The Informal LetterFormat and Practice

Lesson Agenda

• By the end of the lesson you will be able to:

• Identify the features of informal letters

• Understand the format and language of informal letters

• Practice writing an informal letter.

Review Question 1

• Review Questions based on the sample informal letter:

• How does the author of the letter build on the points given in the writing task in an interesting way instead of merely answering each point and stringing them together in a rigid fashion?

Sequential Structure

• What can you tell about how the author structured her informal letter?

• How did she write about the events that happened to her?• Haphazard or sequential.

Review Question 2

• What words does the author use to link ideas together?

• These are called transitional (linking) words or expressions.

Transitional (Linking) words

• The author used what are called Transitional words.• Transitional (meaning: change, shift, move) words are

used to help move ideas along in a smooth logical manner.

• They:• Connect similar ideas• Show time relationships• Point to a contrasting view point or • Signal a change in topic

Examples of Transitional Words

• Examples of Transitional (linking) words:• And - (to link two or three similar ideas)

• But, although - (to show a contrast between ideas)

• So - (to show a cause and effect)

• After all – (to introduce a reason to convince the reader)

• Before I forget – (to change the subject matter)

Examples of Transitional Words

• Examples of how to use some transitional words:

• To oppose a viewpoint use: still, but, even so, however, nevertheless.

• To emphasize another view so that the previous idea seems

less important use: at least.

• To connect similar themes: as for, as far as…is concerned, regarding, concerning

Buzz Break 1

• You Try!

• With your partner, choose 3 transitional words below and make two sentences that show a transition of ideas.

• Transitional words: • and, but, so, when, although, after, no doubt, nevertheless, as

far as, by the way

• Eg. At least: I was annoyed by the bad service. At least, the food was good.

Review Question 3

• How does the author create a friendly and polite tone in the letter that makes it different from a formal letter?

• How does the writing “sound” – friendly? Like that of a conversation between friends?

What are Conversational Markers?

• These are expressions used in English to add a dramatic element to what is going to be said or to soften an opinion.• Examples:• You will never believe…• Believe it or not• Guess what?• What’s more• As you know• Thank goodness• I suppose…come to think of it• Well….

Language Usage: Informal letters

• Instead of writing:

Something happened to me over the weekend…• We can write:

You will not believe what happened to me over the weekend…

• Instead of writing:

My parents immediately brought me to…I had a broken ankle• We can write:

My parents immediately brought me to…and guess what? I had a

broken ankle.

• Instead of writing:

I never thought I would miss the game! But John will be a good reserve. • We can write:

I never thought I would miss the game! But I suppose John will be a

good reserve.

Buzz Break 2

• Work out the appropriate conversational marker or transitional words that could be used in this letter.

• You have 10mins

Formats – In General

Letters- For business/ anything official/ writing to someone you do not know

Format 1 - Formal

- For writing to someone you know by name, but not a close friend

Format 2 – Polite

- Friends, relatives, those whom you call by their personal name in ordinary conversation

Format 3 – Casual

Report- When you are instructed to write an official account or report

Format 4 - Report

Writing Task

• Imagine that you are the person the author is writing to. Reply to Siti’s letter. Tell her what has been happening in school that might interest her since she has been away.

• Include at least 5 transitional words and 5 conversational markers. Your informal letter should be between 250-350 words.

• Bullet points:

• Inform her about the arrival of a new English Language teacher.• BMC has organized a Community Engagement Project with the

Children’s Cancer Society.• Two of your classmates are taking part in Singapore Idol

Key Learning points

• What are transitional words? Give 3 examples• What are conversational markers? Give 3 examples