Semi-formal Letter
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Semi-formal Letter:
You write a semi-formal letter to someone you personally know and have met before. But, this person is not close to you, and you address him/her with their surname/second name. The tone and expressions of a semi-formal letter should be slightly less formal than a formal letter but not too casual. You write such a semi-formal letter to a neighbour, your landlord/landlady, your office manager, a colleague or a professor at the university. In such a situation, you know this person's name (at least surname name), so you address the person as 'Dear Mr/ Mrs/ Ms/ Miss (the second name/ surname of the person).
Some common situations when you write a semi-formal letter:
1. A letter to a neighbour.
2. A letter to your office manager or boss.
3. A letter to your landlord/landlady.
4. A letter to a colleague in the office who is not your friend.
5. A letter to the professor at your college/university/institute.
6. A letter to one of your family members or relatives.
A semi-formal letter is written to someone you know but are not very close to, such as a landlord, employer, colleague, teacher, or distant relative. The tone should be polite and professional while maintaining a friendly approach.
Structure of a Semi-Formal Letter:
1. Salutation:
Use "Dear Mr. [Last Name]" or "Dear Ms. [Last Name]". Unlike formal letters, avoid using "Dear Sir or Madam," because you know the recipient's name.
2. Opening Paragraph:
Begin by clearly stating the purpose of your letter. The introduction should be respectful but not overly formal.
3. Main Body:
Provide details related to your request, inquiry, or concern. The tone should be warm and courteous, but avoid being too casual. Use polite language and avoid slang or overly formal phrases.
4. Closing Paragraph:
Conclude the letter by summarising your request, offering thanks, or suggesting further action.
5. Sign-off:
Use "Yours sincerely,", followed by your full name.
By following this format, you can ensure that your semi-formal letter is appropriate, respectful, and effective.
Sample Semi-formal Letters with answers:
IELTS Semi-formal Letter # 1:
Your neighbours have recently written to you to complain about the noise from your houseflat. Write a letter to your neighbours.
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IELTS Semi-formal Letter # 2:
You recently took a part-time job working for a local company. After a few weeks, you realised there were some problems with the job. Write a letter to the manager of the company.
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IELTS Semi-formal Letter # 3:
For the past year, you have been a member of a local club. Now you want to discontinue your membership. Write a letter to the club secretary.
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IELTS Semi-formal Letter # 4:
You are employed full-time and also doing a part-time evening course. You are not able to continue the course. Write a letter to the course lecturer.
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IELTS Semi-formal Letter # 5:
You are going to visit New Zealand for an 'English and Homestay' program. You have just received details of your homestay host family. Write your first letter to the family.
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IELTS Semi-formal Letter # 6:
You borrowed some books from your school or college library. Unfortunately, you have to go away to visit a sick relative and cannot return the books in time. Write a letter to the library.
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IELTS Semi-formal Letter # 7:
You find that your study load is too heavy and you would like to withdraw from two courses. Write a letter to your college teacher.
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IELTS Semi-formal Letter # 8:
You live in a flat and you have a tenancy agreement which states that you must give three months' notice when you wish to leave. You have paid a deposit of two months' rent. Now a member of your family has a problem and you need to give up your flat and return home as soon as possible. Write a letter to your landlord /landlady.
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IELTS Semi-formal Letter # 9:
You are applying for a job and need a letter of reference from someone who knew you when you were at school. Write a letter to one of your old teachers asking for a reference.
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IELTS Semi-formal Letter # 10:
You have been working for a company for more than a few years, and now have decided to leave the company. Write a letter to your company manager saying that you want to leave the company.
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IELTS Semi-formal Letter # 11:
You are a student at an English language school in Brighton and are living in private accommodation with other flatmates. You have not had hot water or heating for some time. The landlord's workmen have tried to fix the problem but without success. Write a letter to the landlord.
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IELTS Semi-formal Letter # 12:
You are going to visit New Zealand for an 'English and Homestay' program. You have just received details of your homestay host family. Write your first letter to the family.
Read Answer to this Semi-formal Letter:
IELTS Semi-formal Letter # 13:
You are organising a local committee meeting. You would like a local MP to attend the meeting to contribute to a discussion about green areas in the community. Write a letter of invitation to the MP's secretary, Mrs Shelton.
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IELTS Semi-formal Letter # 14:
You have a full-time job and are also doing a part-time evening course. You now find that you cannot continue the course. Write a letter to the course tutor.
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IELTS Semi-formal Letter # 15:
You eat in your college cafeteria everyday lunchtime. However, you think it needs some improvements. Write a letter to the college magazine.
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IELTS Semi-formal Letter # 16:
You are not happy with the course you are doing at college and would like to change to a different course. Write a letter to the Head of Department to change your course.
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IELTS Semi-formal Letter # 17:
You have been living in a rental apartment for the past year. Recently a new neighbour moved in and has been making a lot of noise, which disturbs you. Write a letter to the landlord.
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IELTS Semi-formal Letter # 18:
You have just moved into a new home and are planning to hold a party. You are worried that the noise may disturb your neighbour. Write a letter to your neighbour.
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IELTS Semi-formal Letter # 19:
You and your family are living in rented accommodation in an English-speaking country. You are not satisfied with the condition of some of the furniture. Write a letter to the landlord.
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IELTS Semi-formal Letter # 20:
You are working for a company. You need to take some time off work and want to ask your manager about this. Write a letter to your manager.
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IELTS Semi-formal Letter # 21:
You have noticed a room at your company office that can be used as a relaxation room. Write a letter to your manager and ask to use the room for this purpose.
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IELTS Semi-formal Letter # 22:
Your neighbours have a dog that is noisy at night. You can’t sleep due to this. Write a letter to your neighbours.
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IELTS Semi-formal Letter # 23:
You have been doing some voluntary work to help your local community. However, now you are unable to continue doing this work. Write a letter to the manager of the organisation where you have been working.
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