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Epistolary Art • Five Essential Parts
A friendly letter sends your thoughts to someone far away. Every proper letter contains five distinct parts: 1. Heading (place & date), 2. Salutation (greeting), 3. Body (message), 4. Complimentary Close, and 5. Signature.
A friendly letter sends your thoughts to someone far away. Every proper letter contains five distinct parts: 1. Heading (place & date), 2. Salutation (greeting), 3. Body (message), 4. Complimentary Close, and 5. Signature.
Notice: A comma follows the city, the day, the greeting, and the close!
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Anatomy of a Letter: The Five Standard Parts
Study the classic model letter below. Observe where each part begins, its margin indentations, and its punctuation.
Heading Cleveland, Ohio, October 14, 1889.
Salutation Dear Charlie,
Body We are having lovely autumn weather here. The leaves are turning red and gold, and yesterday father gave me a new sled. I hope you can come to visit me next Saturday, and we will play in the meadow.
Close Your true friend,
Signature Ralph Jones.
1. Heading Place:
3. Greeting Mark:
Followed by a
2. Heading Date:
4. Close Capital:
Only capitalize
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Transcription: Copying the Model Letter Exactly
Follow the textbook command: “Copy the letter on your slate or paper. Notice the use of capitals and marks of punctuation.”
Heading:
Salutation:
Body Line 1:
Body Line 2:
Close & Sign:
3
Original Composition: Write to a Friend
Follow the textbook direction: “Copy the letter again, using the name of one of your friends, and sign your own name.”
Dear
, (Your friend's name)
My Message:
Your friend,
(Your signature)