Writing: Letter Writing (Types)

What is Letter Writing?

Letter writing is a form of writing. It is an important means of communication between two parties on a particular topic, matter, issue, or incident. It equally serves the purpose of documentation.

There are two types of letters: 

1. Formal letter 
2. Informal letter 

What is a Formal Letter?

A formal letter is a letter written to people who hold official positions in societyThe term society is derived from the Latin word 'socius' meaning friendship or companionship. Society is a community, nation or group of people who share the same traditions, institutions, rules and... More. Such letters can be in the form of applications, requests, appeals, complaints, and others.

A good example is a letter that was written to the Principal of your school, a letter to the Commissioner of Police, a letter to your Class Teacher, and a letter of request to the Chairman of your Local Government Area.

Features of a Formal Letter: 

1. Sender’s Address and Date: This is written at the top right-hand corner.

2. Receiver’s Address: The receiver is also called the recipient. This is written immediately after the date on the left-hand corner of the page. 

3. Salutation/Greetings: Sir/Madam depending on whether the person is a man or a woman. This is written after the receiver’s address. 

4. Heading/Title: The title comes immediately after the greeting and is underlined; but when it is written in capital letters, it is not underlined. Every keyword or title begins with a Capital letter. 

5. Body of the Letter: The body of the letter is written here and it is divided into paragraphs.

6. Conclusion: The conclusion will depend on what you have written as you summarise your letter in one sentence. 

7. Subscript: (Complimentary close)

Yours faithfully, 

Signature 

Full name: Daniel Jones 

What is an Informal Letter?

An informal letter is the (most common) type of letter. It is also called a personal letter. This is the letter written to our parents, siblings, friends, classmates, neighbours etc.

We write informal letters to any person we share a close relationship. 

Features of an Informal Letter:

1. The Writer’s Address and Date: This is written in the top right-hand corner. 

2. Salutation/Greetings: This is done in a number of ways starting with ‘Dear’ and adding the name with which you address the person such as “Dear Kelvin”, or “Dear Dad”.

3. Body of the Letter: This is the reason or content of the letter. 

4. Conclusion: End the letter in an interesting way.

5. Subscript:

Yours sincerely, 

Tonye