The formal letter is an important writing task assigned to candidates of the O and N Level English Language examinations. Knowledge of how to craft such letters is also an important life skill for anyone who has to address an issue or matter respectfully and/or authoritatively. The slides in this presentation are aimed at introducing students and interested persons to the structure, language features and format of formal letters as they are currently conceived. It is my hope that these groups of individuals may find the lecture helpful in guiding them in drafting such formal correspondence for the exams or in real life.

1. The Formal Letter
Structure, Language Features and Suggested
Format

2. Formal Letters – An introduction
• The steps to writing a formal letter are the same as for
informal letters. The difference lies in:
• The style and tone of the language of the letter
• The format of the letter, (i.e. the salutation, and
valediction)
• Formal letter format provided to you… use it as a guide
for future assignments

3. Sample Formal Letter

4. Parts of a letter (both formal & informal)
Salutation Valediction
FORMAL LETTER
Dear Sir, Dear
Sir/Madam, Dear Mr.
Tan, Dear Mr Cyril Lim,
Yours faithfully, Yours
Sincerely,
INFORMAL LETTER
Dear Dad, Dear Alfred etc. With love, Kind
regards, Best
wishes, Regards,

5. Formal Letter…language features
• Formal letters have some additional features which are
not required in casual or polite informal letters.
• These features help enhance the respectful and
authoritative tone of the letter.
• Here are some tips on formal features:
• Salutations and Valediction (must be appropriately matched)
• E.g. If salutation begins with “Dear Sir” then valediction
should be “Yours faithfully”
• If you address a person by name in your salutation (Dear Ms
Tan, etc.) then the valediction should be “Yours sincerely”

6. Ready to try out the
steps?
• Read the assignment notes given to you
• Apply the steps of letter writing to work out a simple
outline to a formal letter
• Nominate a presenter to present your team’s effort in
class. (2 minutes each)

7. Lesson Recap
• Steps to situational writing
• What are the parts of the Situational Question
• What is the key features of formal letters?