Informal Letter

Details: Last Updated: Wednesday, 28 May 2025 09:45; Written by IELTS Mentor; Hits: 33920

Informal Letters:

You write an informal or personal letter to a friend or to a very close cousin. You know this person (friend or cousin) very closely and you do not need to be formal with this person. You can use contractions (i.e. I'm, you've and so on) some phrasal verbs, idioms, non-offensive colloquials, and use an informal tone in your letter. While writing an informal letter, you use your friend's first name to address him/her. You write 'Dear (your friend's first name) to start your letter. You also sign off the letter using your first name only.

Some common situations when you write an Informal letter:

1. Invite your friend.
2. Thank your friend.
3. Apologise to your friend.
4. Congratulate him/her.
5. Response to a request for information.
6. Plan for something with this friend.
7. Letter to a close cousin.

The tone of an informal letter is casual, friendly, and conversational. It can contain some contractions, idioms, phrasal verbs and colloquials.

Structure of an Informal Letter:

1. Salutation:
Begin with "Dear [First Name]," since you are writing to someone you know personally. Avoid formal titles like Mr. or Ms.

2. Opening Paragraph:
Start with a friendly greeting and ask how the person is doing. You can also mention something relevant to your relationship, such as an event or shared memory.

3. Main Body:
Write in a natural, conversational tone. Use contractions (e.g., "I’m," "you’re") and everyday expressions. Depending on the purpose of your letter, you might share news, give advice, make a request, or invite the person to an event.

4. Closing Paragraph:
End with a warm and friendly note. Express your hopes to hear from them soon or mention an upcoming plan.

5. Sign-off:
Use informal closings such as "Warm wishes," or "Best wishes," followed by just your first name.

By keeping the tone natural and engaging, your informal letter will feel personal and genuine.

Sample Informal/Personal Letters with answers:

IELTS Informal Letter # 1:

Informal Letter

Informal Letters:

Structure of an Informal Letter:

Sample Informal/Personal Letters with answers:

You will move to a new city for work. You know some people who live there. Write a letter to someone you know who lives there.

You have a friend who lives in a city abroad. You have decided that you would like to apply to do a course at one of the colleges in this city. Write to your friend explaining what you would like to do.

You recently visited a place that had a strong impact on you. Now you want to write to your friend about the place. Write a letter to a friend about this place.

You have recently been to stay with an old friend for a few days. You haven't seen each other for a long time and was happy to meet him/her. Write a letter to this friend.

One of your pen pals will shortly be visiting your city. For some reason, you can not manage to meet him/her at the airport on time. Write a letter asking him/her.

You stayed at your friend’s house when you participated in a business seminar in Australia. You left a file with important documents in the room you stayed in. Write a letter to your friend.

You have a pen pal and you are writing your first letter to that pen pal. In your letter, describe your previous studies and/or work experience, your current activities, hobbies and interests. Also, tell your pen pal that you will be visiting him/her.

A friend has agreed to look after your house and pet while you are on holiday. Write a letter to your friend.

You bought a music concert ticket. However, you are unable to go. So you want to offer the ticket to your friend. Write a letter to your friend.

You have arranged to visit a friend in England but an important event at home now means that you must change the dates of the visit. Write a letter to your friend.

You have received an important document that needs to be translated. Write a letter to your friend and ask him/her to translate this important document for you.

You have invited a friend to come to your house next holiday. He/she has asked you how to get to your house from the airport. However, you are going to the airport to receive him/her. Write a letter to your friend.

An English-speaking friend wants to spend a two-week holiday in your region and has written asking for information and advice. Write a letter to your friend.

You have recently changed your job and started working for a new company. Write a letter to an English-speaking friend.

You have stayed at a friend’s house last weekend and forgot your watch there. Write a letter to this friend.

You want to sell your television. You think a friend of yours might like to buy it from you. Write a letter to your friend.

You want to sell some of your furniture. You think a friend of yours might like to buy it from you. Write a letter to your friend.

Your best friend just had her first baby. You are currently overseas but will be returning to your hometown in a week. Write to your friend.

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