Learning Objectives
- Understand the purpose of writing a friendly (informal) letter.
- Learn the five parts of a friendly letter: address and date, greeting, body, closing, and signature.
- Read and understand a sample letter.
- Write letters for different purposes (invitation, sharing news).
- Learn how to address an envelope correctly.
Let Us Begin!
Have you ever received a letter from a friend or a relative? A letter is a wonderful way to share your thoughts, feelings, and news with someone who is far away. Even though we have phones and computers today, writing a letter is a special skill. A handwritten letter shows that you care enough to sit down and write. In this lesson, we will learn how to write a friendly letter -- the kind you write to friends, family, and people you know well.
[Image: A labelled letter format showing: Sender's address (top right), Date, Receiver's address (left), Subject, Salutation ("Dear Sir/Madam"), Body, Closing ("Yours faithfully"), Signature. Each part labelled with arrows. Title: Format of a Formal Letter]
The Five Parts of a Friendly Letter
Every friendly letter has five parts. Each part has a special place and purpose.
1. Address and Date (top right corner) -- Your address and the date you are writing the letter. This tells the reader where you are and when you wrote.
2. Greeting / Salutation (left side) -- How you say hello. Examples: "Dear Ananya," or "My dear Grandma," Always put a comma after the greeting.
3. Body (the main part) -- This is where you write your message. Start by asking about the person's health. Then share your news or the reason for writing. Keep it friendly and warm.
4. Closing (before your name) -- A polite way to end. Examples: "With love," or "Your loving friend," Always put a comma after the closing.
5. Signature (your name) -- Write your name below the closing.
Think about it: Why do we write the date on a letter? Because when the person reads it days or weeks later, they will know exactly when you wrote it!
Sample Letter
Anita writes to her friend Meera, inviting her for Diwali
14, Rose Garden Colony,
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
15th October 2024
Dear Meera,
How are you? I hope you and your family are doing well. I am writing to invite you to my house for Diwali, which is on 1st November this year.
We are planning to decorate our house with diyas and rangoli. My mother is going to make gulab jamun and namkeen. In the evening, we will light sparklers in the garden. It will be so much fun if you can come and stay with us for two or three days.
Please ask your parents and let me know soon. I am eagerly waiting for your reply.
With love,
Anita
How to Address an Envelope
Example: Addressing an Envelope
The sender's address goes on the top left corner (or the back of the envelope). The receiver's address goes in the centre. The stamp goes on the top right corner.
From:
Anita Sharma
14, Rose Garden Colony
Bhopal, M.P. - 462001 | [STAMP] |
To:
Meera Nair
27, Lakshmi Nagar
Kochi, Kerala - 682001 |
Key Words and Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|
| Friendly letter | An informal letter written to someone you know well |
| Greeting / Salutation | The opening line where you address the person (Dear...) |
| Body | The main message of the letter |
| Closing | The polite ending before your name (With love, Yours truly) |
| Signature | Your name written at the end of the letter |
| Envelope | The paper cover in which a letter is sent by post |
Key Points to Remember
- A friendly letter has five parts: address and date, greeting, body, closing, and signature.
- Write your address and date in the top right corner.
- The greeting goes on the left side, followed by a comma: "Dear Ravi,"
- The body should be warm and friendly. Start by asking about the person.
- End with a closing like "With love," or "Your loving friend," followed by your name.
- Always use proper punctuation and neat handwriting in a letter.
A. Fill in the Blanks
1. A friendly letter has parts.
2. The and are written in the top right corner.
3. The greeting is also called the .
4. After the closing, we write our .
5. The main message of the letter is called the .
B. Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which of these is a correct greeting for a friendly letter?
(a) Dear Sir,(b) To Whom It May Concern,(c) Dear Priya,(d) Respected Madam,
2. Where do you write the date in a friendly letter?
(a) bottom left(b) top right(c) centre(d) bottom right
3. Which is a suitable closing for a letter to your grandmother?
(a) Yours faithfully,(b) With love,(c) Yours sincerely,(d) Regards,
C. Short Answer Questions
1. Name the five parts of a friendly letter.
2. Why is it important to write the date on a letter?
3. What is the difference between a greeting and a closing? Give one example of each.
D. Letter Writing Practice
Prompt 1: Write a letter to your friend inviting him or her to your birthday party. Mention the date, time, place, and any fun activities you have planned.
Prompt 2: Write a letter to your grandmother telling her about a school trip you went on. Describe where you went, what you saw, and what you enjoyed the most.
Fun Activity -- Design Your Own Envelope
In the box below, draw a rectangle to represent an envelope. Write the sender's address (your address) in the top left corner, the receiver's address (your best friend's address) in the centre, and draw a small square for the stamp in the top right corner.