Writing an Informal Letter
-Informal letters are also known as social or friendly letters.
-Informal letters are also known as social or friendly letters.
-An informal letter is a letter you would write to a friend, a family member or an acquaintance. The classic informal letter has five parts as follows: (1) Includes your return address and the date of writing the letter...(2)…
-They are usually written to friends, relatives or members of the family. (The recipients of informal letters are people whom we know personally.)
-An informal letter, also
referred to as a friendly letter, is a personal letter written to
friends or relatives. There are fewer formatting rules for informal
letters than there are for business or formal letters...
-Informal letters are usually written when
asking for information and giving news about some event. Besides that, they are
also written to thank, invite or keep in touch with someone.
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Guidelines and Tips
(1)When writing an informal letter, you
must remember to:
(a) write in a conversational style.
Therefore, you can use contractions such as 'can’t', 'won’t', 'I'm' and so on.
(b) use appropriate expressions for
salutation and closing
(c) arrange the contents of the letter in
a logical sequence
(d) write in short paragraphs
(2)The
format of an informal letter is as follows:
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Introduction
In this chapter, you are taught how to write an informal letter.
Make use of the notes to write the letter.
You can follow the format that is provided in this chapter.
This letter-writing lesson can also be put into practical application in the future.
Guidelines
Follow the guidelines below to write an informal letter:
Write
your address at the top right-hand corner of the letter. Put a comma
after every line and a full stop at the end of the address.
Write the date below your address.
Write the salutation on the left–hand side of the letter
Begin your greeting with Dear…
Make sure you put a comma after the greeting.
Your letter must have an introduction, a body and a conclusion.
You can begin your letter with; (1) How are you? (2) I received your letter on...
Make sure that all your paragraphs are indented.
End your letter with; (1) Yours sincerely, (2) Your friend, on the right-hand side of the letter.
Model Question 1
You should spend 30 minutes on this question.
Your
friend is going to study overseas. Write a letter to him/her on the
preparations that n to be done to go overseas. Use the notes to help you
write.
Preparations:
-student visa/documents
-enough funds
-shop for proper clothes
When writing out your letter:
-you may use the notes given
-suggest one other preparation that needs to be done
-add any other relevant information
-write in not less than 150 words
Writing Outline
Introduction: address - date - salutation - greeting - state purpose
Main Body: Advise friend on what to do to prepare to go overseas
Paragraph 1: student visa-important documents-troublesome if forgot
Paragraph 2: enough funds-living expenses
Paragraph 3: shop for proper clothes – four seasons
Paragraph 4: bring local food-herbs-spices-do not bring items not allowed
Conclusion: meet before leaving - give call - ending - signature
No 10. JalanTangsi
30450 Ipoh,
Perak, DarulRidzuan.
1 April 2016.
Dear Danial,
How are you? I hope you are fine. I’m excited to hear that you are going overseas to further your study.
Before
you go, ensure that your student visa and all important documents are
ready. It will be troublesome if you forgot any. Try to settle every
single thing in Malaysia before you fly.
You
should also ensure that you have enough funds for your living expenses.
Although you are on scholarship, you still have to make sure it is
enough. Remember not to spend on unnecessary items.
Since
London has four seasons, you need different clothes for each season.
You should buy the clothes for the season that you will be arriving in
and buy the others after you have arrived.
I’m
sure you will miss our local food. You could bring along a supply of
local herbs and spices but do not bring food that may not be allowed
into the country.
I have to stop now. I hope we could meet before you leave, so just give me a call. Until then, take care.
Your friend,
James Taller
Model Question 2
You should spend 30 minutes on this question.
Your
school held a sports day two days ago and you have promised your friend
to write a letter to him/her about the event. Write a letter to your
friend to describe your School Sports Day. Use the notes to help you
write.
Sports day:
-gather at house tent
-speech by principal
-singing of the national anthem march past
When writing out your letter:
-you may use the notes given
-state one other activity during your school’s sports day
-add any other relevant information
-write in not less than 150 words
Writing Outline
Introduction: address - date - salutation - greeting - state purpose
Main Body: Describe the occasion.
Paragraph 1: gather - tents respactive houses - speech
Paragraph 2: the national anthem and march past
Paragraph 3: sports events - highlight - relay events
Paragraph 4: - my house - Green House - champion – receive trophy -and with speech - tired - happy
Conclusion: hope to receive reply - signature ending
10, Taman Greentown,
30450 Ipoh,
Perak DarulRidzuan.
3 May 2016.
Dear Sherly,
How
are you? I’m sorry that I did not reply to your letter sooner. I was
busy preparing for my school’s sports day. I would like to tell you
about it.
Before
the event took place, the participants gathered early at the tents of
their respective houses. At 8.45 a.m., our principal gave a speech to
start the day.
After
that, we sung the national anthem which was followed by the march past
by the uniformed bodies. My brother participated in the march and I was
proud of him.
All the sports events took place between 9 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. The relay events were the highlight of the sports event.
At
the end, my house, the Green House, emerged champion and we received a
trophy. The principal then gave a speech to end the day. By then, we
were all tired but happy.
Unfortunately,
I have to stop here for now. I do hope to receive a reply from you soon
and phase tell me about your school’s sports day later. Until then,
take care.
Your friend,
Lucy Green
Model Question 3
You should spend 30 minutes on this question.
Your housing area was flooded recently. Write a letter to your friend about the incident. Use the notes to help you write.
Flood:
-moved electrical gadgets upstairs
-evacuated to higher ground
-go back home
When writing out your letter:
-you may use the notes given
-state one other detail of the incident
-add any other relevant information
-write in not less than 150 words
Writing Outline
Introduction: address - date - salutation - greeting - state purpose
Main Body: Describe what happened during the flood.
Paragraph 1: moved electrical gadgets upstairs - documents, valuables, secured
Paragraph 2: evacuated to safer place - boat - community hall - higher ground
Paragraph 3: donations - clothes - money - blankets
Paragraph 4: after flood - move back home - clean house
Conclusion: will write again once finished cleaning - ending - signature
No, 11, KampungBudiman,
34030 Taiping,
Perak DarulRidzuan
1 May 2016.
Dear Lee Hoon,
I’m
sorry I haven’t written to you in a while.Two days ago, my housing area
was float This was due to the unstoppable heavy rain in Taiping. My
neighbourhood and a few on were also affected.
Lucky,
we had expected the Hood. So we moved our electrical gadgets upstair*.
Our important documents and valuables have been secured earlier.
By
noon, we had to evacuate to a safer place by boats. That night, we
stayed at i community hall that was located on higher ground. The place
was not so comfortable as] they were crowd. However, I was thankful that
at least, we had a place to stay
I
did not realize how kind people were until this flood. There were
donation of blankets clothes, and even money to help us. It was
heartwarming.
When
the water subsided, we moved back to our home. My family and I are
still cleaning the house which is full of mud. It is a lot of hard work.
I have to stop now. I’ll write again once the cleaning up is done. Goodbye and take care.
Your friend,
SiewMeng
Model Question 4
You should spend 30 minutes on this question.
You
saw an advertisement about the Royal Circus of Dubai. You and your
family went to the circus and had fun. Write a letter to your friend
about your experience at the circus. Use the notes to help you write.
Experience:
-front row seats
-performance by seals
-monkeys riding bicycles
-elephants - did clever tricks
When writing out your letter:
-you was use the notes given
-state two other experience at the circus
-add any other relevant information
write in not less than 150 words
Writing Outline
Introduction: address - date - salutation - greeting - state purpose
Main Body: Describe the circus performances.
Paragraph 1: front row - good view - seals
Paragraph 2: monkeys - riding, mini bicycles - elephant show - clever tricks
Paragraph 3: trapeze act - dangerous
Paragraph 4: act by clowns - funny - cannot stop laughing
Conclusion: friend should come - ending - signature
Model Answer 4
No. 15, JalanLilin,
43000 Kajang,
Selangor DarulEhsan,
4 February 2015.
Dear Thomas,
How
are you? My family and I are fine. I just wanted to share with you my
experience of going to the Royal Circus of Dubai. It was really
exciting.
My
dad got us front row seats, so we had a good view of the show. The
first performance was by the seals. You should see the amazing way they
balanced colourful balls on their noses. They were adorable as well!
The
next performance was by the monkeys. They were riding mini bicycles
around the ring. The elephant show was very entertaining as well. The
elephants did very clever tricks.
Next
was the performance by the trapeze artists. The trapeze act seemed so
dangerous and we thought that they were going to fall down.
The
most enjoyable performance was the clowns’ acts. They were so funny
that we could not stop laughing. I really enjoyed all the performances
and it was worth every cent!
Why don’t you come this weekend and we can go see it together. Let me know what you think. Good bye.
Your friend,
Robert Young
Model Question 5
You should spend 30 minutes on this question.
Your
friend told you about his/her sibling’s asthma attack. Write to your
friend on ways to red asthma attack. Use the notes to help you write.
Steps to reduce asthma attack:
-clean up mould
-wash bed sheets and blankets
-keep away from smoke
When writing out your letter:
-you may use the notes given
-suggest one other step to reduce asthma attack
-add any other relevant information
-write in not less than 150 words
Writing Outline
Introduction: address - date - salutation - greeting - state purpose of letter
Main Body: Explain how asthma attack can be prevented.
Paragraph 1: advise friend what could be done - clean up mould
Paragraph 2 : wash bed sheets - blankets - under the sun
Paragraph 3: do not let smoke near sister - keep pets out
Conclusion: take care family - ending - signature
Model Answer 5
Lot 101, JalanKolam Air,
71600 Jelebu,
Negeri Sembilan DarulKhusus.
10 February 2015.
Dear Murni,
I
hope you are in the pink of health. I am rather concerned about your
sister, Maya. I did some research about asthma attack and I really hope
this will work.
Since
this disease is incurable, you should help however you can to reduce
the risks of attack. You ought to clean up mould with soap and water.
Mould can irritate the respiratory passage and cause an asthma attack.
Bed
sheets and blankets should be washed at least once a week. This will
help remove dust that settles on such a large surface area. Drying them
under the sun kills the germs.
Remember
not to let smoke near her. Ventilate your kitchen and keep her away
from smoking areas. If you keep furry pets, it is advisable to house
them outside. Pets’ fur can cause irritation if inhaled.
I
hope with all these steps, your sister’s condition will be better. I
pray for her health and yours as well. Take care of yourself and your
family. Till then, goodbye.
Your friend,
Melati Omar
Model Questions 6
You should spend 30 minutes on this question.
Your
friend is having difficulties in choosing a place to go for a holiday
with her family. You have decided to tell her to go to Cameron
Highlands. Write a letter to her about attractions in Cameron Highlands.
Use the notes to help you write.
Attractions:
-Boh Tea Plantation - how tea is processed
-Strawberry farm - hand-picked, ice cream
-Butterfly Farm - different species of insects
When writing out your letter:
-you may use the notes given
-state one other attraction in Cameron Highlands
-add any other relevant information
-write in not less than 150 words
Writing Outline
Introduction: address - date - salutation - greeting - state purpose of letter
Main Body: Describe the attractions in Cameron Highlands.
Paragraph 1: Boh Tea Plantation - walk - plantation - process - tea
Paragraph 2: strawberry farms - hand-picked strawberries - ice cream
Paragraph 3: Butterfly Farm - different species of insects and animals
market - fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers
Conclusion: send regards - family - ending - signature
Model Answer 6
No 2, Taman Seksyen 2,
47301 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor DarulEhsan.
23 January 2016.
Dear Alice,
How
are you? I am doing well. Regarding where you should go for your
holiday, I would suggest that you and your family go to Cameron
Highlands.
I
went there with my family a couple of months ago and the place is
fascinating. One of the most famous attractions there is the Boh Tea
Plantation. You can walk across the plantation and learn about how tea
is processed. The view is also magnificent. You can take pictures for
your memory of being there.
Furthermore,
you can go to the strawberry farms. You can hand-pick strawberries and
enjoy some freshly made strawberry ice cream with waffles. I can assure
you that the taste of the ice cream is delicious.
A
nature lover like you should go to the Butterfly Farm where you will
find many different species of insects and animals living there.
Additionally, you should tell your mother to go to the markets as she
can buy fresh vegetables, fruits, and flowers. I know Aunt Lyn loves all
of that.
I hope my suggestion can help you out. Send my regards to your family. Take care.
Your friend,
Pandalela
Model Question 7
You should spend 30 minutes on this question.
You
and your family are planning a picnic. Your father has asked you to
write a letter to your cousin to join your family for the picnic
together. Use the notes to help you write.
Picnic:
-invite cousin and family
-family gathering
- prepare food
When writing out your letter:
-you may use the notes given
-suggest one other activity for the picnic
-add any other relevant information
-write in not less than 150 words
Writing Outline
Introduction: address - date - salutation - greeting - state purpose of letter
Main Body: Explain the invitation for a picnic.
Paragraph 1: a while since the last get-together - mother misses aunt -family gathering
Paragraph 2: mother prepare some food - nasilemak- cousin’s favourite -egg sandwiches
Paragraph 3: beach activities-swimming-building sandcastles-collect shells - enjoy beauty.
Conclusion: inform family - tell decision - ending - signature
Model Answer 7
No 11, Apartment Setia,
JalanSeksyen 11,
40450 Shah Alam,
Selangor DarulEhsan
1 July 2015.
Dear Faiz,
How
are you and your family? I hope all of you are in good health. My
parents their regards to Uncle Zahid and Aunt Hana. I am writing to
invite you and your far join us for a picnic at Cherating Beach next
month.
As
you know, it’s been a while since we had a get-together. My mother
misses A* Hana so much. This picnic could be our family gathering and it
is definitely a great up.
My mother will prepare some food for us. She will be making nasilemak, which knows is your favourite, and I will prepare some egg sandwiches. It could be nice if Hana can prepare same food as well.
I
am sure you know that Cherating Beach is famous for its beauty. We can
do sc beach activities like swimming, building sand castles and collect
beautiful shells on beach while enjoying the clear waters and fine sand.
I hope you will consider this idea and tell your parents about it. Please let me know your decision. Take care.
Your cousin,
Omar
Model Question 8
You should spend 30 minutes on this question.
Your
best friend is taking up reading as hobby. He/she wrote you a letter to
ask about your favourite book genres. Write a letter of reply to
him/her. Use the notes to help you write.
Favourite book genres:
-science fiction – imaged or potential science
-humour – fun and excitement
-crime/detective – committed crime
When writing out your letter:
-you may use the notes given
-state one other favourite book genre of yours
-add any other relevant information
-write in not less than 150 words
Writing Outline
Introduction: address - date - salutation - greeting - state purpose of letter
Main Body: Explain your favourite genres.
Paragraph 1 : science-fiction - imagined - potential science - set in the future
Paragraph 2 :humour - fun and excitement - cure for stress Paragraph 3 : crime or detective - committed crime - horror - gives chill
Conclusion: ask if want to borrow books - ending - signature
Model Answer 8
No 10, Taman D. Permai Gombak,
53100 Kuala Lumpur.
10 October 2015.
Dear Michael,
How
are you? I hope you are doing fine. I am glad you have found a new
hobby. Reading can definitely benefit us in a way that we can improve
our language and broaden our vocabulary knowledge. There are many book
genres that you can find and I would like to share with you my favourite
book genres.
My
most favourite genre is science fiction. Sci-fi is a story based on the
impacts of imagined and potential science. This genre is usually set in
the future or on other planets.
[1]also
love humourous stories. Books in this genre are full with fun and
excitement. I always read humour books whenever I am stressed.
Another
genre is crime or detective. It is fiction about a committed crime and
how the criminals get caught. I also like horror books. It gives me the
chills as the events in the story evoke the feeling of fear within me.
However, it is fun.
I hope this will help you find your preferred genres. Please ask me if you want to borrow my books. Take care.
Your friend,
Laura
Laura