PRACTICE 1: INFORMAL LETTER

Your father wants to buy a computer but he is not sure whether it is better to buy a laptop or
a desktop computer. He asks for your opinion. After doing some research, you come up with
some information on both computers.

Using the notes given below, write an informal letter to your father stating your choice and
supporting it with reasons.

LAPTOP COMPUTER DESKTOP COMPUTER

 Portable  Cheaper
 Slim and light  Easier to upgrade
 Can function on battery  Harder to steal
 More expensive  Bulkier- difficult to carry around
 More fragile  Require more space
 Easier to steal  Rely on direct supply of electricity

When writing out your letter, you should remember to include the following:

 To state your choice

 To make comparisons
 To state the purpose of the letter
 To give appropriate greeting and closing
 Use all the points given

SAMPLE ANSWER

122,Taman Pearlview Avenue,

High Tech Park,
09000 Kulim,
Kedah Darul Aman.
30/8/10
Dear father,

How are you over there? I hope you are fine. I am doing okay here. I am writing this
letter to let you know about my opinion on whether to buy a laptop or a desktop computer. I
think you should buy a desktop computer.

Firstly, desktop computers are cheaper. They are also easier to be upgraded. It is
harder to steal desktop computers because they are heavy.

However they have some weaknesses too. They are bulkier and difficult to be
carried around. They also require more space and rely on direct supply of electricity.

37
 On the other hand, laptops are portable, slim and light and can function on
battery. However I do not recommend it to you because laptops are more expensive and
fragile. Besides, they are easier for people to steal.

I hope that I have been helpful. I know that you will make a right choice. If you still
have doubts, feel free to contact me again. Till then. Goodbye .

Your loving son / daughter,

signature
….……………….

EXAMINATION TIPS

Format

1. Informal letter is written to pen pals, friends, relatives and family members.
2. The format of an informal letter has the following features.
a) Sender’s address
b) Date – any form – but avoid writing in the formal form – 30 August 2010
Both a) and b) must be written on the top right-hand corner of the letter
c) Salutation – on the left hand side of the letter – Dear mum, Dear sister,
d) Start your letter asking about the receiver’s well-being – How are you?
e) If you are replying a letter you may start like this – I received your letter…
f) State the purpose of your letter – I am writing this letter because……….
g) Closing – Yours sincerely (for friends, pen-pals, etc.), Your loving daughter, etc.
Do not use Yours faithfully as it is used for formal letter.

3. 3 marks are usually awarded for format although there are more than 3 features.
4. Write your letter in 3 - 4 paragraphs.
5. Informal language can be used in an informal letter – I’ve, dad, mum, sis, be happy,
etc.
6. Do not use “sms language” such as “u” for “you” and “b4” for “before”

Body

1. Refer to other model letters to see how the given content points are constructed into
meaningful sentences.
2. Sentences need not be long.
3. Just add phrases like “They are” or “Desktop computers” to the given content points.
4. Remember there would be 12 content points and it is easy to get marks for all the
content points.
5. End your letter in a friendly, informal manner – Well, till we meet again, Goodbye.

38