B1 · Writing
Informal Letter
Lesson Handout
What is an informal letter?
⚠ At B1 level you may be asked to write a letter or email to a friend, family member or pen pal. The register is friendly and personal — not formal.
Structure
Useful phrases
Opening
• Thanks so much for your last letter — it was great to hear from you!
Common mistakes to avoid
• ✗ Dear Sir, I am writing to inform you that...
Summary
B1 · Writing
Informal Letter
Worksheet
Name: ___________________________ Date: _______________
Formal or informal phrase? (6 points)
1. "Dear Sir, I am writing to inform you..."☐ formal — too formal for an informal letter☐ informal — correct
2. "Hi Sara! Thanks for your message — it was so good to hear from you!"☐ informal — correct☐ formal — too formal for an informal letter
3. "Yours faithfully,"☐ formal — too formal for an informal letter☐ informal — correct
4. "Why don't you come and visit me this summer?"☐ informal — correct☐ formal — too formal for an informal letter
5. "I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience."☐ formal — too formal for an informal letter☐ informal — correct
6. "Best wishes, [name]"☐ informal — correct☐ formal — too formal for an informal letter
Complete the informal letter phrases (7 points)
7. Thanks so much for your last letter — it was great to ___________ from you!
8. Sorry I ___________ for so long — it has been really busy.
9. Why don't you ___________ and visit me this summer?
10. How ___________ meeting up next weekend?
11. Can't ___________ to hear your news!
12. Hope to ___________ you soon.
13. Write ___________ soon!
Write an informal letter (7 points)
Your English pen pal has asked you to recommend a good place to visit in your country. Write a letter recommending somewhere and explaining why they should visit. Include: greeting, opening, recommendation with reasons, closing and sign-off. Write 100–140 words.
14. [Open writing task — see instructions above]
B1 · Writing
Informal Letter
Answer Key
1. formal — too formal for an informal letter
2. informal — correct
3. formal — too formal for an informal letter
4. informal — correct
5. formal — too formal for an informal letter
6. informal — correct
7. Open task — assess individually
8. Open task — assess individually
9. Open task — assess individually
10. Open task — assess individually
11. Open task — assess individually
12. Open task — assess individually
13. Open task — assess individually
14. Open task — assess individually