Formal letters

Broadly speaking, there are three scenarios in which you would have to write a formal letter:

* To apply for a job
* To complain about something
* To give your views on a particular topic

For the next few lessons, we are going to focus on the first of these. 

Below is an example of the kind of thing you need to be able to write:

Job application letter example

Professor Jane McGonagall,

7 McTavish Street,

Edinburgh,

ED1 1ED.

12th November, 1972

The Headmaster,

Hogwarts,

1 Hogwarts Street,

HO1 1HO

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to you to apply for the position of teacher at Hogwarts School, having seen the advertisement in the newspaper.

I feel I would be excellent for the position as I perform extremely well as part of a team, but can work independently to complete tasks. In addition to this, I am reliable, hard-working, and have good communication skills.

You will also see from my CV, which I have included with this letter, that I have five years’ experience of teaching and a university degree in spells. I have worked in both the state and private sector, and have a track record of achieving outstanding results. Furthermore, I have leadership experience, having been both a Head of Department and Head of Faculty in two of the schools I have worked in.

I am sure you will agree, therefore, that I am the ideal candidate for this position. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,

Jane MacGonagall