Informal Letter

Formats for Informal Letter in the Malaysian school system: Students are taught to:

include the writers address and date in the upper right hand corner. The date can be written in different forms. (7th September 2009, 7 SEPTEMBER 2009 or 7.9.2009) use the most common salutation. (Dear John) indent paragraphs. include a suitable complimentary close. (Your loving daughter) Do not use Regards as it is considered slightly more formal and distant. Also, do not use Best Wishes as this is considered inappropriate. use proper punctuation. For example, a comma should be used after the salutation and complimentary close. use capitalisation where necessary. For example, the month of the date (10 January 2009), the salutation (Dear Maria)

Under normal circumstances, it is perfectly acceptable to use informal language (e.g. stuff, jam-packed) and contractions (Ill, wont) in an informal letter, but this is usually not acceptable in the local examination system. Lets look at some important aspects of an informal letter. 1. Organisation Paragraph 1 include formalities; give reason for writing the letter. Paragraph 2 onwards depends on the reason for writing the letter. If your reason is to tell the recipient about your holiday, then you will include details of the holiday. The last paragraph you can give a reason why you have to stop writing such as: I am sorry I have to stop here because it is getting late. I am sorry I have to stop here because

I have to stop now because Or you can simply end the letter in a number of appropriate ways as shown in #3 below. 2. > > Some useful expressions on how to begin an informal letter I was pleasantly surprised to hear from you. Thank you for your letter. I was pleased to hear that you are in good health. It was really nice hearing from you. I am glad that you like your new school. I hope this letter finds you in the pink (of health). Thank you for the lovely birthday card. Some useful expressions on how to end an informal letter I promise to write to you soon. I hope you will reply soon. Give my best wishes to your parents. I am looking forward to seeing you. I look forward to hearing from you. Do write and tell me how you are progressing.

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Sample Question Your younger sister, who is studying in a boarding school, has written to complain that she finds the compulsory co-curricular activities very tiring. Write a letter to her to explain the benefits of co-curricular activities. Use the notes given below to write your letter. > > > > > > > > > > help you become a better person instill discipline learn good values - cooperation respect for others develop leadership skills learn to organize activities provide opportunities - to develop social skills to take part in competitions keep you healthy get a good testimonial

When writing your letter, remember to include the following > > > > your address a proper salutation/greeting a complimentary close all the notes given above