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SPM Informal Letter

The document provides guidance on writing an informal letter in the Malaysian school system. It outlines the key components of an informal letter's format such as including the writer's address and date, using a salutation like "Dear John", indenting paragraphs, including a complimentary close, and using proper punctuation. Acceptable ways to begin an informal letter include thanking the recipient for a letter or birthday card. Acceptable ways to end a letter include promising to write soon or looking forward to hearing back. The document also provides an example of an informal letter about reducing snatch thefts with tips gathered from a police chief.

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Akhsan Kamil Azizi
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703 views3 pages

SPM Informal Letter

The document provides guidance on writing an informal letter in the Malaysian school system. It outlines the key components of an informal letter's format such as including the writer's address and date, using a salutation like "Dear John", indenting paragraphs, including a complimentary close, and using proper punctuation. Acceptable ways to begin an informal letter include thanking the recipient for a letter or birthday card. Acceptable ways to end a letter include promising to write soon or looking forward to hearing back. The document also provides an example of an informal letter about reducing snatch thefts with tips gathered from a police chief.

Uploaded by

Akhsan Kamil Azizi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Informal Letter

Formats for Informal Letter in the Malaysian school system:

Students are taught to:

• include the writer’s address and date in the upper right-hand corner.
The date can be written in different forms. (7th September 2009, 7
SEPTEMBER 2009 or 7.9.2009)
• use the most common salutation. (Dear John)
• indent paragraphs.
• include a suitable complimentary close. (Your loving daughter)
• Do not use ‘Regards’ as it is considered slightly more formal and
distant.
• Also, do not use ‘Best Wishes’ as this is considered inappropriate.
• use proper punctuation. For example, a comma should be used after
the salutation and complimentary close.
• use capitalisation where necessary. For example, the month of the
date (10 January 2009), the salutation (Dear Maria)

Under normal circumstances, it is perfectly acceptable to use informal


language (e.g. stuff, jam-packed) and contractions (I’ll, won’t) in an
informal letter, but this is usually not acceptable in the local examination
system.

Let’s look at some important aspects of an informal letter.

1. Organisation

Paragraph 1 – include formalities; give reason for writing the letter.

Paragraph 2 onwards – depends on the reason for writing the letter.


If
your reason is to tell the recipient about your holiday, then you will
include details of the holiday.

The last paragraph – you can give a reason why you have to stop
writing such as:
I am sorry I have to stop here because it is getting late.

I am sorry I have to stop here because …

I have to stop now because …

Or you can simply end the letter in a number of appropriate ways as


shown in #3 below.

2. Some useful expressions on how to begin an informal letter

> I was pleasantly surprised to hear from you.

> Thank you for your letter. I was pleased to hear that you are in good
health.

> It was really nice hearing from you. I am glad that you like your new
school.

> I hope this letter finds you in the pink (of health).

> Thank you for the lovely birthday card.

3. Some useful expressions on how to end an informal letter

> I promise to write to you soon.

> I hope you will reply soon.

> Give my best wishes to your parents.

> I am looking forward to seeing you.

> I look forward to hearing from you.

> Do write and tell me how you are progressing.


SPM Essay - Informal Letter (How to reduce the number of snatch thefts)

Question 1
Recently, there has been a big increase in the number of snatch thefts all over the
country. You know a number of measures which you think can help to reduce the
number of snatch thefts. You have got the knowledge by interviewing the Chief Police
Officer of the state. You would like to share what you have learnt with as many people as
possible so you write to one of the local papers. Below are the points you have made
while interviewing the Chief of Police.

How to reduce the number of snatch thefts:


• Wear clothes with pockets. Do not flash money around.
• Do not carry too much cash with you.
• Keep your money, identity card and driving licenses in different places.
• Try not to carry handbags with long straps.
• Do not put handbags in the front carriers of your motorcycles.

When writing the letter, you must:


-lay out your letter correctly (address, greeting, closure)
-use all the notes given
-remember that your letter is to your cousin

Note:
For your letter, you will receive up to 15 marks for the format and content points and
up to 20 marks for the quality of your writing.

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