Mastering the Art of Starting an Informal Letter in IELTS Writing

Starting an informal letter can be a challenging task, especially for those who are not familiar with the format and tone of writing. When it comes to the IELTS writing exam, it can become even more daunting, as you have to showcase your language proficiency skills while maintaining the appropriate tone and approach.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the art of starting an informal letter and provide you with some tips and techniques that can help you master this skill. So, let’s get started!

Understanding the Purpose of an Informal Letter

Before we dive into the tips, it’s essential to understand the purpose of an informal letter. An informal letter is a type of personal letter that is written to friends, family, or acquaintances. The primary purpose of an informal letter is to communicate thoughts, feelings, or news to someone you know well.

When it comes to the IELTS writing exam, an informal letter is often included in the General Training module. In this section, you are required to write a letter based on a given situation or scenario. The letter can be either formal or informal, but most of the time, it’s informal.

Choosing the Right Salutation

The salutation is the opening line of an informal letter that is used to greet the recipient. Choosing the right salutation is crucial as it sets the tone of your letter. When writing an informal letter, you can use expressions like “Dear,” “Hi,” “Hello,” or even “Hey.”

When it comes to the IELTS writing exam, it’s essential to pay attention to the given scenario and choose the appropriate salutation accordingly. For example, if the scenario mentions a friend, you can use “Hi” or “Hey,” whereas if the situation mentions a family member or relative, you might want to use “Dear.”

Starting with a Greeting

After choosing the right salutation, the next step is to start with a greeting. The greeting is a brief sentence that follows the salutation and sets the tone for the rest of your letter. For example, you could say “How are you doing?” or “I hope this letter finds you well.”

When it comes to the IELTS writing exam, it’s essential to avoid using clichéd or generic phrases while starting your informal letter. Instead, try to be more specific and personalize your greeting. For example, if the scenario mentions that the recipient is recovering from an illness, you could say “I hope you’re feeling better.”

Introducing Yourself

After the greeting, it’s time to introduce yourself briefly. This is important, especially when writing to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. Your introduction should include your name, your relationship with the recipient, and possibly some personal news or updates.

When it comes to the IELTS writing exam, it’s essential to keep your introduction brief and to the point. You don’t want to waste too much time on introducing yourself as the examiner is looking for your language proficiency skills, not your life story.

Stating the Purpose of Your Letter

After introducing yourself, the next step is to state the purpose of your letter. This is where you communicate what you want to say to the recipient. The purpose of your letter could be anything from sharing news, asking for advice, or simply catching up.

When it comes to the IELTS writing exam, it’s essential to stick to the given scenario and state the purpose of your letter accordingly. It’s also a good idea to include some relevant details or information to support your purpose.

Additional Tips for Starting an Informal Letter

Here are some additional tips that can help you master the art of starting an informal letter:

– Use an appropriate tone that is friendly and conversational
– Avoid being too formal or casual
– Take your time to think about what you want to say before starting the letter
– Keep your sentences short and simple
– Use appropriate punctuation and grammar

Conclusion

Starting an informal letter can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to the IELTS writing exam. However, by following the tips and techniques mentioned in this article, you can master this skill and showcase your language proficiency skills effectively. Remember to keep your letter friendly, conversational, and to the point, and you’ll be sure to impress the examiner.