Letter Writing — Types, Format, and Examples
Writing a letter
The ability to compose a letter professionally is still crucial in the professional world, even though they are now easier to send due to the prevalence of the internet and email. Determining when and how to write a letter helps senders present themselves in a positive light academically and professionally.
Types of letters
Letters fall into two main categories: formal and informal.
The most common purposes for writing either a formal or informal letter include academic letters, employment letters, reference letters, and personal letters.
Academic Letters
Application letter: An application letter is similar to a cover letter. However, the sender is applying for admission to an academic program instead of for a job. The applicant should focus on academic pursuits rather than professional ones.
Business Letters
Letter of Complaint: When composing a complaint letter to a company, include the basics of the complaint and how to resolve the problem. Write complaint letters with a reasonable and polite tone.
Circular Letter: Circular letters are widely distributed to a specific group of people and announce certain information. Companies use these letters to reach a large audience.
Employment Letters
Cover Letter: Applicants applying for a job should typically include a cover letter with their resume . The cover letter should identify the applicant’s skills and experiences concerning the job for which they are applying.
Acceptance letter: If offered a position at a company, the new employee should draft an acceptance letter that provides thanks, terms and conditions of employment, and starting date.
Job Refusal Letter: A job refusal letter informs an employer that the applicant has chosen not to accept an offered position. The letter should thank the company and may or may not include the reason for refusal.
Resignation Letter: When resigning from a position, the employee should draft a letter that states their intent to resign, identifies the last day of employment, and gives gratitude or best wishes to the employer.
Reference Letters
Teacher Reference: Teachers provide a letter of recommendation for students to use mainly for applying to a post-secondary school. Students may also use teacher references for employment for those who with little or no working experience due to age.
Employer Reference: Employer references recommend a candidate for employment. Coworkers, previous supervisors, or other professional connections write reference letters to endorse someone for a position and typically focus on the applicant’s professional skills and achievements.
Character Reference: Character references provide the recipient with information that highlights the positive characteristics of the applicant. These references typically do not focus on academic or employment achievements.
Personal Letters
Thank You Letter (Card): Thank you letters are typically quite short. They are usually handwritten letters and should stress gratitude while identifying why the recipient is being thanked.
Get Well Letter (Card): When composing a get-well letter, it is important to focus on the positive while motivating and encouraging the recipient. Writers typically stress the importance of the individual in their lives.
Holiday Letter (Card): A holiday letter often updates friends and family about what the sender and their family have accomplished over the past year. People send them during the holiday season to keep in touch with extended friends and family.
Love Letter: A love letter stresses the sender’s affection for the recipient.
How to write a letter
How to write a letter depends upon its purpose. While there are no strict rules for informal letters, formal ones often contain the following components in this order:
Heading/Sender’s Information
Recipient’s Full Address
Salutation/Greeting
Introduction
Body of the letter
Complimentary Close/Sign Off
Sender’s Typed Name
Letter format
Informal letters have no set structure, but formal letters tend to adhere to the following guidelines:
The sender should include their contact information at the top of the letter. The structure of this information can differ from one letter to the next. It can already be identified on a letterhead, inserted as one line of text, or placed on separate lines. Regardless of the structure, it should include the following:
Sender’s name
Street Address
City, State, and ZIP code
Phone Number
Email Address
Professional Online Profiles (if applicable)
After the sender’s contact information, identify the date the letter will be sent. When writing the date, do not use a superscript and a comma; choose one.
Correct: May 31st 2022
Correct: May 31, 2022
Incorrect: May 31st, 2022
Below the date, include the recipient’s contact information , with each part placed on its own line.
Recipient’s Name
Position/Title
Company Name
City, State, ZIP code
Below the recipient’s contact information, include a salutation or greeting appropriate for the type of letter with the recipient’s name followed by a comma. Formal letters typically start with “Dear [Recipient’s Name].” Include the title (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr., etc.) if it is known. If not, use the person’s full name. Avoid “to whom it may concern” and “dear sir or madam” wherever possible.
Body paragraphs should be single-spaced and not indented. Place a blank line between each body paragraph.
After the last body paragraph, include a complimentary close (sign off) appropriate for the type of letter, such as “Sincerely,” followed by a comma.
Print the letter and include a handwritten signature , or insert an electronic signature.
Type the sender’s name after the closing, leaving enough space for the signature, about four lines.
Include a blank space after each part of the letter and the body paragraphs.
Examples of letters
While templates vary in the formatting of the text of a formal letter, the following example contains the typical structure:
The following example details a generic formal employment acceptance letter:
Purdue Online Writing Lab College of Liberal Arts
Writing the Basic Business Letter
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Media File: Writing the Basic Business Letter
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Parts of a Business Letter
This resource is organized in the order in which you should write a business letter, starting with the sender's address if the letter is not written on letterhead.
Sender's Address
The sender's address usually is included in letterhead. If you are not using letterhead, include the sender's address at the top of the letter one line above the date. Do not write the sender's name or title, as it is included in the letter's closing. Include only the street address, city, and zip code.
The date line is used to indicate the date the letter was written. However, if your letter is completed over a number of days, use the date it was finished in the date line. When writing to companies within the United States, use the American date format. (The United States-based convention for formatting a date places the month before the day. For example: June 11, 2001. ) Write out the month, day and year two inches from the top of the page. Depending which format you are using for your letter, either left justify the date or tab to the center point and type the date. In the latter case, include the sender's address in letterhead, rather than left-justified.
Inside Address
The inside address is the recipient's address. It is always best to write to a specific individual at the firm to which you are writing. If you do not have the person's name, do some research by calling the company or speaking with employees from the company. Include a personal title such as Ms., Mrs., Mr., or Dr. Follow a woman's preference in being addressed as Miss, Mrs., or Ms. If you are unsure of a woman's preference in being addressed, use Ms. If there is a possibility that the person to whom you are writing is a Dr. or has some other title, use that title. Usually, people will not mind being addressed by a higher title than they actually possess. To write the address, use the U.S. Post Office Format. For international addresses, type the name of the country in all-capital letters on the last line. The inside address begins one line below the date. It should be left justified, no matter which format you are using.
Use the same name as the inside address, including the personal title. If you know the person and typically address them by their first name, it is acceptable to use only the first name in the salutation (for example: Dear Lucy:). In all other cases, however, use the personal title and last/family name followed by a colon. Leave one line blank after the salutation.
If you don't know a reader's gender, use a nonsexist salutation, such as their job title followed by the receiver's name. It is also acceptable to use the full name in a salutation if you cannot determine gender. For example, you might write Dear Chris Harmon: if you were unsure of Chris's gender.
For block and modified block formats, single space and left justify each paragraph within the body of the letter. Leave a blank line between each paragraph. When writing a business letter, be careful to remember that conciseness is very important. In the first paragraph, consider a friendly opening and then a statement of the main point. The next paragraph should begin justifying the importance of the main point. In the next few paragraphs, continue justification with background information and supporting details. The closing paragraph should restate the purpose of the letter and, in some cases, request some type of action.
The closing begins at the same vertical point as your date and one line after the last body paragraph. Capitalize the first word only (for example: Thank you) and leave four lines between the closing and the sender's name for a signature. If a colon follows the salutation, a comma should follow the closing; otherwise, there is no punctuation after the closing.
If you have enclosed any documents along with the letter, such as a resume, you indicate this simply by typing Enclosures below the closing. As an option, you may list the name of each document you are including in the envelope. For instance, if you have included many documents and need to ensure that the recipient is aware of each document, it may be a good idea to list the names.
Typist initials
Typist initials are used to indicate the person who typed the letter. If you typed the letter yourself, omit the typist initials.
A Note About Format and Font
Block Format
When writing business letters, you must pay special attention to the format and font used. The most common layout of a business letter is known as block format. Using this format, the entire letter is left justified and single spaced except for a double space between paragraphs.
Modified Block
Another widely utilized format is known as modified block format. In this type, the body of the letter and the sender's and recipient's addresses are left justified and single-spaced. However, for the date and closing, tab to the center point and begin to type.
The final, and least used, style is semi-block. It is much like the modified block style except that each paragraph is indented instead of left justified.
Keep in mind that different organizations have different format requirements for their professional communication. While the examples provided by the OWL contain common elements for the basic business letter (genre expectations), the format of your business letter may need to be flexible to reflect variables like letterheads and templates. Our examples are merely guides.
If your computer is equipped with Microsoft Office 2000, the Letter Wizard can be used to take much of the guesswork out of formatting business letters. To access the Letter Wizard, click on the Tools menu and then choose Letter Wizard. The Wizard will present the three styles mentioned here and input the date, sender address and recipient address into the selected format. Letter Wizard should only be used if you have a basic understanding of how to write a business letter. Its templates are not applicable in every setting. Therefore, you should consult a business writing handbook if you have any questions or doubt the accuracy of the Letter Wizard.
Another important factor in the readability of a letter is the font. The generally accepted font is Times New Roman, size 12, although other fonts such as Arial may be used. When choosing a font, always consider your audience. If you are writing to a conservative company, you may want to use Times New Roman. However, if you are writing to a more liberal company, you have a little more freedom when choosing fonts.
Punctuation
Punctuation after the salutation and closing - use a colon (:) after the salutation (never a comma) and a comma (,) after the closing. In some circumstances, you may also use a less common format, known as open punctuation. For this style, punctuation is excluded after the salutation and the closing.
Different Types of Letters With Examples
- Letters & Emails
- Skills & Keywords
- Salary & Benefits
- Job Listings
- Job Interviews
- Cover Letters
- Career Advice
- Work-From-Home Jobs
- Internships
- What to Include in a Business Letter
How to Use Letter Examples
Business email message sample, types of letters with examples, review letter writing guidelines.
Do you need to write a letter for business, professional, or employment purposes? The content and format of the letter you write will depend on the circumstances. You may need to write a letter or email message to apply for a job or contact a client. Or perhaps you need to send an appreciation letter, a business announcement, or a resignation or retirement letter.
Regardless of the reason you're writing, it's important to send well-written correspondence that's carefully proofread and edited.
Not sure what to write or how to get started? See a list of types of letters, as well as examples of each. Also, review a list of elements to include in any business letter or email.
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Katie Karpel / The Balance
What to Include in a Business Letter or Email
In some instances, what you include, how you write the correspondence, and the format of the letter will vary. However, a basic professional letter will include the following:
- Subject line: If you are sending an email, include a clear subject line that concisely explains the purpose of your email. For example, it might read, "Subject: Congratulations on Your Promotion."
- Contact information: Include all your contact information—full name, address, phone number, and email address. That way, it's easy for the person you are contacting to respond to you. In a letter, you will include this information at the top of the page (you will then follow this information with the date, and the contact information of the person to whom you are writing). In an email, you will include this information in your email signature, below your name.
- Greeting: Include a salutation at the start of your letter. Make sure you use the appropriate name and title for the person.
- A brief introduction: After your salutation, include a brief introduction. This can include a brief, “I hope you are well,” or some other friendly introductory phrase. Then, dive right into explaining why you are writing.
- The primary purpose of your letter: The main part of your letter will focus on your reason for writing. When writing the letter, be concise. Two or three paragraphs are plenty.
Your letter shouldn't be longer than one page. If it is an email, it should be even shorter.
- If you have additional information to share with the reader, offer to discuss it during a call or provide an attachment or enclosure with the details.
- Closing: End your letter with a professional closing that conveys your thanks and respect. Closings like “Sincerely,” “Best,” and “Regards” work well.
- Signature: If you are mailing a hard copy of the letter, include your handwritten signature above your typed name. If you are emailing the letter as an attachment, just include your typed name. When your email is the letter, include your contact information below your typed name.
Here's how to set up and format an email signature that includes your name and contact information.
It is a good idea to review examples of letters and emails before writing your own correspondence. Examples allow you to see what kind of content you should include in your letter. They can also help you with the layout and format of your letter.
While examples, templates, and guidelines are a great starting point for your letter, you should always be flexible.
Be sure to take the time to personalize your letter or email message, so it reflects the specific reason why you are writing.
Review a sample email message written as a follow-up to a meeting.
Email Business Letter Example
Subject: Thank You For Meeting With Me
Dear Mr. Markham,
I appreciated you taking the time to chat with me today about ABC News Company, and the ever-changing media world. As I approach my graduation date from XYZ Journalism School, I'm full of questions about the roles available in media. Your insights gained from your career in the industry, as well as your perspective on ABC News Company's five-year plan, were incredibly helpful.
I was particularly struck by your ideas on long-form journalism, along with the help (and problems) that social media can provide investigative journalists. You've given me much to think about as I embark on my job search. Also, I appreciate your advice about my writing portfolio—it was so kind of you to really dig in and share your ideas on how to structure it.
I look forward to staying in touch, and will let you know how my job search progresses. I hope you'll keep me in mind if any roles open up at ABC New Company, too. Thank you again for taking the time to meet today, and for your thoughtful notes on my portfolio.
Sincerely,
James Fitzpatrick Email Address Phone Number LinkedIn URL (optional)
Review this list of letters and email messages with examples of each, including appreciation letters, cover letters, job application letters, employee letters, reference and referral letters, thank-you letters, and more.
Use the samples as a starting point for your own letters, then customize your letters so they fit your personal and professional circumstances and reasons for writing.
- Business Letters
A business letter is professional correspondence. That means it follows a set format and a professional, formal tone. You'll use this format frequently throughout your job search, from cover letters to thank-you notes.
- Business Thank-You Letters
- Email Messages
- Employee Letters
Even when you have a job, you'll still need to write professional correspondence. This is a bit different from day-to-day emails regarding work-related issues and communications. In this kind of correspondence, you'll likely want to be a bit more formal and keep your language — and letter format — strictly professional.
- Excuse Letters
- Goodbye Letters
- Late for Work Apology Letter
- Mistake at Work Apology Letter
- Salary Reduction Letter
Informational Letters
Sometimes you'll want to correspond with people to let them know about a change in your life, such as a name changeor a new office location. Here are examples of how to share that you've changed your name with colleagues and co-workers:
- Name Change Announcement - General
- Name Change Announcement - Maiden Name
- Name Change Letter - Married
Job Applicant Letters From an Employer
If you're involved in hiring, you'll have to correspond with job applicants. Sometimes this will be with good news, such as scheduling an interview or making a job offer. Other correspondence may require sharing less positive news.
- Candidate Rejection Letters
- Interview Invitations
Job Interview Letters for Job Seekers
As well as sending a thank-you note after an interview, you may also need to send a follow-up letter to find out if the employer is close to making a hiring decision. Or, if you miss the interview entirely, you'll need to send an apology.
- Follow Up Letters
- Missing an Interview Apology Letter
- Job Offer Letters
It's great news, of course, to get a job offer. But in some situations, you may actually decide to reject the job. Or, you may want to make a counter offer. Review these letters to see the best way to respond to a job offer, whether you're taking the job, declining it, or want to try to adjust the compensation package.
- Counter Offer Letters
Job Search and Networking Letters
The job search process is full of moments when you'll need to send a letter. You may want, for instance, to reach out to your network for help making connections. And, of course, as you apply for roles, you'll need to write application or cover letters to accompany your resume.
- Application Letters
- Inquiry Letters
- Job Application Letter
- Job Search Help Request Letters
- Networking Letters
- Value Proposition Letters
Recommendation and Referral Letters
Both job applicants and people applying for admission in college or graduate school may find themselves in need of a recommendation or reference letter. These letters, which may be from teachers, work supervisors, colleagues, or personal connections, provide insight into an applicant's experience, character, and personality traits. If you haven't written this kind of letter before, take a look at samples to see what information to include.
- Academic Recommendation Letters
- Character Reference Letters
- Personal Recommendation Letters
- Professional Letters
- Professional Recommendation Letters
- Recommendation Letters for Employment
- Reference Letters
- Referral Letters
Resignation and Retirement Letters
You can share news of a new position, or your retirement, through a letter. You may want to send one note to colleagues, and a different one to clients.
- Resignation Letters
- Retirement Letters
- New Job Announcement Letters
Thank-You, Appreciation, and Congratulation Letters
If someone helps you during your job search or with a big on-the-job project, it's thoughtful to acknowledge this favor in a thank-you letter. You can also use letters to send your congratulations to colleagues as they have major accomplishments, like landing a deal or getting promoted.
- Appreciation Letters
- Congratulation Letters
- Thank-You Letters
Review these guidelines for writing letters and email messages that will get read before you start your letter.
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What is Letter Writing? Layouts, Types
- Post last modified: 4 May 2022
- Reading time: 12 mins read
- Post category: Business Communication
What is Letter?
A letter is a written communication that contains a message to be sent to the recipient. Different types of letters have different formats, layouts and requirements. In a business organisation, letters play an important role to facilitate effective communication.
Letters used in organisations are known as formal letters or business letters because such letters are written to convey important information or to document any event or a decision, etc.
Table of Content
- 1 What is Letter?
- 2 Letter Writing
- 3.1 Full block format
- 3.2 Modified block format
- 4.1 Business enquiry letters
- 4.2 Quotation letters
- 4.3 Order letters
- 4.4 Complaint letters
- 4.5 Recovery letters
- 4.6 Consumer grievance letters
- 4.7 Persuasive and denial letters
Letter Writing
Letter writing involves the usage of proper formats, layouts and accurate language. While writing a business letter, it is best to stick to a structured layout so that the letter is easy to read and appears professional. Appropriate use of salutation, correct spelling and grammar, and the tone used make the business letter look impressive to the readers.
The various elements in the layout of a business letter include:
- Heading: It contains the name of the sender of the letter with information about the organisation, logo, name, address, contact details, etc.
- Date: It states the date, month and year when the letter was written.
- Reference line: It is a statement describing the main focus of the letter.
- Inside address: It states the name and address of the receiver.
- Salutation: It is an utterance or gesture given to the receiver as an acknowledgement or greeting.
- Body: It contains the purpose and context for writing a letter and usually consists of three parts: introduction, object and conclusion.
- Complimentary closing: It is a form of courtesy to end the letter.
- Signature: It represents the person who wrote or dictated the letter.
Letter Layouts
A business letter, as discussed above, needs to be typed in a particular manner that is conventionally determined. The conventional system is followed to avoid confusion and waste of time as the business world is used to a particular format. The different layouts are as follows:
Full block format
Modified block format.
This is a very popular format and is widely used. This is what we refer to as the left-aligned letter. All parts of the letter are left-aligned except the date which may be right-aligned, the name of the company that is centre-aligned and the address of the company that may be either at the centre along with the name or near the right-hand margin.
Since every part is left-aligned, no typing adjustments are required, and hence this format helps to save time. The most basic layout of business letters is the full-block style wherein all the elements are aligned on the left-hand margin except the heading that is usually centred.
This format is similar to the full-block format, although some parts are in the full indent (to start a line of text or position the line or text further from the margin than the main part of the text) format. This is also a widely-used format of letter writing, especially in government offices.
This letter format also is a time saver. No comma marks are used after the salutation or the subscription.
Types of Letters
There are broadly two types of letters, which are formal and informal. Formal letters are written for formal purposes; whereas, informal letters are personal letters written to family, friends or relatives. There is no concrete reason of writing an informal letter and the tone used for writing an informal letter can be casual; whereas, formal letters are written in a formal tone and structure.
In organisations, business letters are formal letters. Business letters are written for the fulfilment of several purposes. The purpose may be to enquire about a product to know its price and quality, availability, etc. This purpose is served if you write a letter of enquiry to the supplier.
After receiving your letter, the supplier may send you details about the product as per your requirement. A business letter is quite different from other kinds of letters that we read or write in terms of content, format and other features.
Business letters are written to meet several organisational objectives such as negotiating with creditors, enquiring about a product, sending out quotations to clients, writing complaints, etc. A single business letter cannot be used to have all types of information exchange within an organisation. Therefore, based on the purpose of communication, business letters are categorised into different types, as shown in Figure.
Let us discuss these types of letters in detail:
Business enquiry letters
Quotation letters, order letters, complaint letters, recovery letters, consumer grievance letters, persuasive and denial letters.
Buyers generally prefer to enquire about the details of the products/services that they want to buy. This information could be related to the quality, price, mode of delivery and payment, etc. They may also request a sample. When organisations (buyers) write letters to sellers in an attempt to gain one or more of the above information, the business correspondence is known as an enquiry letter.
Once the organisation receives a letter of enquiry from a prospective buyer, the seller provides the relevant information by replying to the enquiry letter. This letter is referred to as a quotation, which is drafted keeping in view the information asked for, such as price list, mode of payment, discount offered, etc. The seller should reply to the inquiries carefully and promptly.
The next step in the procedure is that the prospective buyer considers the reply to his/her enquiry letter and may decide to place an order with the seller who is meeting the terms and conditions as desired by the buyer. This letter is called an order letter, which is written by the buyer to the seller giving the order to purchase the products.
After receiving the products, if the buyer is not satisfied with the quality or make of the product, he/she may address the seller through a complaint letter. It is generally written by the buyer in case he/she receives defective/damaged goods, an incorrect quantity of goods or substandard goods. The letter can also be written directly to the transit authority in case the products are damaged during transit.
Thus, a complaint letter is a business correspondence that draws the attention of the supplier to the supply of defective or damaged goods.
Certain points to be considered while writing a complaint letter are as follows:
- Complaint letters should be written promptly after receiving damaged products.
- The letter should suggest the seller on how the complaint can be dealt with such as compensation and replacement.
- The letter should include the period within which corrective action can be taken.
- The letter should end in a request to be more careful in future.
Business correspondence written by the seller of products to buyers with regards to the collection of dues is referred to as a recovery letter. The objective of a recovery letter is to get payments cleared without annoying the buyer.
The letter should accurately and politely give details of the amount of arrears. The most important point to consider is that the language used in the recovery letter should be such that the buyer does not feel offended or mistrusted and future deals are not adversely affected.
Such letters talk about grievances that represent the concerns of consumers about the products or services of a company. They specify the reasons of consumer’s dissatisfaction or disgruntlement.
The aim of these letters is to bring the focus of the company’s official to deceptive and fraudulent business practices. This is the first step of seeking redressal in a legal manner by consumers. The letter format is same as studied in the complaint letter.
Persuasive letters are formal letters written to persuade or request an organisation or bank for time advancements or money advancements. These written documents help in convincing an organisation, bank or person to accept the author’s issue, perspective or interest.
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Learn the Types of Writing: Expository, Descriptive, Persuasive, and Narrative
Whether you write essays, business materials, fiction, articles, letters, or even just notes in your journal, your writing will be at its best if you stay focused on your purpose. While there are many reasons why you might be putting pen to paper or tapping away on the keyboard, there are really only four main types of writing : expository, descriptive, persuasive, and narrative .
Each of these four writing genres has a distinct aim, and they all require different types of writing skills . You may also have heard them referred to in an academic setting as modes of discourse or rhetorical modes . Institutions of higher learning teach nine traditional rhetorical modes, but the majority of pieces we are called upon to write will have one of these four main purposes.
Here’s a tip: You don’t have to guess whether you’re using certain words correctly or breaking grammar rules in your writing. Just copy and paste your writing into our Grammar Checker and get instant feedback on whether your sentences have misspellings, punctuation errors, or any structural mistakes.
Expository Writing
The word expository contains the word expose , so the reason expository is an apt descriptor for this type of writing is that it exposes, or sets forth, facts. It is probably the most common writing genre you will come across throughout your day. In an expository piece, a topic will be introduced and laid out in a logical order without reference to the author’s personal opinions.
Expository writing can be found in:
Textbooks Journalism (except for opinion and editorial articles) Business writing Technical writing Essays Instructions
All of these kinds of writing are expository because they aim to explain and inform.
The municipal government of Happyville unanimously approved the construction of sixty-two miles of bike trails in 2017. Made possible by a new tax levy, the bike trails are expected to help the city reach its sustainability and clean air goals while reducing traffic and congestion. Eighteen trailheads with restrooms and picnic areas have been planned at a variety of access points. The city expects construction to be complete in April 2021.
Because this paragraph supplies the reader with facts and figures about its topic, the new bike trails, without offering the author’s opinion on it, it is expository.
Descriptive Writing
The aim of descriptive writing is to help the reader visualize, in detail, a character, event, place, or all of these things at once. The author might describe the scene in terms of all five senses. Descriptive writing allows the writer a great deal more artistic freedom than expository writing does.
Descriptive writing can be found in:
Fiction Poetry Advertising Journal and diary writing
The children pedaled leisurely down the Happyville Bike Trail, their giggles and whoops reverberating through the warm spring air. Sweet-scented wildflowers brought an array of color to the gently undulating landscape, tempting the children to dismount now and then so they could lay down in the springy, soft grass.
Through description, this passage paints a vivid picture of a scene on the new bike trail.
Persuasive Writing
The aim of persuasive writing, or argumentation, is to influence the reader to assume the author’s point of view. The author will express personal opinions in the piece and arm him- or herself with evidence so that the reader will agree with him or her.
Persuasive writing can be found in:
Advertising Opinion and editorial pieces Reviews Job applications
The bike trail is the glittering gem of Happyville’s new infrastructure. It winds through sixty-two miles of lush landscape, dotted by clean and convenient facilities. If you haven’t experienced the Happyville Bike Trail yet, ditch your car and head outside! Could life in Happyville get any more idyllic?
A number of statements in this paragraph are opinion rather than fact: that the bike trail is a glittering gem, that the facilities are clean and convenient, and that life in Happyville is idyllic. Clearly, the author’s aim here is to use these depictions to persuade readers to use the bike trail.
Narrative Writing
The purpose of narrative writing is to tell a story, whether that story is real or imaginary. Pieces in a narrative style will have characters, and through the narrative, the reader learns what happens to them. Narrative writing can also include dialogue.
Narrative writing can be found in:
All types of fiction (e.g., novels, short stories, novellas) Poetry Biographies Human interest stories Anecdotes
As I cycled down the trail, I heard children giggling and whooping just around the bend. I crested a small hill and coasted down the curving path until I found the source of the noise. Three little girls sat in the grass by a big oak tree. They were startled to see me, and I smiled kindly to put them at ease.
“Whatcha doing?” I asked.
“Nothing,” they chirped in unison.
In this passage, the author sets the scene on the bike trail from his or her own point of view (which is referred to as narrating in the first person ). Using both description and dialogue, the story that takes place is laid out in chronological order.
Understanding Your Purpose Empowers Your Writing
Simply puzzling out which of these four types of writing best suits your purpose and adhering to it can help you write more efficiently and effectively.
To summarize:
- Expository writing sets forth facts. You can find it in textbooks, journalism (except opinion or editorial articles), business writing, technical writing, essays, and instructions.
- Descriptive writing evokes images through rich description. You can find it in fiction, poetry, journal writing, and advertising.
- Persuasive writing aims to sway the reader toward the author’s point of view. It is used heavily in advertising, and can also be found in opinion and editorial pieces, reviews, and job applications.
- Narrative writing tells a story. It can be found in fiction, poetry, biographies, human interest stories, and anecdotes.
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How to Teach Letter Writing
Last Updated: February 13, 2023 References
This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff . Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 62,156 times. Learn more...
Letter writing is an important communication skill that can be taught to children and adults alike. Letters serve many personal and professional purposes, enabling people to communicate while improving their social and handwriting skills. [1] X Trustworthy Source Reading Rockets Online resource supported by PBS providing research-based strategies for assisting children to become confident readers Go to source While teaching letter writing can seem like a challenging task, by evaluating your students' skills, teaching them the basic foundational elements, and providing opportunities for practice, you can help your students successfully master the art of letter writing.
Evaluating Your Students' Skills
- The type of exercise you create for your assessment may vary depending on your students ages. If you are teaching letter writing to children, for example, you may want to design a simple exercise like asking your students to write a brief thank you note, or write about an activity they enjoy. [2] X Trustworthy Source Reading Rockets Online resource supported by PBS providing research-based strategies for assisting children to become confident readers Go to source
- If your students are sending you a copy of their previous writing via email, ask if it is possible for them to send you a scanned copy of handwritten writing so that you can assess whether they need to work on their handwriting.
- You might also want to ask your students how they feel about their letter writing skills. Some students may have experience letter writing, but want to learn more to build confidence in their abilities. This will help you know what areas of letter writing to focus on to help your students feel more confident in their ability to write letters effectively.
Teaching the Basics of Letter Writing
- If you are teaching letter writing to elementary-age students, explain, for example, how a written letter can be emotionally impactful in personal communications. For adult students, you may want to emphasize how a well-written formal letter can give them a competitive edge in their career, or that a handwritten letter of complaint may be more effective in creating change.
- In the greeting, explain that your students should address the person receiving the letter, say hello, and/or introduce themselves. Letter writers may also choose to briefly indicate the purpose of the letter in their greeting. [4] X Research source
- The body contains the message of the letter, which expands on the purpose of the letter. The body is generally the longest part of a letter and can contain one or several paragraphs.
- In the closing of the letter, students should learn to say goodbye with an appropriate sign-off, such as “Sincerely,” “Best,” or a simple “Thank you,” all followed by their own signature. A closing may also indicate the letter writer's preferred type of response. [5] X Research source
- For example, explain to your students that for a formal letter, they should use simple language that is easy to read and interpret. [7] X Research source Explain that for an informal letter, on the other hand, the language they use can be more casual and the letter can be more emotional in tone.
- It is important that you teach your students to identify the different types and subtypes of letters so they can learn to use the appropriate tone, subject matter, and grammar for each. For example, while using slang and a humorous tone may be appropriate for an informal letter of congratulations, such writing tactics are likely not appropriate for a formal letter of congratulations, such as a college acceptance letter.
Helping with Letter Writing Practice
- If you have a board available, try writing a short letter on the board. First, ask your students to read the letter and identify the type and subtype. Ask your students to identify the tone, subject matter, and grammatical choices contained in the letter and get them to assess if each choice is appropriate for the type and subtype. To ensure that they understand basic letter organization, ask one or more students to circle and label the greeting, body, and closing of the letter.
- If you meet with multiple students at a time, you can get creative with your guided practice by asking each student to add one part or sentence to a letter until the letter is complete.
- For some fun, creative letter writing prompts, try asking your students to practice by writing letters to a character in a book, a famous historical figure, or to their future self.
- Try getting your students to write one letter a week for practice. [10] X Trustworthy Source Reading Rockets Online resource supported by PBS providing research-based strategies for assisting children to become confident readers Go to source You can assign a different type of letter each week for more comprehensive letter writing practice.
- If your students are looking to learn about a specific type of letter writing, you can assign different subtypes of that particular type. For example, if your students want to improve their formal letter writing skills, assign a formal letter of regret for one assignment, and a formal letter of inquiry for another.
- The type of feedback you provide may vary depending on your students' letter writing goals. In general, it is helpful to provide feedback on handwriting, their use of appropriate tone and subject matters, use of proper organization, and whether their letters contain sound grammar and punctuation.
- It is also helpful for you to provide feedback on the contents of the letter, assessing whether the letter is clear and whether it conveys what the writer intended.
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- ↑ http://www.readingrockets.org/article/introduction-letter-writing
- ↑ https://blog.ung.edu/press/parts-of-a-letter/
- ↑ https://www.education.com/lesson-plan/writing-a-letter-is-easy-as-123/
- ↑ https://in.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/examples-of-different-types-of-letters
- ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-write-a-formal-letter
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Letter Writing Format, Types & Tips For Exams
Letter writing format, types & tips – Exchanging letters through posts has taken a back seat with the advent of modern technology, but the style of communicating through letters still persists in the form of emails.
Moreover, letter writing is an important part of various competitive exams as well. Candidates in examinations such as SSC exam, Bank exam, RRB exam, or other Government exams are asked to write a letter in the descriptive papers to assess their writing skills.
Candidates appearing for any of the above-mentioned examinations can check the links given below for detailed information:
To help candidates score full marks in the descriptive papers of a particular examination, this article will explore the types of letter writing, the format of letter writing and a few tips to write quality letters in the examination.
Letter Writing In Competitive Exams
Letter writing is an intricate task as it demands meticulous attention. Nevertheless, candidates can fetch good marks if they are careful about what is being written.
From the examiner’s point of view, the goal of letter writing is the analysis of the writing skills of candidates, but from the candidate’s perspective, the aim of letter writing should be –
- The letter should fill the communication gap between two parties
- It should send out a message and express a feeling
- It should create awareness and provoke thought in the receiver’s mind
Each letter that is written can have different objectives, depending on its type. So, first let us understand the types of letter writing.
Types Of Letter Writing
Letter writing can be classified into two types:
- Informal Letters
Formal Letters
Candidates in the examination can be asked to write a 150- 200 word letter on either type mentioned above. Let us understand both the types of letters in detail.
Informal Letter
Informal letters are also known as personal letters. Such types of letters are usually written to relatives, family, friends, or acquaintances. These letters may or may not have a concrete reason for writing. The aim of writing informal letters is to create a personal memoir. It need not adhere to any formalities or follow any set pattern.
The letters that follow a certain formality and set pattern are formal letters. Such letters are precise, directly addressing the concerned issue and are kept strictly professional in nature. Formal letters are short and to the point. A variety of letters that fall within the category of formal letters are –
- Business letters
- Official letters
- Social letters
- Circular letters
- Employment letters
Candidates preparing for any competitive examination can check the Previous Years Question Papers of various exams to understand the types of questions asked in the exam.
Letter Writing Format
In general, everyone needs to be aware of the format of letter writing, more so candidates appearing for examinations. A letter is composed of different elements that change depending upon its nature. The format for both the types of letters is given below.
Letter writing format of Formal Letter
A formal letter must adhere to the prescribed format. The letter writing format of a formal letter is as mentioned below:
- Sender’s address: One of the most essential components, also known as the return address. It is the mailing address of the sender. The address and contact details of the person sending the letter are written here.
- Date: Immediately after the sender’s address comes the date on which the letter is written. Candidates, while writing the letter in the exam, can follow any of the formats to write the dates: DD/MM/YY OR MM/DD/YY.
- Receiver’s address: The corresponding address, i.e. the address of the recipient of the mail is written here. Candidates must start with the receivers’ designation followed by the name of the organization and then the full address, Pincode and country (if the information is known).
- The subject: This highlights the aim of writing the letter. The subject of the formal letter should be very brief (6 to 8 words) and must be preceded by the word ‘Subject’. The receiver, through the subject, understands the purpose of the letter at a glance.
- Salutation: This is a customary greeting to the recipient of the letter. If the name of the recipient is known, the salutation starts with ‘Dear’ followed by Mr/Mrs/Miss, etc. If the person is unknown or even the gender is not known the recipient can be addressed as Dear Sir/Dear Madam.
- Body: The most important element of any letter. It furnishes the reason behind writing the letter. For formal letters, candidates should use short, clear, logical paragraphs to state the subject matter. The body of the letter is generally divided into 3 paragraphs:
- Introduction that states the main point.
- Middle part: Supporting points and details to justify the need and importance of letter writing.
- Conclusion: Request for some action or what is expected.
- Complimentary Closure: This is to end the letter with respect in a polite manner such as ‘Yours faithfully’, ‘Yours sincerely’, etc.
- Signature Line: This is the last part where the sender of the letter signs off with his first or last name. The signature line may also include a second line for the title or designation of the sender.
Candidates writing formal letters in the exam must remember the following pointers.
- Use of colloquial words, short forms, slang language and abbreviations are restricted.
- The letter must be to the point, precise and clearly indicating the message.
- The subject line is very important in Formal Letters.
Letter writing format of Informal Letters
Candidates writing informal letters need to follow the below-mentioned format.
- Address: The sender’s address is important in informal letters. Since informal letters are personal letters and sent to acquaintances or people who are known, the receivers’ address is only mentioned on the envelope carrying the letter.
- Date: Same as in a formal letter format.
- Salutation in informal letters can be Dear/Dearest/ Hi/Hello followed by the first name/nickname of the recipient.
- Body: The body in the informal letters can be long and detailed containing diverse feelings, experiences, advice, news, etc.
- Sender’s name and signature are the same as in the formal letters.
Important pointers of Informal letter
- The subject line is not required in an Informal Letter.
- No prescribed format has to be strictly followed.
- The usage of language must be friendly and casual.
- The letter can have extra information, as per the sender’s choice.
Important Tips For Good Letter Writing
Candidates appearing for competitive exams are encouraged to follow the below-mentioned tips to write a good letter in the examination and fetch good marks.
- Candidates must be able to identify the type of letter they will write. For example: writing a letter to the Principal asking for leave is a formal letter, but writing a letter to the Principal to catch up after a long time would be an informal letter.
- Opening and closing of letters must be in the correct manner. Formal letters must open and close in a professional manner while informal letters can be directly addressed to the person with greetings. Even closing the letters is significant. Formal letters always end respectfully and impersonally, whereas informal letters may end with a more personal touch.
- In formal letters, making clear the purpose of the letter immediately is important. Candidates writing formal letters must make sure to get to the point as soon as possible.
- A letter is always supposed to be considerate and polite. It is essential to use polite words and civil language in all types of letters, be it formal or informal. Even if the letter is about any complaint, the point must be made in a careful and courteous manner.
- The length of the letter also holds relevance. In formal letters, the matter should be expressed to the point, precise and short, while the length of the personal or informal letter depends on the message and the relation to the recipient.
Candidates aspiring to appear for any of the competitive exams can check the following links:
Frequently Asked Question – Letter Writing Format For Competitive Exams
Q.1. what are the various types of letters, q.2. what are formal letters, q.3. what are the types of formal letter, q.4. what are the informal letters, q 5. how a formal letter is written.
Ans. A formal letter must adhere to the prescribed format. It must include the following:
- Sender’s address
- Receiver’s address
- Body of the letter
- Complimentary closure
- Signature line: sender’s name, signature and designation
These are very good guides and pointers towards writing a good letter. very helpful.
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An Introduction to Letter Writing
Letter writing can be fun, help children learn to compose written text, and provide handwriting practice — and letters are valuable keepsakes. This article contains activities to help children ages 5–9 put pen to paper and make someone's day with a handwritten letter.
Related Content
- Introduction
Letter writing is an essential skill. Despite the prevalence of emails and text messages, everyone has to write letters at some point. Letters of complaint, job applications, thank you letters, letters requesting changes or making suggestions — the list goes on and on. Encouraging children to write letters from an early age will improve their communication, social and handwriting skills, and teach them what they need to know about writing and structuring letters.
Within schools
Letter writing can be included in a school's curriculum. Visits to museums or farms prompt thank you letters, for example contacting schools in other countries and exchanging letters links into geography. Writing imaginary letters to historical people can encourage understanding of a historical period or topic. Writing letters encourages good social skills, learning to say thank you and asking for information politely.
Letter writing has many purposes, including the following:
- It encourages good manners, especially writing 'thank you' letters
- Children can write invitations
- Children can write letters to friends and relatives
- Pen pals are always popular, giving insights into other children's lives, especially overseas
In this article:
- What's so special about receiving a handwritten letter?
- Warming up to letter writing
- Introducing letter writing
- Formal letters
- Informal letters
- Letter of enquiry and letters providing information
- Thank you letters
- Letters of invitation
- Letters of complaint
- Letters to Santa
- Letters to newspapers and magazines
What’s so special about receiving a handwritten letter?
Quite apart from curriculum requirements, being asked to write letters is a task that will appeal to children. The sheer fun of sending and receiving letters appeals to every child. There is something special about putting letters into the post box and then having letters delivered by the postman… the brightly colored stamps, seeing your name on the envelope and knowing that inside is a long awaited letter from a friend or member of the family. It shows someone cares and has taken the time to sit down and think about you.
Handwritten letters have a charm of their own. You can take time to think about what you want to say. You can keep letters to read again and again. You can admire the handwriting; share dreams and thoughts. Responding by letter is very different to the immediacy of a text message or an email.
Back to Top
Activity 1: Warming up to letter writting
Use the above themes to encourage the children to discuss letter-writing. Ask the children to put their hands up if they have ever received a personal letter. Ask for one or more volunteers to talk about how they felt to receive the letter. Here are some initial questions that may help:
- What was in your mind as you read the letter?
- Did you keep the letter to read again?
- Did you share your letter with anyone?
- Did you write back?
And some questions for whole class or group discussions:
- Can the class describe any differences between the handwritten letter and an email?
- Do the children think there is ever a time when only a handwritten letter will do?
Ask the class to interview each other to find out each individual's experiences of writing and sending letters. This can be recorded in a chart.
Activity 2: Introducing letter writing
Collect a supply of different types of letters — both formal and informal. Ask the children to sort them out into two groups. Which were written to friends? Which are formal letters from businesses? Which features or characteristics distinguish formal from informal?
Having done that ask the children to look for differences between the two groups. This allows a discussion to take place about the different types of letter. Draw up a chart for each group covering:
- Address — business or private?
- Greeting — formal or informal?
- Style of letter — friendly or business?
- What is the message?
- How does the letter end?
This will allow the children to find out for themselves the differences between formal and informal letters.
This could be followed by a discussion of the type of letters the children or their families write. How many occasions can they think of which would deserve a letter to be written? For example:
- Letters of congratulation
- Exchanging news
- Writing to friends
- Letters saying sorry for doing something wrong
- Making appointments
- Asking for information
- Dealing with banks or stores
- Letters to family members who live some way away
- Letters to Santa Claus
- Letters showing how much you appreciate someone
- Letters responding to someone who has had bad news — showing how much you care by trying to share their sadness
In each case the children should decide what type of letter would be most appropriate in each case — formal or informal? Draw up a chart for each group.
Activity 3: Formal letters
These are sometimes known as business letters. They are written in a strictly formal style. Such letters are always written on an A4 (8" x 11") sheet of paper. They can be folded three times so that the address to which the letter is being sent can appear in the window of a business envelope. The layout is always the same.
- The senders address is put at the top right hand side
- Include telephone number and email if available
- The address of the person receiving the letter goes on the left hand side below the sender's address
- Greeting — Dear Sir or Madam, or To Whom It May Concern. You can use the titles Miss, Mrs. or Mr. if you know the name of the person to whom you are writing
- The message
- Complimentary close — Yours faithfully (when you don't know the person's name), or Yours sincerely (when you know the person's name to whom you're writing)
- Write name in block letters (this is to ensure that the person receiving the letter knows exactly who has sent it. Signatures may not be very clear)
Typical layout of a formal letter
Activity 4: Informal letters
These are letters to friends and relations, or people you know well. Structure:
- The sender's address should always appear on the top right hand corner of the page.
- Greeting — There are several variations that can be used depending on how well you know the person: Dear Mary, Hi Mary, Greetings
- Complimentary close — short comment, for example Love, Lots of love, With thanks, See you soon
Typical layout of an informal letter
Tips for writing good letters
- Make sure that they are well written. It can be very annoying for someone to have to struggle to read handwriting. Always use your best and clearest handwriting.
- Make sure all your contact details are clearly written down at the top of the letter. If they are not, then you might not get a reply. The correct address is essential.
- Think about what you want to say. If necessary make some notes on a separate sheet of paper first. This will ensure that you do not forget anything.
- Think about to whom you are writing the letter. Use the right style of writing and language — formal or informal, business like or friendly.
- Lay out your letter using paragraphs. This makes it easier for the reader.
Activity 5: Letter of inquiry and letters providing information
Suitable for school, children ages 7-9
These are formal letters and messages need to be precise and detailed, covering all the required information. Two types of letters can be undertaken — a letter requesting information; and a reply providing it.
Out in the Milky Way, there is an alien curious about Earth. He writes a letter asking for information about liquids and gases. These do not exist on his planet and he finds it hard to understand what they are.
Write a letter explaining what liquids and gases are. How do they work? What examples could be included? What would be confusing about them? This could link to your science curriculum and could act as a revision exercise giving an opportunity for a discussion about gases and liquids.
The following day, give the children a thank you letter from the alien!
You could link up with another class in the school. One class could write letters of inquiry. These would be delivered to the second class for answering.
Activity 6: Thank you letters
Suitable for school, children ages 5-7 and 7-9
Thank you letters are very important and can be used in lots of ways: thanking organisations for helping, thanking people for helping you, thanking someone for a lovely time. They make a good follow up exercise after receiving presents or going on a visit.
Your class has just been out on a school visit to a farm. Write a thank you letter to the farmer. You will need to say thank you and how much you enjoyed the visit. Give some examples of what you enjoyed best about the day? Was it feeding the lambs? Pond dipping? Seeing the young animals?
Activity 7: Letters of invitation
Everyone likes receiving invitations. Receiving a hand written letter asking you to a party or a special event makes you feel very special.
Discuss what type of event might create a need to write letters of invitation. There are plenty of examples — birthday parties, Christmas parties, a visit to a beach with friends; going out to a farm or to the cinema, a wedding or when a new baby is christened; or simply inviting a friend to stay overnight at your house.
Choose a special event and write a letter inviting a friend. What do you need to include in the letter so that they have all the necessary information? You need to be clear on the date and the time, as well as the location. Your friend would be very upset if he or she went to the wrong place. Does he or she need to bring anything with them? Does he or she need to be collected at a set time? Will outdoor clothing be needed if the weather is bad? How will your friend reach the location of the event? Should a parent bring them or will you provide transport?
Remember to ask them to reply saying yes or no. Give a date by which you must have their reply. This is important if food and drink are being provided, or if you need to know exactly how many people are coming.
Activity 8: Letters of complaint
Suitable for school or home, children ages 5-7 and 7-9
When might a letter of complaint be sent? It might be when someone has done something wrong. Sometimes people write letters to organisations or the newspapers to complain about litter or poor service.
Just imagine what Mr. Bear must have been thinking at the end of the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. A naughty girl had broken into his home, eaten his porridge; broken a chair and then gone to sleep on his child's bed. Then she had run away without even saying sorry when the bears came back.
Write a letter of complaint from Mr. Bear to the parents of Goldilocks. What would he say? He would need to get his complaint across very strongly. There would be a list of Goldilocks' misdeeds. He would ask for an apology. Would he ask for payment for the broken chair? Would he ask for action to be taken against Goldilocks? Discuss the various possibilities with the children. What might he ask? Would it be a formal or informal letter?
Activity 9: Letters to Santa
Every year children write letters to Santa Claus, asking for special toys at Christmas time. But how many children think about Santa Claus himself? What is his life like? What are the problems of living amid all that snow and ice?
This is an exercise that could involve two classes within a school. Both classes should prepare for the task by listening to some unusual letters. J R Tolkein wrote a lovely book entitled Letters from Father Christmas. Every December a letter would appear telling wonderful tales of life at the North Pole — how the reindeer got loose and scattered presents all over the place; how the accident-prone Polar Bear climbed the North Pole and fell through the roof of Santa Claus's house.
Children in the younger class should write letters to Santa. They should ask about life at the North Pole. What do they think it is like? What sort of characters live there? How does Santa Claus occupy his time for the rest of the year? Consider how they would feel living in a land of snow and ice all year round? Would they want a holiday somewhere warmer?
Once the letters are written, gather them up and take them to an older group of children. Give each child a letter and ask them to write a reply. This would give them the opportunity to use their imagination and create imaginative responses, possibly little stories about life at the North Pole. They could also add in their own ideas. But care should be taken to make sure that all the questions in the original letters are answered.
Finally, take the answers back to the original class for reading and discussing.
Activity 10: Letters to newspapers and magazines
These are letters that aim to pass on an opinion or a message. Examples can be easily obtained from local newspapers or from children's magazines such as DK Find Out or Aquila. They are written slightly differently to normal letters and are always addressed Dear Sir, or Dear — (name of magazine).
These are letters that are directed at a wide audience — anyone who happens to read it. The sender never gets a direct letter back through the post. Sometimes people are so interested in a letter, which has appeared in a magazine that they want to express their opinions. So they then write a letter to the magazine giving their comments.
So what might go into a letter to a newspaper or magazine? It might be a request — could you provide more stories about skate boarding, or nature? It might be a way of thanking people for providing help. Sometimes letters to local newspapers are used to thank people who helped find a lost dog or help after an accident; but who did not leave their names. By writing to the paper, the sender hopes that the message will reach the people concerned. Sometimes such letters are used to express opinions such as on climate change, treatment of animals, poor services, not enough buses, and human rights.
Letters of this kind need to be very precise. Arguments should be clearly made. Requests for action should be clearly indicated. From reading the letter, everyone should know exactly what the sender is asking.
A major issue is recycling and energy conservation. Everyone is trying to reduce the amount of energy we use. Look at all the reasons why energy conservation is so important. Then, write a letter to a paper or magazine saying why you believe we should avoid wasting energy. Give examples of how energy can be saved? What measures should we take in our homes or schools? Could anything more be done?
My Child magazine. (2007). Letter Writing Resource Pack. London, U.K. Author. Retrieved February 26, 2008, from http://www.mychild.co.uk/docs/walw/Letter_writing_Resource_Pack.pdf.
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Quite helpful
This is quite helpful for students.
Teaching my third grade students tomorrow found it very helpful specialy the activities.Thanks.
Very helpful
this helped me understand an informational letter
Great basic format. It is a strong foundation to start. The layout gives a structure that students can use as a template.
Some useful ideas, but I'm concerned that the layout of the formal letter is incorrect - the date should be underneath the address on the top right of the page, and a letter beginning Dear Sir/Madam should end in Yours faithfully, not Yours sincerely! Sorry for pointing it out, but I hope it helps!
this is really helpful. thanks
It is very helpful for our students, but I think we need more examples and also how could these letters be evaluated in class.
really wonderful activities are suggested to improve letter writing.
I'm teaching my 7 year old daughter the art of personal letter writing. I found this information very useful! Thank You!!
very!!!!!!!!!helpful
You can give more topics for kids to write at home
I don't think you should write your name in the top right hand corner of the letter regardless of whether it is formal or informal. You should only write your address and the date there but not your name. Am I wrong?
Yes. You're right.
very useful site
This is quite useful but needs more examples
Thank you this was very helpful! Teaching this to my third graders tomorrow!
A great read as I am looking for various language to use in writing thank-you notes to parents for Christmas gifts. Our whole sharing month in December revolved around distinguishing between a need and a want. The thank-you with a purpose will be awesome as an example of an informal thank-you letter. As a follow up, we will write a formal thank-you to our parent council for their efforts in generating funds for our school. (Christmas raffle baskets with a theme)
quite helpful
These came in handy as I prepare mu pupils to write letters. Thanks a million for this information.
I had my ELLs create an invitation using your lesson. After choosing the event, we brainstormed together, using a concept map, what would need to be included. Then I made like a story map for them to fill in with the required info. For my lower ELLs, I used frames: Please come to my ____ on ____ at ____. They referenced the vocabulary we brainstormed and that I had written on a chart. After drafting, we did peer edits, from a specific check list, and revised and edited for specific errors based on peer edit. It went really well and studets enjoyed decorating their invitations as well!
Two books for children i have found very useful are Dear Greenpeace ( Walker Books) and The Jolly Postman or other peoples letters ( Puffin Books) there amazing for this topic for ks1
this is quite helpful for students..
I LOVE the letters to santa lesson! I am student teaching and third grade right now and trying to figure out how to pull this off. For example, should they write the letters to Santa or should they answer the letters. I am pretty sure a lot of them believe in Santa still...Anyway, love this idea and will use it in the future if not this year!
i am looking for a decent and friendly handwriting scheme/style to use from Reception through to Year 6. Currently we have Berol and it doesn't seem to be favoured by many. desperate for some feedback and guidance
I'm a 3rd grade teacher and have done this activity for many years. Teaching in a K-5 school, I've teamed with a 5th grade teacher to answer the letters. I've done it 2 ways: 1) the students write to Santa asking for something, but they have to PERSUADE Santa that they deserve the present they are asking for (use evidence of what you did to earn the present. 2) My students are "buddies" to a class of Kinders. They ask their buddies what to name a present they would like. The 3rd grader asks the buddy about their behavior/good deeds, etc, then writes the letter on behalf of the buddy (and reads it aloud along with the response.) The 5th graders writing the responses are instructed to respond to the letters as one of Santa's elves. They make up a name (Snowflake, Jiggly, Dreamboat, etc, so 3rd grader doesn't know that a 5th grader is writing) and then commend the writer for their hard work/good deeds BUT they cannot guarantee a present. The 5th grade teacher encourages them to make up contingencies (that's a popular request, we're running low on stock, I'm not sure we have that yet, etc) so that the writers' evidence/behavior is acknowledged, but 3rd's aren't set up for disappointment. The letters are delivered by a mysterious knock, with a plain envelope laying in front of the door, but no delivery person in sight. Jewish students write letters to their parents requesting Hanukkah gifts, using the same evidence criteria. I've done this project 15+ years, and every year this project is a big hit, as students read and re-read their responses to their classmates. (Third graders also become proofreaders when they find writing mistakes by the elves. I respond that the elves need to have more writing lessons.)
Thank you for the awesome resource..
teaching this unit tomorrow, this was helpful
letters are important, a skill sadly lacking these days
What about 'grading' a thank you letter?
Its better to include more examples of types of letters.
I teach English Lnguage Learners and they will love this unit. A good (and funny) book to use with this unit is "I Wanna Iguana" by Karen Kaufman Orloff. Thanks!
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Letter Writing | Letter Writing Types, How To Write?, Letter Writing Tips
February 9, 2023 by Prasanna
Letter Writing: Letter writing is a skill to write a message in written or in a text format. Some letters are written through mails and some printed via papers. These letters can be formal or informal and they are sent via post or emails to the recipients.
The formal letters are usually exchanged between two parties who are connected through an organisation. For example, a confidential letter sent to the employee by the manager of the company. An appointment letter sent to the candidate hired for a designation for a job by the employer. These letters have their own format of writing.
The informal letters are the casual letters written to a friend, family members, or addressing some personal members. These letters sometimes do not follow a format or structure as it is a non-official letter.
In this article, we will see different types of letter writing, formal and informal letter writing, different topics of letter writing along with samples.
Types of Letter Writing
There could be a number of letter writing depending on the situation or demand. Here are the types which are commonly used:
- Complaint Letter Format
- ICAI Reprint Letter
- Apology Letter
- Cheque Book Request Letter
- Request Letter
- Permission Letter
- Bank Statement Letter
- Bank Verification Letter
- Official Letter
- Sponsorship Letter
- Warning Letter
- LIC Call Letter
- Maternity Leave Letter
- Sick Leave Letter
- Allotment Letter
- SBI Call Letter
- Call Letter
- Love Letter
- Rejoining Letter
- Undertaking Letter
- Letter To The Editor
- Bank Statement Request Letter
- Letter To Principal
- Authority Letter
- Consent Letter
- Invitation Letter
- Job Application Letter
- Job Offer Letter
- Appreciation Letter
- Interview Call Letter
- No Objection Letter
- Formal Letter
- Informal Letter
- Offer Letter Format
- Acknowledgement Letter
- Appointment Letter
- Cover Letter
- Confirmation Letter
- Authorization Letter
- Reference Letter
- Resignation Acceptance Letter
- Resignation Letter
- Increment Letter
- Experience Letter
- Relieving Letter
- Joining Letter
- Letter To the Editor
- Leave Letter for School
- Transfer Letter Format
- Termination Letter
- Appraisal Letter
- Business Letter
- Internship Letter
- Salary Increment Letter
- Quotation Format Letter
- Enquiry Letter
- Promotion Letter
- Declaration Letter
- How to Address a Letter
- How To Write a Cover Letter
- Thank You Letter
- How to Write a Recommendation Letter
- Bank Account Closing Letter
- Character Reference Letter
- Employment Verification Letter
- Letter to Bank Manager
- Letter of Recommendation
- Job Request Letter
- Excuse Letter
- Lease Agreement Letter
Formal Letter Writing
These letters follow a format or a template to write a letter. Some letters are self-declared and some are provided by the organisations in a particular format. The letter should sound professional and directly addressed to the concerned person. The content of the letter will be subjected to the concerned issues. Letters such as offer letter, appointment letter, employment letter, business letter, etc. come under this category.
Informal Letter Writing
The letters which are addressed to someone personally are the informal letters. They do not have a designated format or a pattern set by anyone. People, especially friends, relatives and families write informal letters mentioning their personal details to each other. They sometimes send letters by post and sometimes by emails.
Samples of Letter Writing
The letter writing sample is given here in this article topic wise. If you want to write a letter whether it is a formal letter or an informal letter, you can see the samples here and follow the pattern.
With the help of samples, you will get the idea of how to write a letter, how to start it and where to end it, what should be the subject line, where to mention address and dates, etc.
Topics of Letter Writing
There could be many reasons or topics to write a letter to an individual or a group of people.
Some of the reasons are
- Appointing a candidate for a job
- A letter to congratulate a friend for his achievements
- A letter to know the well-being of relatives
- A business letter to set a new business and doing partnership with another firm
- An application letter to principal of school asking for leave
- A letter to cousin to congratulate for his/her marriage
- An invitation letter for a birthday party
- Experience letter given to employee for his work done for the company
Tips for Letter Writing
- First, know the type of letter you need to write, whether it a formal or informal letter
- The subject of the letter should be precise
- Don’t keep the lengthy subject line
- The opening and closing of a letter should be done properly
- Write the letter to the point, without taking the readers much of the time
- Always use formal language for formal letters and for informal letters the language could be casual but the way of expression should be polite and civilised.
- Too much of writing can take out the interest of the reader. The length of the letter should be based on the situation or demand only.
Sample Letters
- Bank Account Transfer Letter
- Request Letter to Bank Manager
- Sample Letter To Bank Manager for Wrong Money Transfer To Another Account
- Formal Letter To Bank Manager
- Authorization Letter for Bank
- Letter To Bank for Refund Money
- Letter To Bank Manager for ATM Card
- Request Letter To Bank Manager for Loan
- Bank Letter Format
- How To Write Letter To Bank Manager
- 7 Sample Disagreement Letters
- PACL Bank Verification Letter
- Bank Address Change Letter
- Death Claim Letter Format for Bank
- Address Change Letter to Bank
- How To Write A Letter for Bank Account Closed
- Bank Manager Cheque Book Request Application Letter
- Bank Complaint Letter
- Bank Passbook Missing Letter
- Bank Account Closure Letter Format
- Letter To Bank Manager For Education Loan Second Installment
- Authority Letter for Bank
- Letter To Bank for Death Of Account Holder
- Letter for Reopen Bank Account
- Bank Account Reactivation Letter
- Ad Code Request Letter to Bank
- DD Cancellation Letter To Bank
- Indian Bank ATM Card Request Letter
- Sample Dismissal Letters
- Letter to Bank Manager for Education Loan
- Request Letter for Home Loan Transfer to Other Bank
- Letter to Bank Manager for Loan
- Request Letter to Change Bank Account Details
- Complaint Letter to Bank for Deduction of Money
- Unfreeze Bank Account Letter
- Bank Cheque Book Request Letter
- Request Letter To Change Bank Account Details
- Canara Bank Statement Request Letter
- Bank Guarantee Vs Letter Of Credit
- Application Letter For Name Correction In Bank Account
- Canara Bank Mobile Number Change Request Letter
- Pension Account Transfer Letter from Bank to Bank
- Account Closure Letter to Bank
- Signature Change Letter to Bank
- 12 Sample Farewell Letters
- 11 Sample Follow Up Letters
- 15 Sample Letters of Agreement
- 8 Sample Celebration Letters
- 11 Sample Congratulation Letters
- Sample Letter of Endorsement
- 13 Sample Feedback Letters
- 10 Sample Greeting Letters
- 10 Sample Encouragement Letters
- 12 Sample Announcement Letters
- 9 Sample Get Well Soon Letters
- 8 Sample Admiration Letters
- 10 Sample Collection Letters
- 10 Sample Letter of Credit
- Sample Delegation Letters
- Sample Rejection Letters
- 9 Sample Letters of Disappointment
- Sample Letter of Error
- 12 Sample Goodbye Letters
- Sample Fundraising Letters
- 10 Sample Holiday Letters
- 10 Sample Inquiry Letters
- 12 Sample Introduction Letters
- Letters of Mistake
- Sample Notification Letters
- Sample Goodwill Letters
- 10 Sample Sales Letters
- 9 Order Letter Samples
- 10 Sample Referral Letters
- 8 Letter Reprimand Samples
- 5 Sample Reservation Letters
- 8 Suggestion Letter Samples
- 7 Letter Sympathy Samples
- 9 Sample Claim Letters
- Sample Directive Letters
- 6 Disapproval Letter Samples
- Letter of Gift Samples
- 7 Sample Persuasion Letters
- 7 Response Letter Samples
- 8 Refusal Letter Samples
- 9 Rejection Letter Samples
- 9 Sample Request Letters
- 3 Letter Social Event Samples
- Letter of Transmittal Samples
- 9 Welcome Letter Samples
- Thank Letter Samples Free
- 6 Compliment Letter Samples
- 7 Application Letter Samples
- 6 Approval Letter Samples
- 7 Sample Romantic Letters
- Terminate Gym Membership Letter
- Disagreement Letter With A False Accusation
- Authorization Letters To Act On Behalf
- Letters To Inform Customer of Price Decrease
- Teacher Welcome Back Letters
- 4 Eagle Scout Recommendation Letter Samples
- Government Letter Formats
- Complaint Letters For Rude Behavior
FAQ’s on Letter Writing
Question 1. How to write a letter?
Answer: To write a letter we should know first whether it is a formal or informal letter. Then write the subject of the letter. The body of the letter should be accurate and up to the point. Write the name and address of the recipient. Close the letter politely. At last mention your name.
Question 2. What are the types of letter writing?
Answer: There are basically three types of letter writing. Formal, Informal and semi-formal.
Question 3. What is a formal letter writing?
Answer: These letters follow a format or a template to write a letter. Some letters are self-declared and some are provided by the organisations in a particular format. The letter should sound professional and directly addressed to the concerned person. The content of the letter will be subjected to the concerned issues. Letters such as offer letter, appointment letter, employment letter, business letter, etc. come under this category.
Question 4. What is informal letter writing?
Answer: The letters which are addressed to someone personally are the informal letters. They do not have a designated format or a pattern set by anyone. People, especially friends, relatives and families write informal letters mentioning their personal details to each other.
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- Letter Writing
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- Types of letter format
Types of Letter Format
As mentioned above different types of letter writing follow certain formats which have been established over the years. Letter formats are applicable by and large to formal type of letters . Informal letters do not require a certain pattern of writing and can be written in number of ways. But for guidance purposes we have included few varieties of informal ways of writing which can be termed as sorts of informal formats. These formats makes the letter writing process a convenient one.
As a general rule most letters follow:
Full Block Style
- Semi-Block Style
- Modified Block Style
- Modified Semi-Block Style
Formal Letters Format
Formal letter writing format is inclusive of the Four mentioned below:
Full block style is a letter format characterised by the below shown
SEMI BLOCK STYLE
Modified block style, modified semi block style.
Informal Letters Format – When Letters do not follow any particular format while writing is called Informal Letters Format. So can it be considered that letters have either a Formal or Informal structure? Yes and No. Yes, because most of the letters are written with one or the other style in mind. No, because some letters can be written with partial observance of formal or informal styles. For example, an Address Change Letter is basically a Formal letter, however when it is written to a friend it becomes an informal letter as the motive of the letter doesn’t require a style to be followed before it is written. Differentiating features can be that informal letters are personal in nature and length of the letter varies as per the information.
Informal letter writing Formats
Informal Letter Writing Format 1
Informal Letter Writing Format 2
Letters Types
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Grammar Clinic: Summary of the 3 Types of Letters {Formal, Informal and Semi-Formal Letter}
Letter Writing
Types of Letters – Formal, Semi-formal and Informal
You can find four basic elements in both formal and informal letters: a salutation, an introduction, body text and a conclusion with signature.
The salutation is also known as the greeting. Formal letters often begin with Dear Sir/Madam. If you know the name of the person you are writing to, use it instead of the impersonal Sir/Madam.
In formal and semi-formal letters, it is common to put a colon after Dear X. In informal letters you can put a comma or nothing at all.
Introduction
The introduction doesn’t have to be particularly long. Explain in one or two sentences the reason for your writing. That’s enough.
This is where you have to outline the information you need to communicate. Be concise but don’t forget to provide all the necessary information. In formal and semi-formal letters, you should also include a formal conclusion. Examples are given below.
Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you for your help and consideration.
Closing and signature
Yours sincerely is the most common closing used in formal and semi-formal letters. When the name of the addressee is not known the phrase Yours faithfully should be used. Note that in American English Yours faithfully is not normally used.
In informal letters other closings such as Regards or All the best can be used.
Leave some space for your signature and then print or write your name underneath it
1. A note on letter writing
It is useful to distinguish between the three types of letter:
a. Formal (Official or Business)
b. Semi-formal (Personal, but the writers are not to on very close terms)
c. Informal (very personal; the writers are very well known to each other)
One of the most important differences between these three kinds of writing is the style of language you use. Discuss these examples:
Formal : I shall be going to Jos next month
Semi-Formal : I’ll be going to Jos next month
Informal : I’m off to Jos next month
Formal : Idioms are best avoided in formal letters. ‘I fully agree with your proposal.’
Semi-Formal : ‘What a great idea!’
Informal : ‘Cool!’ Your use of informal idioms very much depends on whom you are writing to. What is ‘cool’ for a classmate may be unsuitable for an older relative.
3. Vocabulary
Formal : His appointment was terminated
Semi-Formal : He was fired
Informal : He got the sack
Formal Letters : These have to be laid out properly.
Semi-Formal Letters : These should be laid out in the same way as the letters between Eddie and Taiwo.
The letters between Taiwo and Eddi are semi-formal letters. Find some examples of language use which are appropriate in a semi-formal letter but inappropriate in a formal letter.
Taiwo’s Letter
ad (line 1) ad or advert are both acceptable informal versions of the word advertisement
my brother works in computers (line 10) it is an idiomatic way of saying ‘My brother works in the field of computers’.
every so often (line 15) is an idiomatic way of saying ‘occasionally or from time to time’
Eddie’s Letter
Thanks a lot (line 1) Informal English. The points about informal letters is that you can write them in a very much the same way as you might speak to a friend.
full of it (line 8) an idiom meaning ‘talking enthusiastically about it’
great (lines 1 and 18) as you can see, this is one of Eddie’s favourite adjectives. Again this is to be avoided in more formal contexts.
2. How to Write a Semi-formal Letter
In the examinations you have to take, marks are awarded for:
Content – what you say
Expression – the way you say it
Organisation – the way your organise your material (especially with regard to paragraphing)
Mechanical accuracy – Marks are lost through inaccurate use of language!
Note these points about Mary’s Letter
1. The address and date
Notice the position and layout of the address. Here are some examples of the way dates should be written: 1st February, 2007 2nd May, 2006 3rd July, 2009
2. The salutation
We usually start letters with Dear…. Note that in more affectionate forms: My dear Lizzy, the word dear does not start with capital letter (Compare Dear Elizabeth)
3. The body of the letter
The letter is laid out in well-organised paragraphs. There is an identation at the beginning of each paragraph. Remember, marks are awarded for sensible paragraphing.
4. The style of the letter
The language of the letter is semi-formal: it is very like ordinary speech, but a little more grammatical. The semi-formal features of the letter include the following. Can you find some examples in the letter?
- Informal expressions like don’t panic, etc
- Contracted forms like I’m and here’s .
- The use of dashes and Exclamation marks.
5. Ending the letter
The last paragraph of a letter should ’round it off’ in a suitable way, and send greetings. The usual way of signing off is with the phrase Yours sincerely and your signature.
6. The signature
With semi-formal letter and informal letter, you just write your given name. You do not print your full name under the signature in semi-formal or informal letters – they know who you are!
Mary’s Letter
Summary of Letter Writing
Letters are marked according to the following criteria:
Content – Appropriacy and length: how far does the letter answer the question?
Organisation and Layout – Is the material properly organised in suitable paragraphs?
Expression – Marks are awarded for suitable register, including the level of formality, clarity and variety of sentence structure.
Mechanical accuracy – Grammar, punctuation and spelling mistakes are penalized.
The feature of each letter is summarised below
Formal Letter
1. Your address
Top right hand corner, properly punctuated with full stops and commas
2. Addressee
The name (where known), position and address of the addressee, ranged left, again, full punctuated
Below your address, you may follow this style: 1st March, 2010 or 1 March 2010.
4. Salutation
Dear Mr/Mrs (name), if known. If the name and gender of the person are not known, begin with Dear Sir or Madam.
5. Subject of the Letter
This goes beneath the salutation and should be underlined.
6. Body of the letter
Paragraphs should be indented. The style should be appropriate for formal letters.
7. Complimentary Close
This goes at the bottom of the letter. Yours faithfully is always acceptable. If the name of the person you are writing to is personally known to you, Yours Sincerely may be appropriate. Always write your name clearly beneath your signature.
Semi Formal Letter
Do NOT include the name, position and address of the addressee
Below your address, you may follow either style as of formal letters
Depending on the relationship, any of the following might be appropriate: Dear Mr/Dr/Mrs (name), Dear (first name)
5. Subject of the letter
Paragraphs should be indented. The style should be appropriate for semi-formal letters.
This goes at the bottom of the letter. Yours sincerely is always acceptable, followed by your name.
Informal Letter
Depending on the circumstances and relationship, Dear (first name/nickname) is appropriate
Paragraphs should be indented. The style should be appropriate: use colloquial language, abbreviations, jokes etc
This goes at the bottom of the letter. Yours sincerely is always acceptable, followed by your name or nickname. Variations are possible for very close relationships e.g. Your friend, Your sister, Lots of love, etc.
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There are different types of letters that are appropriate for this format. Some include: Handwritten letters Emailed letters Typed social media messages However, for business contacts or people you don't know well, a typed formal letter is almost always the most appropriate choice.
The most common purposes for writing either a formal or informal letter include academic letters, employment letters, reference letters, and personal letters. Types of letters. Academic Letters. Application letter: An application letter is similar to a cover letter. However, the sender is applying for admission to an academic program instead of ...
Types of letters Letters are organized under two main categories: formal and informal. Formal letter Formal letters usually follow one of four formats: indented, full block, modified block and semi-block. Formal types of letters can include: Invitation Job or school application Acceptance letter Rejection letter Exit or resignation letter
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Leave a blank line between each paragraph. When writing a business letter, be careful to remember that conciseness is very important. In the first paragraph, consider a friendly opening and then a statement of the main point. The next paragraph should begin justifying the importance of the main point. In the next few paragraphs, continue ...
Different Types of Letters Letters can be classified into two main types according to the purpose of the letter. Informal Letters, also known as Social Letters, include Friendly Letters and Notes of Invitations. Formal Letters, also known as Business Letters, include Letters of Application, Letters to Higher Authorities, and Letters to Newspapers.
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Letter Writing. Letter writing involves the usage of proper formats, layouts and accurate language. While writing a business letter, it is best to stick to a structured layout so that the letter is easy to read and appears professional. Appropriate use of salutation, correct spelling and grammar, and the tone used make the business letter look ...
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1. Assign an initial letter writing exercise. To help you asses your students' skills and abilities, conduct an easy writing exercise. Take note of the tone and structure of their writing in the exercise, as well as the spelling and grammar, so that you can identify what your students will need to work on.
Letter Writing Format: Letter Writing is a type of written message conveyed from one person to the other either written by hand or printed on paper.The art of letter writing has been through ages and is considered to be the traditional way of communicating one thoughts and it has taken a backseat due to the emergence of E-mails, SMS, and other means of communication have become the norm.
Order letter: Order letters are for placing orders for new goods or services from a company. Acceptance letter: Acceptance letters are for confirming acceptance of a job, a resignation or an honour. Letter of complaint: This type of formal letter is to express dissatisfaction with goods or services.
Types Of Letter Writing Letter writing can be classified into two types: Informal Letters Formal Letters Candidates in the examination can be asked to write a 150- 200 word letter on either type mentioned above. Let us understand both the types of letters in detail. Informal Letter Informal letters are also known as personal letters.
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Types of Letter Writing There could be a number of letter writing depending on the situation or demand. Here are the types which are commonly used: Complaint Letter Format ICAI Reprint Letter Apology Letter Cheque Book Request Letter Request Letter Permission Letter Bank Statement Letter Bank Verification Letter Official Letter Sponsorship Letter
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An epistolary novel is a novel written as a series of letters. The term is often extended to cover novels that intersperse documents of other kinds with the letters, most commonly diary entries and newspaper clippings, and sometimes considered to include novels composed of documents even if they don't include letters at all. More recently, epistolaries may include electronic documents such as ...
As a general rule most letters follow: Formal Letters Format Full Block Style Semi-Block Style Modified Block Style Modified Semi-Block Style Informal Letters Formats Format 1 Format 2 Formal Letters Format Formal letter writing format is inclusive of the Four mentioned below: Full Block Style Semi-Block Style Modified Block Style
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Letter Writing Types of Letters - Formal, Semi-formal and Informal Letter Writing You can find four basic elements in both formal and informal letters: a salutation, an introduction, body text and a conclusion with signature. Salutation The salutation is also known as the greeting. Formal letters often begin with Dear Sir/Madam.
1 Suggested Videos. 2 Formal Letter Format. 3 Types of Formal Letters and Formal Letter Format. 3.1 A. Letter of Enquiry. 3.1.1 Sample. 3.2 Browse more Topics under Writing Formal Letters. 3.3 B. Order Letter. 3.3.1 Sample. 3.4 C. Letter of Complaint.
Quinolizidomycins A (1) and B (2), two unprecedented quinolizidine alkaloids featuring a tricyclic 6/6/5 ring system, were isolated from Streptomyces sp. KIB-1714. Their structures were assigned by detailed spectroscopic data analyses and X-ray diffraction. Stable isotope labeling experiments suggested that compounds 1 and 2 are derived from lysine, ribose 5-phosphate, and acetate units, which ...