Personal Letter (1)

Hello everyone! Welcome to my blog! In this session we learn about Personal Letter.

Definition and Social Function

Personal letters are letters that are written to people we know such as friends, parents, siblings and cousins. Letters are not only written to inform but to strengthen the bond between to people writing to each other.

Linguistic Feature

Linguistic feature that needs to be paid attention to in writing a personal letter consists of sentence structure and writing style. Just like any other text in English, personal letter has its own sentence structure and writing style explained as follows.

Sentence Structure

-       Accuracy of grammar is important -       Complete sentences are expected -       Slang can be used -       Use the contractions such as, “I’ll”, “I’m”, “we’ll” -       Use personal pronouns such as “I”, “we”, “you” -       Use active voice

Writing Style

-       Language use may be personal like first and second person pronouns -       Be warm -       Use the person’s name you are writing to -       Vary sentence length -       Write in a natural, conversational style -       Let your personality shine through your writing

Text Structure

In writing a personal letter, there are some sections needed to be included as follows.

Date	:	Date when the letter is written (top left).
Address	:	Place where you are writing from (top right).
Salutation & Name	:	Greeting and the person’s name you are writing to.
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 close	:	Short expressions like “love you”, “sincerely yours”, “love”
Signature	:	Signature or initials of the writer.
Postscript (P.S.)	:	After thought in a letter. You begin with P.S. and end it wit your initials.

Example of Personal Letter