Professional Writing Skills: Formal Letters and Essays

Mastering Formal Letters and Academic Essays

Formal Letter Structure and Etiquette

Formal letters require specific conventions for addressing and closing:

• Salutation: Begin with Dear Sir/Madam (if the recipient's name is unknown) or Dear Mr./Ms. [Surname] (if the name is known).
• Closing:
  • Use Yours faithfully if you started with Dear Sir/Madam.
  • Use Yours sincerely if you started with Dear Mr./Ms. [Surname].
• Signature: Your name should follow your signature.
• Paragraphing: Use separate paragraphs to state your purpose, provide details, and conclude.
• Opening: Clearly state the reason for writing the letter immediately.

Formal Letter Examples: Job Applications

Use these phrases when applying for a position:

• "I was interested in the advertisement in [newspaper/website] on 19th May and I would like to apply for the job of..."
• "I am 21 years of age and I have a diploma in International Business."
• "My reason for applying for this job is that I am interested in tourism and I would like to be able to use my foreign languages."
• "I would be happy to attend an interview at any time which is convenient for you."

Formal Letter Examples: Apologies

When writing to apologize, use clear and sincere language:

• "I am writing to apologize for the things I said in the last meeting or for losing my temper."
• "I would like to say how sorry I am about the trouble I have caused."
• "The reason I missed the meeting was that my car broke down."
• "Please let me know how much it costs and I will gladly replace it."
• "I assure you that this will never happen again."

Formal Letter Examples: Complaints

When lodging a complaint, be firm and specific:

• "I am writing to complain about a holiday I booked with your company."
• "I am writing to say that I am not satisfied with the standard of service at your restaurant."
• "I must insist that you refund the cost of the bill."
• "I must ask you to [state required action]."

Structuring Academic and Opinion Essays

Standard Essay Organization

A typical four-paragraph essay structure:

1. Introduction: Introduce the current situation or topic context.
2. Body Paragraph 1 (Pros): Present points in favor and provide supporting reasons.
3. Body Paragraph 2 (Cons): Present counterpoints or arguments against, along with supporting reasons.
4. Conclusion: State your final opinion and provide concluding reasons.

Phrases for Expressing Opinions and Linking Ideas

Use these phrases to structure your arguments effectively:

• Expressing Opinion: In my opinion, I think, I feel, I believe.
• Summarizing/Concluding: To sum up.
• Introducing Reasons: "There are two good reasons for..."
• Introducing Counterarguments: "On the other hand, there are a number of reasons against..."
• Sequencing/Adding Points: Firstly, Secondly, Finally, Also, Furthermore, What is more.

Advanced Opinion Essay Techniques

Opinion essays often require strong introductory hooks and sophisticated linking:

• Introduction Hooks: "It is hard to open a newspaper nowadays without being faced with..."
• Adding Points: Moreover, Besides, In addition, Apart from that.
• Introducing New Aspects: "Another aspect to be taken into account is..."
• Contrasting: Nevertheless (meaning 'however').
• Emphasis/Final Point: Last but not least.
• Conclusion: "The conclusion to be drawn from this is that..."
• Call to Action/Unity: "We should all work elbow to elbow in this aspect."

High-Level Rhetorical Phrases

For persuasive and formal writing:

• "It is a well-attested fact that the overwhelming majority of people (the majority of people)..."
• "I am absolutely convinced that..."
• Sequencing Arguments: First and foremost, Secondly.
• Introducing Opposition: On the contrary.
• Final Statement: Last but still important, I will conclude by saying that.