What You Need to Know

Key Concept Diagram

A formal letter includes: sender's address, date, recipient's address, salutation, body paragraphs, and a closing

Formal language is polite, professional, and uses full sentences; avoid slang and contractions

"Dear Sir/Madam" is used when the recipient's name is unknown; "Yours faithfully" closes such letters

If you know the recipient's name, open with "Dear Mr/Ms [Surname]" and close with "Yours sincerely"

Key Vocabulary

Salutation

The greeting at the start of a letter, e.g. "Dear Ms Jones"

Formal language

Polite, professional language with complex vocabulary, avoiding contractions and slang

Closing

The sign-off at the end of a letter, e.g. "Yours sincerely" or "Yours faithfully"

Recipient

The person who receives and reads the letter

Knowledge Check

Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.

Question 1

You are writing to a principal whose name you do not know. Which is the correct opening?

Dear Sir/Madam To Whom It May Concern Hey there! Hi Principal

Question 2

You opened a formal letter with "Dear Ms Thompson." How should you close it?

Yours faithfully Yours sincerely See ya later Cheers

Question 3

Which sentence is written in appropriate formal language for a letter?

I just wanted to write and say your school is heaps good. Your school is OK I suppose. I am writing to commend the outstanding contributions of your staff. We think you guys are doing a pretty sweet job.

Formal Letter Writing