Letters
Pneumonic device
Address A-ll
Date D-ogs
Greeting G-rowl
Intro I-n
Body B-rilliant
Conclusion C-anine
Signoff S-tyle
Informal letters Example:Your Name
Your Address
City, State, Zip
Email Address
Date
Dear [Friend's Name],
Hope you're doing great! It feels like ages since we last caught up. I just got back from an amazing trip to the
beach with my family, and I couldn't stop thinking about the time we spent there together last year. The memories
are still so vivid!
I've been meaning to share some of the photos with you, but I haven't had a chance yet. I promise to send them
over soon. We had a blast, and I even tried surfing for the first time—let's just say it was more fun than I expected!
How have you been? What's new with you? I heard you started a new job. How's that going? I'd love to hear all
about it.
We should catch up soon, maybe over a call or meet up for coffee. Let me know when you're free.
Take care, and talk to you soon!
Best Wishes,
[Your Name]
Analysis Advantages:
Friendly and Personal Tone:
The letter feels warm and genuine, which helps strengthen the friendship.
It starts with a friendly greeting and reflects shared memories, making it relatable.
Engaging Content:
Mentioning a recent beach trip and surfing adds interest and makes the letter more engaging.
Open-ended Questions:
Asking the friend about their new job and how they’ve been encourages a response and keeps the conversation going.
Invitation to Reconnect:
Suggesting a call or coffee meetup shows real interest in maintaining the relationship.
Clear and Simple Language:
Easy to read and understand, making it suitable for casual communication.
Disadvantages:
Lack of Specific Details:
Some details (e.g., the friend’s name, exact dates, specific stories from the trip) are missing or vague, which could make it feel a bit generic.
No Photos Attached (Yet):
It mentions photos but doesn’t actually include them, which might feel incomplete if the reader was looking forward to seeing them.
Basic Structure:
The structure is fine for informal use, but it might feel a bit too simple or formulaic if you want a more unique or expressive letter.
No Addressing of Past Conversations:
It doesn’t refer to the last time they talked or what the friend last shared, which could make it seem one-sided.
Formal letters 123 Green Street
Hanoi, Vietnam
10 April 2025
The Manager
City Library
456 Oak Avenue
Dear Sir/Madam,
Hanoi, Vietnam
Request for Extended Library Access Hours
I am writing to request an extension of the current opening hours at the City Library. As a student preparing for
upcoming examinations, I have found the existing schedule limiting, particularly in the evenings.
An extension of just one hour would greatly benefit many students like myself who rely on the library’s quiet
environment and resources. Many of us have school during the day, and the evening is often the only time
available for focused study. In addition, the library offers materials and internet access that some students may not
have at home. With exams approaching, these extra hours could make a significant difference in our preparation.
Thank you for considering my request. I would be happy to provide further feedback if needed. I look forward to
your response.
Yours faithfully,
Nguyen Minh Anh
Analysis
Positives
Generally follows the correct format though it is only one paragraph
formal register: “Yours faithfully”, “Dear sir/madam” and they don’t use contractions of words like “don’t”
concise ideas and stays on topic by using transition phrases such as “in addition”
uses “us” to create emphasis on the problem and uses “you” to directly speak to the reader
Words like “limiting” and “request” creates a passive calm tone that creates the formality. They aren’t harsh or
demanding words.
Negative
It lacks emotion even though the purpose of the letter is to persuade
It doesn’t elaborate on the points. Lacks specificity
Game Plan
Read the question to know the text type
and what to look out for and determine the
purpose
Read the passage (10 minutes)
Analyze briefly while reading to identify if
it’s formal or informal
Note/highlight key information
Write for 30-40 minutes