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FORMAL AND INFORMAL LETTERS A good letter should consist of: a) an appropriate greeting (Dear Sir/Madam, Dear Kathy, Dear Mr Brown) b) an introduction clearly stating the reason you are writing c) a main body in which the subject is developed. Begin a new paragraph for each main point d) a final paragraph in which you sum up the topic or express your wish for something to be done e) an appropriate ending (Yours/Best wishes, + first name, Yours sincerely, Yours faithfully, + full name). Style in Letters The characteristic of formal style in letters are: - The greeting (Dear Mrs Lee, Dear Sir,) - Frequent use of the passive - Formal language ( complex sentences, non-colloquial English) - No abbreviated forms - The ending (Yours sincerely,/Yours faithfully) The characteristic of informal style in letters are: - The greeting (Dear Alex, Dear Dad) - Informal language and style (idioms, colloquial English) - Abbreviated forms, pronouns omitted - The ending (Yours/Love/Best wishes/Regards,Anthony) REMEMBER!!! - Informal (friendly) letter have only one address (yours) whereas formal Letters have two (yours and the recipient's) - Friendly letters begin with Dear + first name and end with Love/Yours/Best wishes + first name - Formal letters begin with: a) Dear Sir/Madam and end with Yours faithfully + full name b) Dear Mr/Mrs + surname and end with Yours sincerely + full name - Semi-formal letters can begin with Dear Mr/Mrs + surname and end Best wishes/Yours + first name/full name
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