Professional Courses
Industry-relevant training in Business, Technology, and Design to help professionals and graduates upskill for real-world careers.
Categories
Interactive Games
Fun, engaging games to boost memory, math fluency, typing speed, and English skillsβperfect for learners of all ages.
Typing
Memory
Math
English Adventures
Knowledge
Enroll to start learning
Youβve not yet enrolled in this course. Please enroll for free to listen to audio lessons, classroom podcasts and take mock test.
Interactive Audio Lesson
Listen to a student-teacher conversation explaining the topic in a relatable way.
The Structure of Informal Letters
Unlock Audio Lesson
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Lesson
Today, we will explore informal letters. Does anyone know what makes an informal letter different from a formal letter?
I think informal letters are for friends and family.
Exactly! Now, can anyone list the main parts of an informal letter?
It starts with your address, then the date, and then you have a greeting.
Great job! So remember this acronym: AD-GC. A stands for Address, D for Date, G for Greeting, C for Content. The content is where you share your news or feelings!
What do you mean by content?
Good question! The content is the main message. It can include questions about the personβs well-being, whatβs going on in your life, and anything else that feels personal.
And how do you end an informal letter?
You close it with a warm phrase like 'Best wishes' or 'Yours lovingly' followed by your name. Can anyone summarize what weβve learned today?
We learned the structure of informal letters and its importance in personal communication!
The Tone and Style of Informal Letters
Unlock Audio Lesson
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Lesson
Let's talk about the tone we use in informal letters. Why do you think the tone is important?
So the reader feels comfortable and more connected?
Exactly right! We use casual language, contractions, and even slang when appropriate. Can someone give me an example of friendly language?
You could say, 'Howβs it going?' instead of 'How are you?'
Great example! Using such language helps to build rapport. Who can tell me why it's important not to be too formal?
Being too formal might make it feel like an official letter instead of a personal one.
Exactly! Remember, informal letters should reflect your personality. Use emojis or personal jokes if you like. So, how would you address a close friend in a letter?
I might say 'Hey Sarah' instead of 'Dear Ms. Sarah'.
Thatβs perfect! Remember to be yourself in informal letters.
Writing Practice for Informal Letters
Unlock Audio Lesson
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Lesson
Now, we'll practice writing our own informal letters. Letβs imagine weβre writing to a cousin about our summer holiday. Whatβs the first thing to include?
Our address?
Correct! Then what comes next?
The date!
Right! After that, we'll open with a greeting. What should you say in the opening sentence?
Maybe 'I hope youβre enjoying your summer'?
Absolutely! Now, share some fun experiences. What did you do this summer?
I went to the beach and built sandcastles!
Sounds fun! Remember to describe it vividly so your cousin feels like they are there with you. Letβs start writing.
Introduction & Overview
Read a summary of the section's main ideas. Choose from Basic, Medium, or Detailed.
Quick Overview
Standard
Informal letters are casual communications typically sent to friends, family, or acquaintances. This section outlines their specific format, including address, date, salutation, body content, and closing. Key elements of personal communication, such as tone and language use, are also discussed, emphasizing the importance of warmth and familiarity in informal writing.
Detailed
Detailed Summary of Informal Letters (Personal Letters)
Informal letters are a form of personal communication aimed at friends, family, or close acquaintances. Unlike formal letters, which serve official or business purposes, informal letters foster personal connections through a casual tone. The structure of an informal letter begins with the sender's address at the top right corner, followed by the date directly below it. The salutation aligns to the left, with a warm greeting such as 'Dear [Name]'.
The body of the letter consists of three main components:
1. Opening: A friendly inquiry about the recipient's well-being (e.g., "How are you?").
2. Main Content: This section can include sharing news, asking questions, or conveying feelings, often written in a conversational and friendly tone.
3. Closing: A sign-off that reinforces goodwill (e.g., "Looking forward to seeing you soon").
The letter concludes with a complimentary close (e.g., "Yours lovingly") and the sender's name. An example scenario involves writing to a cousin about summer holidays, demonstrating how to convey personal stories and emotions effectively. Proper understanding of this structure enables individuals to connect meaningfully with their loved ones through written communication.
Audio Book
Dive deep into the subject with an immersive audiobook experience.
Understanding Informal Letters
Unlock Audio Book
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book
Informal letters are written to friends, family members, or close acquaintances. They are personal, casual, and conversational in tone.
Detailed Explanation
Informal letters are types of personal correspondence. Unlike formal letters, which are structured and serious, informal letters are more relaxed and friendly. They are typically sent to people you know well, such as family or friends, and their tone reflects that closeness.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine writing to your best friend after a long time apart. You would likely begin with a warm greeting, ask about their health, and share updates about your life in a candid, casual manner, which emphasizes the personal nature of the letter.
Structure of Informal Letters
Unlock Audio Book
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book
Format:
- Your Address: (Top right corner) Your street address, city, and PIN code.
- Date: (Below your address) Day, Month, Year (e.g., 24 June 2025).
- Salutation: (Left side, below date) Start with a warm greeting, e.g., Dear [Friend's Name], Dear Mom,
- Body: (Main content) This is where you write your message. The language is friendly and personal. You can use contractions and colloquialisms.
- Opening: Start with a friendly inquiry (e.g., How are you? Hope you are doing well.).
- Main Content: Share news, ask questions, describe experiences, or convey feelings.
- Closing: Express goodwill or anticipation (e.g., Looking forward to seeing you soon. Take care.).
- Complimentary Close: (Bottom right, aligned with your address) A friendly closing, e.g., Yours lovingly, Best wishes, Lots of love,
- Your Name: (Below the complimentary close) Your first name.
- Example Scenario: Writing to a cousin about your summer holidays.
Detailed Explanation
The format of an informal letter consists of several key components. First, you start with your address at the top right, followed by the date. Then on the left side below the date, you write a warm greeting (salutation) to the person you are writing to. The main part (body) includes your friendly message, starting with an opening that asks about the recipient's wellbeing, followed by the main content where you share updates or stories. The letter ends with a cordial closing and your name.
Examples & Analogies
Think of it like writing a postcard from your vacation. You would write where you are staying, the date, a friendly 'Hi!' at the top, and then tell your cousin about your favorite activities. You'd wrap it up with a cheerful note like 'Canβt wait to see you!' and sign it with just your first name.
Example Scenario: Writing to a Cousin
Unlock Audio Book
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book
Example Scenario: Writing to a cousin about your summer holidays.
Detailed Explanation
When writing to a cousin about your summer holidays, you should include details that reflect your experiences. This would typically involve describing the places you visited, the activities you engaged in, and your feelings about these experiences. This allows for a more engaging and relatable letter that enhances personal connection through shared experiences.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine telling your cousin about a trip to the beach. You might describe the sunny weather, the feeling of sand between your toes, how you built sandcastles, and the moment you tasted ice cream from a local vendor. Such vivid details help them feel like they were part of the experience.
Definitions & Key Concepts
Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.
Key Concepts
-
Structure: Structure of informal letters includes address, date, salutation, body, and closing.
-
Tone: Informal letters have a casual and friendly tone, fostering personal connections.
-
Content: The body of the letter contains personal news and feelings, expressed in a conversational manner.
Examples & Real-Life Applications
See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.
Examples
-
An informal letter example might start: 'Dear Aunt Mary, I hope you are well. I just returned from a wonderful trip to the mountains!'
-
Another could be: 'Hi Tom! How has your summer been? I canβt wait to tell you about my latest adventures!'
Memory Aids
Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.
π΅ Rhymes Time
-
To write a letter, keep it light, friends and family come to sight.
π Fascinating Stories
-
Imagine you are excited to share a fun adventure with your cousin. You write an informal letter, telling them about your trip to the zoo, where you saw lions and a baby elephant!
π§ Other Memory Gems
-
Use the acronym AD-GC to remember: Address, Date; Greeting, Content.
π― Super Acronyms
EAGLE
- Easily Addressed
- Good Language Engaged.
Flash Cards
Review key concepts with flashcards.
Glossary of Terms
Review the Definitions for terms.
-
Term: Informal Letter
Definition:
A casual letter written to friends, family, or acquaintances characterized by a conversational tone.
-
Term: Salutation
Definition:
The greeting at the beginning of a letter, which sets the tone.
-
Term: Complimentary Close
Definition:
The phrase used to close the letter, expressing goodwill.
-
Term: Body
Definition:
The main content of the letter where the writer shares messages or feelings.