How to write an informal letter
5464_ Enseñanza y Aprendizaje del Inglés – Educación Primaria 3º
Writing an Informal Letter
Read the text and think about the
following questions:
➢ How many paragraphs there are
in the text? Do they address
different topics?
➢ Can you explain the main idea of
each paragraph?
➢ In your opinion, is the language
used formal or informal? Does it
include any slang?
➢ Is it a long letter?
1
How to write an informal letter
5464_ Enseñanza y Aprendizaje del Inglés – Educación Primaria 3º
Features and structure:
Informal letters have distinct features in comparison to formal letters. They lack the rigidity
found in formal letter structure and expression, but there are a few common features that are
noticed when writing informally: a friendly opening and close, a date, informal and chatty
language, written in first person, paragraphs, addresses of the sender and recipient
(depending on the type of letter)…
➢ Use of informal language: keep the language casual and conversational. Avoid using
overly formal or complicated vocabulary. Contractions like “I’m,” “you’re,” and
“we’re” are perfectly acceptable in informal letters.
➢ Punctuation and spelling: pay attention to correct punctuation and spelling. Even in
an informal letter, it’s important to make your writing clear and easy to understand.
➢ Slang and idioms: You can use some common slang or idiomatic expressions, but be
mindful not to overdo it, and make sure the recipient can understand the expressions
you use.
➢ Paragraphs: organise your letter into paragraphs to make it more readable. Each
paragraph should focus on a different topic or idea.
➢ Tone: maintain a friendly and warm tone throughout the letter. Avoid sounding too
formal or distant.
➢ Length: keep in mind that an informal letter can be as long or as short as you like,
depending on what you have to say. Just make sure it’s engaging and not too lengthy
that it becomes overwhelming.
Here you have some key ideas to consider when it comes to writing an informal letter:
1. Greeting: start with a friendly greeting.
2. Introduction: begin by asking how the recipient is doing and showing genuine interest
in their well-being.
3. Sharing news: share some personal news or updates about your life. Mention events,
experiences, or anything interesting that has happened to you recently.
4. Asking about their life: show interest in the recipient’s life. Ask questions about their
recent activities, experiences, or any significant events in their life.
5. Expressing emotions: share your feelings and emotions. If you’re happy, excited, or
concerned about something, express it in your letter. This adds a personal touch to
your writing.
6. Sharing Plans: mention any future plans you have, whether it’s a trip, a party, or any
upcoming events. Invite the recipient to join you if relevant.
7. Expressions of Gratitude: if the recipient has done something kind for you or you want
to express appreciation, use phrases like “Thanks for…” or “I really appreciate…”
8. Closing: use a friendly closing like “Take care,” “Best wishes,” or “Yours,” followed by
your name.
9. Sign-off: sign your name at the end. You can use your first name, a nickname, or any
other informal sign-off that you and the recipient are comfortable with.
❖ Some extra input: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLJDlX2I6FI
2
How to write an informal letter
5464_ Enseñanza y Aprendizaje del Inglés – Educación Primaria 3º
Some useful expressions:
➢ Starting the Letter:
✓ Hi [Name]!,
✓ Hello [Name]!,
✓ Dear [Name],
✓ Hey [Name]!
➢ Asking About the Recipient/ Opening paragraph:
✓ How are you doing?
✓ I hope you're well.
✓ How's everything with you?
✓ What's new in your life?
✓ It’s nice / great / good to hear from you/ to read your letter.
✓ I’m excited about… (your news.)
✓ It’s great to hear that…
✓ I’m sorry to hear that…
✓ Thanks a lot for writing!/Thank you very much for your letter.
➢ Sharing News:
✓ I wanted to tell you about...
✓ Guess what happened to me recently?
✓ I'm excited to let you know that...
✓ I had a great time when...
➢ Asking Questions:
✓ Have you been up to anything interesting lately?
✓ What have you been busy with?
✓ How's your job/school/family?
➢ Expressing Emotions:
✓ I'm so happy about...
✓ I can't believe how [amazing/funny/surprising]...
✓ I'm a bit worried about...
➢ Agreeing and Disagreeing:
✓ I totally agree with you about...
✓ I see what you mean, but I think...
✓ That's an interesting point, but I feel...
➢ Making Plans:
✓ Let's catch up soon.
✓ How about we meet for coffee next week?
✓ I'm thinking of organising a [party/get-together]. Would you like to come?
3
How to write an informal letter
5464_ Enseñanza y Aprendizaje del Inglés – Educación Primaria 3º
➢ Expressing Gratitude:
✓ Thanks a lot for...
✓ I really appreciate your help with...
✓ You've been so kind to me.
➢ Closing the Letter:
✓ Take care,
✓ Best wishes,
✓ Yours truly,
✓ Cheers,
✓ Lots of love,
✓ Hugs and kisses,
➢ Sign-Off:
✓ Love,
✓ See you soon,
✓ Talk to you later,
✓ Your friend,
