📚 IGCSE WJEC English: Letter Writing Exam Guide | IGCSE WJEC 英语：书信写作 考点精讲
In the WJEC IGCSE English Language examination, letter writing is a core transactional writing task that tests your ability to adapt tone, structure, and conventions for a specific audience and purpose. Mastering this skill can earn you high marks for content, organisation, and technical accuracy. This guide breaks down every essential element, from layout to language choices, ensuring you are fully prepared for both formal and informal letters.
在 WJEC IGCSE 英语语言考试中，书信写作是一项核心的事务性写作任务，考查你根据特定受众和目的调整语气、结构和格式规范的能力。掌握这项技能可以在内容、结构和技术准确性方面为你赢得高分。本指南详细拆解了从格式布局到语言选择的每一个关键要素，确保你为正式与非正式信件做好充分准备。
1. Understanding the Two Main Types | 理解两种主要信件类型
WJEC requires you to write either a formal letter or an informal letter based on the prompt. A formal letter is addressed to someone in authority, such as a headteacher, editor, or company, and uses a respectful, polite tone. An informal letter is written to a friend or relative and allows a conversational, personal tone. Recognising which type is needed is the first step to success.
WJEC 考试要求你根据提示写一封正式信件或非正式信件。正式信件写给有权威的人，如校长、编辑或公司，使用尊敬、礼貌的语气。非正式信件写给朋友或亲戚，允许使用对话式、个人化的语气。判断需要哪种类型是成功的第一步。
- Formal letters: purpose often includes complaint, application, enquiry, or giving an opinion. | 正式信件：目的通常包括投诉、申请、咨询或发表观点。
- Informal letters: purpose often includes sharing news, thanking, inviting, or describing an experience. | 非正式信件：目的通常包括分享消息、感谢、邀请或描述经历。
2. Letter Layout and Addresses | 信件格式与地址
Correct layout is vital for formal letters. Your own address goes at the top right, followed by the date beneath it. The recipient's address is placed on the left, below your address and date. For informal letters, you may write only your address and the date, or even omit addresses entirely, but a clean layout still helps. Always align text neatly.
正确的格式对于正式信件至关重要。你自己的地址写在右上角，日期在地址下方。收件人地址写在左侧，位于你的地址和日期之下。对于非正式信件，你可以只写自己的地址和日期，甚至完全省略地址，但整洁的布局仍然有帮助。务必保持文本整齐对齐。
Your Address → 12 Park Lane, London, SW1 4NP
Date → 15 March 2025
Recipient's Address (Formal only) → The Editor, Daily News, 45 Fleet Street, London, EC4Y 1AA
3. Salutations: Getting the Greeting Right | 称呼：正确使用问候语
The salutation depends on the recipient and the level of formality. For formal letters, use 'Dear Sir/Madam' if you do not know the name, or 'Dear Mr Smith' / 'Dear Ms Jones' if you do. For informal letters, 'Dear Mum' or 'Hi Tom' are appropriate. The salutation is followed by a comma in informal writing; in formal letters, either a comma or no punctuation is acceptable, but be consistent.
称呼取决于收件人以及正式程度。正式信件中，如果不知道姓名，使用 'Dear Sir/Madam'；如果知道，则用 'Dear Mr Smith' 或 'Dear Ms Jones'。非正式信件中，'Dear Mum' 或 'Hi Tom' 很合适。非正式信件中称呼后跟逗号；正式信件中可以使用逗号或不加标点，但要保持一致。
| Formal | Informal |
|---|---|
| Dear Sir/Madam, | Dear Gran, |
| Dear Mr Brown, | Hey Jack, |
4. Opening Paragraphs That Engage | 开头段落：吸引读者
An opening paragraph should immediately state your reason for writing. In a formal letter, be direct: 'I am writing to express my concern about...' or 'I am writing to apply for...'. In an informal letter, set the tone warmly: 'How are you? I hope you're doing well.' or 'I couldn't wait to tell you about...'. Avoid wasting words on unnecessary introductions in formal letters.
开头段落应立刻说明写信的原因。正式信件中要直接：'I am writing to express my concern about...' 或 'I am writing to apply for...'。非正式信件中要营造温暖的口吻：'How are you? I hope you're doing well.' 或 'I couldn't wait to tell you about...'。正式信件中避免在无关介绍上浪费笔墨。
5. Developing the Body with Purpose | 有目的地展开正文
Organise the main body into logical paragraphs, each covering a distinct point. In a complaint letter, one paragraph might describe the problem, the next the impact, and the following your suggested solution. Use linking words like 'furthermore', 'in addition', and 'however' to create flow. For informal letters, the sequence can be more natural, but still avoid jumping randomly between ideas.
将主体部分组织成逻辑清晰的段落，每段阐述一个不同的要点。在投诉信中，一段可能描述问题，下一段说明影响，再下一段提出建议的解决方案。使用如 'furthermore'、'in addition' 和 'however' 等连接词来创造流畅感。非正式信件中，顺序可以更自然，但仍要避免在想法之间随意跳跃。
- Formal: clear topic sentences, supportive details, and a courteous but firm tone. | 正式：清晰的主题句、支撑细节、礼貌而坚定的语气。
- Informal: use anecdotes, rhetorical questions, and exclamations to mimic real conversation. | 非正式：使用轶事、反问句和感叹句来模仿真实对话。
6. Choosing the Right Tone and Register | 选择合适的语气和语域
Tone is one of the most heavily weighted criteria. In formal letters, maintain a respectful, objective tone: avoid slang, contractions (use 'do not' instead of 'don't'), and emotional language unless carefully controlled. In informal letters, a chatty, friendly tone is expected, using colloquial expressions like 'a bit', 'loads of', and contractions to sound sincere.
语气是评分权重最高的标准之一。正式信件中要保持尊重、客观的语气：避免俚语、缩写（用 'do not' 而非 'don't'），以及情感化语言，除非谨慎使用。非正式信件中预期要使用闲聊般、友好的语气，使用如 'a bit'、'loads of' 和缩写等口语表达，让人听起来真诚。
Remember: cramming very formal vocabulary incorrectly can harm your marks. Use words you are confident with. | 请记住：错误地堆砌非常正式的词汇会损害你的分数。使用你有把握的词语。
7. Closings and Sign-offs | 结尾语与署名
The closing must match the opening salutation. For formal letters beginning with 'Dear Sir/Madam', use 'Yours faithfully'. If you used a name, close with 'Yours sincerely'. In informal letters, sign off with 'Love', 'Best wishes', 'Take care', or 'Cheers', depending on your relationship. Leave a few lines for your signature, then type or print your name beneath for formal contexts.
结尾语必须与开头的称呼相匹配。以 'Dear Sir/Madam' 开头的正式信件，使用 'Yours faithfully'。如果使用了姓名，则以 'Yours sincerely' 结尾。非正式信件中，根据关系可使用 'Love'、'Best wishes'、'Take care' 或 'Cheers' 结尾。在正式场合，留出几行用于签名，然后在下方打印或清晰书写你的姓名。
| Salutation | Closing |
|---|---|
| Dear Sir/Madam | Yours faithfully, |
| Dear Ms Taylor | Yours sincerely, |
| Hi Emma | Love, |
8. Conventions for Specific Purposes | 特定目的的写作规范
Different task types demand slightly different structural moves. A letter of complaint should clearly outline the issue, explain consequences, and politely request action. A letter of application must highlight relevant skills and enthusiasm. An informal thank-you letter often describes the impact of the gift or kindness. Tailor your content to meet the specific purpose stated in the exam prompt.
不同任务类型需要略微不同的结构策略。投诉信应清晰地概述问题，解释后果，并礼貌地请求采取行动。申请信必须突出相关技能与热情。非正式感谢信则常常描述礼物或善举带来的影响。根据考题中陈述的具体目的来定制你的内容。
- Complaint: polite but firm, supported by evidence, request a solution. | 投诉：礼貌但坚定，有证据支持，请求解决方案。
- Application: why you are suitable, what you can contribute, formal yet enthusiastic. | 申请：为什么你适合，你能贡献什么，正式而不失热情。
- Informal invitation: give details of event, express desire for their company. | 非正式邀请：提供活动细节，表达希望对方陪伴的愿望。
9. Punctuation, Spelling and Grammar (PSG) | 标点、拼写与语法
WJEC awards a significant portion of marks for technical accuracy. Proofread for common errors: comma splices, missing apostrophes, and confusion between 'your/you're' and 'there/their/they're'. In formal letters, ensure sentences are complete and avoid text-speak. In informal letters, you may use fragments for effect, but they must be intentional, not accidental.
WJEC 在技术准确性方面分配了相当一部分分数。仔细检查常见错误：逗号粘连、遗漏的撇号以及 'your/you're' 和 'there/their/they're' 的混淆。正式信件中要确保句子完整，避免短信用语。非正式信件中可以使用不完整句来达到效果，但必须是有意为之，而非疏忽所致。
10. Paragraphing and Cohesion | 段落划分与连贯性
Use paragraphs to guide your reader. Plan for at least four paragraphs: introduction, two or three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Link ideas with cohesive devices: 'firstly', 'consequently', 'on the other hand'. In informal writing, simpler links like 'anyway' and 'by the way' work well. Avoid overloading any single paragraph with too many points.
利用段落来引导读者。计划至少四个段落：引言、两个或三个主体段落以及结论。使用衔接手段连接想法：'firstly'、'consequently'、'on the other hand'。非正式写作中，像 'anyway' 和 'by the way' 这样更简单的连接词效果很好。避免任一单个段落塞进太多论点。
11. Practising with Past Papers and Mark Schemes | 利用历年真题和评分方案进行练习
Reading the mark scheme is the quickest way to understand what examiners want. Top-band answers show a clear sense of audience, a sustained matching of tone to purpose, accurate layout, and almost error-free writing. Set yourself timed practice tasks, then review against WJEC mark schemes. Focus on the specific skills: content and organisation (usually 10 marks) and writing accuracy (usually 10 marks).
阅读评分方案是理解考官要求的最快途径。高分档答案表现出清晰的受众意识、语气与目的始终匹配、格式准确以及几乎无错误的书写。为自己设定限时练习任务，然后对照 WJEC 评分方案进行回顾。聚焦具体技能：内容与组织（通常10分）和写作准确性（通常10分）。
12. Common Pitfalls to Avoid | 应避免的常见陷阱
Many candidates lose marks by using an inappropriate tone for the context, such as over-friendly language in a formal complaint. Others forget basic layout rules, making the letter look like an essay. Leaving insufficient time to proofread also results in avoidable errors. Finally, not fully addressing all parts of the prompt can cap your marks, so ensure you respond to every bullet point or instruction.
许多考生因使用不适合情境的语气而失分，例如在正式投诉中使用过于友好的语言。另一些人忘记了基本格式规则，使信件看起来像一篇短文。留出不足够的时间校对也会导致可避免的错误。最后，没有完全回应提示中的所有部分会限制你的得分，因此务必确保回应每一个要点或指令。
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