The purpose of a letter is often to inform or communicate an experience or point of view to the reader.
Letters give the reader information about a certain topic and can also be used to persuade the reader; for example, to ask for the writer’s opinion
to be considered.
Letters can be formal; for example, if the letter is being used to apply for a job. Letters can also be more informal; for example, if it is a letter to someone you know well to tell them about your holiday and persuade them to try
visiting the same place.
The ways you use language and vocabulary when writing a letter will depend on the audience and the purpose you are writing for.
Tips for writing a letter
Language
think about the audience that the letter is for – usually letters are written to one person, although for more formal
letters you will not always know that person’s name. If you do not know your
reader’s name, you can start your letter with ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ and will need to
end your letter with ‘Yours faithfully’
how you expect, or want, your audience to react – for example, if you
are trying to persuade your reader to agree with a particular idea or project,
your language might be positive and cheerful in tone
the purpose for the letter – for example, if you are writing to complain you are likely to be more formal and may use emotive words to describe aspects of poor service or a bad experience
how to influence your reader to take your point of view or suggestions seriously – remain calm and polite, even when you feel strongly and avoid writing very simple sentences with the same grammatical structures or simple repetitive
vocabulary.
Organisation
Plan a route through your letter before you start writing it - the structure of a formal letter is usually in three parts. For example:
The opening paragraph
– outline the overall aim of the letter and make it clear why you are writing.
A middle – explain and develop your points making sure they are relevant to the purpose of the letter.
An end – draw your points together; for example, summarise the main
points you want your reader to remember, or the action now required.
Use a conventional structure – include the address of the writer at the top, a date and an opening
greeting ‘Dear …’. You should end your letter with a standard phrase such as
‘Yours sincerely’ (if you know the reader’s name). Formal letters also include
the address of the reader at the top.
Use linking words and phrases which suit a more formal type of writing – for example, you could use ‘furthermore’, ‘however’, ‘in conclusion’ to link ideas in sentences and paragraphs.
Make any timescales involved clear to your reader – for example, ‘I am currently’, ‘previously’, ‘prior to that’.
Writing skills text typesWriting a letter
