Section 9

4. Letter writing:

There are two types of letters:

1. Official (formal) letters
2. Friendly (informal) letters
3. Official letters should observe the following: –
4. They must be precise and to the point. Just answer what has been asked i.e. if you are asked to apply for a job, do exactly that, write the qualities that would give you the job. Do not divert.
5. Length does not matter so long as you address what you have been asked.
6. There is a format to be followed.

Grace Akinyi

P.O Box 56680

Nairobi

10^thOctober, 2005

TO THE HEADTEACHER

ALLIANCE HIGH SCHOOL

P.O. BOX 29080

KIAMBU

Dear Madam,

REF: APPLICATION FOR VACANCY IN FORM ONE

I wish to apply for a vacancy in form one in your school. I have heard about your school and found out that it is the best that one can ever go to.

The reason as to why I wish to apply for a vacancy in your school is because of the science subjects you offer. In future I want to fulfill my ambitions of becoming a doctor.

I am a 14-year-old girl. I did my K.C.P.E. examinations last year in November at Top Achievers Academy and achieved the following grades.

Mathematics     90%

English                  92%

Kiswahili               88%

Science                 90%

SST                         88%

Total                      448 marks

Besides academic achievements I was also active in co-curriculum activities. I played volleyball for my former school for two years and received four trophies.

I’m ready for an interview if called upon for one. I look forward for a favorable answer.

Yours faithfully

Susan Ogola.

TO THE HEAD TEACHER,

PANGANI PRIMARY SCHOOL

P.O Box 2146

Nairobi

Dear Sir

REF: ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL

I have not attended school for two weeks now for reasons that are beyond my control. I am deeply sorry for any inconveniences caused to both you and my teachers.

Both my parents and I were arrested and then locked on Friday 11^th June 2005 at Kamiti Maximum Prison. My parents had fired our house help on Thursday 10^th June 2005 in the morning. In the evening of the same day she was found hanging on a leso behind our servants’ quarter. All along we thought she had gone home to her parents.

They were released yesterday in the evening after the intervention of my uncle Samuel Kadir the bearer of this letter. I am depressed, tired and sick. I need a few days to recollect and think properly. I hope to resume lessons next week on Monday.

Again I apologize for my absence and ask you to bear with me,

Yours faithfully

Betty Gikonyo