Informal Letters

An Overview and revision

Feedback

1. Do NOT start sentence with Although, But, And, So, Because 2. Always state PURPOSE in the introductory paragraph 3. Do not use contractions 4. Do not use ! unless ending off the letter

Informal Letter (snail mail)

Informal letters are friendly and personal. Writing an informal letter can be likened to talking to a friend. It is written in a conversational and friendly tone.

Informal Letter (snail mail)

We write informal letters to:

Ask someone something

Catch up with someone Confide in someone Discuss personal issues Express our innermost feelings

Inform someone of something

Informal Letter (snail mail)

We also write informal letters to:

Thank someone Keep in touch and/ or reminisce with someone Introduce places of interest to someone

Informal Letter (snail mail)

Checklist

Before you write an informal letter, as yourself the following questions.

1. Who are you writing to?

2. What do you want to tell/ ask your recipient? Why?

3. Is there anything you would like your recipient to do? If so, what is it?

Informal Letter (snail mail)

Write with creativity. Use your imagination to answer these questions, as long as you express yourself relevantly and clearly.

Since an informal letter is a personal piece of writing, it should always include the expression of your feelings.

Informal Letter (snail mail)

Although you are writing an informal letter, do not write ungrammatical sentences, non-standard English, abbreviations, or SMS language as you might in real life. Bear in mind that you are ultimately writing for an examiner.

Informal Letter (snail mail)

You should use adjectives and other descriptive words to express your feelings in a letter. These words should describe situations, behaviour and your feelings. Adding details to a letter make it a more engaging read. Specific details such as time, place, actions and reactions make the contents interesting.

Informal Letter of Thanks

How to write an Informal Letter of Thanks

Informal Letter of Thanks

We write informal letters of thanks to express our gratitude to our recipient for something that they have done for us and/ or given to us. Often, the recipient is someone close to us.

Such a letter usually contains heartfelt sentiments, conveying sincerity and deep appreciation for the recipients actions and/ or the thought that went into selecting the gift for us.

Informal Letter of Thanks

Checklist Before you start writing, ask yourself: 1. How is the recipient related to you? 2. What has she or he done for you? What are you thanking him or her for? 3. Why are you thanking her or him? 4. What would you like to express to her or him? What would you do with the gift you have been given?

5. Why do you want to tell her or him that?

Informal Letter of Thanks

The best thank-you letters come from the heart. Write sincerely and express your positive feelings about what has been given to/ done for you. Always make specific reference to the gift or the action that is the subject of the letter. Often, the recipient would like to know how the gift has been received and used. Describe in detail how you feel about the gift and what you intend to do with it.

Informal Letter of Thanks

Here are some phrases you can use when writing an informal thank-you letter:

Thank you so much for

I want to thank you for I want to express my gratitude

I am grateful for
I deeply appreciate I feel touched that you

Your gesture was extremely

Your gift was incredibly Your thoughtfulness was truly

Informal Letter introducing Places of Interest

We write a letter introducing places of interest to tell someone more about these places. Often, the recipient is unfamiliar with these places and would like to find out more in the hopes of visiting them.

Informal Letter for Places of Interest

Checklist Before you start writing, ask yourself:

1. What places would you recommend that your recipient visit? Where are they?
2. Why would you recommend it what is each place of interest like? Does it have any special features? What can be learnt there? 3. What can be found and done there? 4. Who is it suited for? 5. Is there anything else your recipient needs to know about the place?

Informal Letter for Places of Interest

Before you make recommendations to your recipient, consider his or her needs and concerns. Be as descriptive as possible. Show your recipient exactly what they can expect at the place. Explain clearly why you believe your recipient may like the place. Remind them of the precautions they need to take, if any.

Informal Letters for Places of Interest

Here are some phrases you can use: You may like to drop by You may like to stop at You may like to visit You may be amazed by You may be fascinated by You may be interested in It may interest you to know that It may surprise you to discover that

Keep in Touch!

How to write an Informal Letter to Keep in Touch

Keep in Touch!
We write an informal letter to keep in touch with people because we want to share details about our lives and maintain our relationships with them. We sometimes write such a letter to communicate with people with whom we have lost contact. A handwritten letter is a wonderful way to keep in touch with friends and family as it often conveys sincerity and a sense of intimacy.

Keep in Touch!
Checklist

Before you start writing, ask yourself:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. How long has it been since you last communicated with your recipient? Who is this recipient you are catching up with? Why are you writing to her or him? What would you like to tell her or him? Why do you want to tell her or him that? What are your feelings as you write to her or him about it? Why do you feel that way? Is there anything you would like her or him to do?

Keep in Touch!
As such letters are usually personal, do include your feelings. To make your letter interesting, be detailed about what you are describing. Remember, even mundane events can sound fascinating when the right descriptive words are chosen.

Keep in Touch!
Such letters are often written to strengthen a relationship. As such, you should not only give details about your life, but also enquire about his or her life. The reciprocal action of sharing about your lives will boost the relationship. You can also reminisce about the past. Referring to the past can help you to re-establish your bond with your recipient and evoke feelings in him or her.

Keep in Touch!
Here are some phrases you can use:

How long has it been since

It has been ages since I cannot believe we have not heard from each other since I am sure you would be surprised to know that You may be interested to know that

Can you recall the time when

Do you remember when