Writing Letter

Definition

A personal letter is a type of letter(or informal composition)that usually concerns personal matter(rather than professional concerns) and is sent from one individual to another

Types of letter 

- Formal letter (bussines letter, application letter, complaint letter,etc) 

- Informal letter also known as personal letter.(letter to relatives, friend, etc)

Social function

Personal letters are the letters that are written to people we know such as friend, parents, siblings,cousins.Letters are not only written to inform but to strengthen the bond between two people writing to each other.

Structure of Personal Letter

Linguistik features

Some useful Expressions for Letter Writing

The steps to Writing a Letter

Step 1. The Heading: This includes your address and the date. Write it in the upper-right corner of the page and spell out the name of the month to avoid confusion.

Step 2. The Salutation: This is the “hello” part of your letter and is also known as the greeting. It is located on the next line after the heading, but it is placed on the left side of the page about an inch from the edge. The name of the person should be capitalized and followed by a comma.

Step 3. The Body: Here is where you express thoughts and ideas. In other words, it is the reason for writing the letter. Start under the salutation, an inch from the left edge or the page (5 spaces).

Step 4: The Closing: This is the “good-bye” part of the letter. Usually, words such as “Your truly” or “Love” are used here. Closings should make the reader feel like you really care or that you really mean what you have written. Place the closing about two-thirds of the way across the page from the left side or in the line with the heading. The first word in the closing should be capitalized. The last word in the closing should be followed by a comma. Also, if you letter is more than one page long, be sure to number each page after the first.

Step 5: The Signature: Sing the letter in your own handwriting just below the closing.

Rules for writing Formal letters:

Let us understand a few ground rules while writing formal letters:

• You need to write your full name, address and date before you begin the letter 
• Address the person you are writing the letter to with correct name and designation. 
• It is always advisable to start the letter with ‘Respected Sir/Madam’ or ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ and then mention the name and the address. 
• Before beginning to write the letter you must state the purpose of the letter in one line titled ‘Subject’. 
• Your letter should be very crisp giving out only that information which is required

Types of Formal Letter 

1. Letter to the editor 
2. Letter to the Government 
3. Letter to the police 
4. Letter to the principal 
5. Order letter 
6. Complaint letter 
7. Inquiry letter 
8. Business letter 
9. Application letter for job 
10. Letter to the Bank manager 
11. Invitation letter 
12. Resignation letter 
13. Leave Application 
14. Leave Application for marriage 
15. Leave Application for maternity

Example : 

Rules for writing Informal letters:

• Write your full name and address even if it is an informal letter. 
• Divide your letter in small paragraphs. 
• Keep your writing simple. 
• Make a good choice of words especially if you are writing an apology letter or a letter to express your condolences in case of a death. 
• Most people close the letter with phrases like ‘Yours affectionately/With love/All the best/Take care’ etc.

Informal Letter Topics

1. Invite a friend to a say-for-birthday ceremony. 
2. Call a friend for a trip or vacation. 
3. Apologize or apologize to someone for the wrong you have done. 
4. Congratulate a friend on his success or achievement. 
5. Writing only to ask someone's welfare. 
6. Wedding invitation. 
7. Asking about parents, relatives, friends and others

Example : 

📝 Conclusion

The reason why i sent the letter : 

https://youtu.be/FJd2XFEn3HA

Exercise : 

From the above informal letter sample, can you determine the structure of the letter (such as the formal letter sample) for your answer by writing in a comment😊