How to write a formal letter

What are the main characteristics of a formal letter?

• It contains a formal greeting and an informal style.

• It contains a formal greeting and a formal style throughout hte text.

• It is not a formal writing, in spite of its name.

• It must contain an introduction, a body and a conclusion

Answer explanation

Remember that formal letters always need a formal greeting and that the style needs to be formal (a good example could be a letter to a boss or a school principal).

Which one IS NOT an appropriate greeting for a formal letter?

• Hey there,

• To whom it may concern,

• Dear Sir or Madam,

• Dear Mr. Fernández,

Answer explanation

Remember that the greetings you can use in a formal letter are very limited and specific.

What shouldn't you do when writing a formal letter?

• Explain why you are writing.

• Include expressions like " I am going to present..."

• Include a greeting.

Answer explanation

Remember to distinguish between oral presentations and written texts and the formulas that work for each case.

A formal greeting for a formal letter is:

To ____ it may concern,

What is the right expression to say you expect an answer?

• I look forward to hear from you.

• I look forward to you.

• I look forward to hearing from you.

• I look forward to heard from you.

Answer explanation

Remember that "I look forward to..." is a fixed form that is always followed by gerund (-ing).

Which one IS NOT a formal linker/connector?

(more than one answer is possible)

• But

• However

• Moreover

• And

Answer explanation

Remember to include a variety of formal linkers and connectors in your writings.