informal letters - an overview

7/31/2019 Informal Letters - An Overview

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Informal Letters

An Overview and revision


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Feedback

1. Do NOT start sentence with Although, But, And, So,

Because2. Always state PURPOSE in the introductory paragraph

3. Do not use contractions

4. Do not use ! unless ending off the letter


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Informal Letter (snail mail)

Informal letters are friendly and personal.

Writing an informal letter can be likened totalking to a friend.

It is written in a conversational and friendly

tone.


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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


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We also write informal letters to:

Thank someone

Keep in touch and/ or reminisce withsomeone

Introduce places of interest to someone


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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?


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Write with creativity. Use yourimagination to answer these questions, as

long as you express yourself relevantlyand clearly.

Since an informal letter is a personalpiece of writing, it should always include

the expression of your feelings.


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Although you are writing an informal

letter, do not write ungrammaticalsentences, non-standard English,abbreviations, or SMS language as youmight in real life. Bear in mind that you

are ultimately writing for an examiner.


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You should use adjectives and otherdescriptive words to express yourfeelings in a letter. These words should

describe situations, behaviour and yourfeelings.

Adding details to a letter make it a more

engaging read. Specific details such astime, place, actions and reactions makethe contents interesting.


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Informal Letter of Thanks

How to write an Informal Letter of Thanks


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We write informal letters of thanks toexpress our gratitude to our recipient forsomething that they have done for us and/

or given to us. Often, the recipient issomeone close to us.

Such a letter usually contains heartfeltsentiments, conveying sincerity and deepappreciation for the recipients actions and/or the thought that went into selecting thegift for us.


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ChecklistBefore you start writing, ask yourself:

1. How is the recipient related to you?

2. What has she or he done for you? What are youthanking 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 havebeen given?

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


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The best thank-you letters come from the heart.Write sincerely and express your positivefeelings 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 indetail how you feel about the gift and what youintend to do with it.


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Here are some phrases you can use when writing aninformal 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


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Informal Letter introducing Places ofInterest

We write a letter introducing places of

interest to tell someone more about theseplaces.

Often, the recipient is unfamiliar with theseplaces and would like to find out more inthe hopes of visiting them.


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Informal Letter for Places of Interest

ChecklistBefore you start writing, ask yourself:

1. What places would you recommend that yourrecipient visit? Where are they?

2. Why would you recommend it what is eachplace of interest like? Does it have any specialfeatures? 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 toknow about the place?


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Informal Letter for Places of Interest

Before you make recommendations to yourrecipient, consider his or her needs andconcerns.

Be as descriptive as possible. Show yourrecipient exactly what they can expect at theplace.

Explain clearly why you believe your recipient

may like the place. Remind them of the precautions they need to

take, if any.


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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


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Keep in Touch!

How to write an Informal Letter to Keep inTouch


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Keep in Touch!

We write an informal letter to keep in touchwith people because we want to share detailsabout our lives and maintain our relationships

with them.We sometimes write such a letter to

communicate with people with whom we havelost contact.

A handwritten letter is a wonderful way to keepin touch with friends and family as it oftenconveys sincerity and a sense of intimacy.


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Keep in Touch!

Checklist

Before you start writing, ask yourself:

1. How long has it been since you last communicated with yourrecipient?

2. Who is this recipient you are catching up with?

3. Why are you writing to her or him?

4. What would you like to tell her or him?

5. Why do you want to tell her or him that?6. What are your feelings as you write to her or him about it?

7. Why do you feel that way?

8. Is there anything you would like her or him to do?


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Keep in Touch!

As such letters are usually personal, doinclude your feelings.

To make your letter interesting, bedetailed about what you are describing.Remember, even mundane events cansound fascinating when the right

descriptive words are chosen.


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Keep in Touch!

Such letters are often written to strengthen arelationship. As such, you should not only givedetails about your life, but also enquire abouthis or her life. The reciprocal action of sharingabout your lives will boost the relationship.

You can also reminisce about the past.Referring to the past can help you to re-establishyour bond with your recipient and evokefeelings in him or her.


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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

informal letters - an overview

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