GCSEEnglish LanguageWJEC EduqasPaper 2Revision Notes19th & 21st Century Non-Fiction Reading & Transactional/Persuasive WritingPaper 2: Section B WritingHow to Write a Letter

How to Write a Letter (WJEC Eduqas GCSE English Language)

Revision Note

Deb Orrock

Written by: Deb Orrock

Reviewed by: Kate Lee

How to Write a Letter

A letter writing task is the most common question given as one of the two writing tasks in Component 2, Section B. 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 Eduqas 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.

Formal letter

In a formal letter you should:

  • Include a date

  • Use the correct salutation:

    • If you do not know the name of the person you are writing to, then use “Dear Sir/Madam”

    • You can use “Dear Editor” if writing in response to an article or letter seen in a newspaper or magazine

  • Use the correct sign-off:

    • If you do not know the name of the person you are writing to, use “Yours faithfully,” at the end

  • If you are given the name of the person, then start with “Dear [name]” and end with “Yours sincerely,”

  • State in your introduction what you are writing about, why you are writing and what your opinion is:

    • Make this relevant to the purpose of the task

    • Instead of using “I am writing because…”, use the wording of the task instructions

    • For example: “I am writing to give my opinion about…”

  • Write clear and well sequenced paragraphs, using appropriate connectives

  • Use topic sentences to begin each paragraph, and then develop that point appropriately and in detail

  • Try not to include multiple, or contrasting, arguments in one paragraph; make one distinct argument per paragraph

In order to access the full range of marks, you should aim to write at least four 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.

A formal letter layout should look something like this:

Eduqas GCSE English Language exam question formal letter layout
How to write a letter

Examiner Tips and Tricks

While writing in the correct form as instructed is important in this question, you only need to adhere to the basic conventions of a letter, article or speech. Spending too much time on perfecting the layout of the letter, or making up an address for the top of the letter, only detracts from your writing and will not gain you any extra marks. Remember, it is more important that you adapt your style, language and tone to suit the intended audience and purpose, and that you construct a well structured and coherent piece of writing, than waste time on the layout of your response.

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. 

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

  • 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 at least four 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:

Part of your letter

What you should include

Introduction

  • Introduce why you are writing, what you are writing about and what your opinion is

  • Directly address your reader

  • Consider your use of pronouns, such as “you” or “we”, to involve your reader in your argument

Paragraph 1

  • Start your paragraph with a topic sentence

  • Offer a fact or some “research” to support your opinion

  • This will add credibility to your argument

Paragraph 2

  • Use a connective and another topic sentence

  • Provide an anecdote to offer an example which proves your argument

  • This builds rapport with your reader by engaging with them on a personal level

Paragraph 3

  • Use a contrasting connective and a topic sentence to offer a counter-argument (if appropriate)

  • You can use this to show that you understand your reader and have considered their concerns

Paragraph 4

  • Use a connective and a topic sentence to make your final point or argument

  • Offer more evidence to back up this argument

  • For example, statistics, a “witness” statement or a quote from an “expert” (you can make these up but make sure they sound plausible)

Conclusion

  • End your letter with an emotive plea or solution to the issue

  • Ending your letter on a single sentence, perhaps using a triplet, is effective

Rеmеmbеr that 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.

Please see our Letter Model Answer revision note page for an example of a full-mark Eduqas GCSE letter.

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    Deb Orrock

    Author: Deb Orrock

    Expertise: English Content Creator

    Deb is a graduate of Lancaster University and The University of Wolverhampton. After some time travelling and a successful career in the travel industry, she re-trained in education, specialising in literacy. She has over 16 years’ experience of working in education, teaching English Literature, English Language, Functional Skills English, ESOL and on Access to HE courses. She has also held curriculum and quality manager roles, and worked with organisations on embedding literacy and numeracy into vocational curriculums. She most recently managed a post-16 English curriculum as well as writing educational content and resources.

    Kate Lee

    Author: Kate Lee

    Expertise: English and Languages Lead

    Kate has over 12 years of teaching experience as a Head of English and as a private tutor. Having also worked at the exam board AQA and in educational publishing, she's been writing educational resources to support learners in their exams throughout her career. She's passionate about helping students achieve their potential by developing their literacy and exam skills.