Formal Letter
Basic Structure (Non-Negotiable)
- Subject Line (before first paragraph)
- Introduction Paragraph
- Body Paragraph 1 (One Side)
- Body Paragraph 2 (Other Side)
- Analysis Paragraph (Generalised Evaluation)
- Conclusion Paragraph
- Ending:
- Yours Obediently
- Name
- Signature
- Date
Addresses are not mandatory unless specifically required.
CORE RULE (VERY IMPORTANT)
Your Introduction and Conclusion MUST always be shaped according to:
- The given requirements in the question
- The type of writing (formal letter)
- The tone (formal, respectful, neutral)
1. SUBJECT LINE
- One clear line
- Straight to the point
Example:
Subject: Views Regarding Whether Zoos Should Be Banned
2. INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH (SHORT AND CONTROLLED)
Exactly three functions:
Sentence 1 → General Statement
- Broad and neutral
- No opinion
Sentence 2 → Transition
- Introduce the topic based on the task
Sentence 3 → Audience and Tone
- Formal connection to the reader
- Reflect purpose (discussion, request, suggestion, etc.)
Avoid:
- Opinion
- Argument
- Bias
3. BODY PARAGRAPH 1 — FIRST SIDE
- Choose one side (for or against)
- Summarise given points
- Add 1–2 of your own points at the end
Rule:
Do NOT mix the other side here.
4. BODY PARAGRAPH 2 — OTHER SIDE
- Present the opposite argument
- Same method:
- Summarise given points
- Add 1–2 original points
Rule:
Do NOT mix the first side here.
IMPORTANT BODY RULE
Each paragraph must contain ONLY ONE SIDE.
Mixing both sides in one paragraph reduces clarity and marks.
5. ANALYSIS PARAGRAPH (GENERALISED EVALUATION — HIGH MARKS)
This is where top answers stand out.
What you do here:
- Do NOT say “Text A says…” or “Writer B says…”
- Instead, generalise the type of people behind each viewpoint
Example approach:
- If one view reflects younger individuals →
“Individuals in younger age groups tend to be more driven by excitement and immediate experience…” - If another reflects experts/officials →
“Those with professional or long-term responsibility are more likely to prioritise safety and sustainability…”
Then:
- Compare these generalised groups
- Decide which perspective is more reliable or balanced
- Justify your preference logically
This shows maturity and evaluation.
6. CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH (VERY SHORT)
- 1–2 lines only
- Diplomatic tone
- No new ideas
- No summary
Must match:
- Task requirement
- Formal tone
- Purpose of writing
7. ENDING FORMAT
Yours Obediently,
[Your Name]
[Signature]
[Date]
EXAM STRATEGY
- Intro = neutral + task-based
- Body = clearly separated sides
- Add own points = higher marks
- Analysis = generalisation + judgment
- Conclusion = short + aligned
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
- Mixing both sides in one paragraph
- Writing “Text A says…” directly
- Not generalising viewpoints
- Giving opinion too early
- Weak or generic intro/conclusion
- Long or repetitive conclusion
FINAL UNDERSTANDING
Think like this:
- Introduction → Controlled entry
- Para 1 → One side only
- Para 2 → Other side only
- Para 3 → Generalised evaluation (this is your edge)
- Conclusion → Short, formal closure
