IB English B Topic Formal Letters & Emails Revision Notes (SL/HL)

IB English B Topic Formal Letters & Emails Revision Notes (SL/HL) | RevisionDojo

Writing With Precision and Professionalism

Formal letters and emails test whether you can adapt your writing to a professional or institutional audience.
The examiner checks if your structure, tone, and vocabulary show respect, clarity, and a clear purpose.

Formal Letters

Definition

Formal letter

A structured, written message for an official purpose, showing respect and professionalism.

Purpose, Audience & Register
1. Purpose: Apply, complain, request, or provide official information.
2. Audience: Organisations, officials, institutions, employers.
3. Register: Formal, polite, direct.
Layout & Conventions
1. Date at the top.
2. Recipient’s name and title (if known).
3. Formal greeting (“Dear Sir/Madam,” or “Dear Dr Smith,”).
4. Organised paragraphs (intro, body, conclusion).
5. Formal closing (“Yours sincerely,” if you know the name / “Yours faithfully,” if not).
6. Full name and sometimes signature.

Example

Salutation
Dear Ms. Mitchell,

Introduction
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Summer Language Immersion Programme advertised on your institution's website. As a dedicated language student currently pursuing the International Baccalaureate Diploma, I believe this programme would greatly enhance my linguistic abilities and cultural understanding.

Body Paragraph 1
I am currently studying English B at Higher Level and have maintained excellent grades throughout the course. My teachers have consistently praised my commitment to language acquisition and my enthusiasm for cross-cultural communication. I am particularly interested in developing my speaking fluency and expanding my vocabulary in academic contexts.

Body Paragraph 2
I understand that the programme includes homestay accommodation with local families, which I find especially appealing. Living with native speakers would provide invaluable opportunities to practice English in authentic situations and gain deeper insights into British culture. Additionally, the intensive classroom sessions and cultural excursions outlined in the programme description align perfectly with my learning objectives.

Conclusion
I would be grateful if you could send me further information about the application process, including any required documentation and relevant deadlines. I have enclosed my current academic transcript and a letter of recommendation from my English teacher for your consideration.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my request. I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.

Closing
Yours sincerely,

Typed Name
Alexandra Chee

Key Features

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Definition

Paywall

(on a website) an arrangement whereby access is restricted to users who have paid to subscribe to the site.

anim nostrud sit dolore minim proident quis fugiat velit et eiusmod nulla quis nulla mollit dolor sunt culpa aliqua

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Note

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam quis nostrud exercitation.

Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident

Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit.

Tip

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris.
Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum.

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Writing With Precision and Professionalism

Formal letters and emails test whether you can adapt your writing to a professional or institutional audience.
The examiner checks if your structure, tone, and vocabulary show respect, clarity, and a clear purpose.

Formal Letters

Definition

Formal letter

A structured, written message for an official purpose, showing respect and professionalism.

Purpose, Audience & Register
1. Purpose: Apply, complain, request, or provide official information.
2. Audience: Organisations, officials, institutions, employers.
3. Register: Formal, polite, direct.
Layout & Conventions
1. Date at the top.
2. Recipient’s name and title (if known).
3. Formal greeting (“Dear Sir/Madam,” or “Dear Dr Smith,”).
4. Organised paragraphs (intro, body, conclusion).
5. Formal closing (“Yours sincerely,” if you know the name / “Yours faithfully,” if not).
6. Full name and sometimes signature.

Example

Salutation
Dear Ms. Mitchell,

Thank you for taking the time to consider my request. I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.

Closing
Yours sincerely,

Typed Name
Alexandra Chee

Key Features

Definition

Paywall

(on a website) an arrangement whereby access is restricted to users who have paid to subscribe to the site.

anim nostrud sit dolore minim proident quis fugiat velit et eiusmod nulla quis nulla mollit dolor sunt culpa aliqua

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

Note

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam quis nostrud exercitation.

Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident

Tip

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris.
Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum.

Core Themes5 subtopics

Text Types3 subtopics

Paper 1 (Writing)2 subtopics

Paper 2 (Listening)2 subtopics

Paper 2 (Reading)2 subtopics

Internal Assessment (Individual Oral)3 subtopics

IB English B Formal Letters & Emails Notes

Core Themes5 subtopics

Text Types3 subtopics

Paper 1 (Writing)2 subtopics

Paper 2 (Listening)2 subtopics

Paper 2 (Reading)2 subtopics

Internal Assessment (Individual Oral)3 subtopics

Writing With Precision and Professionalism

Formal Letters

Key Features

anim nostrud sit dolore minim proident quis fugiat velit et eiusmod nulla quis nulla mollit dolor sunt culpa aliqua

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident

Unlock the rest of this chapter with a free account

Writing With Precision and Professionalism

Formal Letters

Key Features

anim nostrud sit dolore minim proident quis fugiat velit et eiusmod nulla quis nulla mollit dolor sunt culpa aliqua

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident

Unlock the rest of this chapter with a free account