The question of how to write a letter in English is faced by schoolchildren, students, and adults (for example, employees of various companies). First of all, you should understand what types of letters exist. Distinguish between personal and business letters. Despite the fact that personal letters in English also have a special structure, letters of business content are of the greatest interest (and complexity).
Business writing in English is a special genre of written text that has a rigid structure and requires the use of specific lexical means - words and phrases. In addition, the texts of business letters differ from ordinary ones even grammatically. It should be borne in mind that the letters are structurally and lexically dependent on whether the American or British version is used, so the answer to the question of how to write the letter in English may also depend on the country of origin of the recipient of your letter.
In terms of structure, all business letters are similar: in the upper right corner is the address of the sender and the date, below (on the left) above the body of the letter is the address of the recipient and an appeal to him. As a rule, business letters use appeals such as Dear Sir / Madam, Dear Mr / Mrs Smith , in some cases impersonal address is used - To whom it may concern . The appeal is followed by the body of the letter, after the final part of the letter - the final phrase and signature of the sender, for example, Yours faithfully / Yours sincerely / Truly yours and the name and surname of the sender.
General are recommendations on vocabulary and grammar:
- avoid abbreviated forms such as isn't, don't ;
- use formal connectives and introductory words, for example, Therefore, However, First of all ;
- Do not use colloquial vocabulary;
- give preference to formal vocabulary;
- choose grammatical forms inherent to the formal style, for example, a passive voice This problem is being discussed instead of active We are currently discussing this problem .
How to write a letter in English depends on the type of letter. The most common types of business letters: a cover letter about a job, a letter of complaint, a letter of request, and a letter of motivation.
The cover letter traditionally consists of 4 paragraphs. In the first, you report on what reason you are writing and how you learned about the vacancy. In the second - briefly state information about relevant experience and qualifications. The third paragraph contains your thoughts on why you are an ideal candidate for this place, and in the final part you inform about your readiness to provide additional data and pass an interview.
A complaint letter usually also consists of 4 parts. In the first you tell me why you are writing, the second paragraph contains information about the problem and the measures you have taken. The third paragraph explains what inconveniences and difficulties the current situation entailed. And finally, the last part should tell you what actions you expect from the defendant.
A motivation letter is a type of official letter that is very relevant for students and applicants for foreign grants. Young people planning to study at foreign universities need to know how to write a letter in English, and in particular to be able to write a motivation letter representing their academic data, skills and abilities, interests, plans for the future. As a rule, a university or college sets forth its requirements for the content and execution of a motivation letter, and it is necessary to strictly follow them.
The introductory part of the letter is intended to interest the recipient of the letter as a writer. In the main part, it is necessary to provide succinctly, but exhaustively, information about your education, knowledge and achievements. In addition, you should talk about your skills and abilities, as well as describe your strengths and personal qualities. After familiarizing yourself with this part of the letter, the recipient should have a clear idea of why you have chosen a particular specialty and why this institution is the best option for you. In the final part, you can describe your professional plans and career expectations. It will not be superfluous to mention once again exactly how studying at this university will contribute to the realization of your professional dream, as well as what you can offer the university in academic terms.
Since documents are usually sent by mail, and acquaintance with the applicant takes place in absentia, a cover or motivation letter in English must be well-composed, contain all the necessary information and present the candidate in a favorable light.