What is the correct sign-off for a letter starting with 'Dear Sir/Madam'?

The correct sign-off is 'Yours faithfully'. This convention is used whenever the name of the recipient is unknown to the writer.

How does a letter differ from an article in terms of layout?

A letter uses a date, salutation, and sign-off, whereas an article uses a headline, strapline, and subheadings. Letters are direct communications to a specific audience, while articles are written for a general readership.

When should you use 'Yours sincerely'?

Use 'Yours sincerely' when you have addressed the recipient by their name in the salutation (e.g., 'Dear Mr. Jones'). It indicates a slightly more personal, though still formal, connection.

What is 'comma splicing' and why should it be avoided?

Comma splicing is the error of joining two independent clauses with only a comma. It suggests a lack of control over sentence demarcation and can significantly lower technical accuracy marks.

Why is an overly aggressive or 'irate' tone a mistake in a formal letter?

An aggressive tone often lacks sophistication and can alienate the reader. A controlled, passionate, and logical argument is much more persuasive and achieves higher marks for communication.

What happens if a student spends too much time on addresses in the exam?

They waste valuable time that should be spent on planning and writing content. Examiners do not award marks for addresses, so they should be omitted or kept very brief.

Define 'Standard English' in the context of Question 5.

Standard English is the formal version of the language that follows established grammatical rules and avoids slang or regional dialects. It is required to maintain a professional and credible tone.

What is a 'salutation'?

A salutation is the formal greeting at the beginning of a letter, such as 'Dear Editor' or 'Dear Ms. Smith'. It sets the tone for the entire piece of writing.

What is the purpose of a 'topic sentence'?

A topic sentence is the first sentence of a paragraph that introduces the main idea of that section. It acts as a signpost for the reader, ensuring the argument is easy to follow.

Why is a 'GAP analysis' important before you start writing?

It ensures the writer understands the Genre, Audience, and Purpose. This allows for the deliberate selection of tone, vocabulary, and techniques that are appropriate for the specific task.

Paper 2 Question 5: Letter Model Answer | AQA GCSE English Language

Paper 2 Question 5: Letter Model Answer

Summary

Formal letter writing for academic assessment requires a sophisticated blend of structural conventions, persuasive rhetoric, and technical precision. Success depends on adapting tone and register to a specific audience while maintaining a clear, sustained argument through a logically organized multi-paragraph structure.

1. Definition & Core Concepts

Formal Letter Writing: This is a non-fiction form used to communicate a specific viewpoint to an individual or organization in a position of authority. It is characterized by a professional tone, Standard English, and specific layout conventions.
The GAP Analysis: Before writing, a student must identify the Genre (Letter), the Audience (e.g., a Headteacher or Editor), and the Purpose (e.g., to argue, persuade, or explain). This analysis dictates the level of formality and the types of persuasive devices used.
Standard English: This is the 'correct' form of English required for formal tasks, avoiding slang and non-standard grammar. It ensures the writer appears credible and authoritative to the recipient.

2. Structural Conventions & Layout

Salutations and Sign-offs: The relationship between the greeting and the closing is fixed by convention. If the recipient's name is unknown (e.g., 'Dear Sir/Madam'), the letter must end with 'Yours faithfully'; if the name is known (e.g., 'Dear Mr. Smith'), it ends with 'Yours sincerely'.
The Date: A formal letter should always include the date of writing, typically placed at the top right or left, depending on the specific style, though the content remains the priority in exam settings.
Paragraphing Strategy: A high-level response typically consists of 5-6 paragraphs. This includes a clear introduction of the viewpoint, several body paragraphs developing distinct points, a counter-argument, and a concluding call to action.

Visual layout of a formal letter showing the placement of the date, salutation, structured paragraphs, and sign-off.

3. Methods & Persuasive Techniques

4. Key Distinctions

Salutation and Sign-off Pairings

Recipient Status	Salutation	Sign-off
Name Unknown	Dear Sir/Madam	Yours faithfully
Name Known	Dear Mr./Ms. [Name]	Yours sincerely
Newspaper Editor	Dear Editor	Yours faithfully

Letter vs. Article: While both require a clear viewpoint, a letter is a direct communication to a specific person, whereas an article is a public-facing piece with headlines and subheadings. A letter relies more heavily on building a personal rapport with a single recipient.

5. Exam Strategy & Tips

6. Common Pitfalls & Misconceptions