An informal letter...

begins with Dear ... or Hi, Hello

refers to reason for writing

uses contractions

uses abbreviations

uses simple, short sentences

uses simple linkers, e.g. then, later

may have paragraphs

could use slang

could use exclamation marks (!)

ends with Best wishes / Write soon

ends with a signature

LANGUAGE USED
openings Thanks for your letter.
It was great to get your letter.
I’m writing to ask you a favour.
Sorry for not writing for so long.
Signalling the end I must go now.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
I’ll finish now as I’m running out of
space.
Bye for now
I´d better get going
Letter closings Love
Hope to hear from you soon
Best wishes

EXAMPLES OF INFOMAL LETTERS

1
 10th December
Hi Vic,

How are you? What are you doing this New Year’s Eve? Jean and
I have decided to hold a party at home this year, and we’d love it if
you could come.
We’re planning quite a small party with our old school friends, so
you’ll know all of the guests. There’ll be lots to eat and drink. We’ve
decided to give the party a Mexican theme, with lots of spicy food.
You’ll probably be coming by train won’t you? Just give us a ring
from the station and I’ll pick you up. As the party will be quite late,
you’ll need to stay the night. Don’t worry there’s plenty of room for
everybody.
We’ll, I really hope you can make it. It seems ages since we last
saw. Please let me know as soon as possible.
Lots of love,
Mark

Dear Maria,
I thought you'd never reply to my last letter! Anyway, back to your question. Well, if I were
you, I'd choose the museum job.
Working in a restaurant would be very tiring. Trust me I've done such a job, and I quit within a
month! However you talk to lots of people, listen to their discussions which can sometimes be
very interesting but still you get really tired.
Working in a museum though can be really interesting. You just have to explain to the visitors
what is what. You may think that you will have to talk all day, but that's not true. You see many
people just like to browse through the museum. You also have to remind the rules of the
museum to some that disobey them, but these people are usually very few; not something you
should worry about.
I heavily suggest you take the museum job. It's easier and less tiring. I'm looking forward to get
your reply.
Lots of love,
George

2nd May
Dear Scott,
Hi, how are you doing? I know that you’ve just moved up a
year at school.
What’s your new teacher like? I bet he’s really cool. Does he
teach you how to write letters?
Ours does. Today, my teacher taught us how to set a personal
letter out correctly.
I’m in the top group for Literacy which is great. My two best
friends in class are
in the group too so we have a lot of fun. I’ve just started to use
a fountain pen to write
with, so my handwriting’s getting really neat. I have to be very
careful not to smudge my
work; do you have fountain pens at school?
We’ve been swimming nearly every day since Easter. Our
school has an outdoor

2
 5th November 2000

Dear Paula,

Oh, how I missed being with you during the holidays this year! Everything in London is so different from
Spain that I don't know if I'll ever get used to living here. I'm so glad that my father's job at the Spanish
Embassy will only last until June. Then we will come home, and you and I can spend the summer on the
beach. (I hope you'll spend your holiday in Spain, as usual.)

I've already made some very nice friends, but don't worry - no one could ever replace you as my best
friend! After school, I sometimes go to my friend Fiona's house. She enjoys listening to the same music
and watching the same clips that you and I like. In fact, Fiona and I have tickets for Bon Jovi's concert
next month. I wish you were coming with us!

Life is very different here. Would you believe that we have to wear a uniform to go to school? It's awful!
A blue skirt and blazer, a white blouse and a ridiculous checked tie, not to mention a pair of horrible,
long, white socks. Besides, there is nothing to do in the evening. All the shops close by 4.30 p. m. and
pubs are only open till 11 p. m.

That's all for now. I must start my homework for my English class tomorrow. The teacher wants us to
write an informal letter to a friend and I don't even know where to begin! Please write soon and tell me
all the news. I miss you.

Love,

December 6th

Dear Jane,

I hope you are feeling better Are you able to sit in the garden and enjoy the sunshine?

We all miss you in the office and look forward to your return. There have been a few
changes since you went into hospital. Eric Johnson has now retired (lucky man) and
Matthew has taken over Eric's job. He is struggling at the moment. He hopes you will
return soon to rescue him from the muddle.

I thought you would like the book I'm sending you with this letter I saw it in the
bookshop and thought it would make you laugh. I know you 've always wanted to live
in Greece. Anyway, I hope you enjoy it and find time to read it before you return to
work

Take it easy and look after yourself I'll write again soon.

Best regards

Sheila