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All 14 Flashcards — Formal letter
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Question
formal letter
Answer
a professional text to someone in a role you don't know personally — to request, complain, apply or suggest
Question
salutation / greeting
Answer
the opening line: 'Dear Mr Patel,' or 'Dear Sir or Madam,'
Question
opening line
Answer
the first sentence, stating why you are writing: 'I am writing to…'
Question
body
Answer
the middle paragraphs that develop your message, one idea each
Question
closing line
Answer
a polite sentence before signing off: 'I look forward to your reply.'
Question
sign-off / valediction
Answer
'Yours sincerely,' (named) or 'Yours faithfully,' (Dear Sir or Madam)
Question
regarding
Answer
about; concerning (a formal way to introduce a topic)
Question
I would be grateful if…
Answer
a polite, formal way to make a request
Question
I am writing to…
Answer
the standard formal opening that states your purpose
Question
I look forward to hearing from you.
Answer
a standard polite closing line before the sign-off
Question
When do you write 'Yours sincerely'?
Answer
When the greeting NAMES the person, e.g. 'Dear Mr Patel,'.
Question
When do you write 'Yours faithfully'?
Answer
When the greeting does NOT name the person, e.g. 'Dear Sir or Madam,'.
Question
Which register suits a formal letter?
Answer
Formal, polite and impersonal — no slang, no chatty exclamation marks.
Question
Name the three Paper 1 criteria.
Answer
A Language (12), B Message (12), C Conceptual understanding (6).
Read the notes
Full study notes for Formal letter
Topic 2.2 hub
Professional texts
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English B exam skills
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