اللغة الإنجليزية — Writing: How to Write a Formal Letter — 2 ثانوي — شعبة آداب — بكالوريا — المنهاج الجزائري

Writing: How to Write a Formal Letter

Formal letters are written for official purposes such as job applications, complaints, requests, or business correspondence. Knowing how to write them correctly is an important skill.

1. Structure of a Formal Letter

1- Your address: Top right corner.
2- Date: Below your address.
3- Recipient’s address: Left side, below the date.
4- Salutation: Dear Sir/Madam, or Dear Mr/Ms [Name],
5- Subject line: A brief statement of the letter’s purpose.
6- Body: Introduction (reason for writing), main content (details), conclusion (action requested).
7- Closing: Yours faithfully (if Sir/Madam) or Yours sincerely (if named).
8- Signature: Your full name.

2. Useful Phrases

Opening: I am writing to inquire about… / I am writing to apply for… / I am writing to complain about…
Requesting: I would be grateful if… / Could you please… / I would like to request…
Complaining: I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with… / I regret to inform you that…
Closing: I look forward to hearing from you. / Thank you for your time and consideration. / Please do not hesitate to contact me.

3. Model Letter

Your Name
123 Main Street
Algiers, Algeria
15 June 2024
The Manager
ABC Company
Algiers
Dear Sir/Madam,
Subject: Application for the Post of Secretary
I am writing to apply for the position of Secretary advertised in El Khabar newspaper on 10 June 2024. I have a BA in English and three years of experience in administrative work. I am hardworking, organized, and fluent in Arabic, French, and English. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my application with you at your convenience. I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]

Exercises

1- Write a formal letter applying for a summer job.
2- Write a letter of complaint about a faulty product you bought.
3- Identify the parts of the formal letter in the model above.
4- Rewrite an informal email as a formal letter.

For more writing lessons, see Descriptive Paragraph Writing and Writing an Email.