English – How to write an informal letter

Another name for informal letters is 'Friendly Letters'.

When you are told in the exam to write a letter to say your father, mother, sibling, uncle, aunt etc. or a friend, the type of letter structure expected is that of the Informal Letter.

These types of letters usually have six parts:

1. The Heading

This is made up of the writer's address and the date.

2. The Greeting

The greeting always ends with a comma:

Dear Kwame,

Hello Mary,

3. The Introduction

I'm so happy to hear...

How is the business...

It's been a while since...

4. The Body

This is the part of the letter that should contain the reasons why you are writing.

Use literary devices/figurative expressions to make your letter more colourful.

5. The Complimentary Close

My regards to your family

I've got to run now

Looking forward to your reply

6. The Sign-off

Love,
Joe

Regards,
Abena

Best wishes,
David