A standard letter typically consists of seven major parts:
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Heading: This includes the sender's address and the date. It provides the recipient with information on where the letter is coming from and when it was written.
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Inside Address: This part includes the recipient's name, title (if applicable), and address. It specifies who the letter is intended for.
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Salutation: This is a greeting to the recipient, often starting with "Dear" followed by the recipient's name. The salutation sets the tone of the letter.
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Body: The main content of the letter is found here. It contains the message you wish to convey, and it is usually divided into paragraphs for clarity.
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Closing: This is a way to conclude the letter before signing your name. Common closings include "Sincerely," "Best regards," or "Yours truly."
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Signature: This is where the sender's handwritten or typed name appears. In formal letters, it is common to leave a space for a handwritten signature above the typed name.
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Postscript (P.S.): While optional, this part allows the sender to add an additional note or reminder after the signature.
These components help to organize the content of the letter and ensure clear communication between the sender and the recipient.