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Essay Writing: Formal and Informal Letters

📝 English Language (SS) 📋 SS1 📅 Second Term ⏱ ~20 min 📝 5 quiz questions
📖 Content 📝 Quiz (5)

Types of Essays

The WAEC/NECO English paper tests several essay types. The most important are:

  • Formal letter
  • Informal/Friendly letter
  • Narrative essay
  • Argumentative/Discursive essay
  • Descriptive essay
  • Expository essay

Formal Letter

A formal letter is written to an official person or organisation on official matters.

Structure

Writer's address (top right)
Date (below address)
Recipient's name & address (left)
Salutation: Dear Sir/Madam (or name if known)
Subject heading (underlined)

Body paragraph 1 — Introduction
Body paragraph 2 — Main content
Body paragraph 3 — Conclusion

Complimentary close: Yours faithfully, (if "Dear Sir/Madam")
                     Yours sincerely, (if name is used)
Signature
Full name (printed)
💡 Use "Yours faithfully" when you do NOT know the name of the recipient. Use "Yours sincerely" when you DO know the name.

Informal Letter

Written to a friend, relative or familiar person.

Writer's address (top right)
Date

Dear [First name],

Body (conversational tone)

Your friend / With love,
[Your first name only]

📝 Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Answer all 5 questions, then click Submit to see your result.

Question 1 of 5
Which complimentary close is correct for a letter starting "Dear Sir"?
"Yours faithfully" is used when the salutation is "Dear Sir/Madam" (when you do not know the person's name).
Question 2 of 5
In a formal letter, the subject heading should be?
The subject heading in a formal letter is typically underlined to draw attention to the purpose of the letter.
Question 3 of 5
Which of these is NOT appropriate in an informal letter?
The full postal address of a company is part of a formal letter. Informal letters address a friend or relative, not a company.
Question 4 of 5
Where is the writer's address placed in a letter?
The writer's address is placed at the top right of the letter.
Question 5 of 5
An argumentative essay requires the writer to?
In an argumentative essay, the writer takes a position and supports it with reasons and evidence to persuade the reader.
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