Letter Writing Essentials

Formal / Informal Writing

100

Put "say sorry" into a formal form

I apologize for . . .

I regret to inform you that . . .

200

Put "I got" into a formal form

"I received"

300

Put "get in touch with" into a formal form

I will contact you

You may reach us here... 

400

Put "This is about" into a formal form

"I'm writing in regard to"

"I'm writing with respect to"

500

Put "This shows" into a formal form

"This demonstrates, illustrates, portrays, exemplifies,..."

Letter Parts

100

How should you open a letter of complaint

Tell them who you are, why you're writing, why the organization / issue matters to you, and why you should matter to the organization

200

Give me another way to say "I'm writing to complain about"

I'm writing to express my dissatisfaction with

I am regret to share that I was very disappointed with...

300

What should the structure of your body paragraphs be in a letter of complaint?

New complaint per paragraph

Supported by justification

400

What should the final paragraph of a letter of complaint contain?

Suggested action to be taken / solution

Closing remarks

Parts of a Business Letter

200

Give me some examples of "salutations" for your business letters (200 points per answer!)

Dear Sir/Madam,

To whom it may concern [at Organization Name]

300

What information goes in the "inside address"

The name & address of the company you're writing to

400

Give me some examples of closing lines for your business letters (points per answer!)

Sincerely,

Yours truly,

(All the) best,

Kind regards,

Faithfully,

Letter Types

200

I want to write my grandmother a letter to tell her I really liked my Christmas present. What kind of letter should you write her?

A thank you letter

400

I bought a new iPod, but it did not come with the earbuds. What  of letter do you need to write?

A letter of complaint

500

You made a rude and offensive statement in class and your teacher and classmates were offended by what was said, what type of letter do you need to write in order to seek forgiveness for your action?

A letter of Apology

Parts of a Business Letter Spelling

200

The part of the letter where we greet the person we are writing to. Also known as the greeting

Salutation

300

The name given to this part of the letter

P. Clunis

Signature

400

The type of letter used when communicating within a company between the employer (boss) and employees.

Memorandum/ Memo

500

The part of the letter where the sender's address is written

Heading