How to Write a Letter for GCSE (Edexcel GCSE English Language)

The letter-writing task is the most common question given as one of the two writing tasks in Section B of Paper 2. If you are given a letter to write, the purpose will normally be to give your opinion or point of view about a topic.

The following guide to writing a letter in your Edexcel English Language GCSE exam includes:

• Conventions of a formal letter

• Structuring your letter

Conventions of a formal letter

A formal letter will usually be written to a figure of authority, such as a headteacher, a manager of a company or the editor of a newspaper. The purpose of your letter is normally to give your opinion or point of view, but it could also be to inform or advise. There are some typical conventions of a formal letter that you can use, but be careful not to spend too much time on irrelevant formatting details. Including a date, the correct salutation and sign-off are sufficient to demonstrate that you understand the correct form.

In order to access the full range of marks, you should aim to write 3–4 detailed, well developed main paragraphs, in addition to a brief introduction and conclusion. This means, when you plan your writing, ensure you have four separate points or arguments you can make. You can use the bullet points in the question to help you with this.

A formal letter layout should look something like this:

Structuring your letter

Once you are sure of the form you should write in, and you have considered your audience and the tone you wish to adopt, you should plan the content of your response. It is up to you whether you choose to argue for or against the statement, as long as you plan your argument, develop it thoroughly and sustain it throughout your response. 

To plan a range of points which will support your point of view, you can:

• Create a mind-map or write a brief list of points and techniques to use:

  • It can be helpful to number your ideas to structure your answer in a specific order

  • The examiner is not grading you on how much you know about the given topic, as it is impossible to predict what subject matter will be on the paper. You are marked on your ability to construct a convincing argument 

• Your letter should be structured into 3–4 detailed, well developed main paragraphs:

  • Remember, each paragraph does not have to be the same length

  • Better answers vary the lengths of their paragraphs for effect

  • Develop separate ideas or points in each paragraph 

  • Avoid repeating the same idea throughout your letter

For example:

To produce an effective response, you should aim to develop your points carefully in each paragraph, using language features and techniques to highlight ideas and emphasise your points.

So remember, the basic features of a letter that the examiner would expect to see are:

• Correct formatting:

  • The date

  • The correct salutation (greeting)

  • The correct sign-off

• A clear introduction:

  • This needs to be engaging and direct

  • It should introduce why you are writing, what you are writing about and what your opinion is

• A well structured argument:

  • Paragraphs begin with topic sentences and are effectively linked

  • Use a range of persuasive techniques to support your point of view

  • An objection to the argument is handled in a paragraph

• An emotive and memorable conclusion

  • Sum up your arguments and remind your audience why your argument is valid