Formal Letter Writing (GCSE Eduqas)

When writing to persuade or argue, you should acknowledge the point of view opposing your own. What is meant by this?

• You should mention the opposing point of view

• You should falsify the case for the opposing point of view

• You should strongly argue the case for the opposing point of view

• You should ignore any points of view with which you do not agree

Which of these would be a letter written to advise?

• A letter written to the headteacher to complain about extended school hours

• A letter to friend, who has asked for your best ideas and tips for exam revision

• A letter to a newspaper editor in response to an opinion piece published the previous day

• A letter to an exchange pupil, introducing yourself before the exchange

Which of these personal qualities will NOT improve a letter written to persuade?

• Being polite

• Being convincing

• Being arrogant

• Being interesting

What would you include at the top right-hand side of a formal letter?

• Your address

• The name of the recipient and 'Dear Sir / Madam'

• The date only

• The name and address of the recipient

Which structure would best suit a letter written to argue a point of view?

• Expected response to letter, criticism of opponents, bribe

• Personal introduction, statement of purpose, expected response to letter

• Two paragraphs on opposing argument, one paragraph on your argument, personal introduction

• Statement of purpose, three or four paragraphs arguing case, expected response

Which of these persuasive techniques can be used in a formal letter to build an argument?

• Appeal to authority

• Use of jargon

• A selective use of statistics

• All of the above

Because these will dictate a letter's tone and style, you will need to have a clear idea of...

• your address

• your audience and purpose

• the type of paper you have chosen

• the name of the recipient (the person to whom you are writing)

When should you end the letter with 'Yours faithfully,'?

• In a formal letter which begins with the name of the recipient

• In a formal letter which begins 'Dear Sir / Madam'

• In an informal letter

• You should never end a letter with 'Yours faithfully,'

You would NOT write a formal letter to which of the following people / organisations?

• Your local council, to complain of inadequate street lighting

• Your headteacher, to argue against a proposed change to the school timetable

• Your cousin, who is planning to visit you and has asked what you have planned for the visit

• The business or organisation which has offered you a work experience placement

What should the first paragraph in the body of a formal letter include?

• A rambling introduction of yourself

• A brief history of the topic

• Your purpose in writing

• A paragraph flattering the recipient of the letter