Situational Writing Informal Letter

Note:

You’ll be tested on informal letter writing in Common Test 2 &

End-of-Year Exam

We use informal letters when:

we write to friends or relatives

regarding a personal matter

Register

For informal letters, we use a less formal register.

Furthermore, if it issomeone your age: be affectionate

your senior: be respectful

Good and proper English is required (this is school writing)

Register= type of language used in a specific settingRegister= type of language used in a specific setting

Warning…

An informal register does NOT mean these:

Wasn’t that funny, Uncle? Haha!

Yo man!

Miss ya!

That was crap!

He said I was ‘siao’!

Structure: The Required Points (bulleted, up to five points)

1. Address each bullet in the order given.

2. You have to address each bullet directly and completely.

3. Generally, use one paragraph for each bullet. (Note: some bullets require only brief information, while some can be expanded into two paragraphs)

4. You should have at least 200 words to ensure sufficient content

Format

How to Remember Situational Writing Formats

For informal letters, the reader needs to knowWho I am The date I wrote the letter My address (to reply to me)

What is the information my reader needs to know?

Here’s a good format:

Sample Question

[Starting Format]

25 Anchorvale Drive

#02-611

Singapore 821025

 

9 March 2011

 

Dear Jane,

Information not given. Invent.

Your Address

Date

Salutation

Annotate your worksheet

Bullet 1: Explain that you understand her situation

I am writing because I am feeling worried about you. You have been looking so depressed and have been absent from school a lot. I know that Ben and Sophia have been spreading nasty rumours and comments about you online, and you are very upset about it.

Note: Underlined text refers to information given in questionNote: Underlined text refers to information given in question

Avoid Contractions

(I’m)

Re-phrase to avoid copying from question.

Bullet 2: Let her know that missing school will not solve anything

However, I feel that avoiding school is not the solution. Not only will your studies be affected, it will make Ben and Sophia feel they have won their hate campaign against you. The more you stay away from school, the more you will dread coming to school. You have friends who care about you and want to help you, if only you will come back so we can face the challenges together!

New bullet, new paragraph

Rephrase to avoid copying

Invent details as helpful

Bullet 3: Suggest actions she should take to resolve the bullying she is facing

I have some really good ideas about how to stop Ben and Sophia from continuing their mean acts. You can print out their spiteful rumours and comments, from the various web sites and blogs, as evidence and show them to Ms Chan, our form teacher, and Mr Tan, our principal. Wen Ling, Steve and I will be happy to go with you as your witnesses. We can report to Ms Chan and Mr Tan all the unkind things Ben and Sophia have said and done to you, both in school and online.

Bullet 4: Give her advice to help her get over her depression

It is perfectly natural that you will feel very sad about these ugly things that have been happening to you. Perhaps you can have a talk with our school counsellor? Sometimes, just talking to an understanding adult can be very comforting. Do remember to get out into the open for jogs and walks. Exercise and fresh air will keep your body and mind refreshed.

Create lots of your own content to

address each bullet.

Bullet 5: Provide updates about school work and offer help so that she can keep up with lessons

As for catching up with school work, you will be glad to know the teachers have uploaded their lessons on the school’s online learning portal for you, so all you need to do is go online to see the lesson materials we have been using in class. If you need additional help, I will be glad to talk with you over the phone or go to your place.

[Conclusion]

We are looking forward to seeing our lively and diligent good friend back to normal again, and we are sure you will be up on your feet soon! Take care till we meet again! (377 words)

Content depends on purpose of letter

[Ending Format]

Yours truly,

SharonSharon

Closing

Signature

Name

All right, time for your practice!