The document provides guidelines for writing formal letters and avoiding informal language. It recommends: 1) Using full verb forms instead of contractions. 2) Avoiding abbreviations unless they are commonly accepted. 3) Using modifiers like "extremely" instead of informal terms like "really". 4) Choosing formal phrasing over idioms or informal set phrases. 5) Including all necessary words rather than omitting words through ellipsis.

1. Sample Format for Writing
a Letter

2. 1. Avoid contractions.
• All verb forms must be written in full.
• Inappropriate: This isn’t what we’d expect from a
professional service.
• Correct: This is not what we would expect from a
professional service.

3. 2. Do not use abbreviations.
• Abbreviations like BBC and RADAR are perfectly acceptable, but avoid
using informal abbreviations. For example, do not write info
for information; do not write ads for advertisement

4. 3. Avoid the use of informal degree
modifiers
• Degree modifiers such as really and so are informal in nature.
Avoid them. Instead, use extremely, highly, entirely etc.

5. 4. Avoid using set phrases and idioms.
• Inappropriate: I’m not losing any sleep over that.
• Appropriate: That doesn’t worry me at all.
• Inappropriate: He really gets on my nerves.
• Appropriate: He irritates me.

6. 5. Do not leave out words.
• In informal speech and writing, we sometimes leave out words. This
technique is called ellipsis. It is not considered appropriate in formal writing
and hence you have to avoid it.
• Inappropriate: Look forward to hearing from you.
• Appropriate: I look forward to hearing from you.

20. Letter #1
• Write a formal letter explaining why do you want to
be accepted in a very prestigious university.