Letter Writing (Formal and Informal)
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Understanding Formal Letters
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Today, we're going to focus on formal letters. Can anyone tell me what a formal letter is?
Isn't it a letter you write to someone in an official capacity?
Exactly! Formal letters are often written for official purposes. They follow a specific format. Can anyone name one formal letter type?
A job application letter!
Right! The key parts of a formal letter include the sender's address, date, receiver's address, salutation, body, complimentary close, and signature. Remember the acronym 'SDSBCS' for the structure!
What do we need to keep in mind while writing the body?
Great question! The body should remain clear and concise. Make sure to use polite and formal language. Let's summarize: formal letters are structured, use proper addresses and language.
Writing Informal Letters
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Now let's switch gears to informal letters. Who can tell me what makes an informal letter different from a formal letter?
Informal letters are written to friends or family and are more casual.
Correct! In informal letters, you can use a friendly tone. The structure is less rigid but still follows a basic format. Whatβs the common salutation?
You can start with 'Dear [Name]'!
Exactly! And the language in informal letters can include personal feelings and stories. Who can give me an example of something you might write in an informal letter?
I might ask my friend how their vacation went!
Nice example! Remember, the body should be engaging and personal. To wrap up, informal letters allow more freedom in expression.
Key Elements of Letter Writing
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What do you think are essential elements that should be included in any letter?
We need to include the date and addresses.
And we should have a proper greeting, like 'Dear' for a formal letter.
Exactly! Both formal and informal letters need these components, but the language varies. Formal letters favor politeness; informal letters favor friendliness. Can anyone give an example of a closing phrase for a formal letter?
'Yours sincerely' is one for formal letters.
Perfect! For informal letters, we might say, 'Best wishes' or simply 'Love'. Remember, the context dictates the tone. Letβs summarize: Structure and tone are crucial.
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
In this section, students will learn how to differentiate between formal and informal letters, understand their respective formats, and apply the appropriate tone and language in each type. Key elements such as sender's address, salutations, the body of the letter, and closings are emphasized for both letter types.
Detailed
Letter Writing (Formal and Informal)
Letter writing is a crucial skill that reflects the ability to communicate effectively through written text. In this section, we explore two primary types of letters: formal and informal.
Formal Letters
- Examples: Letters to the editor, applications, official complaints.
- Format:
- Sender's Address: Your address at the top right.
- Date: Below the sender's address.
- Receiver's Address: Left-aligned, below the date.
- Salutation: Start with 'Dear Sir/Madam'.
- Subject: A brief subject line (optional in some contexts).
- Body: The main content of the letter, clearly articulated.
- Complimentary Close: 'Yours faithfully' or 'Yours sincerely'.
- Signature: Your name post signing.
- Language: Formal, concise, and polite language should be used to convey professionalism.
Informal Letters
- Examples: Letters to friends or family.
- Format:
- Sender's Address: Your address at the top right (optional).
- Date: Below the sender's address (optional).
- Salutation: Start with 'Dear [Name]'.
- Body: The main content can be casual and emotionally expressive.
- Complimentary Close: Examples include 'Love', 'Best regards', or other personal phrases.
- Signature: Your first name.
- Language: The tone is friendly and conversational, allowing for personal anecdotes and informal expressions.
Understanding the distinctions between formal and informal writing enables students to effectively convey their intentions and maintain appropriate standards of communication in different contexts.
Audio Book
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Formal Letters
Chapter 1 of 2
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Chapter Content
Formal Letters: (e.g., letter to the editor, official complaint, application).
- Format: Sender's address, date, receiver's address, salutation (Dear Sir/Madam), subject, body, complimentary close (Yours faithfully/sincerely), signature, name.
- Language: Formal, polite, direct, concise.
Detailed Explanation
Formal letters are written in a professional tone and abide by specific formats. The sender's address is mentioned at the top, followed by the date. Next is the recipient's address, then a formal salutation, like 'Dear Sir/Madam.' The letter has a clear subject line, followed by the main content or body of the letter. It concludes with a complimentary close such as 'Yours faithfully' or 'Yours sincerely,' followed by the sender's signature and name. The language used in formal letters is respectful, straightforward, and avoids any casual expressions.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine you are applying for a job. Your letter to the employer is a formal letter. You must use a polite tone, clearly state your purpose, and follow the structured format. Just like a resume is a representation of your professional self, a formal letter reflects your respect and seriousness towards the job.
Informal Letters
Chapter 2 of 2
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Chapter Content
Informal Letters: (e.g., letter to a friend or family member).
- Format: Sender's address, date, salutation (Dear [Name]), body, complimentary close (Love, Yours, Best regards), first name.
- Language: Conversational, personal, friendly.
Detailed Explanation
Informal letters are written to friends or family and convey personal thoughts and feelings. The format starts with the sender's address, followed by the date. After this, a casual salutation like 'Dear [Friendβs Name]' is used. The body of the letter contains personal messages, anecdotes, or updates. It ends with a friendly complimentary close such as 'Love' or 'Best regards,' followed by the sender's first name. The language in informal letters is more relaxed and conversational, allowing for personal expressions and emotions.
Examples & Analogies
Think of writing a letter to your best friend who lives far away. You want to share the exciting news of your recent vacation and ask about their college life. Your letter will be casual, and you might express how much you're missing them and include funny stories. This warm and friendly tone is what characterizes informal letters.
Key Concepts
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Formal Letter Structure: Sender's address, date, receiver's address, salutation, body, complimentary close, signature.
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Informal Letter Structure: May include sender's address and date; uses casual language and tone.
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Tone in Formal Letters: Polite, professional, and direct.
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Tone in Informal Letters: Friendly, conversational, and personal.
Examples & Applications
An example of a formal letter is a job application where the sender introduces themselves and states their purpose clearly.
An example of an informal letter could be a letter to a friend describing a recent vacation in a relaxed tone.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
When it's formal, it's neat and tight, // Address and date must be just right.
Stories
Imagine writing to the presidentβyour words must be polished, your ideas clear, like sending royal news, not just a cheer!
Memory Tools
Remember 'SDSBCS' for 'Sender, Date, Salutation, Body, Close, Signature' in formal letters!
Acronyms
Use 'LAW' for informal letters
'Laugh
Anecdotes
Warmth' to keep it friendly.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Formal Letter
A letter written for official purposes, adhering to a specific structure and tone.
- Informal Letter
A letter written in a casual style to friends or family with a friendly tone.
- Salutation
The greeting used at the beginning of a letter.
- Complimentary Close
A polite closing phrase used at the end of a letter.
- Sender's Address
The address of the person writing the letter.
- Receiver's Address
The address of the person receiving the letter.
Reference links
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