The Formal Letter

Reference

Common mistakes

1. Dear Sir or Madam … Yours sincerely → Dear Sir or Madam … Yours faithfully
   faithfully when the name is unknown
2. I'm writing because I want the job. → I am writing to apply for the position of…
   formal, no contractions
3. Can you tell me about the training? → I would be grateful if you could let me know whether…
   indirect, polite request
4. One long paragraph → One paragraph per point
   organisation is marked

The Formal Letter — Exercises

Formal letter conventions

Circle the correct answer.

1. You start "Dear Ms Patel". How do you sign off? (Yours sincerely, / Yours faithfully, / Best,)
2. You start "Dear Sir or Madam". How do you sign off? (Yours faithfully, / Yours sincerely, / Cheers,)
3. Which opening is most appropriate for an application? (I am writing in response to your advertisement for summer volunteers. / Hi! I saw your ad. / I want the job.)
4. Which is the most polite request? (I would be grateful if you could let me know whether training is provided. / Tell me about the training. / Is there training or not?)
5. _____ you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me. (Should / If you will / Had)
6. Which sentence best sells your experience? (I have considerable experience of working with children. / I did some stuff with kids. / Children are nice.)

Complete the formal phrase

Write the missing word or words.

1. I am writing   response to your advertisement.
2. I believe my experience makes me a strong  .
3. I would   it if you could reply by Friday.
4. I wonder   it would be possible to visit the centre.
5. I am available   the beginning of July.
6. I look forward to   from you.

The Formal Letter — Answer Key

Formal letter conventions

1. Yours sincerely, — Name known → Yours sincerely.
2. Yours faithfully, — Name unknown → Yours faithfully.
3. I am writing in response to your advertisement for summer volunteers. — I am writing in response to… — formal reason.
4. I would be grateful if you could let me know whether training is provided. — Indirect, polite → I would be grateful if you could…
5. Should — Inverted formal condition → Should you require…
6. I have considerable experience of working with children. — considerable experience of — precise and formal.

Complete the formal phrase

1. in
2. candidate
3. appreciate
4. whether
5. from
6. hearing