal pronouns, try substituting them with words like “the reader,” “viewers,” or “one.”
  • Avoid using slang expressions and nonstandard diction. Slang words in a formal essay will make it less appealing to the readers. If you want to be taken seriously, it’s best to avoid those expressions and use proper Standard English.
  • Avoid informal tone.  When you write a formal essay, incorporate the language and the expressions you would use while delivering a speech, not the words you use when you casually talk to friends. A formal tone suggests that the author is serious about the topic and respects the audience.
  • Avoid passive voice. Passive verbs are hard to read, and they are wordy. Use active voice to sound more straightforward and concise.

Contractions in Formal Writing

A contraction is usually a combination of two words into one, such as “don’t,” “isn’t,” “can’t,” and “wouldn’t.” When you work on a formal essay, it’s essential to be careful about contractions. It’s inappropriate to use them in academic writing, so it’s best to stick to the full variant.

However, there are exceptions to this rule. For instance, when working with direct quotations, it’s essential to reproduce words exactly as they are used in the original. To learn more about it, be sure to check out the University of North Florida’s article on in-text citations .

What to Use Instead of “You” in an Essay

Another common mistake students make is using the “you” and “yours” pronouns to address the readers. This mistake can make the essay overly informal and lead to misinterpretations of the text.

How do you fix it? Our advice is to replace 2nd-person pronouns with the following words:

  • individuals,

You can find more formal writing tips in this informative video from Smrt English:

🖥️ Formal Essay Format

Now that we’ve discussed formal essay writing in detail, it’s time to look at the formatting. A formal essay is usually written in MLA or APA formats. If you’re asked to write a paper in one of these formats, you may find the guidelines below helpful:

📑 Formal Essay Example

Here is an excellent sample of a formal essay that uses all the guidelines mentioned in this article. It will help you to produce a perfect paper of your own:

For more information, check out Purdue OWL’s resources on various formatting styles .

Formal Essay Topics

  • Stress management techniques
  • The effects of coffee
  • Negative effects of technology on children
  • Causes and outcomes of organizational conflicts in sports 
  • Different types of friends
  • Same-sex marriages in the United States 
  • Are early marriages harmful or beneficial?
  • How do nutrition and hydration improve athletes’ performance?
  • Is polygamy morally acceptable?
  • Different features of sports business
  • What characterizes friendship in the age of media ?
  • Positive and negative effects of tourism on environment in the Caribbean
  • How does society treat single parents ?
  • How does the uninvolved parenting style affect child’s future well-being?
  • The role of family relationships in Odyssey
  • Financial concepts in sport finance
  • Main features of a strong marriage
  • The importance of media coverage for sport teams 
  • Reasons why students choose to get internship
  • The role of stadiums in the sports industry
  • The multiracial family: the Carters case analysis
  • Characteristics of children’s sports 
  • Crucial factors affecting health fitness
  • How is technology used in hotel management? 
  • Structure and operational context of Four Seasons
  • What are the main qualities of a true friend? 
  • Different websites that promote rental properties
  • The imperative aspects of tourism
  • Importance of hotel training
  • What factors determine adolescents’ adjustment after they experience parental divorce ?
  • How does tobacco use affect the human body?
  • The importance of language and world view for communication 
  • What makes a combination of reinforcement and punishment in parenting efficient? 
  • The scientific approach of sports economics 
  • How does divorce affect children?
  • Living on-campus vs. living off-campus when attending university: a comparison
  • How does the New Moves program promote a healthy lifestyle?
  • How to be an effective counselor
  • Various types of restaurants in Ireland 
  • Carolina Dog’s characteristics 
  • Comparison of Monzameon’s The Love Suicides at Amijima and Tartuffe by Moliere
  • Comparing homosexual and heterosexual families
  • How is family presented in Everyday Use by Alice Walker ?
  • In what ways can Anaerobic Threshold be assessed?
  • Is bad parenting a healthcare problem?
  • Why student-athletes should benefit from sports
  • Mind-body awareness and its health benefits 
  • Can punishment boost academic performance?
  • Techniques to teach students swimming
  • Issues faced by the sports licensing field

Thanks for reading through this guide! We hope that you found it helpful and now have a better idea of how to write an excellent formal essay. Don’t hesitate to share our article with a friend who may need it. Good luck!

Further reading:

  • How to Write a Critical Thinking Essay: Examples & Outline
  • What Is a Discourse Analysis Essay: Example & Guide
  • How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline: Template & Examples
  • How to Write a Précis: Definition, Guide, & Examples 

❓ Formal Essay FAQs

It’s best not to use pronouns such as “I,” “my,” “we,” “our,” etc., in a formal essay since it give the paper an informal tone and the text becomes wordy. It also makes the writer seem less sure about their ideas.

It’s better to avoid using parentheses and dashes in formal academic writing. If the information you want to include in the essay is important enough, it should be a part of the sentence. Otherwise, you can simply omit it.

The formal and informal essays differ in style and context. While a formal essay is a piece of well-structured writing that tries to convince the reader by providing arguments, an informal essay has no set structure. It reflects the author’s personal thoughts or opinions.

Starting your sentence with “because” in formal writing is not the best idea. The word “because” is a subordinate conjunction, which means it’s used to join the main clause to a subordinate clause, not to start a sentence.

It’s best to avoid using 1st- and 2nd-person pronouns, slang expressions, nonstandard diction, and contractions in a formal essay. They are primarily used in daily speech and are considered inappropriate in academic writing. 

  • Point of View in Academic Writing: St. Louis Community College
  • Components of a Good Essay: University of Evansville
  • Introductions & Conclusions: University of Arizona Global Campus
  • How to Improve Your Academic Writing: University of York
  • Nine Basic Ways to Improve Your Style in Academic Writing: University of California, Berkeley
  • Academic Writing Style: Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper: University of Southern California
  • Formal and Informal Style: Northern Illinois University
  • Formal Writing: Davenport University: LibGuides
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Formal Letter Writing: How and What for

Formal Letter Writing Tips

How to write a professional letter in English: features and nuances

Essay-editor team wants to share useful tips on the creation of formal letters, their styles, structure, proper formatting, greeting, and closure. Official letter creation can make many people worry about their writing skills and poor vocabulary for official correspondence. However, if you adhere to our recommendations, you will manage to create an excellent business letter and you can always rely on support of our qualified paper editor anytime.

Proper official letter format

The composition of official letters usually consists of such components as:

  • Letter heading – your name and address
  • Name and address of receiver.
  • Sender’s initials.
  • Attachments.

General writing rules

Use proper format and greeting. There are particular standards of official letter formatting in English, though some deviations are also acceptable (for instance, when it goes about correspondence in British English and American English).

It is crucial to make a good first impression when a letter is started. Use proper greeting for this purpose. If needed, in case if a letter is not in electronic form, mention the address and last name of a receiver in upper right corner. Then start writing.

Make sure that receiver’s full name is correctly written. Use “Dear Sir/Madam” in case when it is unknown whom exactly you appeal to.

Types of official letters

How to start a formal letter: samples of the forms of address

  • Dear Sir/Madam
  • Dear Mr. Green
  • Dear Jack Johnson
  • Dear Customer

As a rule, official letters are of an official nature and the manner of speech should always be respectful. Inquiry letters always maintain modal verbs to make a request as much respectful as possible. For instance, it is rude to say: “I want to see you in our office on Wednesday”, it would be better: “Could you be so kind and visit our office on Wednesday?”. Letters of complaint should be respectful as well and not too exciting. For instance, if delivering was delayed and, consequently, it delayed the production, it would be correct to say: “The delivering was six weeks delayed and that led to delay of our production transportation”. If you inform about sad news or apologize, it is necessary to indicate nicely and tactfully the reason for a problem. Do you want to know more about a complaint letter? Follow the link then: https://essay-editor.net/blog/complaint-letter-make-everyone-take-you-seriously .

Mention your aim

In an English official letter, the aim of address is clarified in the first paragraph, after that the main idea follows. There are 3 common features of formal letter types:

  • They clarify the essence and answer the question “what is it?”.
  • They are concise and not rude.
  • They contain positive words: “thank you”, “welcome”, “glad”, “obliged”, “appreciate”, “congratulate”, “successfully”, “approve”, etc.

Formal business letter format: tips on official letter creation

1.   When creating your letter, it is necessary to adhere to simplicity and targeting so that the essence of your letter would be clear.

2.   Try to speak simply.

3.   The finest option to begin a letter is to present its aim. It is called a direct approach, and it defines the tone of the whole letter, gripping the reader’s interest.

4.   However, if your letter contains sad news, the straightforward approach is inappropriate. Instead, use an indirect approach, pointing at sad news in the 2nd or 3rd paragraph.

5.   Greeting and introductory part should be respectful. Always be attentive to the attempts and sensitivity of a reader.

6.   It is required to present the nuances of a problem after introduction.

7.   Inform about the causes for a made decision.

8.   Keep single line spacing and double spaces between paragraphs, use left-alignment, and adhere to shorter sentences and precise paragraphs.

9.   Be honest and treat with respect time of a person who will read it: this person is working (most likely) so cut to the chase.

10. Put the needs of other people ahead of yours. Instead of speaking about what you expect from them, say what they can get from you.

11. Be careful and attentive with the name of a receiver (either person or company).

12. Make your tone casual but professional, do not be too official.

13. Avoid slang, excessive self-confidence, arrogance, and boasting.

14. Prefer passive voice along with personal pronouns. Read more about active and passive sentence structure on our blog.

15. A request for action should finalize your writing every time.

16. Leave space after greeting and before closure.

17. Make double space between the final sentence and ending part.

18. If necessary, leave 4 or 5 spaces for a hand-written signature.

19. Official letter should be printed on white paper of A4 format.

20. Finalize letter professionally and respectfully as well.

We want to emphasize an essential point: bear in mind to check your letter for errors at least twice. Of course, the best option is to delegate this task to the specialists. Send us your letter and Essay-editor professionals will polish it.

E-mail advantages

An electronic business letter is much easier to create than an ordinary one. However, it happens sometimes that a letter does not open – this is a disadvantage, of course. It is better to make sure that a letter will be delivered. For this purpose, control the process and enable the reverse notification option.

Also, it can be required to submit a letter with a hand-written signature, documents approved by the seal, scanned papers, etc. (it depends on the purpose and receiver). Here the decision is obvious: send a regular one by post. However, remember that e-mail is money-saving (it is usually free unlike regular letters that require to pay for the envelope, stamps, delivering, and so on) and environmentally friendly (unlike those that require using paper). Remember about the trees!

Also, bear in mind our on-line writing agency: here you can specify all the nuances related to official English directly from experienced experts: https://essay-editor.net/blog/a-tricky-task--how-to-proofread-my-document-properly . Take your chances and be acknowledged!

Formal letter closure

The final part of your written masterpiece should contain something like “Do not hesitate to contact us in case you have any questions”, or if you attach additional materials, use such words and phrases as: “I am enclosing…” or “Please find the attached …”

Closure mainly depends on the relationships with the receiver. Prefer “Yours faithfully” if the receiver is unknown to you, and “Yours sincerely” for the receivers you are familiar with. Do not confuse them! Your sincerity for a strange person may seem pretty suspicious and cause embarrassment.

For less official letter, it is allowed using: “Best regards” or “Kind regards”. When finishing your writing, it is required to mention your last name, title, and sign the paper. Once again, we emphasize the importance of checking the letter for errors before sending it. Our team of professional editors and proofreaders will cope perfectly with the task.

After the closure phrase, put comma and write your data in a new line: a) name, b) e-mail address, c) phone number. Of course, there should be no “Later”, “Thanks”, “TTYL”, “Warmly”, “Cheers”, and other similar colloquialisms.

Formal letter writing in English can make many people worry about their skills and scarcity of vocabulary for formal correspondence. However, if you follow our tips and recommendations, you will create an outstanding formal letter in English. Trust is above all!

The structure of a typical letter is the sequence of the following elements:

  • Name and Address of Recipient
  • Typist initials

Left-hand side: recipient’s details in this order

  • [Company Letterhead]
  • [Recipient’s Name, Position]
  • Dear [Name]:

This is the most typical way to present the details of a recipient when creating a formal letter. It can vary depending on the type of letter, however, in most cases it is more or less the same.

Proofread it

It is always obligatory to check a letter for mistakes, misprints and other possible inaccuracies. When you finish to create it, it is better to wait for a while, to have some rest, and only then to check the text. However, the best option is to appeal to a professional proofreader or another specialist who will check your letter competently. Our specialists are the best assistants, and they will be happy to help you. Thus, we would want to share what points you need to focus on when checking a letter for mistakes.

Once again, do not forget to recheck your letter for mistakes (at least twice).

Of course, it is always better to turn to a professional proofreader who will do it for you quickly and properly. You will not waste time but get a great error-free text that will make a positive impression on a reader.

How to check a letter in English?

Here are some more pieces of advice for better formal letter writing. These are the tips for a final check before sending:

  • Check if the font size, style and color are appropriate for a particular type of formal letter.
  • Have a break – drink a cup of coffee and, after that, reread your text again.
  • A good tip is to print a letter and read it aloud. It will help notice the mistakes and some excessive elements that can be removed or shortened.

Read your text backwards, starting with the last sentence and moving to the first one.

So you have done it. Now read text carefully to make sure that you have presented your thoughts clearly and precisely. That is it! Send your letter to its receiver without hesitation.

Read, in addition:

How to Carry On Business Correspondence

15 Ways To Expand Your Vocabulary

Exceptional Personal Statement Services Just for You

The Finest Academic English Editor Online

formal letter writing essay

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  • formal letter writing format

Formal Letter Writing Format In English PDF: Definition, How To Write, Topics, Sample Examples

Nov 06 2023

formal letter writing essay

Formal Letter Writing Format In English PDF: A formal letter is sent to officials to show gratitude or to voice complaints about a person or circumstance. Therefore, a professional letter must follow a specific structure that is concise, clear, and error-free. When writing a formal letter, avoid making spelling errors and the letter should be short and to the point. You can send formal letters to government departments, businesses, and educational institutions. You will learn more about the formal letter format in this post as well as the guidelines. Let's first read what a formal letter is to get a better understanding of it before we look at the formal letter format. Aspirants in search of formal letter writing in English, Letter writing formal letter formal letter format, letter formal letter to principal, formal letter writing format, formal letter writing topics, formal letter writing examples, formal letter writing questions, etc., can refer to the complete details provided here related to the formal letter writing format in this article. Many aspirants have questions about how to write a formal letter in English, how to write a formal letter to principal, how to write date in formal letter, etc. Now, let's look at the formal letter meaning and the format.

Check Informal Letter Writing Format

Descriptive Writing For Bank Exams - Mock Tests

formal letter writing essay

What Is A Formal Letter?

Formal Letter Meaning: A formal letter is one that uses formal language and is written in a formal style. Such letters are not addressed to private individuals, such as friends or family members, but rather to authorities, dignitaries, coworkers, and seniors for official objectives. Writing formal letters requires adherence to a variety of conventions.

Types Of Formal Letter

The formal letter comes in a variety of forms and is utilized as a communication tool by all organizations, whether they are public or private. Both internal and external communication uses formal letters. Here are some examples of formal letter formats.

  • Recovery Letter
  • Resignation Letter
  • Order Letter
  • Promotion Letter
  • Job offer letter
  • Complaint letter
  • Business letter
  • Appointment letter
  • Leave application for Marriage/ Sick/ maternity
  • Letter of Enquiry
  • Sales Letter

formal letter writing essay

Formal Letter Writing Format In English

Candidates can use the English formal letter writing format that is given below for any type of formal letter.

formal letter writing essay

Details Of Formal Letter Writing Format

The sender's and recipient's addresses are the first item in the formal letter format. Sender's Address: Be sure to include your street address, city, state, zip code, and phone number when writing your address in the left-hand corner of the page. Address of Recipient – Always include the address of the recipient in the right-hand corner, just below the date.

The date and salutation are the second essential component of a professional letter format. The date should always be written with a line gap just below the sender's address.

3) Salutation

"Dear Sir/Madam" is sufficient; if you know the person's name, address them directly. If you don't know their name, use "Rev.", "Dr.", "Mr.", "Mrs.", or "Ms." in a formal manner, along with their complete name.

The official letter comes next. The letter's subject and body are its format: The agenda or purpose of the letter's drafting is its subject. Keep the letter's subject short and, if you can, limit it to one line.

  • Always break up your work into paragraphs, and make sure to use a sophisticated vocabulary as well as correct punctuation and spelling.
  • To keep the reader engaged and to distinguish one idea from another, paragraphs are used.
  • The goal is to provide the reader with as much clarity as possible.
  • Mention the goal of the letter in the first paragraph itself so that the reader is clear on your intentions when writing the letter.
  • The first paragraph, also known as the introduction, should be brief and to the point.
  • The middle paragraphs, generally known as the body of the letter, should include some relevant information on the goal outlined in the first paragraph.
  • The final paragraph, sometimes referred to as the conclusion, should discuss the action you expect the letter's reader to take.
  • As much as you can, keep the final paragraph in a requesting mode.

6) Conclusion

The ending, or how to end the formal letter, is another element of the formal letter format. Putting a formal letter to bed - The preferred concluding salutations are Yours Faithfully, Your Sincerely, etc., followed by your entire name and a suitable closing sentence. An appropriate closing statement shows that you value the receiver by expressing your admiration for them.

7) Signature

The signature at the end of the formal letter is the final component of the format. In the signature line of a formal letter, the sender should include their name, signature, and, if applicable, their position within the employer. Recognizing the information sent by the sender aids the recipient.

formal letter writing essay

Formal Letter Writing Examples

Formal letter writing format example 1 - appointment  letter, formal letter writing format example 2 - promotion letter, formal letter writing format example 3 - resignation letter.

formal letter writing essay

Formal Letter Writing Format Example 4 - Business Letter

How to write a formal letter to principal.

Have a look at the examples  of formal letters  provided  below  for  your  reference.

Formal Letter To Principal From Student 1

Formal letter to principal from student 2, formal letter writing topics.

Formal letter writing questions expected in the upcoming exams are curated and provided as formal letter writing topics in the table below.

formal letter writing essay

Do's And Dont's Of Formal Letter Writing

Do's: formal letter writing format.

  • Make your letter's goal clear; it should be straightforward and focused.
  • Your letter should be left-justified.
  • In your letter, a single space and a space between each paragraph are required.
  • Examples of plain typefaces are Arial, Times New Roman, Courier New, and Verdana. The font size ought to be 10 or 12.
  • Leave a blank line between the salutation and the closing.
  • Business letters should always be produced on white bond paper as opposed to colorful paper or personal stationery.
  • If you're writing an email letter, follow these instructions for what to include and how to format your signature.
  • After you've finished writing your letter, always proofread it for spelling and grammar mistakes.

Don't's: Formal Letter Writing Format

Here are the common mistakes in formal letter writing that should be avoided.

  • Make sure to adhere to the right formal letter format. This comprises a suitable headline, salutation, body, conclusion, and signature.
  • Make sure the goal of your communication is stated in full. Be specific in what you want to say or what you are asking for.
  • Check your letter carefully for any spelling or grammar mistakes before sending it. Use the appropriate punctuation and capitalization.
  • Avoid employing slang or informal language in formal correspondence. Be respectful and professional in your tone.
  • Double-check that the recipient of your letter has the correct name and address. This will guarantee that your mail gets to the correct person.
  • Keep your letter brief and crisp. Don't blather on or provide unnecessary details.
  • Make sure your letter is understandable and clear. Avoid using technical phrases unless absolutely required and speak plainly.
  • If you expect a response to your letter, make sure to follow up if you don't get one in a timely manner.
  • You may write a formal letter that is both effective and professional by keeping these most common errors to a minimum.

FAQs - Formal Letter Writing Format

Q. What is a formal letter?

A formal letter is one that uses formal language and is written in a formal style. Such letters are not addressed to private individuals, such as friends or family members, but rather to authorities, dignitaries, coworkers, and seniors for official objectives. Writing formal letters requires adherence to a variety of conventions.

Q. What are the types of formal letters?

The types of formal letters are Recovery Letter, Resignation Letter, Order Letter, Promotion Letter, Job offer letter, Complaint letter, Business letter, Appointment letter, Leave application for Marriage/ Sick/ maternity, Letter of Enquiry, Sales Letter, etc.,

Q. What is the formal letter writing format?

The sender's address, the date, the recipient's address, the subject, the salutation, the content of the letter, a complimenting ending, and finally the signature with name (in block letters) and designation should all be included in a professional letter.

Q. How To Write A Formal Letter?

Make sure you are familiar with the format of a formal letter before you begin writing one. Include all the information required to understand the topic under discussion. Be sure to speak in plain, basic words. Make sure the recipient is aware of both your expectations and your needs. Always be truthful.

formal letter writing essay

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formal letter writing essay

How to Write a Letter or an Essay in English | Useful Tips 1

How to Write a Letter or an Essay in English | Useful Tips

How to write a letter or how to write an essay in English? Useful tips for writing letters, essays in English.

Table of Contents

How to Write a Letter

How to write a cover letter.

How to Write a Cover Letter

How to Write Informal Letters

How to end a letter in english.

How to Write a Letter or an Essay in English | Useful Tips 3

Useful Words and Phrases for Writing Formal Letters

Writing a letter or an email.

How to Write a Letter or an Essay in English | Useful Tips 5

How to Write a Great Essay Quickly

How to Write a Letter or an Essay in English | Useful Tips 7

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IELTS Sample Letters

These IELTS sample letters illustrate the different types you may come across in the test.

Letters tend to be one of these types:

  • Informal (e.g. to a friend or family member)
  • Semi-formal (e.g. to your landlord or employer, who you know)
  • Formal (e.g. to the manager of a company)

They also have broad purposes such as a complaint, resignation, arrangement, advice, request, explanation or apology, though any one letter may include several of these purposes based on the bullet points.

  • Sample 1: Letter to landlord - see below (request)
  • Sample 2: Letter to insurance company (complaint)
  • Sample 3: Letter to theatre manager (complaint)
  • Sample 4: Letter to friend (apology/explanation)
  • Sample 5: Letter to train company (complaint)
  • Sample 6: Letter to head teacher (complaint)
  • Sample 7: Letter to restaurant (job application)
  • Sample 8: Letter to employer (request)
  • Sample 9: Letter to friend (arrangement)
  • Sample 10: Letter to friend (advice)

You can also view letters that have been written by students practicing for the test:

  • IELTS Student Letters

IELTS Letter to Landlord

IELTS Letter to Landlord

You are experiencing financial problems and want to ask your landlord if you can pay your rent late.  Write a letter to your landlord.

In your letter explain:

  • Why you cannot pay the rent
  • When you will pay the rent.
  • How you will ensure you can pay your rent in the future

Write at least 150 words

You do  NOT  need to write any addresses

Begin your letter as follows:

Model Answer

Dear Mr Strickland,

I am writing to you to request that you allow me to pay my rent late this month.

The reason is that I am having a few financial problems at the moment. Last month, I was made redundant from my job due to the fact that the company I work for is closing down. Because I have not worked at the company for long, I have not received a redundancy payment, therefore leaving me short of money this month.

I can assure you that I will be able to pay the rent on the 15th of next month. I have now found another job, and they have kindly agreed to give me an advance on my wages, but they are unable to arrange this until next week.

I can assure you that I will be able to continue to pay rent at the full rate and on time in the future. As I mentioned, I have a new job and this is on a long-term contract, meaning that I will have a secure and timely income. I may also set up a direct debit so the payment goes to your automatically each month. 

I hope this will be acceptable to you, but please contact me if it is a problem.

Yours sincerely,

John Streetham.

(210 Words)

The letter is well-structured as the writer makes it clear in the first sentence why the letter is being written, gives further details of the problem in the first body paragraph, and then sets out when payment will be made, finally discussing the future.

The tone of the letter is appropriate as it is polite ( I am writing to you to request..., I can assure you...., I apologise for this problem..., please contact me if it is a problem...  ).

The opening and closing of the letter are correct for a semi-formal letter to someone if you know their name ( Dear Mr Strickland..., Yours sincerely...  ).

There are good examples of correct use of tenses, demonstrating that the writer has a very good working use of grammar:

  • present continuous for what is happening now:  I am having a few financial problems at the moment
  • past simple passive for events in the past and when the subject is not doing the verb:  I was made redundant
  • Future:  I can assure you that I will be able to pay
  • Present perfect:  I have now found

More on IELTS Letters:

formal letter writing essay

IELTS Letter: Job Application to Restaurant

In this IELTS letter you are have to write a job application for a position in a restaurant.

formal letter writing essay

Opening and Closing a Letter

In this lesson you will learn about opening and closing a letter for the IELTS task 1 General Training.

IELTS Advice letter: Advising a Friend

This is an IELTS advice letter in which you have to write to a friend and advise them whether to go to college or apply for a job.

formal letter writing essay

IELTS Informal Letter: Getting the Tone Right

This is an IELTS informal letter sample and shows you how to use the right tone when its not formal.

IELTS Letter Tenses

Learn about how to ensure the tenses you use in IELTS letters are correct to get a high band score.

formal letter writing essay

IELTS Formal Letter Sample: Theatre Visit

This IELTS formal letter sample is regarding a visit to the theatre. It's a complaint letter as person did not enjoy it.

IELTS Request Letter: Time Off Work

This is an IELTS request letter in which you need to take leave from your work of over one month for personal reasons.

IELTS Letter Feedback Forum

IELTS Letter Feedback Forum - would you like to get feedback on a task 1 letter for General Training IELTS? Then post it here. Other students can comment.

IELTS Complaint Letter

IELTS Complaint Letter - Get the best tips and strategies on how to write a letter of complaint for the IELTS General Training.

formal letter writing essay

Task 1 GT Letter: Making a Complaint

This sample Task 1 GT Letter is about making a complaint about problems at a recreation ground.

formal letter writing essay

IELTS Band 9 Letters

Tips for IELTS band 9 letters, showing you how to get 9 for task achievement, coherence, lexis and grammar.

formal letter writing essay

Task 1 Letter: Complaint to Train Company

In a task 1 letter of complaint you usually need to explain why you are not pleased with an aspect of customer service.

IELTS Letter Lessons: Writing Letters for the Task 1 General

An IELTS letter has to be written for the task 1 of IELTS general training. Take lessons on how to write high-scoring answers.

formal letter writing essay

IELTS Formal Letter to an Insurance Company

This is an IELTS formal letter to an insurance company It is an example of how to write a letter of complaint.

IELTS Arrangement Letter: Holiday with a Friend

This is a sample IELTS Arrangement Letter in which you have to contact a friend to explain how your holiday plans have changed.

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formal letter writing essay

Letter/Email – examples & model answers | B2 First (FCE)

An email/a letter is written in response to the situation outlined in the question. Letters and emails in the B2 First Writing paper will require a response which is consistently appropriate in register and tone for the specified target reader.

Candidates can expect to be asked to write letters or emails to, for example, an English-speaking friend or colleague, a potential employer, a college principal or a magazine editor.

FCE, CAE, CPE

Practice, write & improve, fce email example: touring holiday.

You have received this email from your English-speaking friend David.

Write your email .

FCE Email: Example Answer (Grade: 4)

Dear David,

I’m glad your friends are visiting my area soon for a week’s touring holiday. I have many ideas what I can show them and tell about.

In my opinion the best way to travel around will be by bike because of small distances between the places and views are amazing.

My area includes also beautiful Baltic Sea which many tourist visit especially in summer. Your friends could sunbath or swim if they would like but the water is quite cold in this season. Beautiful sightseeing of sunrise is the best memorise!

You wrote that they are intrested in history of my local area. That’s great! We have museum of our local history where I can go with them. Tickets are not so expensive and I can think about some discount.

What do you think about it? Would you mind send me some your ideas?

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best wishes, Sam

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Get Your (FCE) Letter Checked!

Fce email example: swimming team.

You have received this email from your English-speaking friend, Jo.

It is good to receive news from you! I bet you are swimming like a fish. Do you remember when we were kids and we made a few races in Angelina’s pool?

I understand why you are trying to persuade them but remember that they want your best. If I were you firstly I would try to talk with your swimming coach and ask him about the possibilities of training another day. Then if the answer would have been negative I will probably try to do the same with yours future math teacher. I am sure that everyone knows the importance of practising sports while studying. So they will find a solution.

If everything goes don’t doesn’t happen as you and I expect ensure that your parents don’t get mad with your decision. They are giving their best! Put your education in front first place. Opportunities to swim you will have a lot during your life. Moreover, you can come to Barcelone and try to catch me in the pool.

Good luck, Sam

FCE Letter Example: School uniforms

This Is part of a letter from Karl, your English friend:

Write your letter .

FCE Letter: Example Answer (Grade: 4-5)

I’m writing to you about the letter which you sent me and asking my opinion about the school uniform. I believe it is one of the most important thing that we should discuss.

Nowadays, there are a few schools in which students wear a school uniform. I believe that this happening because pupils are free to wear whatever they want. Also, this means that they can express themselves.

On the other hand, school uniforms showes In which school each pupil belong to. Then, the uniforms support the way that the schools should work in our days In addition, if all pupils wear the school uniform, there will not be any pupil who will be unfashionable, and nobody will feel uncomfortable. Fashion is very popular, especially in high school, and wear fashionable clothes is the way to show off. That’s such a waste because fashion is the thing that cannot keep for long time. It Is not a good idea to flow fashion in school time.

To sum up, I believe that we should wear uniforms because in this way, them will not be any differences between pupils.

Best wishes Tom

FCE Letter Example: Letter of application

You see this advertisment in your local newspaper:

Write your letter of application. 

FCE Letter: Model Answer (Grade: 5)

Dear Mr. Nick Jones,

I had been searching for a job when i discovered the advertisment in the local newpaper, in which you were offering a post at your holiday club.

I am an eighteen year-old student at King’s College and I have a part-time job at the local library, as an assistant. In the last three years, I have been attending English courses and I have achieved a high score at an exam involving the language.

Since I started highschool, I have always enjoyed helping children in need. I was usually participating in children’s parties as a helper, but I was also caring for the one’s in the street by giving them food and by giving advice whenever they needed it.

I love children and I do my best to make them happy. I am comunicative, hard- working and patient.

In the end, I think I will manage with the challenges this job may offer. I inclose my curriculum vitae and a photography. I am looking forward to your reply!

yours sincerely, Stefan Pasoi

FCE Email Example: Money!

You have received this email from your English-speaking friend, Susan:

Dear Susan,

I think you know from the start that this subject may be inappropriate to discuss with me, but since we are best friends, I accept.

If I were you, I would spend it all on an amazing holiday with my friends where you can do fun things and maybe meat someone special.

I am not sure what you are supposed to do with the money, but I can help you find the best solution. You must think simultaniously at both advantages and disadvantages. If you give your money to your parents, you would loose the benefits from it, but you could also help them.

I suggest you put it in your bank account and wait until celebrities can show up at your door, so that you can photograph them and be well-known.

There are a lot of money, so think carefully which is the best solution. You can also contact me or meat face-to-face if you need.

Therefore, you can benefit from it if you are wise and rational

Yours, Andrea

Would you pass B2 First (FCE)?

IELTS Writing Task-1 Sample Formal Letters + Answers

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IELTS Writing Task-1 Sample Formal Letters + Answers: IELTS formal letters are commonly asked topics in General Training Writing. These type of questions generally correspond to a person that you have never met, and you do not know their name.

IELTS Writing Task-1 Sample Formal Letters + Answers

In this lesson, you will learn how to write a perfect band 7+ answer using THREE sample letters and their model answers. We will adopt the following structure which has proven to be the most suitable for formal letters. Practice this structure on the PDF version of the IELTS Writing Task 1 answer sheet .

(a salutation)

Para 1- Say why you are writing to them

Para 2- Bullet point 1 + supporting details 

Para 3- Bullet point 2 + supporting details 

Para 4- Bullet point 3 + supporting details 

(a farewell note)

Yours faithfully ,

[Your Full Name]

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words.

Sample Letter #1 – Complain about missing luggage

You recently took a plane to a holiday. On arrival, you found your luggage missing. You did not receive your luggage until the final day of your vacation. Write a letter to your airline: – Complain about the missing luggage – Tell the company why it caused problems – Seek compensation

RELATED: IELTS Writing Agree / Disagree Essay Topics

Sample Letter #2 – Local newspaper

You are unhappy about a proposal to make domestic airport bigger and increase the total number of flights. You live near the airport. Write a letter to local newspaper: – Explain where you live – Describe your problems – Give reasons why you do not want this development

Sample Letter #3 – Applying for job

The school library is seeking applications for a job over summer break. You want to apply for the job. Write a letter to the manager of the library: – Introduce yourself – Tell about your past experience and skills – Give reasons why you need that job

We hope that this complete overview of IELTS Writing Task-1 Sample Formal Letters and Answers will help you organize your writing better and ultimately fetch you a high band score.

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COMMENTS

  1. How to Write a Formal Letter: Format and Examples

    Let's take a step-by-step look at how to write a formal letter. 1. Select a Letter Format. There are four standard formal letter format options, and they're all very similar. Full block: all lines are left-aligned, no paragraph indentions. Block: right-align the date, sign-off, and signature, no paragraph indentions.

  2. Writing a Formal Letter—A Quick Guide

    1. Write Your Name, Contact Information, and Date. To start your formal letter, write your name, contact information, and date on the left-hand side of the paper. Skip a line before the date so that it looks like this: Always start your formal letters with your name, contact information, and date. 2.

  3. Formal Letter Format: How to Write a Formal Letter

    4) Use the right greeting or salutation. The tip to starting a formal English letter is to greet the person you're writing to in the correct way. This is known as the 'Salutation'. If you know the name of the person you're writing to then use 'Sir' or 'Madam' here, otherwise write their full name, including their title.

  4. How to write a letter: A Great Guide for students and teachers

    1. FICTION AS A SPRINGBOARD. Have students write as if they were a character from a piece of fiction you have been reading in class. Choosing a dramatic point in the plot, ask students to imagine they are one of the characters writing a letter to another character in the story.

  5. PDF Strategies for Essay Writing

    Harvard College Writing Center 5 Asking Analytical Questions When you write an essay for a course you are taking, you are being asked not only to create a product (the essay) but, more importantly, to go through a process of thinking more deeply about a question or problem related to the course. By writing about a

  6. 12+ Essay Letter Writing

    Essay Letter Writing: Essay letter writing is a form of written communication that combines the structure and format of an essay with the personal tone and conversational style of a letter.This type of school letter writing can be used to express personal thoughts and opinions on a variety of topics, from social issues to academic assignments.

  7. Levels of Formality

    Levels of Formality. The level of formality you write with should be determined by the expectations of your audience and your purpose. For example, if you are writing a cover letter for a job application or a college academic essay, you would write in a formal style. If you are writing a letter to a friend, writing something personal, or even ...

  8. The Beginner's Guide to Writing an Essay

    Come up with a thesis. Create an essay outline. Write the introduction. Write the main body, organized into paragraphs. Write the conclusion. Evaluate the overall organization. Revise the content of each paragraph. Proofread your essay or use a Grammar Checker for language errors. Use a plagiarism checker.

  9. Formal Letter Writing in English

    Definition of a Formal Letter. Formal Letters, also called Business Letters or Professional Letters, are letters that are written in a strict and specific format. Formal letters are naturally much more formal in style than informal/friendly letters. Formal letters can be written for a number of reasons such as,

  10. How to write a formal letter

    CEFR Level. B1-B2. Time. 5-10 minutes. Skills. Grammar. Writing. Practise how to write a formal letter in this writing and grammar exercise. You need to choose the correct words or phrases to write a formal letter.

  11. How to Write a Formal Letter (With Examples)

    2. Write your name and contact information. Once you choose a style, start your letter with your name and contact information. In the upper left-hand corner of the letter, write your first and last name or the company's name. Then, write your address in the lines below. 3. Include the date.

  12. Letter Format Example and Writing Tips

    Length of the Letter: Most formal letters are no more than one typed page. Font Style and Size: Use a plain font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. Your font size should be between 10 and 12 points. Margins: Use one-inch margins and left justify your text. Spacing: Single-space your letter, and leave a space between each paragraph. Use ...

  13. How to Write a Formal Essay: Format, Rules, & Example

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  14. Formal Letter Writing: How and What for

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