Composition - Writing (an informal letter) - JSS2 English language Lesson Note

Composition - Writing an Informal Letter 

 

An informal letter, also known as a private letter, is typically written to friends, family, or relatives. Here are the key components of an informal letter:

 

1. Writer's Address: This should be written at the top right-hand corner of the letter.

 

2. Date: Below your address, you may follow either style as of formal letters.

 

3. Salutation: We usually start letters with "Dear…". Use the first name when writing an informal letter.

 

4. Body of the Letter: The letter should be laid out in well-organized paragraphs. Each paragraph should have a topic. There should be an indentation at the beginning of each paragraph².

 

5. Style of the Letter: The language of the letter is informal: it is very like ordinary speech, but a little more grammatical². Informal expressions and contracted forms can be used.

 

6. Ending the Letter: The last paragraph of a letter should 'round it off' in a suitable way.

 

7. Signature: With an informal letter, you just write your given name.

 

Example of an Informal Letter

 

```

12, Sunshine Street,

Lagos,

May 13, 2024.

 

Dear John,

 

I hope this letter finds you in good health. It's been a while since we last caught up!

 

I wanted to tell you about the new book I've started reading. It's called "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and it's really interesting. The main character, Tom, is quite a mischief-maker but he's also very clever. I think you'd enjoy it.

 

In other news, our school's football team won the inter-school championship last week! It was a thrilling match and our team played exceptionally well.

 

I hope to hear from you soon. Do let me know what's new with you.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Arinze Michael.