H4 - Informal Letter

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 4

Informal Letters

In your own words, what is the difference between an informal and a formal letter?

Informal

• Often written to a friend or a family member.
• They use informal language which make them relaxed and familiar.
• The language is also friendlier.
• Sometimes they are written by hand.

 Formal

• used when writing to someone you do not know.
• Or when the content is not personal.
• The language should be formal to give a professional look.
• They should be typed on the computer.

Open your Cambridge book p. 20

Informal

Formal

Answer the following questions

On page 20 you will find the three texts.

Decide for each text:

• Who could have written it?
• Who was it probably written to?
• Why?

Look at exercise 2 on page 20.

Which language is informal?

Look at the sample letter of exercise 3.

Why did this letter get a low mark. Name several reasons.

In a Google Doc

Rewrite the letter of exercise.

Correct the errors in paragraph 2 and rewrite paragraphs 1 and 3 in an appropriate style.

CLOSE

C - Content Ideas

L - Language Input

O - Organisation

S - Style

E - Editing your work

Content Ideas & Language Input

Content Ideas

• Use it to brainstorm ideas that you want to include in your letter.

Language Input

• What functions do I need to include in my letter?
• What is expected of me? (inform, congratulate, opinion, advice/suggest etc.)

Organisation

Clear paragraphing is important. It does matter if you are writing a letter, an essay, an article or a story. You will always need a clear organisation.

Make a plan before you start writing

Organisation - Plan

Letter:

Opening formula

Paragraph 1 : Topic & Function

Paragraph 2: Topic & Function

Paragraph 3: Topic & Function

Paragraph 4: Final remarks

Closing formula

Style & Editing your work

Style: 

• Writing in a consistent style will help you keep the reader's attention.
• Everything should be completely formal or completely informal. Don't mix the two.

Editing your work

• Read your work and correct any mistakes
• Is the grammar accurate?
• Is the spelling correct?
• Is there enough punctuation?
• Is the style consistent?

In the same Google Doc

Write down all the information phrases of exercise 5.

Write a response to this prompt. Hand in your Google Doc on Classroom at the end of the lesson.

Use this checklist as well as CLOSE to write your letter.