Notes on Informal Letters (Class 7 English)

Introduction to Informal Letters

Informal Letters – a type of personal communication written to someone you know well, such as a friend, family member, or close acquaintance. Unlike formal letters, which are written for official or professional purposes, informal letters are casual, friendly, and conversational in tone. They allow you to express your feelings, share experiences, ask questions, or simply stay in touch with someone you care about.

Informal letters are an important part of English writing because they help you practice expressing yourself naturally. They also teach you how to organize your thoughts and communicate effectively in a relaxed way.

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Purpose of Informal Letters

The main purposes of writing an informal letter include:

1. To Stay Connected: You might write to a friend or relative to catch up after a long time.
2. To Share News: Tell someone about something exciting, like a trip, a school event, or a family celebration.
3. To Express Feelings: Share happiness, sadness, or gratitude with someone close to you.
4. To Invite: Invite a friend to an event, like a birthday party or a picnic.
5. To Thank or Apologize: Say thank you for a gift or sorry for a mistake.

For example, you might write to your cousin about your summer vacation or to a friend to invite them to your house.

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Features of Informal Letters

Informal letters have some key characteristics:

• Casual Language: Use simple, everyday words and phrases like “Hi,” “How are you?” or “Take care.”
• Personal Tone: Write as if you’re talking to the person face-to-face.
• Flexibility: There’s no strict rule for length or structure, but it should still be clear and organized.
• Emotions: You can show excitement, humor, or affection (e.g., “I miss you so much!”).
• No Formal Rules: Unlike formal letters, you don’t need to use official phrases or follow strict formats.

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Structure of an Informal Letter

Even though informal letters are casual, they follow a basic structure to make them easy to read. Here’s the standard format:

1. Sender’s Address
   • Write your address at the top left or right corner of the page.
   • Example:
     12, Green Street,
     New Delhi,
     India.
2. Date
   • Write the date below the address.
   • Example: April 2, 2025
3. Salutation (Greeting)
   • Start with a friendly greeting like “Dear [Name],” “Hi [Name],” or “Hello [Name]!”
   • Use the person’s name or a term like “Dear Grandma” or “Hi Buddy.”
4. Body
   • This is the main part of the letter where you write your message.
   • Divide it into paragraphs:
     • Paragraph 1: Start with a friendly opening (e.g., “How are you? I hope you’re doing great!”).
     • Paragraph 2: Share your news, ask questions, or talk about your purpose for writing.
     • Paragraph 3: Wrap up with a closing thought or plan (e.g., “Let’s meet soon!”).
5. Closing
   • End with a warm closing like “Love,” “Yours lovingly,” “Take care,” or “Best wishes,” followed by your name.
   • Example:
     Yours lovingly,
     Riya
6. Postscript (P.S.) (Optional)
   • Add a short extra note after your signature if you forgot something (e.g., “P.S. Say hi to Uncle!”).

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Tips for Writing an Informal Letter

• Be Friendly: Use a tone that matches your relationship with the person.
• Keep It Simple: Avoid complicated words or long sentences.
• Ask Questions: This makes the letter engaging (e.g., “How was your trip?”).
• Use Short Paragraphs: Break your ideas into small chunks for clarity.
• Add Humor or Fun: If it suits the person, include a joke or a funny story.
• Check Spelling and Grammar: Even though it’s informal, basic correctness matters.

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Sample Informal Letter 1: To a Friend About a Vacation

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Sample Informal Letter 2: Inviting a Friend to a Birthday Party

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Common Phrases for Informal Letters

• Greetings: “Hi there!” “Hey [Name]!” “Dear [Name],”
• Starting the Letter: “How have you been?” “It’s been ages since we talked!” “I hope you’re well.”
• Sharing News: “You won’t believe what happened!” “I had the best day ever because…”
• Asking Questions: “What’s new with you?” “How’s school going?”
• Closing: “Write back soon!” “Can’t wait to hear from you!” “See you soon!”

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Do’s and Don’ts of Informal Letters

Do’s:

• Use a warm, friendly tone.
• Write naturally, like you’re chatting.
• Include personal details to make it interesting.

Don’ts:

• Don’t use formal phrases like “Respected Sir” or “Yours faithfully.”
• Don’t make it too long or boring.
• Don’t forget to proofread for silly mistakes.

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Practice Questions

1. Write a letter to your cousin telling them about your new pet.
2. Invite your best friend to spend a weekend at your house.
3. Write to your uncle thanking him for a gift he sent you.

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Why Learn Informal Letters?

Learning to write informal letters helps you:

• Improve your writing skills.
• Build stronger connections with people you care about.
• Express yourself creatively and confidently.

In today’s world, where we often use texts or emails, writing an informal letter by hand can feel special and meaningful. It’s a great way to show someone you’re thinking of them!

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Conclusion

Informal letters are all about sharing a piece of yourself with someone you know and trust. They don’t need to be perfect—just heartfelt and clear. By following the simple structure and adding your personal touch, you can write letters that bring smiles to your friends and family. So, grab a pen and start writing your next informal letter today!

Informal Letter Writing