Professional Courses
Industry-relevant training in Business, Technology, and Design to help professionals and graduates upskill for real-world careers.
Categories
Interactive Games
Fun, engaging games to boost memory, math fluency, typing speed, and English skillsβperfect for learners of all ages.
Typing
Memory
Math
English Adventures
Knowledge
Enroll to start learning
Youβve not yet enrolled in this course. Please enroll for free to listen to audio lessons, classroom podcasts and take mock test.
Interactive Audio Lesson
Listen to a student-teacher conversation explaining the topic in a relatable way.
Understanding Application Letters
Unlock Audio Lesson
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Lesson
Today, class, we will discuss application letters. Can anyone tell me what an application letter is?
Isn't it a letter we write when we want to apply for something, like a job or school?
Exactly right! An application letter is a formal letter used to apply for something. It's essential to clearly state what you're applying for and why. Remember the acronym A.P.P.L.Y: Application Purpose, Precise Language, Layout, and Your signature.
What kind of details should we include in it?
Good question! You should include your qualifications or reason for applying. It's important to keep the tone respectful and polite. Let's do a quick exercise: what would you include in a letter applying for a scholarship?
I would write about my achievements and why I need the scholarship.
Correct! Highlighting your achievements supports your request. Remember, itβs crucial to be concise and focused, summarizing your qualifications effectively.
Crafting Complaint Letters
Unlock Audio Lesson
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Lesson
Next, let's talk about complaint letters. Does anyone know when we would use one?
When we are unhappy with a product or service?
Thatβs correct! A complaint letter helps you communicate dissatisfaction effectively. Use the format C.L.A.R.E: Clearly express the issue, List supporting details, Ask for a resolution, Remain polite, and End with your contact information.
Is it important to be polite even if weβre frustrated?
Absolutely! Staying polite increases the likelihood of receiving a favorable response. Can someone give me an example of a complaint?
I once had an issue with a laptop that broke down after a month.
Perfect! In your letter, you would briefly describe the issue and state what resolution you are seeking, such as a replacement or repair.
Writing Letters to the Editor
Unlock Audio Lesson
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Lesson
Let's now focus on letters to the editor. Who can tell me what their purpose is?
They are used to express opinions on articles or issues?
Exactly! These letters allow individuals to voice their views on current events or local issues. Remember the keyword O.N.E: Opinion, Necessity, and Express clearly.
What should we focus on while writing such a letter?
You need to be concise and focus on one main point. Letβs role-play: write a letter to the editor addressing a recent event in your town.
I'll mention the potholes in our street and how it affects safety.
Great job! Make sure to support your point with some facts if you can.
Introduction & Overview
Read a summary of the section's main ideas. Choose from Basic, Medium, or Detailed.
Quick Overview
Standard
Formal letters serve specific official purposes and require a structured format. This section elaborates on types of formal lettersβincluding application letters, complaint letters, and letters to the editorβwhile highlighting the appropriate tone and language to use for each type.
Detailed
Types of Formal Letters and their Purpose
In today's written communication, formal letters play a crucial role. This section outlines various types of formal letters and discusses their specific purposes.
Types of Formal Letters:
- Application Letter:
- Purpose: This letter is used to apply for something such as a job, admission, or leave. It should clearly state what is being applied for and the rationale behind it.
- Complaint Letter:
- Purpose: This type of letter is written to express dissatisfaction with a service or product. Key elements include a polite tone and a clear description of the problem along with the desired resolution.
- Letter to the Editor:
- Purpose: Usually written to express opinions or highlight local issues in a newspaper. These letters should be concise, focusing on one main argument or point of view.
Key Differences Between Formal and Informal Letters:
- Recipient: Formal letters are directed to officials or organizations, while informal letters are for friends and family.
- Purpose: The purpose of a formal letter is to convey official communication, whereas informal letters are used for personal communication.
- Tone and Language: Formal letters use titled and precise language, maintaining respect and politeness, whereas informal letters adopt a conversational tone.
Understanding the different types and their purposes is essential for effective formal communication.
Audio Book
Dive deep into the subject with an immersive audiobook experience.
Application Letter
Unlock Audio Book
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book
To apply for something (e.g., leave, admission to a club). Clearly state what you are applying for and why.
Detailed Explanation
An application letter is a formal request to some authority. When writing one, it's crucial to be clear and direct about what you're applying for, whether it's leave from school or admission to a specific organization. The letter should outline the reason for your application succinctly, providing any necessary context or justification that supports your request.
Examples & Analogies
Think of an application letter like asking a trusted adult for permission to do something special, like going to a friend's birthday party. You would explain why the party is important to you, how you plan to get there, and reassure them that you'll be safe. Similarly, in your letter, you should communicate why you need the leave and what you plan to do.
Complaint Letter
Unlock Audio Book
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book
To express dissatisfaction or report an issue. Clearly state the problem, relevant details, and what resolution you seek. Maintain a polite but firm tone.
Detailed Explanation
A complaint letter is written to address an issue that you feel requires attention, such as a defective product or unsatisfactory service. In the letter, you should clearly describe the problem by stating what happened and including any relevant information (like purchase details), as well as specifying what you want the outcome to be. While it's important to convey dissatisfaction, the tone should remain respectful and professional.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine you bought a toy and it broke within a day. You would want to tell the store manager what happened, explaining that you trusted their product. In your letter, you should also say you would like a replacement or a refund, just like you would in a conversation.
Letter to the Editor
Unlock Audio Book
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book
To express an opinion or draw attention to an issue in a newspaper. Be concise and focus on one main point.
Detailed Explanation
Writing a letter to the editor is a way to voice your opinions on issues that matter to you, often regarding social, political, or community topics. These letters should be short and direct, focusing on one issue clearly, backing up your opinion with reasoning or facts. The goal is to engage in public discourse and encourage other readers to think critically about the same subject.
Examples & Analogies
Think of it like having a conversation with a group of friends about a new policy at school that you disagree with. You would want to focus on why you think it's a bad idea and provide a solid explanation, which is similar to how you would structure your letter to persuade others.
Key Differences Between Informal and Formal Letters
Unlock Audio Book
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book
Feature Informal Letter Formal Letter
Recipient Friends, family, close ones Officials, businesses, strangers
Purpose Personal communication Official, business, formal query
Tone Casual, friendly, personal Formal, polite, objective
Language Conversational, contractions Precise, no contractions/slang
Subject Line No Yes
Addressing First name Title, full name, or Sir/Madam
Closing Loving, Best wishes Faithfully, Sincerely
Detailed Explanation
Understanding the differences between informal and formal letters is crucial for effective communication. Informal letters use a friendly tone and casual language, suitable for personal communication. In contrast, formal letters require a respectful tone, precise language, and follow specific conventions, like including a subject line. Being aware of these differences ensures that your communication is appropriate for the audience.
Examples & Analogies
Consider the difference in talking to a friend versus a teacher. With a friend, you might say 'Hey!' and use casual language, while with a teacher, you'd greet them properly and use polite language. Letters work the same wayβaddressing the recipient appropriately sets the tone for the message.
Definitions & Key Concepts
Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.
Key Concepts
-
Application Letter: A letter to apply for something, such as a job or admission.
-
Complaint Letter: A letter expressing dissatisfaction with a product or service.
-
Letter to the Editor: A letter expressing an opinion or highlighting issues in a publication.
-
Tone: The emotional quality of the writing, important in formal communication.
Examples & Real-Life Applications
See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.
Examples
-
An application letter to a university highlighting academic achievements and reasons for applying.
-
A complaint letter requesting a refund for a defective electronic item.
-
A letter to the editor addressing the importance of local recycling initiatives.
Memory Aids
Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.
π΅ Rhymes Time
-
When you apply, donβt be shy, state your skills, let them fly.
π Fascinating Stories
-
Imagine writing a letter to your favorite magazine about a story that changed your view. It teaches you to express opinions respectfully.
π§ Other Memory Gems
-
Remember C.L.A.R.E for a complaint letter: Clearly express, List details, Ask for resolution, Remain polite, End with contact.
π― Super Acronyms
Use A.P.P.L.Y for an application
- Application Purpose
- Precise Language
- Layout
- Your signature.
Flash Cards
Review key concepts with flashcards.
Glossary of Terms
Review the Definitions for terms.
-
Term: Application Letter
Definition:
A formal letter used to apply for a job, admission, or other opportunities.
-
Term: Complaint Letter
Definition:
A formal letter that expresses dissatisfaction regarding a product or service.
-
Term: Letter to the Editor
Definition:
A formal letter written to express opinions or highlight issues in a newspaper.
-
Term: Recipient
Definition:
The person or organization to whom a letter is addressed.
-
Term: Tone
Definition:
The attitude or emotional quality of the writing, which can be formal, informal, friendly, or polite.