FCE Formal Letter & Email Writing: Complete B2 First Guide with Examples

Picture this: you're sitting in the FCE exam room, and Writing Part 2 asks you to write a formal letter of complaint to a hotel manager. Your mind goes blank. What's the right greeting? How formal is too formal? Where do you even begin?

If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. FCE formal letter and email writing challenges thousands of B2 First candidates every year. But here's the good news: with the right structure, phrases, and practice, formal writing becomes as natural as sending a text message (just with better grammar and no emojis!).

Why Formal Letters Matter in FCE Writing Part 2

Formal letters and emails test your ability to communicate professionally in English—a skill you'll need whether you're applying for university, dealing with customer service, or advancing in your career. The Cambridge examiners want to see that you can:

• Use appropriate formal register and tone
• Structure your ideas logically
• Address all the points in the task
• Demonstrate B2-level grammar and vocabulary

The Three Types of FCE Formal Letters You Need to Master

Before diving into structure, let's clarify why you might be writing a formal letter in your FCE exam:

Type	Purpose	Example Scenario
Application	Applying for a job, course, or position	Writing to apply for a summer job at a language school
Complaint	Expressing dissatisfaction and seeking resolution	Complaining about poor service at a restaurant
Enquiry/Suggestion	Requesting information or proposing ideas	Asking about course details or suggesting improvements to a service

The Perfect FCE Formal Letter Structure

Think of your formal letter as a five-part symphony. Each section plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious whole:

1. Salutation or Greeting - Your professional hello
2. Opening Paragraph - State your purpose clearly
3. Main Body (2-3 paragraphs) - Develop your points
4. Closing Paragraph - State what you want to happen next
5. Final Salutation & Name - Your professional goodbye

Let's break down each component with examples and insider tips.

1. Nailing the Salutation (and Avoiding Common Mistakes)

Your greeting sets the tone for the entire letter. Here's your quick reference guide:

If you know the name	If you don't know the name
Dear Mr. Smith, Dear Ms. Johnson, Dear Dr. Brown,	Dear Sir/Madam, Dear Sir or Madam,

⚠️ Common Mistake Alert: Never write "Dear Mrs." unless you're certain the woman is married. Use "Ms." as the safe, modern choice for all women.

2. Opening with Impact

Your first paragraph should immediately tell the reader why you're writing. Be direct, clear, and reference any previous correspondence if relevant. Here are some winning openers:

For applications:
"I am writing to apply for the position of summer camp counsellor advertised on your website last week."

For complaints:
"I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the service I received at your hotel on 15th March."

For enquiries:
"I am writing to enquire about the English courses you offer for international students."

3. Body Paragraphs That Score Points

Your body paragraphs are where you address all the content points from the task. Remember:

• One main idea per paragraph - This makes your letter easy to follow
• Use formal linking words - Furthermore, Moreover, However, In addition
• Support with examples - Specific details make your letter more convincing
• Keep it relevant - Every sentence should serve your purpose

4. Closing with Purpose

Your closing paragraph is as important as your opening. This is where you state what action you expect or what you'd like to happen next. Some effective closings:

• "I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience."
• "I would appreciate a prompt response to this matter."
• "Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information."
• "I hope we can resolve this matter quickly and amicably."

5. Sign Off Like a Pro

Your final salutation must match your opening greeting:

If you started with...	You must end with...
Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. [Name]	Yours sincerely,
Dear Sir/Madam	Yours faithfully,

Then sign with your full name. In the exam, you can use a fictional name if you prefer.

Essential FCE Formal Language Features

To achieve that perfect formal tone, remember these golden rules:

Do Use ✓	Don't Use ✗
I would like to...	I'd like to...
I am writing to...	I'm writing to...
Do not	Don't
Request, enquire, inform	Ask, tell
Receive	Get

Useful Phrases for Every Occasion

Build your formal letter toolkit with these exam-ready phrases:

For Making Requests Politely:

• "I would be grateful if you could..."
• "Would it be possible to..."
• "I would appreciate it if you could..."
• "Could you please send me..."

For Complaining Effectively:

• "I was extremely disappointed with..."
• "I feel I must complain about..."
• "I am writing to express my concern about..."
• "This situation has caused me considerable inconvenience..."

For Expressing Interest (Applications):

• "I am particularly interested in this position because..."
• "I believe I would be suitable for this role as..."
• "My experience in... makes me an ideal candidate..."

Real FCE Task Example with Model Answer

Task: You recently stayed at a hotel where the service was very poor. The room was not clean, the staff were unhelpful, and the breakfast was cold. Write a letter of complaint to the hotel manager. In your letter, you should:

• explain when you stayed and what problems you experienced
• describe how this affected your stay
• suggest what the hotel should do about it

Write 140-190 words.

Top Tips for FCE Formal Letter Success

1. Plan before you write - Spend 5 minutes organizing your ideas
2. Check the task carefully - Address ALL the content points
3. Count your words - Aim for 160-170 words to be safe
4. Leave time to proofread - Check grammar, spelling, and punctuation
5. Practice different scenarios - The more you write, the more natural it becomes

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Being too informal - Remember, no contractions or colloquial language
• Forgetting the purpose - Stay focused on why you're writing
• Poor paragraphing - Use clear paragraph breaks for each main point
• Inconsistent tone - Maintain formality throughout
• Ignoring word count - Too short = missing content; too long = lack of control

Your Next Steps to Formal Writing Excellence

Mastering FCE formal letters and emails isn't about memorizing templates—it's about understanding the principles and practicing regularly. Start by:

1. Creating your own phrase bank from this guide
2. Practicing one formal letter type each week
3. Timing yourself to write within 45 minutes
4. Getting feedback from teachers or study partners
5. Reading sample answers to absorb natural formal expressions

Remember, every formal letter you write brings you one step closer to FCE success. Whether you're dealing with applications, complaints, or enquiries, you now have the tools to communicate with confidence and professionalism.

Ready to put your skills to the test?
Start with a simple task: Write a formal email enquiring about English courses at a language school. Use the structure and phrases from this guide, and watch your confidence soar!