A typical letter consists of the following elements:
1. Sender's address: This is the address of the person sending the letter. It is usually placed at the top right-hand corner of the page.
2. Date: The date on which the letter is written is usually placed below the sender's address.
3. Recipient's address: This is the address of the person or organization to whom the letter is being sent. It is usually placed below the date on the left-hand side of the page.
4. Salutation: This is the greeting at the beginning of the letter. It is usually followed by a comma.
5. Body: This is the main content of the letter. It is where the sender conveys their message or purpose for writing the letter.
6. Closing: This is the part of the letter where the sender wraps up their message and may include a closing remark or expression of gratitude.
7. Signature: The sender's signature is usually placed below the closing, followed by their printed name.
8. Enclosures: If there are any additional documents or items included with the letter, they are listed at the bottom of the page.
- Introduction: Introduces the purpose of the letter. - Body paragraphs: Provides details and support for the main idea. - Conclusion: Summarizes the main points and concludes the letter.
Closing
- Complimentary close (e.g., Sincerely, Best regards) - Signature (handwritten or typed) - Typed name (optional)
Additional Elements
- Subject line: A brief summary of the letter's content. (Often used in business letters) - Enclosures: A note indicating any enclosed documents or materials. - Postscript: Additional information or a reminder after the body of the letter. (Typically introduced with "P.S.") - Proofread: Before mailing, carefully review the letter for any errors in spelling, grammar, or punctuation.
Letter Formats
- Block format: All lines begin at the left margin. - Indented format: The first line of each paragraph is indented. - Semi-block format: The date and closing lines are centered, while the rest of the letter is block format.
Font and Style
- Use a professional font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. - Font size should be between 12 and 14 points. - Use single spacing for the body of the letter.
Margins
- Use 1-inch margins on all sides.
Paper Quality
- Use high-quality paper that is at least 20-pound bond.