Structuring Written Communication: Formal and Informal Genres
1. Formal Letter / Carta Formal Structure
Structure:
- [Your Address]
- [Date]
- [Recipient’s Name / Position]
- [Recipient’s Organisation]
Dear Sir/Madam / Dear Mr/Ms + Surname,
Paragraph 1 – Purpose
- Explain why you are writing.
- Refer to the input text (poster, email, notice, etc.).
Paragraph 2 – Details / Request / Explanation
- Provide specific information, complaints, or suggestions.
- Maintain a formal and objective tone.
Paragraph 3 – Additional Info / Next Steps
- Explain what you expect or what you propose.
- Offer availability or ask for confirmation.
Yours faithfully (if you do not know the name) / Yours sincerely (if you know the name),
[Full Name]
2. Formal Email
Very similar to the formal letter, but shorter and requires a subject line.
Subject: [Clear Formal Subject]
Dear [Title + Surname] / Dear Sir or Madam,
Opening – Purpose
- Reference to the source material.
- Brief statement of the reason for writing.
Body – Explanation / Request
- Data, arguments, or complaints with clear structure.
- Use formal connectors: furthermore, however, regarding…
Closing – Action / Expectations
- Clarify next steps or desired outcome.
Kind regards / Yours sincerely,
[Full Name]
3. Formal Article
Title (Formal and objective)
Introduction
- Define the topic.
- Mention background from the input text.
- State what the article will discuss.
Paragraph 1 – First Key Idea
- Argument + evidence/examples.
Paragraph 2 – Second Key Idea
- More analysis + contrast if needed.
Conclusion
- Summary + final recommendation or balanced view.
4. Report (Informe)
Very typical in LanguageCert.
Title: Report on…
Introduction
- State purpose.
- Reference the input material.
Section 1 – Findings / Observations
- Use subheadings.
- Present facts, data, or problems identified.
Section 2 – Analysis
- Discuss reasons, implications, or impact.
Section 3 – Recommendations
- Bullet points optional.
- Clear and formal proposals.
Conclusion
- Final brief summary.
5. Formal Review (Reseña Formal)
Title: Review of…
Introduction
- What is being reviewed (event, service, product…).
- Context from the input.
Main Body
- Paragraph 1 – Description
- Paragraph 2 – Evaluation (pros/cons, formal tone)
Conclusion
- Overall assessment + recommendation.
6. Formal Blog Post
Title (Neutral/Formal)
Introduction
- Present the issue and context.
Main Body
- Structured paragraphs discussing pros/cons, facts, suggestions.
Conclusion
- Clear takeaway message.
7. Personal Letter (Informal)
Hi [Name],
Opening
- Greeting + reference to the reason for writing.
Body Paragraph 1 – Main Point
- Experience, opinion, suggestion…
Paragraph 2 – Extra Details
- Feelings, anecdotes.
Paragraph 3 – Closing Remark or Question
Take care / Best wishes,
[Your Name]
8. Personal Email (Informal)
Subject: …
Hi [Name],
Opening – Personal Connection
Body – 2–3 Paragraphs
- Opinions, advice, updates.
- Use informal connectors: anyway, by the way, actually…
Closing – Friendly Future Intention
See you soon / Talk to you soon,
[Name]
9. Review (Informal)
Title
Introduction
- What you are reviewing + quick opinion.
Paragraph 1
- What it’s about (plot / features).
Paragraph 2
- What you liked / disliked.
Conclusion
- Recommendation (who would enjoy it).
10. Blog Post (Informal)
Title
Intro
- Personal hook or anecdote.
Paragraphs
- Opinion + examples.
- Tips or personal conclusions.
Closing
- Invite readers to comment / give advice.
11. Story (Historia)
Title (optional)
Opening
- Set the scene (where, when, who).
- Introduce the conflict.
Development
- Events in logical order.
- Use narrative tenses.
Climax
- The key moment / twist.
Ending
- Resolution + reflection.
12. Descriptive Composition
Title
Introduction
- What you will describe.
Paragraph 1
- Visual description.
Paragraph 2
- Sensory details (sound, smell, mood…).
Paragraph 3
- Personal reaction or significance.
Conclusion
- Final impression.
13. Argumentative Essay
(Very common)
Title
Introduction
- Present the issue + clear thesis.
Paragraph 1 – Argument in Favour
- Examples / evidence.
Paragraph 2 – Counterargument
- Acknowledge the opposite view + rebuttal.
Paragraph 3 – Further Support
- Consequences or broader implications.
Conclusion
- Restate thesis + final recommendation.
14. Informal Article
Title (Catchy)
Introduction
- Engage the reader.
- Present the topic.
Body
- Opinions + humour or personal touches.
- 2–3 well-defined paragraphs.
Conclusion
- Summary + call to action.
Do you want me to prepare a complete model for each genre with real text? I can generate: 14 complete examples at C1 level, or only those most frequently encountered in the exam (report, formal letter, essay).