Final answer:
A formal business letter includes specific formatting, with date and address at the top, a clear statement of purpose, left-justified text, and a formal closing followed by the sender's signature.
Step-by-step explanation:
A formal business letter is structured with particular attention to a standardized format to address professional correspondence. Such a letter includes the date and address at the top, followed by a salutation. The body begins with a clear statement of purpose, continues with supporting details in subsequent paragraphs, and concludes with a brief closing paragraph. The block format is typically used, wherein text is left-justified and double spaces separate paragraphs without indentation.
For example, writing to a local politician about concerns for school library funding would entail stating your identity, the intent to advocate for funding, clearly detailing the impact of current funding levels on education, and concluding with a reiteration of the need for change, all within a formal tone and structure.
The closing line such as 'Sincerely,' followed by the sender's name and signature, maintains the formality of the letter.