Writing: The Formal Letter

The Formal Letter

Susan Wakefield

33, Oxford street,                the sender's address

London.

September 1, 2007             the date           

The daily

3333 E. Main Suite 16        the recipient's address

Tucson, Arizona 85712       

Dear Editor,                        the formal salutation

I was so interested in your article about road accidents in yesterday's issue of your newspaper and I would like to share my sad story with the readers. (introduction)

When I was only eight years old, my mother was severely injured in a car accident on the highway. Luckily, she survived, but many of us know people who have not survived these car tragedies. Driving too fast has always been one of the main causes of these horrifying accidents.(body)

Our sense of security on the highway would increase greatly if we would simply reduce the speed limit per hour on major roads. (conclusion)

Yours sincerely,

Susan Wakefield                the signature

 The Format
The formal letter includes : the sender's address (the person who sends the letter), the date, the recipient's address (the person who receives the letter), the formal salutation, the body of the letter, and the signature.

When you write a letter to the editor you should respect the following points:

Introduction: specify which magazine you have read, what ideas you want to respond to and the reason(s) for  writing this letter.

Body of the writing: state the negative effects of the problem and suggest solutions.

Conclusion: include suggested measures and your advice to your fellow-countrymen.

When you finish writing make sure that you:

1.      have used the tenses appropriately

2.      have used expressions of making suggestions

3.      have used expression(s) of advice

4.      your ideas are logical and convincing

5.      have respected the layout of a formal letter (name, your address, the recipients address, the formal salutation, the signature..)

Ref: (Gateway to English, Moroccan English textbook, Level: 3)

EXERCISE

You have read an article talking about the importance of voluntary work in your local newspaper. You have experience in doing voluntary work. Write a letter to the editor and share your experience in voluntary work with the readers.