📖 Introduction

Imagine your cousin has moved to another country, or your best friend has transferred to a new school. You want to tell them about your new class, exciting events at school or your recent holiday.

Instead of sending a short text message, you decide to write a warm and friendly letter. An informal letter allows you to share your thoughts, feelings and experiences in a personal way.

🎯 What You’ll Learn

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

  • explain what an informal letter is.
  • identify the parts of an informal letter.
  • use friendly and appropriate language.
  • write a well-organised informal letter.

💡 Let’s Explore

What Is an Informal Letter?

An informal letter is a friendly letter written to someone you know personally.

You may write an informal letter to:

  • a friend,
  • a cousin,
  • a grandparent,
  • an aunt or uncle,
  • a sibling,
  • or another family member.

Informal letters are used to:

  • share news,
  • describe experiences,
  • invite someone,
  • congratulate someone,
  • thank someone,
  • or simply keep in touch.

Parts of an Informal Letter

1. Writer’s Address

Write your address at the top right or top left of the page.

Example

25 Oak Street
Green Valley

2. Date

Write the date below your address.

Example

20 October 2026

3. Salutation

Use a friendly greeting.

Examples:

  • Dear Emma,
  • Dear Uncle David,
  • Dear Grandma,

4. Introduction

Begin by greeting the person and asking about their well-being.

Example

I hope you are doing well. It has been a long time since we last spoke, and I hope everything is going well at home.

5. Body

Share your news, experiences or reasons for writing.

You may:

  • tell a story,
  • describe an event,
  • ask questions,
  • or share your feelings.

6. Conclusion

Bring your letter to a friendly ending.

You may:

  • send greetings,
  • express hope to meet soon,
  • invite the person to reply.

7. Complimentary Close

Examples:

  • Your friend,
  • Yours lovingly,
  • Best wishes,
  • With love,

8. Signature

Write your first name or full name.

Language Used in Informal Letters

Informal letters should be:

✔ warm,

✔ friendly,

✔ polite,

✔ natural,

✔ conversational.

You may ask questions such as:

  • How have you been?
  • How is your family?
  • What have you been doing lately?

This makes the letter feel personal.

🌟 Example

25 Oak Street
Green Valley

20 October 2026

Dear Sophia,

I hope you are doing well. Thank you for your last letter. It was lovely to hear about your new school.

Last weekend, my family visited a wildlife park. We saw elephants, giraffes and many colourful birds. My favourite part was feeding the friendly goats. I took many photographs and wish you had been there with us.

Please write back and tell me about your new classmates and the activities you enjoy.

Your friend,

Mia

🌍 Real-Life Example

Your cousin has recently moved to another city.

You decide to write an informal letter telling your cousin about your school’s sports festival. You describe the exciting races, the cheering crowd and your team’s victory. Before ending the letter, you ask about your cousin’s new school and hope to visit during the holidays.

The letter sounds warm, friendly and personal.

💡 Tips for Writing a Good Informal Letter

✔ Write as if you are talking to someone you know well.

✔ Keep your ideas organised.

✔ Share interesting details and experiences.

✔ Ask questions to encourage a reply.

✔ Check your spelling and punctuation before finishing.

✨ Quick Tips

🏠 Write your address and the date.

👋 Begin with a friendly greeting.

😊 Use warm and natural language.

📝 Share your news or experiences clearly.

💌 End with a friendly closing and your name.

🎯 Let’s Practise!

A. Choose the Correct Answer

1. Who is an informal letter usually written to?

A. A government office.

B. A close friend or family member.

C. A company manager.

D. A newspaper editor.

2. Which greeting is most suitable for an informal letter?

A. Dear Sir,

B. Dear Madam,

C. Dear Alex,

D. To Whom It May Concern,

3. Which closing is appropriate for an informal letter?

A. Yours faithfully,

B. Respectfully submitted,

C. Your friend,

D. Signed,

B. True or False

4. Informal letters should use friendly and personal language.

5. It is acceptable to ask questions and share personal experiences in an informal letter.

C. Short Answer

6. What is an informal letter?

7. Name five parts of an informal letter.

8. Write an informal letter to a friend describing your favourite holiday. Include:

  • your address,
  • the date,
  • a greeting,
  • an introduction,
  • the main body,
  • a conclusion,
  • a friendly closing,
  • and your name.

Answers: 1 B 2 C 3 C 4 True 5 True

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