MODULE 1 – WRITING

Self-study Guide
INFORMAL WRITINGS
1. A SAMPLE INFORMAL EMAIL
Subject: Hey, it's been a while!
Hey Sarah,
How's it going? I know it's been ages, but I was just thinking about you and wanted to
catch up. How was your vacation to the mountains? I saw your pics on social media and they
looked amazing! I'm so jealous. 😩
Life over here is pretty crazy, but in a good way. I've been super busy with the new
project at work, and it's been a total rollercoaster. It feels like I'm always running around like a
chicken with its head cut off, but I'm learning a ton. On the weekends, I've been trying to get
back into painting, and it's been really therapeutic. I'm actually working on a big canvas of a
cityscape right now, and I'd love to show it to you sometime.
Anyway, I was wondering if you'd be free to grab coffee or dinner next week? I'd love
to hear all about your trip and what you've been up to. Let me know what your schedule looks
like, and we can figure something out.
Talk soon!
Cheers,
Alex
2. A SAMPLE INFORMAL LETTER
123 Main Street
Anytown, USA 12345
October 26, 2023

Dearest Jessica,
Hi! Hope this letter finds you well. I was just sitting here with a cup of tea, and you
popped into my head, so I thought I'd send a little something your way instead of just a text. It
feels a bit old-school, but I kind of love it!
Things have been pretty chill here. The weather's finally turning, so I've been spending
my afternoons on the porch reading. I just finished that book you recommended, and OMG, it
was so good! The ending totally shocked me. I'd love to know what you thought about the
main character's decision. I've got a lot of opinions about that, haha.
Anyway, I've also been helping my parents with a garage renovation, and it's been a
bigger project than we thought. We're totally barking up the wrong tree trying to get this one
wall to come down! It's been a lot of work, but I know it'll be worth it once it's done.
Well, I've got to run to the grocery store now, but I wanted to make sure this got to you.
I'm thinking of you and sending lots of love your way!
Until next time,
Your friend,
Maria
CHARACTERISTICS OF INFORMAL WRITING
Informal writing is casual, relaxed, and conversational. It's typically used to
communicate with friends, family members, or people you are familiar with. It allows for
greater creativity and personal expression.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS INCLUDE:
• Tone: Friendly and conversational, avoiding jargon or technicality.
• Word Choice: Use everyday language rather than formal vocabulary.
• Punctuation: Exclamation points, even multiple ones, are acceptable.
• Sentence Structure: Can be shorter, more direct, and less complex. For example,
"Monthly report ready?" instead of "Have you completed the monthly report?".
• Slang, Idioms, & Colloquialisms: Phrases like "barking up the wrong tree" are
common.
• Contractions & Abbreviations: Used freely (e.g., "I'd like to meet up soon" or
"OMW" for "on my way").
• Pronouns: Used freely.
• Emojis & GIFs: Common in informal writing and e-platforms, but discouraged in
formal writing.
• Grammar & Spelling: May be less strict; the flow can sometimes meander or go off
on tangents.
• Personal Opinions & Emotions: Topics can include personal feelings and opinions,
which are often inappropriate in formal writing.
ORGANIZATION (STRUCTURE OF INFORMAL LETTERS/EMAILS)
While there are no strict rules for informal letters and emails, following a general structure
helps ensure clarity and coherence.
For an Informal Letter:
1. Your Address: Located at the top right corner of the page.
2. Date: Usually below your address (e.g., November 22nd, 2011).
3. Opening/Salutation: Start with a friendly greeting.
4. Body Text: Consists of several paragraphs.
5. Closing: Summarize and say goodbye.
6. Signature: A farewell remark followed by your first name.
For an Informal Email:
1. Subject Line: Should be simple, to the point, and can be engaging.
2. Greeting/Salutation: Similar to letters, a friendly start.
3. Opening Paragraph: Ask how the recipient is doing, thank them for their last email
(if applicable), and state your reason for writing.
4. Main Paragraph(s): Share your news, expand on your reason for writing, or discuss
the main topic. You can use questions and exclamations to make it more interesting.
 5. Closing Paragraph: Ask about your friend, mention why you have to stop writing,
and provide common closing remarks.
6. Sign-off/Closing Line: A friendly farewell phrase.
7. Your Name: Your first name
USEFUL LANGUAGE FOR EACH PART
• Subject Lines (Email):
◦ "Quick update from me 🙂"
◦ "Thanks for your job offer (I'd love to accept)"
◦ "Party tomorrow at 7 PM! Bring snacks 😋🍕"
◦ "Loved your vacation pics! Where was this?"
• Greetings/Salutations:
◦ "Hi [Name],"
◦ "Hello David,"
◦ "Dear Jane,"
◦ "Hey [Name],"
◦ "Hi there!"
◦ "Good [Morning/Afternoon/Evening]!"
◦ "What’s up, [Name]?" (for close friends)
◦ Avoid: "To Whom It May Concern," "Dear Sir or Madam," misspelled names, or generic
placeholders like "Dear [Enter Name Here]".
• Opening Sentences:
◦ Asking how they are:
▪ "How are you?" / "How are you doing?"
▪ "How have you been?"
▪ "Hope you’re doing well!"
▪ "I hope you are doing well."
◦ Thanking/Apologizing/Connecting:
▪ "Thanks for your last email."
▪ "Sorry I didn’t reply sooner but I’ve been very busy."
▪ "It’s been a while!"
▪ "It was great seeing you at [event]!"
◦ Stating your reason:
▪ "I’m writing to tell you/to let you know that…"
▪ "I thought I’d drop you a line to tell you/to let you know that…"
▪ "Just wanted to catch up on…"
• Body Content (Giving News & Asking Questions):
◦ How you are:
▪ "Things are going well."
▪ "I’ve been doing great."
 ◦ Making news interesting:
▪ "You won’t believe what …!"
▪ "You’ll never guess who I ran into."
▪ "Isn’t that great?"
◦ Asking about your friend:
▪ "What about you?"
▪ "How are you getting on (in/with + noun)?"
▪ "What have you been up to?"
▪ "Let me know…"
▪ "It’d be great to hear your news."
▪ "Get in touch. / Drop me a line."
◦ Using Present Perfect for News: "I have joined a gym." or "Marsha hasn’t been well.".
◦ Using Present Perfect Continuous for ongoing actions: "I ’ve been doing a lot of
overtime.".
• Closing Sentences:
◦ "I am looking forward to seeing you."
◦ "I can’t wait to hear from you."
◦ "See you soon."
◦ "I’m looking forward to your news."
◦ "Waiting for your news."
◦ "I must go now; I have to catch a train."
• Sign-offs/Closings:
◦ "Love,"
◦ "Lots of love,"
◦ "Best wishes,"
◦ "Best,"
◦ "Take care,"
◦ "Cheers,"
◦ "All the best,"
◦ "Talk soon,"
◦ Always write the first name after the salutation

THE END