2.3. Writing an opinion formal letter

What part of the city of Cancun is it?



Opening Class Debate: Should Malecon Tajamar in Cancun be urban developed or remain as a protected natural area?


Writing an opinion formal letter

📝 1. Sample Task

You have seen a newspaper article about a proposal to build a luxury hotel in the Malecón Tajamar area in Cancún.

The project has generated strong public debate, particularly regarding its environmental impact and its potential effects on the local community and economy.


Write a letter between 220 and 260 words to the editor of a local newspaper:

  • giving your opinion on the proposed development
  • explaining the possible consequences of the project

📌 In your letter, you should:

  • clearly state whether you support or oppose the project
  • explain the environmental impact
  • describe the social and economic effects
  • suggest possible alternatives or solutions


🎯 Tip (C1 Level)

Before writing, consider:

  • Who is your reader? → general public
  • What is your purpose? → persuade / express concern
  • What tone is needed? → formal and balanced

2. Sample letter: 

Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed construction of a luxury hotel in the Malecón Tajamar area of Cancún, a development which I believe would have serious environmental and social consequences.

Malecón Tajamar is not only a valuable urban space but also an important natural habitat. The destruction of vegetation in the area has already caused significant damage to local wildlife, and further construction would undoubtedly worsen this situation. In particular, the loss of green areas contributes to rising temperatures and reduces the city’s natural capacity to regulate its climate.

From a social and economic perspective, while the project may create short-term employment, it is likely to benefit only a limited sector. In contrast, the long-term environmental degradation could harm Cancún’s image as a sustainable tourist destination, ultimately discouraging visitors who are increasingly concerned about ecological issues.

Although economic development is essential, it should not come at the expense of irreplaceable natural spaces. Sustainable alternatives, such as eco-friendly tourism projects, should be considered instead.

I hope that the authorities will take these concerns into account and engage in an open dialogue with the community before proceeding with this project.

Yours faithfully,
A concerned resident

(Word count: 236)


3. Formal Letter Structure (C1)

🔹 1. Salutation

  • Dear Editor, ✅
  • Use comma (not full stop)

🔹 2. Opening Paragraph

  • State purpose + opinion clearly
    👉 I am writing to express my strong opposition…

🔹 3. Body Paragraphs

Paragraph 2 → Environmental impact

  • explain consequences
  • use topic vocabulary

Paragraph 3 → Social & economic impact

  • show wider awareness

Paragraph 4 → Balanced argument

  • recognise another perspective
    👉 Although economic development is essential…

🔹 4. Final Paragraph (C1 Key Feature)

  • Encourage action / response
  • Invite dialogue

👉 I hope that the authorities will…

🔹 5. Closing Formula

  • Yours faithfully, ✅ (no name given)

🔹 6. Signature

  • A concerned resident
  • A local citizen

✏️ 4. C1 Language Bank (Topic-Specific)

🔹 Expressing Opinion

  • I strongly oppose…
  • I firmly believe that…
  • It is essential that…

🔹 Environmental Vocabulary

  • natural habitat
  • environmental degradation
  • biodiversity loss
  • sustainable development
  • ecological impact

🔹 Linking & Cohesion (C1 Level)

  • Furthermore
  • In contrast
  • Although…
  • While it is true that…
  • As a result

🔹 Encouraging Action (Important Ending)

  • I hope that the authorities will…
  • I trust that this issue will be addressed…
  • I would welcome further discussion…
  • I encourage the government to reconsider…


🎯 5. What Makes This C1 according to the Cambridge Criteria)

✔ Content

  • Fully answers the task
  • Relevant, well-developed ideas

✔ Communicative Achievement

  • Formal, persuasive tone
  • Suitable for a newspaper editor

✔ Organisation

  • Clear paragraphs
  • Logical progression of ideas

✔ Language

  • Wide vocabulary range
  • Complex grammar structures
  • Natural linking (not repetitive)

Individual Writing Practice: Write a letter according to the exam task on page 262 and the guidelines seen in the lesson.

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