The Layout of a formal letter
-never write your name at the top of a letter
-write your own address on the right-hand side and write the address and name or position of the person you are writing to below that on the left-hand side
-write the date in full underneath your own address

Style
-use Sir or Madam, or the person’s title + surname
-use the passive
-do not use contractions or abbreviations
-use single-word verbs, formal linking words and phrases
-use long sentences, impersonal style
-sign with your full name and print it afterwards

Beginnings and Endings
-you do not know the name of the person:
Dear Sir or Madam,
Yours faithfully,
Your name and surname
-you know the name of the person:
Dear Ms/Mr Marzec,
Yours sincerely
Your name and surname

Important phrases:
- I would be grateful if you could…
- I look forward to hearing from you
- I am writing to…
- I regret to inform you…
- You will be informed of…
- I enclose a cheque for…
- I would be happy to attend an interview
- at your convenience
- Further to my letter of September 8th …
- Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any further information
- Please give my regards to…

Example:
10. Park Road,
Birmingham,
B15 4BU

3rd June 2005

Mrs M. Maclenman,
12 StHelen’s Road,
Nairn N12 4E2

Dear Mrs Maclenman,
Your quest house was recommended to us by our English teacher, and I am writing to enquire whether you have any rooms available this July.
There are six of us in the group: five students and our teacher. We are planning a trip to Scotland this summer and would be interested in reserving two twin–bedded rooms for three nights, from July 17th to July 19th.
If you should have rooms available for those dates. I would be grateful if you could tell me the price of bed and breakfast per person and whether any of the rooms have en-suite bathrooms. I would also need to know whether a deposit is required in advance. I look forward to hearing from you,
Yours sincerely
Sandra Garcia