Grade: 9

Subject: English Language

Letters
Introduction

• Letters are a written form of communication.

• They’re divided into types - Formal and Informal

• An informal letter is written to someone you know in a personal capacity. For

example: letters to friends & family.

• A formal letter is written to someone in a professional capacity. For example: to the

Principal of your school, BMC, editor etc
Informal Letter

• Informal letters are written to close acquaintances of the writer, their friends, family,
relatives, etc. Since they are written to close relations the letters have an informal
and personal tone.

• Casual language is used while writing informal letters. Sometimes, the letters may
even have an emotional undertone.

• Informal letters are mainly used for personal communication. Thus, they do not have
to follow any specific pattern, format or conventions.

• They can be written as per the writer’s wishes and the requirement of the situation.
Therefore, the letter is written in a personal fashion in casual unassuming language.
Format

• Opening

When writing an informal letter, you will most likely start with ‘Dear [addressee’s first
name]’. However, if you’re writing, for example, an informal letter to a business
contact or an elderly relative, you may want to refer to them as ‘Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms
[last name]’.

• Body

This is the main part of your letter. If you’re writing an informal letter to a friend,
partner or family member, make sure you use personal and friendly language.
Format

First Paragraph
Start off by showing an interest in how the addressee is doing, or refer to an
event/happening they have mentioned before.
Then, state the reason for your writing.

Second Paragraph Onwards

From your second paragraph onwards, you can elaborate upon the reason for your
writing.
Even if your tone is casual, it’s still important to put the appropriate care into your
sentence structure, grammar and spelling.

Final Paragraphs
In your final paragraphs, make some concluding remarks.
You may want to ask some final questions, mention that you look forward to receiving
a reply or send your regards to the recipient’s family and friends.
Format

• Ending
To conclude your letter, you will want to use a closing sentence. Examples of the same:

I can’t wait to hear back from you.

I look forward to hearing from you.
See you soon!
Send my love to…

• Signature

Finally, at the very end of your letter, you should sign off with a greeting and your name. When writing in
the informal style, you can use one of the following:

Best wishes,
All the best,
Lots of love,
Lots of Love
Best,
Kind Regards,
Sample
Formal Letter

• A formal letter is one written in a formal and ceremonious language and follows a
certain stipulated format.

• Such letters are written for official purposes to authorities, dignitaries, colleagues,
seniors, etc and not to personal contacts, friends or family.

• A number of conventions must be adhered to while drafting formal letters.

Format

• Opening

This is where you greet the person you are addressing the letter to. Bear in mind that it is
a formal letter, so the greeting must be respectful and not too personal.
The general greetings used in formal letters are “Sir” or “Madam”.
If you know the name of the person the salutation may also be “Mr. XYZ” or “Ms. ABC”.
However, remember you cannot address them only by their first name. It must be the full
name or only their last name.

• Body

This is the main content of the letter. It is either divided into three paras or two paras if
the letter is briefer.
The purpose of the letter should be made clear in the first paragraph itself.
The tone of the content should be formal. Do not use any flowery language.
Another point to keep in mind is that the letter should be concise and to the point.
Always be respectful and considerate in your language, no matter the subject of your
letter.
Format

• Ending
To conclude your letter, you must have a call for action. For example:
I hope you look into this
I look forward to discussing this with you
I hope you take these points into consideration

• Signature

You must always sign off using “Yours faithfully,” (if the name of the addressee is not
known) or “Yours sincerely,” (if the name of the addressee is known).
You will end the letter by signing off using your full name.
Sample