WISDOM POINT · STUDENT WRITING FORMATS The complete Wisdom Point guide to the formal letter format, in eight clear parts. QUICK ANSWER A formal letter follows eight parts in order: the sender's address, the date, the receiver's address, a subject line, a salutation, a body of three paragraphs, a complimentary close, and your signature. Open with Dear Sir or Madam and close with Yours faithfully if you do not know the name. If you know the name, open with Dear Mr Brooks and