Letter writing

A letter is a written message from the only party to another containing information. In other word, A letter is a written, type, or a printed communication sent in an envelope by post and messengers. There are two types of letters are:

1. Informal letters
2. Formal letters

Informal letters

An informal letter, also referred to as a friendly letter, is a personal letter written to friend or relatives. The classic informal letters has five parts as follows:

Address Block

Address block includes yourreturn address and the date of writing the letter.

Opening Salutation

This is opening greeting; typically "Dear Ramesh", "my dear uncle".

Body Block

This is the actual content of the letter. Usually, it contents three paragraph: introduction, main part and conclusion (final paragraph).

Closing Salutation

This is where you say goodbye. Typically closing salutations for informal letters include such phrases as: "Yours truly,", "Your friend,", "Take care,", etc.

Signature Block

Since it is an informal letter to someone who knows you reasonably well, just sign your first name.

Formal letters

A formal letter is a professional way of communicating. It is a respectful letter.

Rules for writing a formal letter

Addresses:

Your address

The written address should be written in the top right corner of the letter.

The address of a person you are writing a letter

The inside address should be written just below of your address.

Date:

Different people put the date on different sides of the page. You can write date on the right or the left on the line after the address you are writing to.

Salutation or greeting:

Dear sir or madam

If you do not know the name of the person you are writing to, use this. It is always advisable to try to find out a name.

Dear Mr/Mrs .......

If you know the name use title (Mr, Mrs, Miss, etc.) and the surname only.

Content of a Formal letter:

First paragraph

The first paragraph should be short and state the purpose of the letter- to make an enquiry, complain, request, etc.

Paragraphs

The middle of the letter should contain the relevant information behind writing of the letter.

Last paragraph

The last paragraph of a formal letter should state what action you expect the recipient to take to refund, send you information, etc.

Ending a letter

Yours faithfully

If you don't know the name of the person, end the letter this way.

Yours sincerely

If you know the name of the person, end the letter this way.

Your signature

Sign your name at the last of the letter.