And the award for “Most overlooked task in the entire Written Section” goes to *Drumroll*… The formal Letter! I know, I know, the Dialogue looks easier, but, if you want to learn why choosing the letter might give you an advantage against the rest of the students and how you can write a fantastic one, keep reading.

I. Formal Letter: The Basics

Where does it appear:  Written Production. Section C. 1. b

How many marks: 25 marks

To be finished in 35 minutes

II. Tips for writing an exemplary Formal Letter

1. A secret about the Formal Letter

Most students assume the dialogue is easier and don’t consider the Formal Letter, however, interestingly most students that pick the letter tend to do well and score higher than those that pick the Dialogue.

-Think of the examiner, after hours of correcting dialogue after dialogue finding a Letter exercise must feel refreshing.

2. Plan what you are about to write

Before even thinking of using Spanish use the first 3-5 minutes to make a simple plan of what you are going to say: Are you in the agreement or against the idea of the “article”? Why? What are your 5 ideas to defend your position?

3. The tone of the letter

This is usually addressed to the editor of a magazine or newspaper and deals with practical issues and suggestions based on a recent visit to Spain. It has therefore a more serious tone ( Use “Usted” )and a more practical approach than the rest of the Writing tasks.

4.  Make valid arguments

You need to produce five relevant points but since these do not need to be the same mentioned on the exam paper but they do need to be developed. This is a fantastic opportunity to come up with your own ideas and demonstrate how you can apply Spanish to defend your opinion.

5.  Do not use this as a translation exercise

This is your chance to use simple but correct grammar, make sure to check your tenses, agreements and such.

-I explain everything in a cooler and better way here

6.  You can actually use it

The Formal Letter is possibly the most useful and practical exercise in terms of “necessary things for life”  The chances of you writing your personal diary in Spanish are slim but if you wish to study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country you will have to write formal emails.

7.  Use the glorious layout.

You have to include your name, address, date, and address of the newspaper/magazine in Spain but your main focus should be the ideas and how you express them. As with the Diary and the Note, the layout is crucial, make sure to include both addresses, date, a proper opening, and a good closure.

III. Use this glorious layout.

IV. Practice, rinse and repeat.

And there you have it!

Now all you need to do is get some letters under your belt. I suggest picking one or two social issues that you are upset about and using them as fuel.

If you want to share your attempts I’m happy to see them in the comments below.

Have a good day and keep up the good work!