Informal Letter

Reference

Common mistakes

1. Dear Sir or Madam, → Hi Tom, · Dear Tom,
   informal: use the first name
2. Yours faithfully, → Best wishes, · Love, · Take care,
   formal sign-offs are wrong here
3. Answering only one question → Answer every question in the email
   missing points lose marks
4. I am writing to inform you that… → Guess what? / I wanted to tell you…
   too formal for a friend

Informal Letter — Exercises

Formal or informal?

Circle the correct answer.

1. Which greeting is right for a friend? (Hi Sara, / Dear Sir or Madam, / To whom it may concern,)
2. Which opening is right for a friend? (Thanks for your email — it was great to hear from you! / I am writing to inform you that… / With reference to your letter…)
3. Which sign-off is right for a friend? (Best wishes, / Yours faithfully, / Yours sincerely,)
4. Which is a friendly suggestion? (Why don't we go to the cinema? / It is recommended that we attend the cinema. / You must go to the cinema.)
5. Your friend asked two questions. What should you do? (Answer both questions / Answer one question / Ask your own questions only)
6. Which closing is right for a friend? (Write back soon! / I look forward to your prompt reply. / Please respond at your earliest convenience.)

Complete the email

Write the missing word or words.

1. Thanks for your email — it was great to   from you!
2. Sorry I haven't   for so long.
3. How   going to the beach on Saturday?
4. You asked me   my holidays. Well, …
5. Can't   to see you!
6. Write   soon!

Write an informal letter

Your friend Tom writes: "What did you do in the holidays? Do you want to visit me in July?" Write your reply. Answer both questions. Write about 100 words.

Informal Letter — Answer Key

Formal or informal?

1. Hi Sara, — Informal → Hi + first name.
2. Thanks for your email — it was great to hear from you! — A friendly opening thanks the friend. The others are formal.
3. Best wishes, — Informal sign-off → Best wishes (or Love, Take care).
4. Why don't we go to the cinema? — Why don't we…? is a friendly suggestion.
5. Answer both questions — Part 1 tasks are marked on answering every point.
6. Write back soon! — Write back soon! — friendly and natural.

Complete the email

1. hear
2. written
3. about
4. about
5. wait
6. back

Write an informal letter

1. Model answer: Hi Tom, Thanks for your email — it was great to hear from you! Sorry I haven't written for so long. You asked about my holidays. Well, I went camping in the mountains with my cousins. We swam in a lake every day and cooked on a fire — it was brilliant! I'd love to visit you in July. How about going to the beach? I've never been to your town, so you can show me around. Can't wait to see you! Write back soon. Best wishes, Ana