26
Formal and informal writing (B)
Textbook: pp. 110–113
GoalWriting an informal letter: friendly style, informal vocabulary, idioms and short forms.
New words
friendly · do‘stonastyle · uslubidiom · idiomashort form · qisqartma shakl
Explanation
An informal letter has a friendly, natural tone. Opening: Hi / Dear + name; then ask how the person is: How are you? How’s everything going? Reason for writing: I’m writing to tell you about... Main part: join sentences with and, but, so, because; ask questions; show feelings: It was awesome! I can’t wait to see you! Informal vocabulary: kid (child), get (receive), a lot of, pretty good, mate/pal, awesome, cool. Idioms: a piece of cake (very easy), break the ice (start a conversation), hit the books (study hard). Closing: Write back soon! Take care, Best wishes, Love. An informal letter should still be organized: paragraphs, punctuation and spelling matter.
Worked examples
Hi Bobur, how’s everything going? I’m writing to tell you that I passed my English exam – it was a piece of cake! Write back soon!
Hey Laylo! We’re pretty busy at school, but I can’t wait for the holidays. Take care, Madina
Class activity
Class “pen pals”: students write short informal letters and reply to one another.
Practice
1
What does “a piece of cake” mean?
something very easy
2
Rewrite with an informal word: The film was very good.
The film was awesome.
3
Write an opening and a first sentence of an informal letter to a cousin.
Hi Timur, How are you? I’m writing to tell you about my trip.
4
Why is it still important to use paragraphs in a friendly letter?
They make the text clear and easy to read.