Formal / Informal Writing
Letter Parts
Example
Situation
Parts of letter/Names
100

Put "say sorry" into a formal form

I apologize for . . .

I regret to inform you that . . .

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

100

"Dear Customer Service, I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with a product I purchased on October 1st. It arrived damaged, and I would like to request a refund."

complaint letter

100

You are unemployed and your friend told you about a position that is available at the company she works. What kind of letter do you need to write in order to get a job in the company? 

An application letter

100

The name given to the person a letter is being written to

Recipient/ Receiver

200

Put "I got" into a formal form

"I received"

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...

200

"Dear Mr. Johnson, thank you so much for your generous donation to our charity event. Your support made a significant impact and helped us reach our fundraising goal."

Thank you letter

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

200

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

Salutation

300

Put "get in touch with" into a formal form

I will contact you

You may reach us here... 

300

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

New complaint per paragraph

Supported by justification

300

"We would be delighted if you could join us for our Annual Gala on December 10th at 7 PM. It will be a night of celebration, good food, and great company!"

Invitation letter

300

You missed an important meeting at work . What type of letter should you write to express your regret, and what elements should you include to ensure your message is sincere?

An apology letter

300

The name given to this part of the letter

P. Clunis

Signature

400

Put "This is about" into a formal form

"I'm writing in regard to"

"I'm writing with respect to"

400

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

Suggested action to be taken / solution

Closing remarks

400

"I am writing to formally resign from my position as Sales Associate at ABC Corp, effective two weeks from today. This decision was not easy, but I believe it is the right step for my career."

Resignation 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

400

After drafting a letter, you need to choose a closing phrase. How do we call this part of the letter?

Closing

500

Put "This shows" into a formal form

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

500

How do you decide between "Dear Mr. Smith" and "Dear John"?

The choice between using a formal title and last name (e.g., "Dear Mr. Smith") versus a first name (e.g., "Dear John") depends on your relationship with the recipient. Use the formal address if you don’t know the person well or if the context is professional; use the first name if you have a closer or more casual relationship.

500

"I am writing to ask a leave of absence from work due to personal reasons. I hope to take leave starting November 15 and returning on November 29."

Request letter

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

500

What information should be included  at the top of a  letter?

Sender’s Address