TRANSACTIONAL LETTER

When you are asked to write a transactional letter you may get some writing
input (advertisements, other letters, notes, invitations, etc.) and / or visual
prompts (maps, drawings, etc.). When you write a transactional letter you
should include all the relevant factual information given, using your own
words. You should also make sure that each paragraph deals with only one
topic.

REFERENCE GUIDE TO WRITING LETTERS

Plan your letter well. You need some time to do this. The more you practice,
the less time you'll need! Make sure your letter is well structured and organized.

Don't write the addressess unless you are required to do so.

It is very important to use the correct forms of salutation, and signature

endings should always be appropriate.

The opening paragraph of a letter should state the purpose of the letter.

The middle paragraph(s) should explain the details, beginning a new
paragraph for each main point. The closing paragraph should state the course
of action needed or repeat the purpose of the letter. Always use the appropriate
phraseology for opening and closing.

Be clear about the point being made in each paragraph; topic sentences are very
important.

Register is another important thing in letter writing; always bear in

mind who you are talking to and how this should affect the ‘tone’ of your letter.
Remember to use the appropriate vocabulary for both formal and informal
letters.

Another very important point is the use of linking words and phrases. This
doesn't mean that should use linking words without knowing what you're
saying!

The style of the letter varies depending on who it is addressed to. For instance,
a letter to someone you do not know requires a formal style, a letter to someone
you know but are not intimate with requires a semi-formal style, whereas a
letter to a friend requires an informal style.
Formal style
The greeting (Dear Sir/Madam, Dear Mr / Ms Lee,)
Frequent use of passive
Formal Language (complex sentences, non colloquial English)
No contracted forms (e.g. it's), nor clippings (e.g. info, ad), nor inappropriate
abbreviations (e.g. CU, asap)
The ending (Yours sincerely, Yours faithfully)

Semi-formal style
Formal greetings (Dear Mr/Ms + surname,)
Informal  endings (Best wishes, / Yours, + first name / full name)
Respectful tone, in any case
Pronouns should not be omitted and idioms should be carefully used.

Informal style
The greeting (Dear Alexa, Dear dad,)
Informal language and style (idioms, colloquial English)
Abbreviated forms, pronouns omitted
The ending (Yours / Love / Best Wishes / Regards / Cleo)

WRITE A 120-180 WORD TRANSACTIONAL LETTER ON THE

FOLLOWING

INFORMAL

1)You recently stayed with an English penfriend and his or her family. Write a
letter thanking them for their hospitality.

FORMAL

2) You had a very bad meal at a restaurant recently.  Write a letter about the
food and the service.

Example
Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing about the advertising for your school I have seen recently. Some of
my friends and I are interested in spending a holiday in your school.

Could you please tell me how far is Cotsford from your school? I addition to
that we would like to know which is the nearest airport and is there a transfer
available.

We like to come for two weeks in August. It this possible and if so when could
we start?

We like to know how much it costs and what is included? To be more specific,
we like to know if all the afternoon activities are included. What's more is the
equipment provided?

Finally we like to know how we could pay?

I'm looking forward to your reply.

Yours faithfully.