Continuous Writing: Formal Letters – I

     A formal letter is otherwise called an official letter . It is the letter you write to someone who occupies an official position in connection with his office .

When you write to the principal or headmaster of a school, the editor of a newspaper, the commissioner for or minister of education, the secretary of a scholarship board, the chairman of your local government, or the politician representing your constituency in the house of assembly, you are writing a formal letter. Business letters are also formal letters. Thus, when you are writing to the general manager or managing director of a company, applying for a job, or placing an order for the supply of some materials, you are writing a formal letter.

Formal Features:

     The formal letter has the following features:

i. The Heading        
ii. The Inside Address           
iii. The Salutation
iv. The Title              
v. The Body     
vi. Complimentary Close
vii. Full