FORMAL WRITING!- Can be used to apologise, seek permission or complain
- Structure / Format is important
- Use a firm but polite and positive tone
- Will be tested in End of Year Examination (To choose between two given choices)
- Write letter to suit the nature of your AUDIENCE
- Use only formal language, strictly NO SINGLISH!
[ Features of Formal Correspondence: ]Sender's Address
Date (DD Month YYYY)
Recipient's Name
Recipient's Designation
Recipient's Address
Salutation / Greeting (Dear Sir/Madam) ,
Title of the letter (Main topic)
Subject Introduction (Use this paragraph to briefly explain your purpose for writing, and answer these questions: "Who? What? When? Where? Why?" In a simple sentence.)
Body (Supporting details, comparison between both given choices and personal views on the various aspects)
Concluding statement (State your decision and a simple statement with your reason of choosing it)
Complimentary Close (Yours sincerely / faithfully)
Sender's Signature
Sender's Full Name
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Sample: (Credits to Mr Denis Chin!)28 Owen Road Your Address
Singapore 284081
25 April 2008 Date
Mr Lee Chee Boon Recipients’ Name
Head of Department of Pupil Welfare Recipients’ Designation
49 Yuan Ching Road Recipients’ Address
Singapore 491020
Dear Mr Lee,
Holiday Enrichment Programme
(What, Who, When, Where)
I would like to thank you for giving me a chance to express my opinion on the holiday enrichment programme.
The Plus One Student Centre’s program is cheaper than the 3G Youth Training School’s program. The whole package cost $150 less and it is like receiving a 50% discount off the price. Cost is an issue because some of the students may not be able to afford the more expensive program. By choosing the cheaper program, we can make the program more economically viable for all students.
The Plus One Student Centre program takes only 5 days as compared to 7 days for the 3G Youth Training School’s program. It is difficult to plan programs during the holidays because of all the camps taking place. If the program takes a longer time to implement, we may find it difficult to fit into certain dates during the holidays. Furthermore, parents will be worried if their children is away for a long time.
The Plus One Student Centre focuses on digital art and computer animation skills training. With fast advancement of technology, it is getting more and more important for students to equip themselves with IT skills. However, the 3G Youth Training School program also provides them with an opportunity to build their communication skills. The program should also be fun because the students can take part in drama classes. In addition, it is good to improve students’ communication skills so that the students will be able to do better public presentations.
Both programs offer interesting outdoor activities. The Plus One Student Centre’s program builds up the adventurous spirit in students through water survival skills and trekking in Pulau Ubin. However, the 3G Youth Training School’s program can develop the character of the students through community service at St Joesph Home for the Aged.
I think learning life skills are more relevant to students than study skills. Students are always stressed during exams. Students may not know how to manage conflicts with their friends. So it is good that the Plus One Student Centre offers talks to students on how to deal with that. For the other program on study skills, I feel we have done enough during our assembly program.
In conclusion, I hope that you will choose the Plus One Student Centre’s program because it is cheaper and offers a more interesting and relevant program to students.
Your Sincerely,
Yvonne Chua
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Do note that Formal letter writing will be tested tomorrow in the exam. :)
All the best, and goodluck! :)
If you have any queries, do email me at:
c.weishi-@hotmail.com{ Cd.weishi --
Labels: English