Skip to main content

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.






Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Unit 9 Business Letters and Memo

Business Letters Business letters are written, typed or printed brief messages sent in an envelope by post or messenger usually to recipients outside an organization. Often printed on official letterhead paper, they provide legal details about the communication. Business letters are more formal than memos or notices. Business Letter Format 1.     Head ·        Logo/Company's name ·        Address ·        Date ·        Confidential (Mark so if it is) ·        Subject line (optional) ·        Salutation (Dear Sir/Madam, Dear John,  etc.) 2.     Body ·        Opening paragraph (reason to write letter) ·        Main body ...
3 comments
Read more

Mixed Important Questions

# Report the various stages of a labour dispute, from early discontent through to a satisfactory solution. Ans: A labour dispute is the outcome of the differences between the employer and the employees or a body of employees (union) regarding the terms of employment or non-employment (i.e. conditions of labour), cooperation between them is essential for success of any firm. The maintenance and promotion of industrial peace is an essential requirement for harmonious industrial relations system. Accordingly, labour policy prescribes measures to secure and sustain cooperation by limiting the chances of conflict between management and union. However, in spite of such policies in favor of cooperation, the workers and employers are often found in conflict situations even in firms known for good labour-management relations. Various stages of dispute settlement have been suggested ranging from negotiation to judicial settlement of dispute. In theory, the labour dispute resolution ...
8 comments
Read more

Unit 7 Instructions

Writing Guides or Instructions: 1. Provide step-by-step sequences in the correct order. 2. Follow the timing and sequences of the actual operations. 3. Avoid lengthy paragraphs. 4. Check the guides or instructions match the actual product. 5. Explain symbols, icons and codes clearly. 6. Do not think that the user has prior ( पूर्व ) knowledge about the product. 7. Write in present tense and active voice. 8. Check that the steps actually work in the product by experimenting with a user. 9. Clearly mention the steps (STEP 1, STEP 2, etc.) Structure of Guidelines or Instructions: Title Introduction Warning / Precautions (if any) Steps Closing (Summary / Contact for further details) c) Someone is going to borrow your house or flat while you are away, but you will not be able to talk to them. Write careful instructions for them concerning all the things they will need to know. Surkhet April 22, 2016        ...
2 comments
Read more