Source: https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-4-paper-2-writing-letter [Revision notes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes.md) › [GCSE](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse.md) › [English Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language.md) › [AQA](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa.md) › Paper 2: Writing - Letter # Paper 2: Writing - Letter English Language: AQA GCSE, topic 6.2.4 ## Letters Letters are addressed to individuals or organisations. The type of letter that you'd write your friend is very different from the audience for the cover letter to a job application. ### Formal letters ![Formal letters](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-03/042f6872-0d7d-41e7-83f4-e42aae3ed63d/shutterstock_73792807.jpg) - Formal letters, as you would write for a job application should use a formal tone. - If you don't know the specific person that you're writing to, then using a formal mode of address (Dear Sir/Madam) and signing off (Yours faithfully) is a good idea. - You should use formal language and avoid colloquial language. ### Informal letters ![Informal letters](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/a9e0b3a8-f84d-4915-b3f6-a2e8fdb79cc7/letter-written-.jpg) - If you are writing to someone you know well, you can be less formal, but letters are usually more formal than text messages. - You could use an informal mode of address and start the letter with Dear Paul, or Dear Peter, or Dear Mr. Evans. - You could sign off with Best Wishes, or All the best. - A letter to someone you know will be less formal. - However, using varied sentence lengths and different DAFORESTER techniques can show your skills to an examiner. ### What do letters usually contain? ![What do letters usually contain?](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-08/e3a65421-eda1-462e-b842-4fb6a88dce66/letter-mail-post.jpg) - The correct use of two addresses. - The date that you're writing the letter. - Awareness of audience - a formal/informal mode of address (e.g. __‘Dear Sir’__ or __‘Hi Mum’__). - Paragraphs which flow well into each other. - A logical structure. - An appropriate sign off. ### Formal and informal sign offs ![Formal and informal sign offs](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/4f30056e-a649-4336-ab08-8f618b345d9f/writing-.jpg) - Formal: If you start with __‘Dear Sir’__, end with __‘Yours faithfully’__. - Formal: If you start with __‘Dear Mrs. Dale’__ (i.e. their surname), end with __‘Yours sincerely’__. - Informal: This depends on your audience. If you start with __‘Hi Mum’__, you could end with __‘See you soon’__ or __'Lots of love'__. ## Test yourself on Paper 2: Writing - Letter - If you start a letter with __‘Dear Madam’__, what should you end with? - If you start a letter with __‘Dear Mr Smith’__, what should you end with? - If you start a letter with __‘Dear Rosie’__, what are you most likely to end with? - When should you use a formal or informal tone when you're writing a letter? - Which of these is a formal mode of address? [Practise this topic for free](https://app.senecalearning.com/classroom/course/df1578de-6327-45fa-9420-1619f20f680e/section/b03cf3ec-84c9-4d63-8648-cff915baaa9c/session) - Previous topic: [6.2.3 Paper 2: Writing - Leaflet](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-3-paper-2-writing-leaflet.md) - Next topic: [6.2.5 Paper 2: Writing - Speech](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-5-paper-2-writing-speech.md) ## English Language: AQA GCSE contents ### 1 Key Terms - 1.1 Key Terms - [1.1.1 Nouns](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-1-nouns.md) - [1.1.2 Verbs](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-2-verbs.md) - [1.1.3 Sentence Types](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-3-sentence-types.md) - [1.1.4 Words](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-4-words.md) - [1.1.5 Sound](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-5-sound.md) - [1.1.6 Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-6-language.md) - [1.1.7 Images & Symbols](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-7-images-and-symbols.md) - [1.1.8 Phrases](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-8-phrases.md) - [1.1.9 Mood](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-9-mood.md) - [1.1.10 Key Terms - Other Techniques](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-10-key-terms-other-techniques.md) - [1.1.11 End of Topic Test - Key Terms](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-11-end-of-topic-test-key-terms.md) ### 2 Language Techniques - 2.1 Language Devices - [2.1.1 Metaphors](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-1-metaphors.md) - [2.1.2 Similes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-2-similes.md) - [2.1.3 Metaphors & Similes HyperLearning](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-3-metaphors-and-similes-hyperlearning.md) - [2.1.4 Personification](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-4-personification.md) - [2.1.5 Pathetic Fallacy](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-5-pathetic-fallacy.md) - [2.1.6 Pun](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-6-pun.md) - [2.1.7 Oxymoron](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-7-oxymoron.md) - [2.1.8 Hyperbole](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-8-hyperbole.md) - [2.1.9 Alliteration](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-9-alliteration.md) - [2.1.10 Sibilance](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-10-sibilance.md) - [2.1.11 Onomatopoeia](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-11-onomatopoeia.md) - [2.1.12 Emotive Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-12-emotive-language.md) - [2.1.13 All Language Devices](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-13-all-language-devices.md) - [2.1.14 End of Topic Test - Language Devices](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-14-end-of-topic-test-language-devices.md) - 2.2 Writing Structure - [2.2.1 Narrators](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-2-1-narrators.md) - [2.2.2 Paragraphs](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-2-2-paragraphs.md) - [2.2.3 Present Tense](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-2-3-present-tense.md) - [2.2.4 Past Tense](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-2-4-past-tense.md) - [2.2.5 Future Tense](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-2-5-future-tense.md) - [2.2.6 Present vs Past vs Future](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-2-6-present-vs-past-vs-future.md) - [2.2.7 Foreshadowing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-2-7-foreshadowing.md) - [2.2.8 Structure](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-2-8-structure.md) - [2.2.9 End of Topic Test - Writing Structure](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-2-9-end-of-topic-test-writing-structure.md) ### 3 Paper 1: Reading - 3.1 Paper 1: Reading - Section A - [3.1.1 Paper 1: Reading - Overview - Section A](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-1-paper-1-reading-overview-section-a.md) - [3.1.2 Paper 1: Reading - Answering Question 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-2-paper-1-reading-answering-question-1.md) - [3.1.3 Paper 1: Reading - Answering Question 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-3-paper-1-reading-answering-question-2.md) - [3.1.4 Exam-Style Questions - Paper 1: Reading](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-4-exam-style-questions-paper-1-reading.md) - [3.1.5 Paper 1: Reading - Answering Question 3](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-5-paper-1-reading-answering-question-3.md) - [3.1.6 Paper 1: Reading - Answering Question 4](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-6-paper-1-reading-answering-question-4.md) - [3.1.7 End of Topic Test - Section A](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-7-end-of-topic-test-section-a.md) - [3.1.8 Exam-Style Questions - Paper 1: Reading](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-8-exam-style-questions-paper-1-reading.md) - [3.1.9 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P1 Q2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-9-diagnostic-misconceptions-p1-q2.md) - [3.1.10 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P1 Q3](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-10-diagnostic-misconceptions-p1-q3.md) - [3.1.11 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P1 Q4 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-11-diagnostic-misconceptions-p1-q4-1.md) - [3.1.12 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P1 Q4 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-12-diagnostic-misconceptions-p1-q4-2.md) ### 4 Paper 1: Writing - 4.1 Paper 1: Writing - Structuring Your Answer - [4.1.1 Paper 1: Writing - Overview - Section B](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-1-paper-1-writing-overview-section-b.md) - [4.1.2 Paper 1: Writing - Descriptive Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-2-paper-1-writing-descriptive-writing.md) - [4.1.3 Paper 1: Writing - Narrative Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-3-paper-1-writing-narrative-writing.md) - [4.1.4 Paper 1: Writing - Answering Section B (option 1)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-4-paper-1-writing-answering-section-b-option-1.md) - [4.1.5 Paper 1: Writing - Answering Section B (option 2)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-5-paper-1-writing-answering-section-b-option-2.md) - [4.1.6 Paper 1: Writing - Answering Section B - Checklist](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-6-paper-1-writing-answering-section-b-checklist.md) - [4.1.7 End of Topic Test - Writing Section](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-7-end-of-topic-test-writing-section.md) - [4.1.8 Exam-Style Questions - Paper 1: Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-8-exam-style-questions-paper-1-writing.md) - [4.1.9 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P1 Q5 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-9-diagnostic-misconceptions-p1-q5-1.md) - [4.1.10 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P1 Q5 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-10-diagnostic-misconceptions-p1-q5-2.md) ### 5 Paper 2: Reading - 5.1 Paper 2: Reading - DAFORESTER - [5.1.1 Paper 2: Reading - Direct Address](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-1-paper-2-reading-direct-address.md) - [5.1.2 Paper 2: Reading - Alliteration](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-2-paper-2-reading-alliteration.md) - [5.1.3 Paper 2: Reading - Facts](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-3-paper-2-reading-facts.md) - [5.1.4 Paper 2: Reading - Opinions](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-4-paper-2-reading-opinions.md) - [5.1.5 Paper 2: Reading - Repetition](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-5-paper-2-reading-repetition.md) - [5.1.6 Paper 2: Reading - Exaggeration (Hyperbole)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-6-paper-2-reading-exaggeration-hyperbole.md) - [5.1.7 Paper 2: Reading - Statistics](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-7-paper-2-reading-statistics.md) - [5.1.8 Paper 2: Reading - Triples (Rule of 3)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-8-paper-2-reading-triples-rule-of-3.md) - [5.1.9 Paper 2: Reading - Emotive Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-9-paper-2-reading-emotive-language.md) - [5.1.10 Paper 2: Reading - Rhetorical Questions](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-10-paper-2-reading-rhetorical-questions.md) - [5.1.11 End of Topic Test - DAFORESTER](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-11-end-of-topic-test-daforester.md) - 5.2 Paper 2: Reading - Structuring Your Answer - [5.2.1 Paper 2: Reading - Overview - Section A](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-1-paper-2-reading-overview-section-a.md) - [5.2.2 Paper 2: Reading - Answering Question 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-2-paper-2-reading-answering-question-1.md) - [5.2.3 Paper 2: Reading - Answering Question 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-3-paper-2-reading-answering-question-2.md) - [5.2.4 Paper 2: Reading - Answering Question 3](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-4-paper-2-reading-answering-question-3.md) - [5.2.5 Exam-Style Questions - Paper 2: Reading](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-5-exam-style-questions-paper-2-reading.md) - [5.2.6 Paper 2: Reading - Answering Question 4](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-6-paper-2-reading-answering-question-4.md) - [5.2.7 End of Topic Test - Section A](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-7-end-of-topic-test-section-a.md) - [5.2.8 Exam-Style Questions - Paper 2: Reading](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-8-exam-style-questions-paper-2-reading.md) - [5.2.9 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P2 Q1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-9-diagnostic-misconceptions-p2-q1.md) - [5.2.10 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P2 Q2 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-10-diagnostic-misconceptions-p2-q2-1.md) - [5.2.11 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P2 Q2 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-11-diagnostic-misconceptions-p2-q2-2.md) - [5.2.12 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P2 Q4](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-12-diagnostic-misconceptions-p2-q4.md) ### 6 Paper 2: Writing - 6.1 Paper 2: Writing - Structuring Your Answer - [6.1.1 Paper 2: Writing - Overview - Section B](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-1-1-paper-2-writing-overview-section-b.md) - [6.1.2 Paper 2: Writing - Answering Section B](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-1-2-paper-2-writing-answering-section-b.md) - [6.1.3 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P2 Q5 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-1-3-diagnostic-misconceptions-p2-q5-1.md) - [6.1.4 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P2 Q5 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-1-4-diagnostic-misconceptions-p2-q5-2.md) - [6.1.5 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P2 Q5 3](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-1-5-diagnostic-misconceptions-p2-q5-3.md) - 6.2 Types of Writing - [6.2.1 Paper 2: Writing - Article](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-1-paper-2-writing-article.md) - [6.2.2 Paper 2: Writing - Essay](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-2-paper-2-writing-essay.md) - [6.2.3 Paper 2: Writing - Leaflet](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-3-paper-2-writing-leaflet.md) - [6.2.4 Paper 2: Writing - Letter](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-4-paper-2-writing-letter.md) - [6.2.5 Paper 2: Writing - Speech](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-5-paper-2-writing-speech.md) - [6.2.6 Paper 2: Writing - Review](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-6-paper-2-writing-review.md) - [6.2.7 Paper 2: Writing - Travel Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-7-paper-2-writing-travel-writing.md) - [6.2.8 Paper 2: Writing - Diaries & Journals](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-8-paper-2-writing-diaries-and-journals.md) - [6.2.9 End of Topic Test - Types of Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-9-end-of-topic-test-types-of-writing.md) - 6.3 Writing to... - [6.3.1 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Inform](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-1-paper-2-writing-writing-to-inform.md) - [6.3.2 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Inform - Example](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-2-paper-2-writing-writing-to-inform-example.md) - [6.3.3 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Explain](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-3-paper-2-writing-writing-to-explain.md) - [6.3.4 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Explain - Example](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-4-paper-2-writing-writing-to-explain-example.md) - [6.3.5 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Persuade](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-5-paper-2-writing-writing-to-persuade.md) - [6.3.6 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Persuade - Example](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-6-paper-2-writing-writing-to-persuade-example.md) - [6.3.7 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Argue](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-7-paper-2-writing-writing-to-argue.md) - [6.3.8 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Argue - Example](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-8-paper-2-writing-writing-to-argue-example.md) - [6.3.9 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Persuade vs Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-9-paper-2-writing-writing-to-persuade-vs-writing.md) - [6.3.10 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Advise](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-10-paper-2-writing-writing-to-advise.md) - [6.3.11 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Advise - Example](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-11-paper-2-writing-writing-to-advise-example.md) - [6.3.12 End of Topic Test - Writing to...](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-12-end-of-topic-test-writing-to.md) - [6.3.13 Exam-Style Questions - Paper 2: Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-13-exam-style-questions-paper-2-writing.md)