Why Are Letters Important?

Have you ever received a letter?

What was the letter about?

Did you keep the letter to share again?

Did you write back and send a reply?

Different Types of Letters

People send letters for many different reasons.

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Can you think why you might send or receive a letter?

To complain

To give or receive information

To make appointments

To send a postcard telling someone about your holiday

To say,

“thank you.”

To write to friends or family

Susie Brown

2 Sally Street

Darwin, NT

0800

George Shaw

16 Ward Street

Darwin, NT

0800

Dolly

99 Letter Street

Darwin, NT

0800

Different Types of Letters

Letters can be organised under two headings. These are called formal letters and informal letters.

Formal letters are letters that are sent to people you don’t know. They can be sent for different reasons. For example to complain about something, to give or ask for information or to make an appointment. Formal letters are usually set out in a certain way.

Informal letters are letters that are sent to people you know. For example, sending a�postcard to a friend about your holiday, to say thank you for a birthday�present or to friends or family who might live a long way from you.

Activity

Sorting Letters Game

Look at the letters on the next few slides and see if you can sort them into formal and informal letters.

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When you have decided which type of letter you think they are, click on the answer envelope to reveal the answer.

Lucy Roberts

34 Woods Street

Darwin, NT

0800

Dolly

99 Letter Street

Darwin, NT

0800

George Shaw

16 Ward Street

Darwin, NT

0800

Susie Brown

2 Sally Street

Darwin, NT

0800

The Three Bears

Three Bear’s Cottage

Fairy Tale Land

2000

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Dear Daddy Bear,

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I am writing to complain about the chairs in your sitting room. They are most uncomfortable and when I sat on one whilst visiting recently, it broke. I fell and I hurt my leg! I would be most grateful if you could use stronger wood in future.

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Also, I was very upset that you were cross when you saw me in your house. If you do not wish to have visitors (even people you do not know) then you should not leave your front door unlocked.

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Yours sincerely,

Goldilocks

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Goldilocks�Bramble House�Fairy Tale Land

2000

1^st January 2017

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A letter of complaint is a formal letter. It contains the address of the person that the letter is being sent to, along with the address of the person who is writing the letter.

A postcard is�an informal letter, usually sent to someone�you know.

Dear Daisy,

How are you? We are on a holiday in Broome. It has been like a dream and the weather has been very hot too. What a treat! We have had ice cream every day and fish and chips for dinner. My mum said I might be able to go on a camel ride tomorrow and we can go snorkelling at the beach. What a week it’s been! We’ve spent lots of money as it isn’t cheap and I got sunburnt but it’s been worth it.

Lots of love and see you soon.

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Sarah xx

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Daisy McLean

27 Burns Street

Fremantle, WA

6160

Dear Santa,

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I am writing to thank you for the awesome presents you left at my house on Christmas Eve. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw them all. Your elves must have been very busy this year.

I especially loved the bike and I have been learning how to ride it, as I haven’t had one without training wheels before. The green helmet is a perfect fit and I wear it to protect my head when I’m on my bike in case I fall off.

My brother James loved his train set and has been playing with it every day since you delivered it. He loves the noises it makes and connecting all of the carriages together.

I hope you and Mrs Claus have a lovely holiday and the elves and reindeers have a well deserved rest.

Love from Tom xxx

Tom Williams

27 Walker Street

Carlton, Victoria

3053

A thank-you letter is often an informal letter. It contains the address of the person that the letter is from and the date.

A letter for an appointment is a formal letter. Formal letters often end with Yours sincerely, followed by the name of the person who is writing the letter.

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Dear Gran,

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How are you? Mum told me you haven’t been feeling very well. I have baked you some of your favourite cakes and wondered when it would be possible for me to come and visit?

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Hope to see you soon.

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Lots of love,

Little Red Riding Hood xx

A letter sent to a friend or family member can be finished in a more familiar way, such as ‘Love from,’ or ‘See you soon,’ followed by the name of the person who is writing the letter.

Gran’s Cottage

Dark Wood Lane

Forest Town

4000

Friday 23^rd May 2017