A Formal Letter
24 King StreetLondon W1A 3LF18 December, 2001
High StreetExeterDevonEX1 7PZDear Sir / Madam,I am writing to enquire about holiday accommodation in the Exeter area.I would be grateful if you could send me details of cheap hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation in or near Exeter, together with a map of the city centre.I look forward to hearing from you.Yours faithfully,Mike Richards <-- your signature (first name & surname)MIKE RICHARDS
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rua Quintino Bocaiuva 47 apt 602Floresta CEP 90000Porto AlegraBrazil18 December 2001
Mr James KennedyDirectorThe Benson Institute15, Kimberly WayLondon W1P 4STDear Mr KennedyThe Principal at the college where I work suggested that I should write to you in order to find out more information about the Benson Scholarship for advanced students of English, as he feels I could be a suitable candidate for this particular scholarship.I first visited England eight years ago when I was twenty-one years old, immediately after graduating in Chemistry at the University of Rio. In the beginning I could speak no English. Nevertheless I managed to find some work.Unfortunately, I could only afford language classes twice a week, and consequently I had to rely on my own resources to acquire as much English as possible. In fact, to my surprise I managed to pass Cambridge First Certificate after only two years, and subsequently I took the Proficiency exam just before leaving England four years ago. On returning home, I was lucky enough to find a job teaching English at the Academy School. I have thoroughly enjoyed my involvement in the profession. However, I now feel the time has come for me to re-acquaint myself with an English-speaking environment in order to maintain the standard of my English. Furthermore, I would very much like to pursue my growing interest in English literature.I look forward to hearing from you.Yours sincerelyManola Suarez <-- your signature (first name & surname)MANOLA SUAREZ
1. In the right-hand corner write your address, but NOT your name.
2. Don't forget the date.
18th December, 200118 December, 2001December 18, 2001 (AmE)
You can omit the comma.
3. On the left-hand side write the address of the person / company you're writing to.
4. Begin:
(if you don't know the name of the person you're writing to)Dear Sir / MadamDear Sir or MadamDear Sirs(if you know the name)Dear Mr RobertsDear Mrs WilliamsDear Miss ThomasDear Ms Cooper
5. You can put a comma after "Dear..." or you can omit it. A colon is often found in American letters.
Dear Mr Jackson,Dear Mr JacksonDear Mr Jackson: (AmE)
If you omit the comma, don't put it after "Yours...".
6. Use the block style, separating paragraphs with empty lines.
7. Do NOT use contractions:
I am, you are, did not, etc.
8. If you want to receive a reply, write as a final sentence:
I look forward to hearing from you.
9. Finish the letter with:
(if you began with "Dear Sir / Madam")Yours faithfully Yours truly (AmE)(if you began with "Dear Mr Black")Yours sincerely Sincerely
10. Don't forget to sign your name.
11. Below the signature write your name, preferably in capital letters.
12. Typical first sentences:
I am writing to ______ ask for information about (your hotel).___ ask about (an alarm clock I left in your hotel).___ enquire about...___ make a reservation (for a double room...)___ complain about (the service I received...)___ apply for (the job you advertised in English Today).
13. Typical last sentences:
I would be grateful if you could send me further information (about...)Could you please send me an application form?I enclose (my CV / a colour photograph.)
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