Transactional Writing
Write formal and informal letters, reports, reviews
What is Transactional Writing?
Transactional writing communicates a specific message for a real-world purpose. Forms include formal letters, friendly letters, reports, reviews, diary entries, speeches, obituaries and interviews. Each has its own format and conventions.
Example
Formal Letter Format
Your address (top right)
Date
Recipient's name and address (left)
Dear Mr/Ms Surname,
Paragraph 1: State the purpose.
Paragraph 2–3: Provide details and evidence.
Final paragraph: State what action you expect.
Yours faithfully/sincerely,
Your Name
Formal vs Informal Register
Formal: used for business, applications, complaints. No slang, proper grammar, polite tone.
Informal: used for friendly letters, diary entries. Conversational tone, contractions allowed.
Example — Formal: 'I wish to enquire about the advertised position.'
Informal: 'Hey! I saw your post about the job — sounds great!'
Note
Common Errors to Avoid
Always use the correct format — marks are lost for missing addresses, dates or salutations. Match your register to the task. A formal letter to the municipal manager is not the same as a letter to your friend.
Key Vocabulary
TransactionalWriting with a practical, real-world purpose
FormalFollowing official rules and conventions
SalutationThe greeting at the start of a letter (e.g. Dear Sir)
RegisterThe level of formality in language
ConventionA standard way of doing something in writing
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