when formal situations demand one, we rely more on the electronic media – telephone and chatting. For academic purposes all letters fall under two broad classifications i.e. Formal Letters and Informal Letters. Formal Letters Types: Letter of inquiry Letter of placing order Letter of cancelling order Writing Complaint or reminder letter on delayed delivery Letter of complaint – product Letter of complaint – civic amenities Letter of request – some facility / public health department for some service Job Application Informal– personal letters, (to family members, friends, birthday greetings etc.) social letters (inviting, congratulating, letter of condolence etc.) When you realize that you are a part of the society in which you live, as a civic- conscious citizen, you have to look beyond these two classifications.
You may have to arouse the conscience of the people on certain issues which might affect the social, moral, political fabric of the society. Such letters can be classified as neutral letters. Example : Letters to the Editor. Useful Tips Before writing a letter: v Think before you write – consider the main purpose of the letter v Plan your letter – make a list of facts to be presented Writing the letter (for formal letters): v Make the first draft v Edit the draft v Finalize the draft The format of letters: v The heading consisting of the writer’s address and date 12th - - Two Gentlemen of Verona Page v The greeting or salutation (Dear ….., My dear ….., Sir, Madam) v The communication or content of the letter (to be in paragraphs – simple language to be used– legibility to be kept in mind) v The subscription must always agree in style: Yours faithfully, yours sincerely, yours obediently, yours truly ,etc… in formal letters and yours lovingly, yours affectionately, etc.
in personal letters. v The signature v The superscription on the envelope (Depending on whether it is formal or informal, apt salutation and subscription may be used.)