a.

Definition
A Personal letter is a type of letter (or informal composition) that usually
concerns personal matter (rather than professional concerns) and is sent
from one individual to another

b. Types of letter
- Formal letter (business letter, application letter, complaint letter, etc)
- Informal letter also known as personal letter. (letter to relatives,
friends, etc)
c. Social Fuction
Personal letters are the letters that are written to people we know such
as friends, parents, siblings, cousins. Letters are not only written to
inform but to strengthen the bond between two people writing to each
other.
d. Structure of Personal Letter
Date Date when the letter is written (top left).
Address Place where you are writing from (top right).
Salutation & Greeting and the person's name you are writing to
Name
Introduction The opening of the letter usually starts with how are
you or refers to previous letter.
Body The main part of the letter. It includes what you want
to write to the other person.
Closure The part indicates the letter is going to end.
Complimentary Short expressions like “love you”, “sincerely yours”,
close “love”.
Signature Signature or initials of the writer.
Postscript P. S. After thought in a letter. You begin with P.S. and end
it with your initials.

e. Linguistic Features
Sentence - Accuracy of grammar is important.
Structure - Complete sentences are expected.
- Slang can be used.
- Use Contractions such as “I'll”, “ I'm”, “we'll”.
- Use personal pronouns such as “I”, “we”, “you”.
- Use active voice.
Style - Language use may be personal like first and second
person pronouns.
- Be warm.
- Use person's name you are writing to.
- Vary sentence length.
- Write in a natural, conversational style.
 - Let your personality shine through in your writing.
(Bly, 2004).

f. Some useful expressions for letter writing

Gratitude Delivering bad news
- I'm just writing to - I'm sorry but I have to tell you
thank you for ............ that ............
- It was very kind of you - Bad news, I'm afraid but no way
to ............ to avoid it, so here it goes ............
- Thanks very much for - I'm extremely sorry to hear that
............ ............
- I am very grateful for - It was heart wrenching to read
............ about ............
Giving advice Delivering good news
- Well, I thought about it - I'm sure you will be happy to hear
and if I were you, I that ............
would ............ - I am sure that you'll be interested
- Have you thought to know that ............
about ............ - By the way, did you know that
- In your last letter you ............ ?
said you weren't sure - OMG!! You'll never guess what
what course of action happened!
to take, I suggest - I am totally ecstatic to hear about
............ ............
- I think you shouldn't - I was happy beyond limits to read
............ that ............
- In your last letter you
asked me about
.............., I think
...............
Asking for help Apologizing
- I wonder if you could - I would like to apologize for
help me. ............
- I hope it's not too - I'm so sorry that ............
much to ask but - Words are not enough to erase
............ the pain I have given you but I
- I wonder if I could ask want to say how sorry I am
you a favor. Could you ............
............?

g. Examples of expressions used in personal letters.

Salutations “Dear”, “Dearest”, “sweetheart”, “darling”, “My dear”, “My
love” etc.
Salutations depend on how well you know the person you
are writing to.
 Closing “Yours”, “with love”, “sincerely yours”, “all the love”, “all the
best”, “affectionately”, “much love”, “best wishes”
Starting How are you?
the letter Hope this letter finds you……
Thank you for your last letter.
It was so good to hear from you.
Sorry for answering late.
I'm sorry I should have written earlier.…….
I am sorry to inform you that……
Conclusion I am looking forward to seeing you soon.
I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.
My best wishes for the coming test.
See you.
I will have to stop now.
I am waiting for a quick reply.
Looking forward to seeing you again.
Bye.

h. There are many types of personal letters. Here are a few you might
have heard of:

1) Pen Pal. A pen pal is someone you communicate with by sendening

letters regularly.

2) Fan mail. You write Fan mail to someone you admire. You might
choose to write to a famous actor, rock star, author, or sport hero.

3) Love. You can write a love letter to someone whom you love or care
about. In this letter, you express feelings of affection and romance.

4) Farewell. In a farewell letter, you say goodbye and good luck to

someone who is moving interstate or overseas, or changing schools.

5) Get well. You send a “get well” letter to wish someone a speedy
recovery from illness.

6) Condolence. In a condolence letter, you show sympathy, usually for

the loss of someone close to the recipient. You might wish them
strength through their grief, say you are sorry for their loss, or share
memories of the person they have lost.

7) Congratulations. You would sent this letter to congratulate someone

on a birth, wedding, achievement, or award.

8) Thank you. When you write a thank you letter, you are showing your
appreciation to someone. Perhaps they invited you to their birthday
party, gave you a thoughful gift, or did you a favour. This is less
 formal than an appreciation letter, and would be sent to a friend or
family member.

9) Holiday/celebration. Your holiday letter could celebrate a birthday,

Eid ul Fitr, Christmas, New Year, or any other special event or
holiday.

h. Examples of Personal Letter

 Read the sample personal letter below. Then, analyze the structure of the letter.
.........................
35 Senggigi Raya
......................... ......................... Lombok
75009 Nusa Tenggara Timur
12th January 2018 .........................
My Dear Lovely Siti,
.........................
Hello!
How are you, sweetie? I know you are angry with me because I am writing to
you after a long time. I am so sorry, please forgive me. You know we are in Lombok
........................

right now. It is so beautiful beyond imagination. I am writing to you from this really
cute little café on the Senggigi beach. As you know, mum loves shopping so she went
and will be gone for hours. I took a rain check from shopping and decided to write to
you while I enjoy my cup of coffee.
.

You know yesterday we went to Gili Nanggu Island; it is a beach on the

southwest of Lombok. The place is awesome. It is so beautiful I couldn't believe my
eyes. There are beautiful coral reefs everywhere. We went for snorkeling and we
saw most amazing fish ever. I wish you were here; it would have been much more
fun.
Mum's making sure we don't miss any sight in the whole city, so we've
practically been everywhere.
I have to go, mum is here. I will see you soon. .........................
Lots of love .........................
Lana
Lana .........................
P.S. I'm bringing you lot of souvenirs and pictures!! .........................

a. Address d. Introduction g. Closure j. The Content of the letter

b. Closing e. Greetings h. Signature
c. Salutation f. Postscript i. Date