Genre Features
Teacher’s Guide for Worksheet One
The structural and linguistic features of the types of writing introduced in Worksheet One are defined and summarized as follows. This is just a guide to some typical and common features and is not meant to be an exhaustive list. Features may also vary in different communicative contexts. I. Informal Letter
A letter is ‘a missive communication in writing, addressed to a person or body of persons; an epistle’ (From Oxford English Dictionary OED online. URL: www.oed.com). Typical informal contexts are writing to family members, relatives and friends, and love letters.
Structure of a Personal Letter
1. Date – This is the date when the letter is written
2. Greetings and Name of Recipient – The greeting usually starts with the word ‘Dear’ followed by the given name of the recipient or relationship and it ends with a comma. Two examples are shown: ‘Dear Ronald,’ ‘Dear Uncle,’.
3. Introduction – This is the opening of a letter. It may include greetings like ‘How are you?’.
Sometimes, you may refer to a previous letter.
4. Body – This is the main body of the letter. It includes the message that the writer wants to tell the recipient. It is often divided into paragraphs.
5. Closure – This part indicates the letter is going to end. The writer may ask the recipient to reply here.
6. Complimentary Close – This short expression includes a few words on one line. It ends with a comma. Some examples are shown below.
‘Yours sincerely,’
‘Best regards,’ ‘Love,’
7. Signature – the signature of the writer
Language Use in an Informal Letter
1. Formality and Accuracy – Formal and accurate grammar and spelling are expected, depending on the relationship between the writer and the recipient.
2. Style – Language use may be personal. For example, first and second person pronouns may be frequently used.
1
© 2002-2004. Quality Education Fund Project 2002/0384 (Project Leader: Dr. A. B. Bodomo). All Rights Reserved.
The structural and linguistic features of the types of writing introduced in Worksheet One are defined and summarized as follows. This is just a guide to some typical and common features and is not meant to be an exhaustive list. Features may also vary in different communicative contexts. I. Informal Letter
A letter is ‘a missive communication in writing, addressed to a person or body of persons; an epistle’ (From Oxford English Dictionary OED online. URL: www.oed.com). Typical informal contexts are writing to family members, relatives and friends, and love letters.
Structure of a Personal Letter
1. Date – This is the date when the letter is written
2. Greetings and Name of Recipient – The greeting usually starts with the word ‘Dear’ followed by the given name of the recipient or relationship and it ends with a comma. Two examples are shown: ‘Dear Ronald,’ ‘Dear Uncle,’.
3. Introduction – This is the opening of a letter. It may include greetings like ‘How are you?’.
Sometimes, you may refer to a previous letter.
4. Body – This is the main body of the letter. It includes the message that the writer wants to tell the recipient. It is often divided into paragraphs.
5. Closure – This part indicates the letter is going to end. The writer may ask the recipient to reply here.
6. Complimentary Close – This short expression includes a few words on one line. It ends with a comma. Some examples are shown below.
‘Yours sincerely,’
‘Best regards,’ ‘Love,’
7. Signature – the signature of the writer
Language Use in an Informal Letter
1. Formality and Accuracy – Formal and accurate grammar and spelling are expected, depending on the relationship between the writer and the recipient.
2. Style – Language use may be personal. For example, first and second person pronouns may be frequently used.
1
© 2002-2004. Quality Education Fund Project 2002/0384 (Project Leader: Dr. A. B. Bodomo). All Rights Reserved.