Writing for a Purpose and Writing a Formal Letter | 1st Year Bac Lesson

Before you write anything, ask yourself: why am I writing this, and who will read it? Your purpose could be to inform, to request something, to complain, or to persuade. Your purpose changes your tone and your word choice — a message to a friend and a letter to an organization are never written the same way.

A formal letter is written to someone you don’t know personally — an organization, an official, or an institution. It uses polite, professional language, full sentences, and no contractions or casual expressions.

1. Greeting — “Dear Sir/Madam,” or “Dear Mr./Ms. [Name],”
2. Opening line — state your purpose clearly
3. Main body — explain your reason with details
4. Closing request — say what you would like to happen
5. Formal closing — “Yours faithfully,” or “Yours sincerely,”

Use “Dear Sir/Madam,” if you don’t know the person’s name. Use “Dear Mr./Ms. [Name],” if you do.

“I am writing to raise awareness about child labor in our region.”
“I am writing to request information about your organization’s work.”

“Many children in this area are forced to work instead of attending school. This clearly violates their basic right to education.”

“I would be grateful if you could look into this matter.”
“I look forward to your response.”

If you started with “Dear Sir/Madam,” end with “Yours faithfully,”
If you started with a name, end with “Yours sincerely,”

Never use contractions or casual language in a formal letter.

❌ “I’m writing because I’m worried about…”
✅ “I am writing because I am concerned about…”