Writing informal letters

Hello friends,

Although in recent times, communication has become much easier with the help of phones, computers and faster travel options, it is important to learn the art of letter-writing.

What is a letter?

A letter is a written or typed message addressed to a single person or a group of people.

In earlier days letters used to be one of the primary means of communication between people who lived far away from each other.

As you see, writing letters is the old thing especially the informal or personal letters.

A personal or informal letter is usually addressed to family members, relatives, friends, or people we know personally.

It is usually written in an easy and friendly manner.

We don't write informal letters because we have phone to text messages and internet to email but they are still in use.

In this video, you will learn how to write an informal letter.

Take a look at my friend’s letter. His family moved to Switzerland last week.

Weisstrasse, 45

5623 Kuesnacht

Zurich

14^th September

Dear Harry,

Thanks so much for your card.

I really loved the party last week and I was sad at the end. I’m going to miss all the wonderful friends I had at school. How are the things without me?

Our new house is nice – see the pictures. But we’re really busy at the moment. A lot of things are still in boxes.

I went to my new school on Monday. The school isn’t far from my home. It took me about 15 minutes to get there. I was a bit afraid but I made new friends sooner than I expected. The teachers are nice and understanding. Everything seems to be working out well.

We’re enjoying learning a new language. The first time my little sister heard some children talking she cried. Then she said “Mike! What’s wrong with them?” In fact, many of the Swiss speak English (and French and Italian!) so communicating in shops isn’t difficult. Television is a bit harder! I watched the German “Who wants to be a millionaire?” the other night. I think i got two questions correct, but I don’t know!

My mum sends her love – she’s cooking something Swiss at the moment.

Anyway, that’s about it for the moment. Look after yourself and keep in touch.

All the best,

Mike

PS Have you got any plans for holidays? We are thinking of going to the Alps. It would be a lot more fun if you went with us. What do you think?

While listening to the letter, tick the topics Mike talks about.

a) his new school

b) neighbours

c) his new classmates

d) his new home

e) the journey to school

f) his dad’s new work

g) plans for holidays

Read the letter again. Are the sentences true (T) or false (F)?

1. Mike liked the people at his old school.

2. His way to school is shorter now.

3. He hasn’t made friends yet.

4. The teachers are understanding.

5. He finds it difficult to talk to people in shops.

6. He speaks good German.

7. Mike wants Henry to join his family on holiday.

Look at the letter again. Match 1 – 8 to headings a) – h).

a) greeting

b) the date

c) the main body of the letter

d) the beginning of the letter

e) the address

f) the closing sentences

g) adding extra information

h) the end of the letter

Let’s check your guesses.

a) greeting – 3

b) the date – 2

c) the main body of the letter – 5

d) the beginning of the letter – 4

e) the address – 1

f) the closing sentences – 6

g) adding extra information – 8

h) the end of the letter – 7

Notice these phrases in Mike’s letter. Which are used at the beginning (B) and which at the end (E) of the letter?

a) Thanks so much for …

b) How are things …

c) My mum sends her love …

d) Anyway, that’s about it for the moment.

e) Look after yourself and keep in touch.

f) All the best,

Henry: I’ve written a reply to Mike’s letter.

Put the letters in the correct order.

F)      34 North Avenue,

London

W12 2HE

B) Monday 18^th September

D) Dear Mike,

G) Thanks for your letter.

A) Have just finished my report in History and my brother is out at swimming now so it’s a good time to write back. He says hi to you and little Pam.

How is everything at the new place? What are your Swiss classmates like?

You’re lucky to live not far from school. The weather was horrible last week here. On Thursday it took me over an hour to get to school by bus.

The pictures are great. I showed them to everyone in our class. It really isn’t the same without you, Mike. I don’t have anyone to play tennis on Sunday. Thanks for your invitation. I’d really love to go with you! I have always dreamt to learn snowboarding.

H) Anyway, that’s all the news for you. Take care and write back soon.

E)      Best wishes,

Mark

C) PS Do you know the date of your departure to the mountains? Have you chosen the place to stay?

Match the phrases 1-6 in bold in my letter to phrases a) – f) in Mike’s letter.

1. He says hi to you and little Pam. – c) My mum sends her love.

2. How’s everything – b) How are things

3. Best wishes – f) All the best

4. Thank you for your letter - a) Thanks so much for …

5. Anyway, that’s all the news for you. – d) Anyway, that’s about it for the moment.

6. Take care and write back soon. – e) Look after yourself and keep in touch.

Add these phrases to the list.

1. How’s life?

2. It was great to hear from you

3. Anyway, I have to go now.

4. Lots of love,

5. Drop me a letter when you can.

Imagine you have moved to another country. Make notes on your new home and your new routine.

·                   where you live now

·                   your new school

·                   your new way to school

·                   a new language

Write an informal letter to a good friend about your new life.

Don’t forget to use the organization of an informal letter:

1.                 the address

2.                 the date

3.                 greeting

4.                 the beginning of the letter

5.                 the main body of the letter

6.                 the closing sentences

7.                 the end of the letter

8.                 adding extra information (PS)

Hopefully the lesson was useful and informative to you.

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