Introduction to Writing Letters and Open Letters

In your OCR AS Level English Language exam (Component 02, Section A), you aren’t just writing for the sake of it—you are writing for a real-world purpose. One of the most common forms you might be asked to use is the letter or the open letter.

Letters are powerful because they allow you to speak directly to an audience to persuade, inform, or challenge them. Whether you are writing to a Member of Parliament about Language and Power or to a newspaper editor about Language and Gender, mastering this form is key to showing off your AO5 (creative writing) and AO2 (understanding of language issues) skills.

What is the Difference?

While they share some DNA, a standard letter and an open letter have different goals:

1. The Standard Letter: This is usually a "private" communication between two parties. Even if it’s formal, the tone is direct. You are writing to one specific person to get a result.

2. The Open Letter: This is a letter written to a specific person (like a CEO or a Minister) but intended to be read by the public. It is often published in newspapers, magazines, or online. Because the whole world is watching, the language is often more rhetorical, persuasive, and performative.

Key Conventions: The "Look" of a Letter

To gain marks for discourse (the structure and shape of your writing), you need to include the standard features of the form. Don't worry if this seems a bit "old school"—it’s what the examiners are looking for!

Salutations (The Greeting)

How you start depends on who you are writing to:

Formal (Unknown recipient): "Dear Sir/Madam,"
Formal (Known recipient): "Dear Mr. Smith," or "Dear Ms. Jones,"
Informal: "Dear Alex," (Only use this if the prompt specifies a friend or close colleague!)

The Sign-off

This is a common place for students to lose easy marks. Remember this simple rule:
Yours faithfully: Use this if you started with "Dear Sir/Madam" (you don't know them).
Yours sincerely: Use this if you started with a name (e.g., "Dear Dr. Aris").
Best regards / Yours truly: These are often used in more modern or open letters.

Adapting to Your Audience and Purpose

In Section A, the prompt will give you a topical language issue. You must adapt your lexis (vocabulary) and grammar to match.

Lexis and Semantics (Word Choice)

If you are writing a formal letter about Language and Power, you might use high-register lexis (sophisticated words) to show your own authority.
Example: Instead of saying "The way bosses talk is mean," try "The assertive discourse used by management can create a restrictive environment for employees."

Grammar and Syntax (Sentence Structure)

Use your grammar to drive your point home:

Imperatives: "Consider the impact of gendered pronouns on young children." (Commands the reader's attention).
Rhetorical Questions: "Is it not time we reconsidered how 'power talk' excludes minority voices?" (Engages the reader).
Complex Sentences: Use these to explain complicated AO2 concepts, like how language reflects social hierarchies.

Writing the "Open Letter" for a Public Audience

If the task asks for an open letter, you are effectively "playing to the gallery." Your pragmatics (the implied meanings) should appeal to the wider public's emotions or logic.

Quick Tip: In an open letter, you can use "we" (collective pronouns) to make the public feel like they are on your side. Example: "We must all ask ourselves why 'man-made' is still our default term for human achievement."

How to Handle the "Topical Issue" (AO2)

You must show you understand the "big ideas" about language. For this syllabus, those ideas usually revolve around Gender or Power.

Topical Issue: Gender
You might write a letter about "Gender-Neutral Language." You could argue that changing our vocabulary (lexis) helps reduce stereotypes.
Topical Issue: Power
You might write about "Corporate Jargon." You could argue that "management speak" is used to maintain asymmetrical power relationships (where one person has more power than the other).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Forgetting the Form: Students often start a letter but then it turns into a standard essay. Keep the "Dear..." and the "Yours..." visible, and occasionally refer back to the reader (e.g., "As you are aware, Minister...").
2. Being Too Informal: Unless the prompt says you are writing to a sibling, keep your register professional. Avoid slang or "text-speak."
3. Ignoring the Audience: If you are writing to a Headteacher, your tone should be respectful but firm. If you are writing an open letter to a tabloid newspaper, your tone might be more emotive and provocative.

Step-by-Step Writing Guide

Step 1: Analyze the Prompt. Who am I? Who am I writing to? What is the issue? \( (\text{Form} + \text{Audience} + \text{Purpose}) \)
Step 2: Choose your Greeting. (e.g., "Dear Editor,")
Step 3: The "Hook." State clearly why you are writing. "I am writing to express my concern regarding..."
Step 4: Develop the Argument. Use two or three paragraphs to explore the language issue. Use AO2 concepts here!
Step 5: The Call to Action. Tell the reader what you want them to do or think.
Step 6: The Sign-off. Use the correct "Yours..." and sign your name.

Quick Review Box

Target: AS Level Component 02, Section A.
Key AOs: AO5 (Writing skills) and AO2 (Language issues).
Key Language Levels: Lexis (words), Grammar (sentences), Discourse (structure), and Pragmatics (context/intent).
Letter Rule: If you know the name, use Sincerely. If you don't, use Faithfully.
Open Letter Rule: Write to one person, but speak to everyone.

For more on writing for real-world audiences, see our notes on:
- Article for a newspaper or magazine
- Opinion or comment piece