Composition: Informal Letter - JSS3 English language Lesson Note

Composition: Informal Letter

Introduction

An informal letter is a type of personal communication written to friends, family members, or acquaintances. Unlike formal letters, informal letters have a relaxed and conversational tone, making them more flexible in structure and content.

 

Structure of an Informal Letter

1. Address: Your address is written at the top right corner of the letter. This is where the recipient will know where to send their reply.

   - Example: 

     ```

     23 Main Street,

     Surulere,

     Lagos State.

    ```

 

2. Date: Write the date directly below your address.

   - Example:

     ```

     27th June 2024

    ```

 

3. Salutation/Greeting: Begin with a friendly greeting. Common salutations include:

   - Dear [Friend’s Name],

  - Hi [Friend’s Name],

 

4. Introduction: Start the letter by asking about the well-being of your friend and briefly mentioning why you are writing.

   - Example:

     ```

    Dear Tunde,

     I hope this letter finds you in good health. It's been a while since we last spoke, and I wanted to catch up with you.

    ```

 

5. Body: This is the main part of the letter where you convey your message. It can be divided into several paragraphs:

   - *First Paragraph*: Share recent news or updates about yourself.

   - *Second Paragraph*: Ask questions or discuss topics of mutual interest.

   - *Third Paragraph*: Mention any future plans or suggest a meeting.

   - Example:

     ```

    I have recently started my final year in secondary school, and it has been quite challenging but rewarding. We have many new subjects this term, and I am particularly enjoying biology.

    How have you been? I heard you travelled to Abuja for a holiday. How was it? Did you visit any interesting places?

     I am planning to visit your area next month. It would be great if we could meet up and catch up in person.

    ```

 

6. Conclusion: Wrap up the letter with warm wishes or a final thought.

   - Example:

     ```

    Take care and write back soon. I look forward to hearing all about your adventures.

     Best wishes,

     [Your Name]

    ```

Example of an Informal Letter

```

23 Main Street,

Surulere,

Lagos State.

27th June 2024

Dear Ade,

I hope this letter finds you in good health. It's been a while since we last spoke, and I wanted to catch up with you.

I have recently started my final year in secondary school, and it has been quite challenging but rewarding. We have many new subjects this term, and I am particularly enjoying biology.

How have you been? I heard you travelled to Abuja for a holiday. How was it? Did you visit any interesting places?

I am planning to visit your area next month. It would be great if we could meet up and catch up in person.

Take care and write back soon. I look forward to hearing all about your adventures.

 

Best wishes,

Chike

```

Tips for Writing an Informal Letter

1. Be Personal and Friendly: Use a conversational tone and express your genuine feelings and thoughts.

2. Ask Questions: Show interest in the recipient’s life by asking questions.

3. Share Experiences: Talk about your own experiences and updates to create a two-way conversation.

4. Use Informal Language: It's okay to use contractions (e.g., I'm, you're) and informal expressions.

5. Keep it Simple: Avoid overly complex sentences or vocabulary.

 

By following these guidelines, you can write engaging and heartfelt informal letters to your friends and family.