Informal vs Formal Letters

Informal letters are

• Letters written for official purposes

• Letters written to colleagues at work

• Letters written to family, friends and acquaintances.

• Letters written for the fun of it

Answer explanation

Informal letters are written to people we know, for example, a friend or family member.

They are written in a relaxed and friendly style.

The format of a standard informal letter includes

• Sender's Address

• Recipient's Address

• Date

• Greeting

• Title

Answer explanation

The format of a standard informal letter, in chronological order, is listed below:

Sender's Address

Date

Greeting

Body

Concluding Salutation

Name

Formal letters are written in unprofessional language.

• True

• False

• Maybe

• I don't know

Answer explanation

Formal letters are written in formal, professional language.

All of these make up a standard formal letter EXCEPT

• Sender's Address

• Recipient's Address

• Date

• Body

• Emoticons

Answer explanation

The format of a standard formal letter, in chronological order, is listed below:

Sender's Address

Date

Recipient's Address

Greeting

Title

Body

Concluding Salutation

Signature

Full Name

Which of these salutations is used in formal letters?

• Yours faithfully,

• Yours Faithfully,

• Yours sincerely,

• Yours truly,

• Yours Forever,

Answer explanation

Common concluding salutations used in formal letters are:

Yours faithfully,

Yours sincerely,

PS: Note where captial letters are used.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.3

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.3

CCSS.RI.8.5

In what paragraph do you state the purpose of your letter?

• First Paragraph

• Second Paragraph

• All of the above

• None of the above

Answer explanation

In most letters, one is expected to state the purpose of the letter in the first paragraph. However, you may also do so in the second paragrapgh if your first paragrapgh is already too long to contain it.

We make use of vernacular expressions in formal letters

• Yes

• No

• Only when necessary

• Only when the receiver understands them

Answer explanation

The use of slangs and/or vernacular language is NOT allowed in formal letters.

Are you meant to write out the recipient's name in the Receiver's Address Section of a formal letter?

• Yes

• No

• Only if you know it

• If you like the recipient's name

Answer explanation

You are not supposed to write the name of the recipient of a formal letter, even if you know the person. You are to address the recipient by the title appropriate for the position they occupy.

The body of a letter, be it formal or informal, is divided into:

• Introductory Paragraph

• Main Paragraph(s)

• Thesis statement

• Concluding Paragraph

• Salutation

Answer explanation

The body of a letter is divided into Introductory Paragraph, Main Paragraph(s) and Concluding Paragraph.

The following are characteristics of a formal letter, EXCEPT:

• Use of formal, professional language and mannerisms

• Use of professional tone

• Written in a penitent manner

• Written to people in official positions

Answer explanation

Penitent (adj.): feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong; repentant.

While apology letters are a type of formal letters, not all formal letters are written to apologise.