Which statement describes the main purpose of a closing in a letter?

• A. To restate the topic
• B. To express goodwill and end the letter
• C. To cite sources
• D. To list contact information

Answer: (B)

The main function of a closing is to express goodwill and signal the end of the letter. It provides a polite, final tone—like a courteous sign-off—that leaves the reader with a positive impression as the message concludes. Closings are short phrases such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name, and sometimes your title. They come after the body of the letter and don’t introduce new information. Restating the topic belongs in the body, not the closing, and citing sources or listing contact information typically appears in other parts of the letter (references or signature block, respectively). So the closing wraps things up gracefully and professionally.