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Welcome to GattPrep, your Guide for Life and Learning
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Welcome to GattPrep, your Guide for Life and Learning
🟦 Introduction
Have you ever needed to write to a principal, an employer, a government office, or an organization? In such cases, you need a formal letter — a letter that follows a strict format, uses polite language, and sticks to the point.
WASSCE frequently tests your ability to:
Follow the correct format of formal letters
Use proper tone and vocabulary
Structure ideas clearly in paragraphs
Avoid slang, contractions, and informal expressions
This lesson will walk you through what a formal letter is, when to use it, how to format it, and how to write one effectively — from salutation to signature.
🟩 Key Concepts and Explanations
A formal letter is a written message used for official or professional communication. It follows a defined structure and is directed to a person or institution you’re not personally familiar with (e.g., principal, director, manager, government official).
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Sender’s Address | Top-right corner. No name, no abbreviation of street or town names. |
| Date | Just below the sender’s address. Format: 12th April, 2025 |
| Recipient’s Address | Left side, below the date |
| Salutation | Use “Dear Sir/Madam” if name is unknown; “Dear Mr./Mrs./Dr.” if known |
| Heading/Title (optional) | A short phrase summarizing the subject (e.g., Application for a Bursary) |
| Introduction | State who you are and your purpose for writing |
| Body (Main Content) | Develop your points in clear, logical paragraphs |
| Conclusion | Politely round off the letter with a request or final remark |
| Complimentary Close | Yours faithfully (if name unknown) / Yours sincerely (if name is known) |
| Signature & Name | Sign and write your full name clearly below |
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Use formal vocabulary (e.g., request, kindly) | Don’t use contractions (e.g., I’m, don’t) |
| Be clear, polite, and to the point | Don’t use slang or emoji |
| Use full sentences and paragraphs | Don’t write in bullet points |
| Use correct punctuation and grammar | Don’t leave out salutation or closing |
🟨 Practice Exercises
✏️ Exercise 1: Label the Parts
Below is an incomplete formal letter. Fill in the missing parts (e.g., sender’s address, salutation, etc.)
✏️ Exercise 2: Fix the Mistakes
Rewrite the sentences below in a formal style:
Hey there, I’m writing to let you know I wanna join the school’s debate team.
Gimme a chance, and I’ll totally rock it.
I’m super interested, and I think it’ll be cool to be part of the squad.
✏️ Exercise 3: Write It Yourself
Write a formal letter to the Minister of Health, complaining about the poor sanitation facilities in your area.
Use the correct format, tone, and structure. Your letter should be about 150–200 words.
✅ Answers and Explanations
Exercise 1:
Sender’s Address
Salutation (“Dear Sir/Madam”)
Closing (“Yours faithfully”)
Signature
Exercise 2:
I am writing to express my interest in joining the school’s debate team.
I would be grateful if I am considered for the opportunity.
I am genuinely interested and believe I can contribute meaningfully to the team.
Exercise 3: (Students’ individual answers will vary but should reflect correct format, tone, and structure.)
🔁 Recap
In this lesson, you learned:
What a formal letter is and when to use it
The correct format for a formal letter, from addresses to signature
Proper tone and word choice for official communication
Common mistakes to avoid when writing formal letters
How to practice using the format in real-life situations
🪞 Reflection Prompt
Think of a real-life situation where you might need to write a formal letter (e.g., applying for a scholarship, requesting a document, or complaining about a service).
Write the opening and closing paragraph for that letter, using the correct tone and structure.
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