Writing a Formal Letter: Structure, Useful Expressions and BAC-Style Exercises — 2nd Year Secondary — English — Algerian Curriculum

Lesson: How to Write a Formal Letter — Structure, Useful Expressions and BAC Exercises

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the parts of a formal letter
• Use appropriate formal language and expressions
• Write a well-structured formal letter
• Apply formal letter writing in BAC exam contexts

1. The Structure of a Formal Letter

A formal letter has the following parts:

1. Sender’s address (top right corner)
2. Date (below the address)
3. Recipient’s address (left side, below date)
4. Subject line (Re: … / Object: …)
5. Salutation / Greeting: Dear Sir/Madam, / Dear Mr. Smith,
6. Body of the letter (3-4 paragraphs)
7. Closing / Signing off: Yours faithfully, / Yours sincerely,
8. Signature and full name

2. Useful Expressions

Opening phrases:

• I am writing to express my concern about…
• I am writing to apply for the position of…
• I am writing to complain about / inquire about…
• I would like to draw your attention to…

Body phrases:

• First of all, / To begin with, / Furthermore, / Moreover,
• In addition to this, / As a result, / Consequently,
• On the one hand… On the other hand…
• I strongly believe that… / It seems to me that…

Closing phrases:

• I look forward to hearing from you.
• I would appreciate your prompt response.
• Thank you for your time and consideration.

Signing off:

• Yours faithfully, (if you started with “Dear Sir/Madam”)
• Yours sincerely, (if you used a name: “Dear Mr. Jones”)

3. Sample Letter

Write a letter to the headmaster suggesting ways to improve the school library.

123 Ali Street
Algiers, Algeria
15 March 2026

The Headmaster
El Amal High School
Algiers

Subject: Suggestions for Improving the School Library

Dear Sir,

I am writing to share some suggestions that could help improve our school library and make it more beneficial for students.

First of all, I suggest that the library should be equipped with more computers and internet access so that students can do online research. Moreover, adding more recent books and reference materials would greatly help students in their studies.

In addition, the library could organise reading clubs and study groups to encourage students to use it more often. Extending the opening hours would also be helpful for students who stay after school for extracurricular activities.

I hope you will consider these suggestions. I look forward to your response.

Yours faithfully,
Ahmed Benali

4. BAC-Style Exercise

Exercise: Your school is organizing a campaign to raise awareness about environmental protection. Write a formal letter to the director of your school suggesting activities for the campaign (about 120 words).

Model Answer:

Dear Sir,

I am writing to propose some activities for the environmental awareness campaign that our school is organising next month.

First of all, we could organise a tree-planting day where students plant trees in the school garden and neighbourhood. This would help raise awareness about the importance of green spaces. Furthermore, we can arrange workshops on recycling and waste reduction, inviting environmental experts to speak to students.

In addition, a poster competition on environmental themes would encourage creativity while spreading important messages. I believe these activities will have a positive impact on both students and the community.

I hope you find these suggestions useful. I look forward to your reply.

Yours faithfully,
Samira K.

Similar Lessons:

• Linking Words for Coherence and Cohesion in Writing
• Conditional Sentences Type 2 and 3 (If Clauses)