Personal Letter101

DefinitionA personal letter is a letter that we write to

someone we know, or someone we want to get to know.

Usually, it’s written to a friend or relative.

Informal and FriendlyTone

Example 1RelativeI was extremely disappointed at not winning the prize, but I’ll try to win it next year.

Example 1A Close FriendI was shattered at not winning the prize – I cried myself to sleep every night for an entire week.

The closer our relationship to the recipient, the more personal and informal the tone.

Remember1. Exclude information which the recipient already

knows

2. Include reason for writing

3. Use the right tone and language.

FormatBlock 24ACascade CrescentSingapore 432765

18 February 2013

Dear Aunt Cindy,

Sender’s Address

Date

Salutation/ Opening Greeting

It’s been months since I last hear from you! Are you and your family doing fine? I guess your work is keeping you very busy and that’s why you haven’t written, emailed or called.

Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blahblah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blahblah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah

Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blahblah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blahblah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah

Body

Introduction

Body

Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blahblah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blahblah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah

Please, pretty please, write soon – we miss hearing from you. When will you be back? Soon I hope! Please send my regards to Uncle Tom. Take care of yourself!

Love,Justin Bieber

Body

Closure

Complimentary Close

Sign-off Name or Nickname

4 Waysto make your letter Interesting Tone Emotions

Format & Style ‘Connections’

ToneUse a friendly, sincere and conversational tone.

Show your care and concern Remember to ask how your recipient is doing, and not just start talking about yourself!

EmotionsShare your feelings

they are what make a personal letter personal

You can share about1. a lesson you learnt recently2. something that made your happy or sad3. your likes and dislikes.

Format & StyleWrite personal letters neatly and clearly

Your recipient will not have a hard time figuring out your handwriting

Organise your writing into paragraphs.

This makes your letter easier to read and follow.

Format & StyleIndent your paragraphs.

Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blahblah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blahblah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah

‘Connections’Connect with your recipient by1. Respond to his or her questions or concerns

(from his or her previous letter)

2. Invite a response from him or her

SalutationTo show… you can use…

warmth and friendliness Dear Aunt Gaga,Hello Uncle Bieber

affection My dear Beyoncea lot of affection Dearest Dad

My dearest Aunt Lucy

IntroductionExamples

1. How are you? It’s been a long while since we’ve met! I hope you’re fine.

2. How is everything? Good, I hope! Your letter was a pleasant surprise. Thank you very much.

Useful phrases for your Introduction

How are you? How are things with you?

How’s life treating you?

Are you well? Are you and your family doing fine?

What have you been up to?

Still alive and kicking?

Survived your examinations?

I have not heard from you for months. Are you okay?

Body Paragraphs

1. Thoughts about recent local news.

2. Your recipient favourite movies, sports, actors or actresses

3. Your new skill or an interesting fact

4. Your recipient’s opinions

ClosureExpress your

personal wishes

Send greetings to

related people

Suggest meetings

soon

Prompt for response

Complimentary CloseA short expression that comes

after the last paragraph and

before the signature.

ExamplesLove, With much

love, Kindregards,

Yours truly, Take care,

Postscript (P.S.)A short note at the bottom of the letter

P.S. I still have the book you lent me last year. I’ve decided not to return to you.

Last but not least,Check your

1. Spelling

2. Grammar

3. Fragment

A FragmentAn incomplete sentence.

Fragment After you arrived.

The boy who like cakes

Which belongs to my father.

Ate the apple pies