Formal letter - SS1 English Lesson Note

A formal letter is an official letter written to someone in an official position to get something   done or achieve a particular result. Formal letters are letters directed to:

a. Authorities like ministries, corporations and government agencies;

b. Business houses/offices like companies; and

   c. Newspaper publishing houses

     Therefore, the categories of formal letters include:

a. letters of application and their replies,

b. official requests and their replies,

c. protest letters and their replies,

d. formal invitations,

e. letters of business transactions,

f. letters to newspapers and publishing houses e. g letter to the editor of a newspaper house,

g. Letters to the principals of schools.

Features of a formal letter

1. Writer’s address

2. Date

3. Receiver’s address

4. Salutation

5. Heading

6. Body

7. Conclusion

8. Complimentary close.