Informal & Formal Letter

• Engels
• MBO
• Studiejaar 2

Expected Learning Outcomes

Learners will be able to:

• Identify the difference between a formal and an informal letter.
  
• Identify the features and format of a formal letter.

What is the difference between a formal and an informal letter?

• An informal letter is a personal letter, you may write to ask for something or communicate with a friend or relative.

• A formal letter, as the name suggests is usually written for official reasons.The content here is strictly formal with a specific structure and format.

Informal / personal letter

* Friends
* Family
* Acquaintances  

Heading

Formal letters

Alex Janssen

Alexander/ Alexandra

* Dear Sir/Madam,
* Dear Mr. Janssen,
    Dear Mrs. Janssen,
    Dear Ms. Janssen,
space

Start of the formal letter

What is the purpose of the letter? The first paragraph should be short and state the purpose of the letter- to make an inquiry, complaint, request etc.

 e.g:
- I am writing with regards to the position of ……….

-I am writing to inform you about ...

-I am writing to ask/inquire about ...

-I would like to apply for the position of ...’

-I am writing to complain about the poor service we received at ...’​

 

Body of a formal letter

The paragraph in the middle is the soul of the letter and should contain all the relevant information. 

Formal letters should not be very long.
What are the qualities that make you suitable for the job?
 name good qualities for the job that you have 

 * space

Express your expectation:  I hope you will consider me a possible candidate for the position. 

 * space

Ending of a formal letter.

Before you send your letter, make sure that you provide a clear course of action for the reader
- Making a complaint? Make it clear that you need a reply.
- Applying for a job? End on a positive note. 

• I hope to hear from you soon.

Sign out of the formal letter:

 Dear Sir/Madam,

Yours faithfully,

(your name)

Dear Mr Janssen,

Dear Mrs Janssen,

Dear Ms Janssen,

Yours sincerely,
(your name)

An _____ letter is a letter you would write to a friend, a family member or an acquaintance.

1. Formal
2. Informal
3. Cover
4. Reference

How do you address the recipient of a formal letter?

1. Hello John!
2. Dear Janice.
3. Dear Sir/Madam,
4. All of the above

"You are writing a letter to your friend congratulating him on his success in the examination."
Is this a formal or an informal letter? Why?

In a formal letter, you will always write to someone you know.

1. True
2. False

If you don't know the recipient's name, your formal letter should always end with _______

1. With Love
2. Yours Obediently
3. Yours Faithfully
4. None of the above.

What is the tone of a formal letter?

1. Forceful
2. Appropriate and polite
3. Filled with love
4. Rude

Success Criteria-Now I CAN
Identify the difference between formal and informal letters.
Identify the main features and format of an informal letter.

1. Strongly Agree
2. Agree
3. Not sure
4. Need Help