Introduction to Letter Writing

Welcome! In this chapter, we are exploring the Letter, one of the most common forms of communication you will encounter in Component 1, Section B. Whether you are writing to a friend, a newspaper editor, or a local councillor, a letter is all about reaching out to a specific person or group. In your exam, you will have \(45\) minutes to plan and write your response. Writing a letter is a fantastic opportunity to show the examiner that you can adapt your voice to suit different situations. It is worth \(45\) marks in total, so getting the "look" and the "feel" right is essential!

Understanding the Assessment Objectives

To do well in this section, you need to focus on two main areas:

AO4 (27 marks): This is about how well you communicate. Can you choose the right tone and register for your audience? Does your writing look like a letter?

AO5 (18 marks): This is about your "writing tools." Are your spelling, punctuation, and grammar (SPAG) accurate? Are you using a variety of sentence lengths and interesting vocabulary?

Quick Tip: Because spelling and grammar are worth a significant portion of the marks, always leave a few minutes at the end to proofread your work.

The "Look" of a Letter: Structure and Layout

Even before an examiner reads your first sentence, they will look at the shape of your writing on the page. To get those "Form" marks, your letter should include:

1. Addresses and Date

In a formal letter, it is standard practice to include:

  • Your address: Usually placed in the top right-hand corner.
  • The recipient's address: Placed on the left-hand side, slightly below your address.
  • The date: Placed below your address on the right.

Note: In an exam, you don't need to use your real address. You can make one up, like "123 Exam Lane."

2. The Salutation (The Greeting)

How you say "hello" depends on who you are writing to:

  • Formal (Name unknown): Use "Dear Sir/Madam,"
  • Formal (Name known): Use "Dear Mr. Smith," or "Dear Ms. Jones,"
  • Informal: Use "Dear Sam," or "Hi Alex,"

3. The Sign-off (The Goodbye)

This must match your greeting:

  • If you started with Dear Sir/Madam, end with "Yours faithfully,"
  • If you started with a name (e.g., Dear Mr. Smith), end with "Yours sincerely,"
  • If it is a casual letter to a friend, you can use "Best wishes," or "See you soon,"

Key Takeaway: Matching "Dear Sir/Madam" with "Yours faithfully" is a simple way to show the examiner you know the official rules of formal writing!

Adapting Your Tone and Register

The "tone" is the "vibe" or "mood" of your writing. The exam prompt will tell you who your Audience is and what your Purpose is.

Formal Letters

You might be asked to write to a headteacher, a politician, or a business owner.
Purpose: To complain, to persuade, or to apply for something.
Language: Use Standard English. Avoid slang or contractions (use "do not" instead of "don't"). Use complex sentences to show sophistication.

Informal Letters

You might be asked to write to a friend or a younger relative.
Purpose: To advise, to share news, or to encourage.
Language: You can be more conversational. You might use exclamation marks for excitement and ask direct questions to the reader (e.g., "Can you believe it?").

Organising Your Ideas (The "Body" of the Letter)

Don't worry if you aren't sure what to write about—the exam prompt usually gives you bullet points to help you. A good letter should follow a clear path:
  1. The Introduction: State clearly why you are writing. "I am writing to you today regarding the proposed changes to our local park..."
  2. The Development: Use paragraphs to explore different points. Use the bullet points from the exam question as a guide.
  3. The Conclusion: Summarize your main point and state what you want to happen next. "I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this matter."

Memory Aid: Think of the P.A.L. system for every paragraph:
P - Point: What is this paragraph about?
A - Amplify: Add details or evidence.
L - Link: Connect it back to why you are writing the letter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Forgetting Paragraphs: A giant wall of text is hard to read and will lose marks for structure. Use a new paragraph for every new idea.
  • Mixing Tones: Don't start a formal letter to a Member of Parliament and then use slang like "it was cool" halfway through. Stay consistent!
  • Ignoring the Prompt: Ensure you address every bullet point provided in the question. They are there to help you get more marks.

Quick Review: Letter Writing Essentials

Structure: Addresses, Date, Salutation, Body Paragraphs, Sign-off.
AO4 focus: Match your tone to your audience (Formal vs. Informal).
AO5 focus: Check your SPAG and use a variety of "fancy" vocabulary.
Timing: Spend about \(5-10\) minutes planning and \(35\) minutes writing and proofreading.

For more information on general writing techniques, see the chapter on "Audience, purpose and form: planning and proofreading".