Identify the purpose and characteristics of a formal letter and clearly distinguish it from informal correspondence (e.g., a letter to a friend).

Distinguish between formal and informal language at the level of vocabulary, grammar, and tone; select and apply the correct register for a given writing task.

Recognise and correctly apply the seven standard parts of a formal letter: sender's address, date, recipient's address, salutation, body, complimentary close, and signature.

Use the correct salutation / complimentary close pairs depending on whether the recipient is known (name given) or unknown (name not given): e.g., Dear Mr Smith / Yours sincerely vs. Dear Sir or Madam / Yours faithfully.

Organise the body of the letter into three clear paragraphs: an introduction (stating the purpose), a development (presenting details, reasons, or arguments), and a conclusion (requesting action or closing politely).

Use a range of fixed formal expressions appropriate to specific communicative functions: stating the purpose of writing, making a request, expressing a complaint, and closing the letter professionally.

Write all four types of formal letters required by the curriculum: a letter of application, a letter of complaint, a letter of inquiry, and a letter to the editor.

Review and improve your own written work using a self-correction checklist that covers grammar accuracy, vocabulary appropriateness, text coherence, and correct layout.

In the Regional Baccalaureate written examination, the writing task typically requires students to produce a formal letter of approximately 150–200 words. Examiners assess: correct layout, appropriate register, coherent paragraph structure, accurate grammar and vocabulary, and proper use of formal conventions. Every objective in this unit directly prepares you for this task.

Used to state facts or general truths. Example: I am a student at Ibn Battouta High School.

Used to describe experience or recent actions. Example: I have completed my first year of secondary school.

Used to refer to finished actions. Example: I attended the interview last week.

The verb must always agree with its subject in number and person. Example: She writes (not She write); They are (not They is).

Students must be able to distinguish between words with similar meanings and choose the most appropriate one for formal writing. The ability to avoid repetition by using synonyms is an important writing skill at this level.

ask → request | get → obtain | look into → investigate | want → wish / desire | find out → enquire

One independent clause. Example: I am writing to apply for the position.

Two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction. Example: I read your advertisement, and I would like to apply.

An independent clause with one or more subordinate clauses. Example: Although I am still a student, I have relevant experience in this field.

Marks the end of every statement. Never omit it at the end of a sentence.

Separates items in a list or clauses in a complex sentence. Example: I am hardworking, reliable, and motivated.

Used at the start of every sentence, for proper nouns (names, cities, countries), and for the pronoun I.

Used for contractions (e.g. I'm, don't) — however, note that contractions are generally avoided in formal letters. Apostrophes are also used for possession (e.g. the manager's decision).

Before writing any formal letter in an exam, always read the prompt twice: once to understand the general situation, and once to identify the specific details required (name, reason for writing, information requested). Missing a key detail in the prompt is one of the most common reasons students lose marks.

Hey! I wanna ask about the job you posted. I think I'd be great for it!

Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to enquire about the position advertised in your recent publication. I believe I possess the necessary qualifications for this role.

Notice the differences: no contractions, full sentences, polite tone, and formal vocabulary in the formal version. This awareness is the starting point for all formal letter writing.