This document provides instructions for writing a formal letter in 8 steps: 1) Include your address and date in the top right corner. 2) Write the recipient's name and address on the left. 3) Begin the letter with "Dear Sir/Madam" or "Dear [Name]" and state the purpose or subject of the letter. 4) Organize essential information in clear, logical paragraphs using connectors. 5) Express how you expect the recipient to respond if appropriate. 6) End the letter with "Yours sincerely" or "Yours faithfully". 7) Sign your name below the closing.

1. 1. Put your address in the top right-hand corner
with the date underneath.
2. Put the name and address of the person you
are writing to on the left.
3. Begin your letter in one of these ways:
 Dear Sir/ Madam  if you don’t know the person’s
name.
 Dear Mr. /Ms./ Mrs. García  if you know the
person’s name.

2. 4. In the first paragraph, you have to say why
you are writing. State clearly the subject or
context of your letter. You can use these
expressions:
 I am writing to complain about/ enquire about/ tell
you about/ ask you about/ suggest…
 I would like to request further information about…
 I would be most grateful if you could send me
details of…
 In response to your letter of [DATE], I am writing
to…

3. 5. Organise all essential information in a clear
and logical way in the main paragraphs of the
letter. You may need to add some ideas of your
own. You have to use connectors to link your
ideas such as:
 Firstly,…
 Secondly,…
 In addition,…
 Furthermore,…
 Lastly,…

4. 6. Say how you expect the other person to
respond to your letter if it is appropriate. Use
the expression: I look forward to hearing
from you soon.
7. Finish your letter in one of these ways:
 Yours sincerely  if you have started your letter
with the name of the person you are writing to.
 Yours faithfully  if you have started your letter
with Dear Sir/ Madam.

5. 8. Sign your letter and write your full
name under your signature.