10 Things You Used To Hate About English

Letters   

Informal letters

Informal letters are usually written to relatives, friends and acquaintances in a casual matter, nevertheless they will expect certain relevant facts and ideas. They will also expect these to be put across in a tone that suits the purpose of the letter. When you are writing a letter in a school situation the informality of the private situation changes a little. The teacher expects to see complete sentences; a structure that is logical; correct language, spelling and punctuation; and of course a suitable tone.

The following gives a suggested layout and some suggestions about accepted style. 

                                                                                     Writer’s address

                                                                                     Postal code

                                                                                     Date

Salutation  (no punctuation)

Introductory paragraph Open by renewing relationships by referring to an earlier letter, incident or some shared experience.

Body Put across the main theme of the letter in a friendly, lively manner. Supply the information in a personal way.

Closing paragraph  End the communication on an open note, maintain links, look forward to a response, confirm the reason for the letter.

Close  (no punctuation and lower case for word following ‘Yours’ , which has no apostrophe)

Letters to the editor

These letters are written so that the public may have an opportunity to air their views particularly if they feel strongly about various subjects. The aim of these letters, therefore is to influence as many people as possible. Your letters must be topical and of fairly general interest. Your feud with the neighbour’s dog is unlikely to stimulate general interest. Your letter should be brief, objective, never offensive and logical. Your introductory sentence must be thought provoking and interesting. You must ensure that your facts are correct.

The Editor

The Newsroom

P.O. Box 2351

Durban

4000

Sir

Distracting signboard on side of highway

First paragraph

Second paragraph

Third paragraph

Yours faithfully

Nearly dead

(Signature)

J.B. Beneckie  (Miss)

137 Northway

Durban North

4051

3 August 2000

Things to note:

1.      No punctuation in address

2.      Salutation is Sir not Dear sir

3.      Both addresses are on the left hand side, against the margin or edge of the paper. Address of the writer comes at the end of the letter as indicated opposite.

4.      Letter ends ‘Yours faithfully’

5.      If nom de plume (eg. Nearly Dead) used then a clear line is left followed by your signature, under which is the printed name and then the address.

6.      If no nom de plume then the ending is as follows:

                      Yours faithfully

                      (Signature)

                      J.B. Beneckie

                      137 Northway

                      Durban North

                      4051

                      3 August 2000

7.      If a nom de plume is used then the letter must have a signature otherwise the letter will not be published.

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