How to Write a Friendly Letter

What is informal writing?

 Steps of Informal Writing
• Read the question CAREFULLY.
• Make sure you understand all the bullet points.
• Brain Storm the ideas roughly.
Start Writing:
• Minimum 4 to 5 Paragraphs (introduction, body, conclusion)
Introduction is a general greetings and telling your friend what are you
writing about
• In the Body, you HAVE TO ANSWER THE THREE BULLET POINTS.
Either in one or two, but preferable 3 separate paragraphs.
• To answer each bullet point:
1) State your idea
2) Feelings (if applicable)
3) Personalization: (Things Common Between you)
As you know how much I love ………….
I know how much you are a big fan of ………..
Remember when we used to go/do ……………
Recall our memories …………….
• In the Conclusion, we farewell your friend and telling him to reply you back.
Greeting
Be sure that you know the ways of starting a
letter to different people.
• To a friend: Dear+ first name

• To a brother/sister: Dear + first name

• To your mother/father: Dear Mum/Dear Dad

• To an aunt: Dear Auntie + first name

• To an uncle: Dear Uncle + first name

 The introduction
Paragraph ( 1 )
– From under the person’s name you will start the first
paragraph .
What do I write in an introduction?
• You can start with :
1. Using an apology
2. Not using an apology
3. Personal reference
1. A favourite way to begin an informal letter is
by using an apology.

I'm sorry I haven't written for ages, but I've

been busy study and I haven't had the time.

I've been meaning to write for ages, but I'm

afraid I just haven't got round to it.
2. Other introductions to friendly letters do not involve an
apology.
• How are you? / How are things (with you)? / How's it going? /
How’s life?
• I hope you’re fine. / I hope you and your family are well. / I
do hope this e-mail will find you in good health and spirits.
• It was great to hear from you and I’m really glad that things
are working out for you down under. It sounds as if you have
landed on your feet. (be successful/lucky)
• How’s life treating you? What have you been up to? I haven’t
heard from you for months. Hope you survived your exams.
• How do you do buddy? Congratulations on winning the chess
competition. I saw the huge buzz on Facebook. You deserve the
best.
• It was great to get your letter last week . How are things?
Feeling better I hope. Lost that nasty flu? or is it still
wearing out your nose?
Paragraph (2)
Connecting the introduction with the body paragraphs , you
should start the second paragraph with a transition
sentence :
- I thought I’d drop you a line to let you know …
- Anyway , the reason I’m writing the letter is…
- Anyway , I thought you might like to know
something about………..
- Just a short hint/ quickie note to tell you about
- Guess what? I met/ did/went
- For example:
I thought I would drop you a line to let you know
I'm really happy you can come to stay with us.
Paragraph (3) Conclusion
You will finish your paragraph by the following :
• Looking forward to hearing from you. / Hope to hear
from you soon. / Write back soon!
• Anyway, I must get down to studies again. So thanks
again for your invitation and I hope that we can get
together sometime in the not too distant future.
• Well, got to go. Wait for the prom news. They’re coming
soon. I’ll tell you all about the suits, dresses and dates.
Update me soon. See you.
• That’s not all for now. Tell you more when I fix my
laptop. Can’t tell you how excited I’m for the Music
Concert tomorrow. See you there. Bye.
• Make sure you write soon! / Keep in touch! / Drop me a
line if you have time!
 The closing is the part
where you say
goodbye to whoever
you are writing to. You
always need a comma
after.
Sincerely, Best wishes
Until next time, See you soon
Hugs and kisses, Lots of love
Yours truly, All the best
The closing goes after the body and is at the
end of the letter.
The signature is
where you sign your
name. It goes on the
line below your
closing.
SIGN-OFF
• Yours(,) / Your friend(,)

• Best wishes(,) / All the best(,)

• Hugs(,) / Hugs and kisses(,)

• Love(,) / Lots of love(,) / All my love(,)

• Take care(,) / Bye for now(,)