Unit 1 Informal Letters

Writing an Informal Letter

An informal letter is to a friend, a relative we know, so we can start the letter with:

Dear _________,

Hi ___________,

The informal letter consists of three paragraphs:

1. Introduction.

In this first paragraph, we ask for our friend's / relative's health, we thank him for his previous letter, mention the reasons for writing this letter, etc.

2. Body

Here we write the main subject of out letter; for example: telling our friend / relative about a summer camp we went to, telling him about our family, holiday or work.

If we want to write about two subjects, we write two body paragraphs, and if we want to write about three subjects, we write three body paragraphs.

3. Conclusion  / Ending

This is the last paragraph where we write our last remarks: say goodbye, ask the person we are writing to, to write back , send his family our love, etc.

Hints: Imagine that you write to a real friend of yours. Friends usually have names ;-) so address him/her with a name: begin the letter with Dear Joey/ Tim /Rebecca, etc. Begin your letter with some general statements. Refer to the letter you have received from your friend and thank him/her for it or apologize for the fact that you have not answered the last letter soon enough. Use the proper register. The letter is supposed to be informal so you can use contractions, informal linking words like well, by the way, anyway, so, etc. (colloquial expressions) You can use more-conversation-like statements or questions in your letter: You know that I had this exam, right? You think he will be able to come to the party? Use questions to ask about your friend - arrange the next meeting, send greetings to his/her friends and family, etc. End your letter in informal way: Best wishes; Love; Regards. Instead of these phrases you may put two XXs. They indicate sending kisses ;-)

Useful expressions: Thank you for your letter. It was nice to hear from you. Your last letter was a real surprise. It was so nice of you to remember about... Thanks a lot for the information you've sent me in your last letter. I've just received your letter. I'm so happy to hear that... I'm sorry I haven't answered earlier but I was really busy with my school. I'm sorry I haven't written for so long but... Looking forward to hearing from you soon. Well, that's all for now. Will talk to you soon. Give my regards to your Mummy(Mum/Mommy). I hope we will be able to arrange a get-together. Do write back as I'm waiting for the news from you.