Writing: B1 Lesson 10: Writing a Basic Formal Letter (Requesting Information)

Writing: Functional Writing B1

Lesson 10: Writing a Basic Formal Letter (Requesting Information)

Listen to key phrases for formal writing.

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to write a clear, polite, and correctly formatted formal letter or email to request information from a company or university.

Before You Write 🧠

Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)

These words are essential for formal writing.

Formal

| ផ្លូវការ

Serious, polite, and following rules. Used for business or official situations.

To inquire

| សាកសួរ

A formal way to say "to ask for information."

Sincerely

| ដោយស្មោះ

A formal way to end a letter when you know the person's name (e.g., Dear Mr. Smith).

Faithfully

| ដោយស្មោះត្រង់

A formal way to end a letter when you DON'T know the name (e.g., Dear Sir).

The 4 Key Components of a Formal Letter

A formal letter or email must be clear and polite. It follows a simple structure. Click 🔊 to hear the key phrases.

1. The Salutation (Greeting)

How you begin the letter. Never use "Hi" or "Hey."

• Dear Sir or Madam, (Use if you don't know the name.)
• Dear Mr. Dara, (Use if you know the name.)

2. The Opening (Your Purpose)

State your reason for writing in the very first sentence.

• I am writing to inquire about...
• I would like to request information regarding...

3. The Body (Your Questions)

Ask your questions clearly and politely. Use formal question forms.

• Could you please tell me...
• I would also like to know...
• I would be grateful if you could...

4. The Closing & Sign-Off

End the letter politely and sign your name.

• Thank you for your assistance.
• I look forward to hearing from you.
• Yours faithfully, (Use with 'Dear Sir/Madam')
• Yours sincerely, (Use with 'Mr. Dara')

Example: Formal Email

Here is a full example of a formal email requesting information from a university. Notice the highlighted phrases.

Subject: Inquiry about Business Management Courses Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to inquire about the Business Management courses offered at your university, which I saw advertised on Facebook. I would be grateful if you could send me a brochure for the upcoming semester. I would also like to know what the entry requirements are for international students and what the total tuition fees are for the four-year program. Thank you for your assistance. I look forward to hearing from you. Yours faithfully, Vannak So

Do's and Don'ts: Formal vs. Informal

DON'T (Informal) ❌

Hi teacher,

I want to know about the class.

Can you tell me the price?

It's for my brother.

Thanks!

DO (Formal) ✅

Dear Mr. David,

I am writing to inquire about the English class.

Could you please inform me of the price?

It is for my brother.

Yours sincerely,

Practice What You Learned 🎯

Quiz: Choose the Most Formal Phrase

For each situation, choose the most polite and formal option. Click "Check Answers" when you're done.

1. How to start an email to a company (you don't know a name):

• A) Hey guys,
• B) Dear Sir or Madam,
• C) Hello,

2. How to ask for information politely:

• A) Tell me the price.
• B) I want to know the price.
• C) I would like to inquire about the price.

3. How to sign off a letter that starts with "Dear Mr. Phea":

• A) Yours sincerely,
• B) Yours faithfully,
• C) Best wishes,

Key Vocabulary Reference (Click 🔊)

• Formal | ផ្លូវការ
  Polite, correct, and used in serious situations like business or school.
• Informal | មិនផ្លូវការ
  Relaxed and friendly. Used with friends and family.
• To inquire / To request | សាកសួរ / ស្នើសុំ
  Formal ways to say "to ask for".
• Assistance | ជំនួយ
  A formal word for "help".
• Regarding | ទាក់ទង​នឹង
  A formal word for "about".

Your Writing Mission ⭐

Write a Formal Email

Now it's your turn to practice. Choose one of these tasks:

1. Write a formal email to a hotel (e.g., Sokha Hotel Siem Reap). Ask for the price of a double room for two nights and if they have airport pickup.
2. Write a formal email to a university (e.g., Pannasastra University). Ask to inquire about their English language courses and the cost per term.

Remember to use the 4 key components: Formal Salutation, Clear Opening, Polite Questions, and Formal Closing.