©2015 Paul Read Writing Informal Letters in Part One /sizes/z/in/photostream/

©2015 Paul Read Writing Informal Letters in Part One What is an informal letter? What makes a good answer? How to plan an answer Worked example Extra practice

What is an informal letter? A letter to someone that you know as a friend Usually contains contractions and some slang Has a clear aim, but may contain some irrelevant information (personal news and questions to the reader). ©2015 Paul Read

What makes a good answer? The reader of the letter must clearly understand the situation and the reasons that you are writing to them Look carefully at the three pieces of information that you are told to write about, and make sure you include this Address the reader by their first name. You don’t have to address them as “dear” (although you can) Include some personal information in the first paragraph to act as “social” interaction, before moving on to the main point of the letter ©2015 Paul Read

How to plan an answer The question will tell you what you must include in your answer Plan to write one short paragraph about each of the points. You will need to invent some details. Write a short paragraph with some social “chat” as a way to introduce the letter Describe each of the main points in turn. You can comment on these points as you would to a friend. Finish the letter with an informal phrase like “Hope to hear from you soon” and your first name ©2015 Paul Read

Worked Example ©2015 Paul Read An English-speaking friend wants to visit your region for two weeks and has written to you to ask for your help and advice. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter Give advice about what your friend can do Give information about what clothes to bring Offer to help the friend find a place to stay

Worked Example ©2015 Paul Read Dear Sara Hey! It was great to hear from you! I’m so pleased that you and Jon will be able to visit Plymouth soon – it’s really exciting to think we’ll be able to catch up in person! An English-speaking friend wants to visit your region for two weeks and has written to you to ask for your help and advice. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter Give advice about what your friend can do Give information about what clothes to bring Offer to help the friend find a place to stay

Worked Example ©2015 Paul Read When you’re here, you really must visit Glastonbury and Stonehenge – I know you love these kinds of ancient sites, and I can also show you some of the medieval sites we have around Plymouth. An English-speaking friend wants to visit your region for two weeks and has written to you to ask for your help and advice. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter Give advice about what your friend can do Give information about what clothes to bring Offer to help the friend find a place to stay

Worked Example ©2015 Paul Read Since you’re coming in autumn, I advise you to bring a raincoat, and some waterproof clothes, because it’s inevitable that you’ll get caught in rain at some point! But it won’t be too cold, maybe 15 or 20 degrees C, so don’t worry about that. An English-speaking friend wants to visit your region for two weeks and has written to you to ask for your help and advice. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter Give advice about what your friend can do Give information about what clothes to bring Offer to help the friend find a place to stay

Worked Example ©2015 Paul Read Of course, you’re always welcome to stay at my place if you want, though it’s a bit small. If you want help finding a suitable guest house for any of your stay, just ask and I’ll get right on it! Looking forward to seeing you soon! Paul An English-speaking friend wants to visit your region for two weeks and has written to you to ask for your help and advice. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter Give advice about what your friend can do Give information about what clothes to bring Offer to help the friend find a place to stay

Extra Practice Go to The English Site website to find another informal letter practice exercise Look at some student answers to the exercise and read my comments on these answers ©2015 Paul Read