What is letter writing? Letter writing is the exchange of written or printed messages It is of three types: Formal letter Informal letter Semi-formal letter
Formal letter
Informal letter
Semi-formal letter
Importance of letter writing Although internet and text messages has taken over the world, letter writing is still relevant. At one point of time we must write a letter. Eg, leave letter, business letter, letter to a grandparent who doesn't have technological facilities It allows the writer to think about the content and pen down their thoughts Letters are more organized and becomes useful in a formal situation Helps us to store beautiful memories
Letter writing lets us work on many areas of writing. Grammar, style, structure, but most importantly, confidence. It helps us to maintain good relationship. eg. Grandparents with whom we rarely keep in touch The person to whom we write letters feel cherished and they would appreciate and acknowledge our efforts. A good letter will bring good reputation.
Formal Letter
What is a formal letter? A formal letter is usually written to a company or any organisation It requires to be written in an orderly way Formal language Adherence to a specific format is required in all formal letters Writing format requires some specific rules and conventions Very professional
Parts of a formal letter Sender's address Date Recipient’s/ Receiver’s address Salutation Body Closing/signature Enclosures
How to write a formal letter? Address of the sender and receiver should be written correctly along with the date Address or greet the concerned person properly like Dear Sir/Madam Subject of the letter writing should be mentioned Introduce the purpose of your letter in first paragraph Elaborate your purpose or topic in the second paragraph Third paragraph should repeat the purpose of your letter
It should also contain your request to take any required action and thank them for reading your letter The closing of your letter should be formal and appropriate Hand written signature should be included for a hard copy letter Typed signature for soft copy letter
Informal Letter
What is an informal letter? An informal letter is a non-official letter usually written to friends, relatives, family members anyone with whom we have personal connection No strict format is required Informal language can be used They do not have to follow any specific pattern, format or conventions. They can be written as per the writer’s wishes
Parts of an informal letter Address of the sender Date of writing a letter Salutation/Greeting Body of the letter Closing Signature of the sender
How to write an informal letter? Address of the sender should be written first along with the date Greet the person to whom you're writing, this can be informal as well and it left to the writer's choice The first paragraph can include about your enquiry of their well being and how you're doing. You can wish for their good health in this paragraph itself The second paragraph contains the topic of your letter. Informal language can be used but it's better to stick to grammatical rules Concluding paragraph- summarize, bid a good bye End the letter with proper closing and signature
Do’s and Don’ts of letter writing
Do’s and don’ts of formal letter Do’s Start with a formal salutation- Dear/Respected Ma'am/Sir Use technical terms if the receiver is from the same field Should be written simple and straightforward Should be well structured and organised Right tone Don'ts Informal salutation- Hi, Hello, Hey, Wassup, etc.. Avoid using technical terms or acronyms if the receiver is a non-technical reader Usage of flowery language, obscure vocabulary Usage of misinformation and wrong details Unprofessional
Do’s and don'ts of informal letter Do’s Can use informal language Simple sentences Introductory paragraph is must Break the body into two or three parts Jargons words and certain slang Don'ts Shortened words and slang Compound sentences Formal salutation Single paragraph No jargon and slang words - not close or elder