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Writing Letters

Master letter writing for 11 Plus: set your purpose early, choose formal or informal tone, and lay out addresses, paragraphs, and sign-off clearly.

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Fascinating Fact:

State your purpose in the first paragraph: I am writing to complain about…, or I’m writing to thank you for….

In 11 Plus English, letter writing tests clear structure and audience awareness. Include the date and addresses, use a fitting greeting, state your purpose first, organise short paragraphs, and finish with a polite sign-off.

Key Terms

Salutation: The greeting at the start of a letter, for example Dear Sir/Madam or Dear Alex.
Inside address: The recipient’s address placed below the sender’s date in a formal letter.
Complimentary close: The polite ending before your name, such as Yours faithfully or Yours sincerely.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

How do I start a formal letter for an exam?

Put your address and the date, then the recipient’s address. Begin with Dear Sir/Madam if you don’t know the name, and state your purpose in the first paragraph.

What is the difference between formal and informal letters?

Formal letters use polite, standard English for official purposes. Informal letters use friendlier language and personal details when writing to someone you know.

Should I use Yours sincerely or Yours faithfully?

Use Yours sincerely when you know the person’s name (Dear Ms Patel). Use Yours faithfully when you do not (Dear Sir/Madam).

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .

What is the name given to the person to whom a letter is addressed?

The addresser

The recipient

The addressee

The addressor

Now you won't get embarrassed at the post office anymore

2 .

In letter writing, what is a 'salutation'?

The opening greeting

The closing greeting

An expression of complaint

An expression of gratitude

For example: Dear Mr. Smith,

3 .

In letter writing, what is a 'subscription'?

A membership fee

A request to subscribe to something

The closing greeting

An expression of ingratitude

For example: Yours sincerely, AND Yours faithfully,

4 .

What does the abbreviation 'ASAP' mean?

As soon as possible

As soon as promising

As soon as probable

As soon as paid

Learn this stuff asap!

5 .

What does the abbreviation 'RSVP' mean?

Please don't reply

Please reply

You may reply by free post

Please use the return envelope

RSVP stands for a French phrase, 'répondez, s'il vous plaît': which means 'please reply'. The person sending you the invitation requires you to tell them whether you wish to accept or decline the invitation to an event, e.g. a wedding. Etiquette demands that you reply!

6 .

What does the abbreviation 'PS' mean?

Post it safely

Postage stamp(s)

Post sack

Post script

When you've finished and signed your letter, you might have forgotten to say something: write PS under your signature and then write what you had forgotten to put in the main letter

7 .

What does the abbreviation 'enc.' mean?

Entertaining content

Encrypted letter

Encyclopedia

Enclosure

If you intend to include other papers with your letter, you can write 'enc.' followed by a list of the papers enclosed

8 .

What salutation would you use to greet Mrs. Mary Jones?

Dear Mary Jones,

Dear Madam Jones,

Dear Mrs. Jones,

Dear Mrs. Mary Jones,

If you know the person's surname, use it without the first name. If you didn't know the person's name you would write 'Dear Sir' or 'Dear Madam'

9 .

What subscription would you use to end your letter to Mrs. Mary Jones?

Yours Sincerely,

Yours sincerely,

Yours faithfully,

Yours Faithfully,

This would be followed directly underneath by your signature, and underneath that: your name enclosed in brackets. DON'T spell 'sincerely' wrongly! If you didn't know the person's name, you would write 'Yours faithfully'

10 .

What is a 'covering letter'?

A decorated design attached to the main letter to make it look more attractive

A letter that covers business matters

A paper cover that hides the contents of the main letter

An accompanying explanatory letter

It's a letter providing additional information that is sent with another document or item of post

Author: Frank Evans (Specialist 11 Plus Teacher and Tutor)