Writing an informal letter

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 3

Writing

Today, work on your informal letter writing skills :)

What is an informal letter according to you?

Look at the differences:

There's a difference between a formal and an informal letter. This year, you should be able to write a good informal letter. In the upper levels, you will be writing formal letters.

Have a look at the differences:

THE INFORMAL LETTER

USE A SUITABLE OPENING: 

DEAR xxxx

USE A SUITABLE CLOSING:

KIND REGARDS

What things should you watch out for when writing an informal letter

What NOT to do in an informal letter

 Informal does not mean sloppy- use correct grammar

1. No text speak 

U= You

cos= because

NOT TEXT ABBREVIATIONS TNT- TONIGHT

2. Gonna- going to

3. Wanna - want to

What you STILL NEED in an informal letter

PARAGRAPHS

PUNCTUATION

VARIED VOCABULARY

COMPLETE SENTENCES

Letter

Choose two of the situations on the next slides.

Write a letter of about 150 words for each situations you've chosen.

Use the tips in this LessonUp.

Make sure you hand this in to Classroom before the beginning of the next lesson.

Finished?

Do something useful with your time :)

As long as you don't disrupt class or annoy others!

Situations

Pick two to write about!

Situation 1

Write a letter to a friend complaining about a teacher at school who did something you didn't like.

Situation 2

Write a letter to your grandparents about something awesome you've experienced.

Situation 3

Your mom is away on holiday. Send her an email about your time at home. Complain about certain things your dad makes you do now that she's away.

Situation 4

Write a letter to a teacher you've had and you liked. Tell him/her what you liked about their lesson but also give examples of things that could be improved.

Situation 5

You are studying English at a private language school. You are planning a surprise birthday party for a friend who has been feeling particularly sad and homesick. Write to another classmate and invite him / her to the party. 

In your letter: 

• explain the reason for the party
• give the date and time of the party
  
• suggest what the classmate could bring to the party

Situation 6

An English-speaking friend wants to spend a two-week holiday in your region and has written asking for information and advice. Write a letter to your friend. 

In your letter:

• offer to find somewhere to stay
  
• give advice about what to do
  
• give information about what clothes to bring

Situation 7

You borrowed an important textbook from a classmate last term. You now realize your classmate had returned home overseas and you still have the book. Write a letter to to him / her. 

In your letter:

• apologize for the mistake
  
• find out how important the book is to him / her
  
• say what you will do

Situation 8

You stayed at your friend's house when you participated in a sports competition in Australia. You left a bag with expensive shirts in your room. Write a letter to your friend. 

In the letter:

• thank your friend for the stay
  
• describe the bag and shirts
• ask him/her to return it to you by post

Situation 9

A year ago, you lent your favorite book to a friend who you thought would enjoy it. Unfortunately, your friend has forgotten to return it. The book has sentimental value to you as it had been presented by your grandmother. Write a letter to your friend. 

In the letter:

• ask how he or she is doing
  
• remind him / her about the book
  
• explain why you need it back

Situation 10

Your parents will be celebrating their 40th anniversary next month. You are planning a big celebration, but you are not sure how to make the occasion really memorable. Write to your best friend, Joan, who is a professional event planner. 

In your letter:

• explain why the occasion is special
  
• ask for her assistance
  
• set up a time to meet at your friend's convenience to discuss your plans