Writing a personal letter A composition planner chart

Writing a personal letter A composition planner chart

A composition planner part purpose notes First line Greet your pen friend Dear…, Useful expressions

part purpose First main paragraph Thank penfriend for letter; mention something in their letter notes Useful expressions Hi! How are you? /How’s it going? / Thanks (a lot) for your (last) letter/postcard, etc/It was great to hear…/I’m glad…

part purpose Second Give your main news; paragraph how you feel about it notes Useful expressions Today was…/I felt / Feel…/ I think…

part purpose Third main paragraph Continue your news notes Useful expressions By the way, …/Oh yes, I forgot to tell you…

part purpose Fourth main Give a paragraph reason for ending the letter notes Useful expressions (Well, ) I’d better go now as…/ I have to go now as…

part purpose Closing expressions (1) Final remarks notes Useful expressions Write soon! Take care, and hope to hear from you soon. / See you soon!

part purpose Closing Express expressions love (2) notes Useful expressions Love, / Lots of love, / All the best

part purpose Final line Say who you are (first name only) notes Useful expressions

Check that you haven’t made any serious mistakes by ticking the checklist below. n n n n n I have started with Dear. I have written four main paragraphs. I have used some short forms (haven’t, can’t, don’t) I have used some informal vocabulary and punctuation. I have mentioned my pen friend's letter in the first main paragraph. I have described my preparations and feelings in the second paragraph. I have said why I have to finish the letter. I have used closing expressions. I have not written my surname at the bottom of the letter.

Informal language Use contractions (I’ve, it’s, doesn’t, etc) in informal writing. n Start and end letters in an informal way. n Dear + first name Lots of love, Take care, (+your first name)

n Don’t always write in complete sentences. Sounds like you had a great time in Switzerland. n Use informal vocabulary. Cool instead of impressive n Use direct questions. Did you pass your exams? n Use the active voice more.

n Use informal connecting words and phrases. Anyway, what I wanted to tell you about was the party last night. n Use exclamation marks. I can’t wait to see you!