مدونة التربية و التعليم في الجزائر – دروس، فروض، نتائج امتحانات مدونة التربية والتعليم في الجزائر | تحضير الدروس، فروض واختبارات، نتائج البكالوريا وBEM، مسابقات التوظيف، والتوجيه المدرسي للطلاب وأولياء الأمور.
Writing: How to Write a Formal Letter
Writing a formal letter is an important skill for the Baccalauréat exam and for professional life. This lesson covers the structure, language, and style of formal letters.
Structure of a Formal Letter
- Your address: Top right corner (without your name).
- Date: Below your address.
- Recipient’s address: Left side, below the date.
- Subject line: A brief summary in bold or underlined.
- Salutation: Dear Sir/Madam, or Dear Mr. Smith,
- Body: Introduction, main points, conclusion.
- Closing: Yours faithfully (if Dear Sir/Madam) or Yours sincerely (if Dear Mr. Smith).
- Signature: Your full name.
Useful Phrases for Formal Letters
Opening: “I am writing to… apply for / complain about / enquire about / request…”
Body: “I would like to… / I am interested in… / I regret to inform you that…”
Closing: “I look forward to hearing from you. / Please do not hesitate to contact me.”
Example: Letter of Complaint
123 Main Street
Algiers, Algeria
24 July 2026
The Manager
Customer Service Department
ABC Electronics
Algiers
Subject: Complaint about a faulty laptop
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to complain about a laptop I purchased from your store on 10 July 2026. The laptop, model XYZ-2000, has several problems including a faulty keyboard and a battery that lasts only 30 minutes.
I would like to request a full refund or a replacement. I have attached a copy of the receipt.
I look forward to your prompt response.
Yours faithfully,
Ahmed Benali
Tips for a Good Formal Letter
- Use formal language (avoid contractions: write “do not” instead of “don’t”).
- Be polite and respectful at all times.
- Keep your letter clear and concise.
- Use paragraphs to organize your ideas.
- Proofread for spelling and grammar mistakes.
Exercises
- Write a formal letter applying for a summer job.
- Write a letter of complaint about a poor service you received.
- Correct the mistakes: “Dear Mr. John, I wanna apply for the job. The add was in the newspaper.”