You may be asked to write a formal letter, a personal letter or an open letter in the exam. Depending on what you are asked, you will be expected to know the layout of each of these.
In a formal letter, you need to have your address in the top right hand corner, with the date below. The recipient’s address goes on the left hand margin below the line with the date. You must also use a formal tone throughout and sign off with ‘yours sincerely,’ if you named the person in the greeting, or ‘yours faithfully,’ if you did not name them.
In a personal letter, you need your address in the top right hand corner, with the date below. Personal letters require a less formal approach, but you should still use correct spelling, grammar and punctuation as this is your chance to impress the examiner.
In an open letter, you may be asked to publish a letter on social media for everyone to see about a topic you feel strongly about. There is no need for addresses in an open letter, but it is expected to read like a letter you are sending to a wider audience.
With all three letters, it is important that you make sure that you address all aspects of the question and that your content reflects what you have been asked to write about. Always make a list of your contents and tick them off when you have addressed them.