Who this is for: Cambridge IGCSE English First Language (0500) students preparing for Paper 2 Directed Writing who need a reliable method for formal letters — layout, register, tone and content that match the mark scheme.
What query it owns: how to write a formal letter for Cambridge IGCSE English First Language Paper 2.
Why this is safe: this page owns the formal-letter-writing revision-guide angle, while Tutopiya’s Formal Letter Writing subtopic page owns the learning resource and the free Formal Letter Writing quiz owns the practice.

Formal letter writing in Cambridge IGCSE English First Language (0500) is a core Paper 2 Directed Writing task. Examiners reward correct layout, appropriate formal register, clear purpose and content that addresses every bullet point in the question. This guide covers the structure, command-word expectations and worked stems that turn a competent draft into a top-band response.

Key takeaways

• Formal letters require sender/recipient addresses, date, salutation, body paragraphs and formal closing.
• Register must stay formal — no contractions, slang or conversational tone.
• Address every bullet point in the question — missing one caps your content marks.
• Paragraph your letter logically: opening purpose, main points, closing action.
• Paper 2 marks reward content, structure and language accuracy.

What is formal letter writing in Cambridge IGCSE English First Language?

Formal letter writing is a Paper 2 task asking you to compose a letter to a specific recipient for a defined purpose — complaint, application, enquiry or recommendation. You must follow conventional letter layout and maintain formal register throughout. Tutopiya’s Formal Letter Writing subtopic page provides model letters, layout guides and practice tasks.

Formal vs informal letter — comparison table

Feature	Formal letter	Informal letter
Salutation	Dear Sir/Madam, Dear Mr/Ms [Name]	Dear [First name]
Closing	Yours faithfully / Yours sincerely	Best wishes, Love from
Register	No contractions; formal vocabulary	Conversational; contractions OK
Layout	Full addresses, date	Address optional; date common
Purpose	Official: complaint, application, enquiry	Personal: friend, family

Formal letter layout — structure table

Section	What to include	Example
Sender’s address	Top right (your address)	12 Oak Street, Springfield
Date	Below sender’s address	15 June 2026
Recipient’s address	Left, below date	The Manager, City Hotel
Salutation	Dear Sir/Madam or Dear Mr/Ms [Name]	Dear Sir/Madam,
Opening paragraph	State purpose clearly	I am writing to complain about…
Body paragraphs	One point per paragraph	Address each bullet from question
Closing paragraph	Expected action / thank you	I look forward to your response.
Sign-off	Yours faithfully (Sir/Madam) / sincerely (named)	Yours faithfully,

How to write a formal letter — step by step

1. Read the question — underline every bullet point to address.
2. Plan one paragraph per bullet plus opening and closing.
3. Set out layout — addresses, date, salutation before writing body.
4. Draft in formal register — no contractions, precise vocabulary.
5. Check every bullet is covered and tone stays consistent.
6. Proofread spelling and punctuation.
7. Confirm with the Formal Letter Writing quiz.

Formal letter writing in past-paper wording: command words and worked stems

Command word / phrase	What the question wants	Typical Paper 2 stem
Write a letter to	Full formal letter to named recipient	”Write a letter to the manager of…”
Include the following points	Address every bullet in body	Bullet list of required content
Use a formal tone	No slang; appropriate register	Stated explicitly or implied
Recommend / Complain / Apply	Purpose defines content focus	”Write a letter complaining about…”

Worked exam-style stems

1. “Write a letter to the manager of a hotel complaining about poor service during your stay. In your letter: explain when you stayed; describe the problems; say what you expect the manager to do.”
   Opening: state purpose and dates. Body para 1: problems (noise, cold room, rude staff). Body para 2: expected remedy (refund, apology). Closing: formal request for response. Reward: all bullets + formal layout + register.

2. “Write a letter applying for work experience at a local company. Include why you are interested, what skills you offer and when you are available.”
   Opening: state application purpose. Body: interest, skills, availability — one paragraph each. Closing: request interview. Reward: persuasive formal tone + complete content.

3. “Write a letter to your local council recommending improvements to a park. Use a formal tone.”
   Opening: purpose. Body: specific recommendations with reasons. Closing: thank you and call for action. Reward: formal register + clear recommendations.

4. “Write a letter to a newspaper responding to an article about school uniforms. Give your views and support them with reasons.”
   Opening: reference the article. Body: views with developed reasons. Closing: summarise position. Reward: discursive formal content + structured argument.

Practise on the Formal Letter Writing quiz.

How formal letter writing connects to Paper 2

Formal letters sit alongside other directed writing tasks on Paper 2. Build reading skills from Content for Comprehension and analytical structure from Content for PEEL Writing. The Cambridge IGCSE English First Language hub maps every subtopic.

Common mistakes students make

• Informal register — contractions (“I’m”, “don’t”) in a formal letter.
• Missing layout elements — no addresses, date or proper sign-off.
• Ignoring bullet points — one missing bullet loses significant content marks.
• Wrong sign-off — “Yours sincerely” with “Dear Sir/Madam” (use “Yours faithfully”).
• Single block paragraph — examiners expect clear paragraphing.

When you need more support

If formal letter marks stay low, complete the Formal Letter Writing quiz, then get matched with a Cambridge IGCSE English First Language tutor.

Frequently asked questions

What is the correct layout for a formal letter in IGCSE English?
Sender’s address, date, recipient’s address, salutation, body paragraphs, formal closing and signature.

When do I use Yours faithfully vs Yours sincerely?
Yours faithfully with Dear Sir/Madam; Yours sincerely when the recipient is named.

How many paragraphs should a formal letter have?
At least four: opening, two or more body paragraphs (one per bullet), closing.

How do I revise formal letter writing effectively?
Memorise layout, practise one letter per purpose type, then take the Formal Letter Writing quiz.

Ready to master Cambridge IGCSE English formal letter writing?

Start with the Formal Letter Writing subtopic page, then book a free trial with a Cambridge IGCSE English specialist and try the free Formal Letter Writing quiz.

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