How to Write An Informal Letter

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Updated On Dec 18, 2021

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The writing task 1 of the IELTS General Training test is always letter writing. In this task, you are given a situation or problem, and based on the issue or situation, you are asked to write a formal, informal, or semi-formal letter in at least 150 words.

The IELTS letter types asked in IELTS General Writing task 1 are as follows:

Formal
Semi-Formal
Informal

In this article, we are going to focus on Informal letter writing.

But, what is an Informal Letter?

An informal letter is a letter written to someone you know personally, For example, to a friend, relative, or acquaintance. It is written in a friendly manner.

Samples of Informal letter questions asked in the IELTS General exam are:

Write a letter to your friend in another country where you like to visit for the holidays.

In your letter, you should:

explain your travel plans
describe the interesting places you plan to visit
ask for suggestions for sightseeing options

You live in a block of flats, your neighbor makes a lot of noise which has caused problems for you. Write a letter to your landlord.

In your letter, you should:

explain the situation
tell him/her how you are affected by this
suggest what you want the landlord to do.

Informal Letter Format

Salutation

The letter’s opening salutation should begin with ‘dear, Hi, Hey, etc’ and use first name of the reciever.

For example:

Dear Jasmeet

Hi Jasmeet

Body Paragraph 1

This is also known as the opening paragraph. It includes the purpose of the letter and what you are going to discuss in the letter. You can paraphrase the question and begin the letter with expressions like ‘how are you, ‘I hope you are in your good health,’ etc.

Body Paragraph 2

This paragraph includes the supporting details covering all the bullet points mentioned below the question. Close the paragraph with 1 or 2 concluding lines.

The complimentary closure

This closure is not mandatory, but you can include a few words or a single line. It can help you enhance your test scores.

For example:

Looking forward to hearing from you

Closing Salutation

The closing salutation of the informal letter includes your best wishes and your name along with it.

For example:

Warm Regards

A Brief Explanation of the Structure of the Informal Letter

Dear Kanika, (OPENING SALUTATION)

It’s been a while since I’ve heard from you. ________________ (BODY PARAGRAPH 1)

____________________________ (BODY PARAGRAPH 2)

Hope to hear from you soon. (COMPLIMENTARY CLOSURE)

Best Wishes

Deeksha (CLOSING SALUTATION)

The tone of the letter

The tone of the informal letter should be friendly. But it does not mean you can use abbreviations and acronyms like ‘bcz,’ ‘LOL,’ ‘IDK,’ ‘luv,’ ‘ASAP,’ etc. But in order to show the examiner that you are aware of writing informal letters, you can use contractions like ‘I’m,” I’d,” she’s/he’s’ etc.

IELTS informal letter sample

Write a letter to your friend in another country where you like to visit for the holidays.

In your letter, you should:

explain your travel plans
describe the interesting places you plan to visit
ask for suggestions for sightseeing options.

Answer

Dear Rubina

It’s been a while since I’ve heard from you. I hope this letter finds you in good health. As summer is approaching, I was thinking of spending my summer break with you in your country.

The reason I want to come to Australia is to meet you and your family. It’s been almost 2 years since we haven’t met. Besides, I would like you to give me a mini tour of your country. I want to get familiar with Melbourne culture,see the old churches of Melbourne and explore the job possibilities. I have heard that the weather in Australia is very pleasant during those days.

I am excited even at the thought of spending time together after so long. I need your advice on some of the popular tourist places that I can see on my visit. I have to tell you lots of things and expect the same from you. Please give my regards to uncle and aunty!

I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Warm Regards

Shilpi

Context and the types of letters or essays and so forth and so on are very important to know and to practice all such formats and patterns, here we have our IELTS online classes just for you.

Also check :

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an informal letter?

Informal letters are personal letters written to update friends and family about happenings in a person's life while also expressing gratitude. An informal letter is not intended for official purposes as the language is informal and personal.

What is the distinction between a formal and informal letter?

An informal letter is a non-official letter that can be written to anyone; however, a formal letter is written in a professional manner, where the test-taker directly states the letter's intent.

Give some examples for informal letters

Some examples of informal letters are inviting a friend for a ceremony like a birthday or a marriage, calling a friend for a trip or holiday, apologizing to someone for mistakes, congratulating a friend for his success or achievement, writing just to ask for the well-being of a person, and asking help from someone.

What is the format of an informal letter?

The format of an informal letter includes the address, date, greetings, introduction, body, conclusion, and signature

What are the features of an informal letter?

The features of informal letter writing are that the test-taker can include casual language, friendly tone, no proper format, and it can be written on any topic.

Justin

Justin is our Exam Prep Master and helps our learners with the important information, tips to tackle the IELTS Test. He has his way of researching and putting into words the details that students need to know while prepping for the IELTS Test. Justin joined us right after working with an NGO, which helped students study. He understood the difficulties for local students who took up the IELTS Test as English wasn't their first language and thus took it upon him to educate and help students learn the basics of the language and how to tackle the test.