There are various kinds of letter: letters of complaint/ letters 
  asking for/ giving information/ letter of application/ letters of 
  invitation etc...
  A good letter should consists of:
  • An appropriate greeting (Dear Peter,/ Dear Mr Ford,/ Dear 
   Sir/Madam,);
  • An introduction clearly stating the reason you are writing;
  • A main body in which the subject is developed. Begin a new 
   paragraph for each main point;
  • A final pragraph in which you sum up the topic or express your 
   wish for something to be done; and 
  • An appropriate ending (Yours/ Best wishes, + first name, Yours 
   sincerely,/ Yours faithfully, + last name).
             Style in letters
    The characteristics of formal style in letters are:
    • the greeting ( Dear Mrs Lee, Dear Sir,)
    • frequent use of the passive ( I am writing with 
    respect to a position that was advertised ...)
    • formal language ( complex senteces, non- coloquial 
    English), i.e I look forward to your reply.
    • no abbreviated forms
    • the ending ( Yours sincerely, / Yours faithfully, Jessica 
    Ford)
   The characteristics of informal style in letters are:
   • the greeting ( Dear Alex, Dear Dad,)
   • Informal language and style( idioms, colloquial English), 
   i.e It was a pice of cake to find your apartament building.
   • Abbreviated forms, i.e I’m really glad.../ pronouns 
   omitted , i.e Hope to see you soon!
   • the ending ( Yours/Love/ Best wishes/ Regards, Anthony)
                               Formal X Informal 
                         FORMAL                                                   INFORMAL 
         I felt obliged to write to inform you...                  I just had to write and tell you...
         Please accept my sincere apologies for                    I’m sorry for not writing 
         not writing...
         Suitable opportunity...                                   Chance ...
         I have become familiar with...                            I am getting to know...
         Improving considerably...                                 Getting much better...
         I hope to return home...                                  I hope to come home...
         I look foward to hearing from you                         Please write back soon 
         soon.
         Yours sincerely,                                          Love,
   Cambridge First – writing task 2