Basic Format of a Formal Letter

Although a formal letter has not appeared in the SPM exam paper between 2005 and 2009, it is still good to know the format of a formal letter and the differences between a formal and an informal letter.
Senders name Senders address

Kamarul Ariffin Mohd Nor

, ,
50490 Kuala Lumpur.

Name/position of recipient Recipients address

The Manager Arica Computer Shop

, ,
56110 Kuala Lumpur. 5 MAY 20 Date in letters block Dear Sir/Madam, Repairs to Arica Laptop ... ... ... 2. . ... ... 3. ... ... 4. ... ...

Salutation Title/Subjectmatter Paragraph 1 (state purpose of letter) Paragraph 2

Paragraph 3

Paragraph 4 (Closing paragraph)

Note of thanks Close Signature & Senders name Senders position (if writing as a representative of a school society etc.)

Thank you. Yours faithfully,

Kamarul Ariffin

(KAMARUL ARIFFIN MOHD NOR)

Points to note: Formal letters are generally used for the following purposes: Enquiries about a particular product/orders for a product Complaints Applications for a job, scholarship To give opinions or comments e.g. letters to the editor Formal letters are generally written to people you do not know personally The address and date should be written on the left The date should be on the right, on the same line as the last line of the address The date should be written in block letters The salutation generally is Dear Sir, Dear Sir/Madam, Dear Mr Wong, etc. The closing is generally Yours faithfully or Yours sincerely