Informal Letter Format | Pattern | Writing
An informal letter is one of the most commonly tested writing skills in Pakistani school exams — from Class 4 all the way to Matric and Intermediate. Unlike formal letters, an informal letter lets you write freely, warmly, and personally to someone you know. Whether it is your best friend, a cousin, or a relative abroad, getting the format right can earn you full marks.
In this guide, you will learn exactly what an informal letter is, how to write one step by step, and see ready-to-use sample letters for common exam topics. You will also find fill-in-the-blank exercises, MCQs, and a handy FAQ section — everything you need in one place.
📋 Table of Contents
- What Is an Informal Letter?
- What Can You Write About in an Informal Letter?
- How to Write an Informal Letter (Step by Step)
- Informal Letter Format: All Parts Explained
- Formal vs Informal Letter: Key Differences
- Informal Letter Format Samples
- Fill in the Blanks
- MCQ Practice
- Practice Problems
- Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is an Informal Letter?
An informal letter is a personal letter written to someone you have a close relationship with — a friend, a family member, a classmate, or a neighbour. The tone is friendly, the language is natural, and the structure is relaxed compared to a formal or official letter.
Think of it like a written conversation. You are not following strict rules of courtesy or using official language. You are just talking — but on paper. That said, even informal letters follow a recognisable pattern that examiners in Pakistan expect to see.
The purpose of an informal letter varies widely. You might write to congratulate a cousin on getting admission to a good university, or to a friend asking them to visit during holidays, or even to a pen pal you have never met in person. Whatever the reason, the key is that the relationship is personal and the language reflects that warmth.
What Can You Write About in an Informal Letter?
One of the best things about informal letters is that there is almost no limit to what you can write about — as long as it is appropriate for the recipient. Here are the most common informal letter topics that appear in Pakistani school and board exams:
- Inviting a friend to your birthday party or a family wedding
- Congratulating someone on passing exams or winning a prize
- Asking a cousin about their life, studies, or a recent trip
- Describing your school, neighbourhood, or a visit to a new city
- Sharing news about your family, health, or recent achievements
- Apologising for missing a function or not replying sooner
- Recommending a book, movie, or place to visit
- Expressing sympathy or condolences after a sad event
- Planning a get-together or reunion with old friends
For IELTS and other English proficiency tests, informal letter topics also appear in Task 1 (General Training). You might be asked to write to a friend about a problem you are facing, to thank someone for a gift, or to describe plans for a holiday. The principle is the same — warm tone, clear purpose, and a natural conversational flow.
How to Write an Informal Letter?
Writing an informal letter is much more straightforward once you understand its natural flow. Follow these steps and you will never get confused again:
Step 1 – Start with your address and date. Write your own address in the top-right corner, then the date below it. You do not need to write the recipient’s address (unlike a formal letter).
Step 2 – Write a warm salutation. Begin with “Dear [Name],” — for example, “Dear Aisha,” or “Dear Uncle Tariq,”. Use the person’s first name or whatever you call them in real life.
Step 3 – Open with a friendly line. Start by asking how they are or referring to something recent — “I hope you and your family are in the best of health” or “It has been ages since I heard from you!”
Step 4 – Write the main body. This is where you share your main purpose — your news, your invitation, your question. Use 2–3 paragraphs. Each paragraph should focus on one idea. Write naturally and freely.
Step 5 – Close warmly. Before signing off, add a closing line like “I look forward to hearing from you soon” or “Please send my regards to your family.” Then end with a closing phrase.
Step 6 – Sign off. Use informal closings: “Yours lovingly,” “Your friend,” “With love,” “Warm regards,” — followed by your first name.
Informal Letter Format: All Parts Explained
The standard informal letter format used in Pakistani schools has 7 key parts. Let’s look at each one clearly:
| Part | What to Write | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Sender’s Address | Your home/school address (top-right) | House 12, Gulberg III, Lahore |
| Date | Day, month, year below address | 15 June 2025 |
| Salutation | Dear + first name + comma | Dear Hania, |
| Opening Line | Friendly greeting or reference to previous contact | I hope you are in the best of health. |
| Main Body | 2–3 paragraphs covering your main purpose | I am writing to tell you about… |
| Closing Line | Warm wrap-up sentence | Looking forward to your reply soon. |
| Sign-off + Name | Informal closing + your first name | Yours lovingly, Sara |
💡 Pro Tip
Pakistani board exams often deduct marks if you include the recipient’s address in an informal letter. Only the sender’s address goes at the top. Also, always use a comma after the salutation (“Dear Ahmed,”) — not a colon or no punctuation at all.
Formal Letter vs Informal Letter: Key Differences
Students often mix up formal and informal letters in exams. Here is a clear comparison to help you never confuse the two again:
| Feature | Informal Letter | Formal Letter |
|---|---|---|
| Recipient | Friend, family, cousin | Principal, officer, employer |
| Tone | Warm, friendly, personal | Polite, professional, formal |
| Language | Simple, everyday words | Formal vocabulary, no contractions |
| Subject Line | Not required | Required |
| Recipient’s Address | Not included | Included below sender’s address |
| Salutation | Dear Ahmed, / Dear Mum, | Dear Sir/Madam, / Respected… |
| Sign-off | Yours lovingly / Your friend | Yours sincerely / Yours faithfully |
| Contractions | Allowed (I’m, don’t, you’re) | Generally avoided |
“An informal letter is a personal conversation on paper — warm, honest, and written from the heart. Get the format right, and the words will flow naturally.”
Informal Letter Format Samples
Here are three fully written sample letters for the most common exam scenarios. Study the format, then try writing your own version.
Informal Letter Sample 1 – Letter to Your Cousin Enquiring About Her First Visit to Pakistan
House 7, Street 4, Model Town,
Lahore, Pakistan.
18 June 2025
Dear Sana,
I hope you and Aunty are enjoying the best of health and spirits. It has been so long since we last spoke and I have been thinking about you a lot lately.
I heard from Mum that you are finally planning to visit Pakistan this summer — and I cannot tell you how excited that news made me! I have been waiting for this moment for years. There is so much I want to show you: the old bazaars of Lahore, the food streets, and of course, our lovely family home where we spent those amazing Eid holidays as children.
I would love to know all about your plans. When exactly are you arriving? How long will you be staying? Are you flying into Lahore directly or will you come via Karachi? Please do write back as soon as you can so we can make proper arrangements. I am already counting the days!
Please send my warmest regards to Uncle and Aunty.
Yours lovingly,
Hira
Informal Letter Sample 2 – Letter to a Friend About Arranging a Get-together
Flat 3B, Askari Apartments,
Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
18 June 2025
Dear Bilal,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and great spirits. It has been almost six months since our school reunion and I honestly miss spending time with the old gang.
I was thinking — why don’t we arrange a get-together next month? The summer holidays are coming up and everyone should have some free time. I spoke to Usman last week and he seemed very keen on the idea too. We could meet at Fatima’s house in Islamabad (she has already offered her lawn for a barbecue) or we could plan a small trip to Murree for a day or two — what do you think?
Please reply soon and let me know which dates work best for you. I will then contact the others and fix a plan accordingly. It would be so wonderful to catch up properly, laugh over old memories, and just spend some quality time together again.
Looking forward to your response!
Your friend always,
Hamza
Informal Letter Sample 3 – Reply Regretting Inability to Join
House 22, Johar Town,
Lahore, Pakistan.
20 June 2025
Dear Hamza,
Thank you so much for your lovely letter and for thinking of me. I was genuinely thrilled to hear about the get-together plan — it sounds like exactly the kind of break we all need.
However, I am sorry to say that I will not be able to join you all this time. My family has already made plans to travel to Karachi in the last week of July to attend a cousin’s wedding, and the dates overlap completely with what you mentioned. I tried to see if there was any way around it, but unfortunately it just does not seem possible.
Please do not let my absence stop the plan from going ahead. I am sure you will all have a great time. I hope you will take plenty of photos and share them with me. Maybe we can plan something again in December during the winter break — count me in for that, without a doubt!
Give my regards to everyone. I will miss you all dearly.
Your friend,
Bilal
For more writing practice, check out our guide on English grammar and composition topics — it covers everything from essay writing to paragraph structure.
Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following sentences by filling in the blanks with the correct word or phrase from informal letter writing:
- In an informal letter, you write only the __________ address, not the recipient’s address.
- The salutation in an informal letter is followed by a __________, not a colon.
- The main body of an informal letter should be divided into __________ to __________ paragraphs.
- You can use contractions like “I’m” and “don’t” in an informal letter because the tone is __________.
- An informal letter ends with a friendly closing phrase such as “Yours __________” or “Your __________”.
- A subject line is __________ required in an informal letter (required / not required).
- The date in an informal letter is written __________ the sender’s address.
✅ Answer Key
- sender’s
- comma
- two / three
- conversational / friendly / informal
- lovingly / friend (any appropriate informal closing)
- not required
- below / under
MCQ Practice
Choose the correct answer for each question. These MCQs are based on the informal letter format commonly tested in Pakistani school exams.
Q1. Which of the following is NOT included in an informal letter?
- A. Sender’s address
- B. Date
- C. Recipient’s address
- D. Sign-off
Q2. Which closing phrase is most appropriate for an informal letter written to a close friend?
- A. Yours faithfully
- B. Yours sincerely
- C. Your friend
- D. Respectfully yours
Q3. An informal letter is written to:
- A. A school principal
- B. A government officer
- C. A close friend or family member
- D. A bank manager
Q4. Which of the following is a correct salutation for an informal letter?
- A. Dear Sir/Madam,
- B. To Whom It May Concern,
- C. Dear Ahmed,
- D. Respected Principal,
Q5. In an informal letter, contractions such as “I’m” and “won’t” are:
- A. Strictly forbidden
- B. Acceptable and natural
- C. Only allowed in the closing
- D. Only allowed in the salutation
✅ Answer Key
Q1 – C | Q2 – C | Q3 – C | Q4 – C | Q5 – B
Practice Problems
Try writing a full informal letter for each of the following scenarios. Use the format and sample letters above as your guide. These are typical exam-style questions:
- Write a letter to your best friend congratulating him/her on being selected for the school cricket team.
- Your cousin has recently moved to a new city. Write a letter asking about their new home, school, and friends.
- Write a letter to your uncle thanking him for the birthday gift he sent you and describing how you plan to use it.
- A school friend has invited you to spend the summer holidays at their home in Murree. Write a letter accepting the invitation and expressing your excitement.
- Write a letter to a pen pal in another country describing your city, your school life, and one thing you love most about Pakistan.
For additional grammar support while writing your letters, you might also find British Council’s English grammar resources helpful — especially their section on letter and email writing.
Summary
| Key Point | Quick Takeaway |
|---|---|
| Definition | A personal letter to friends, family, or relatives |
| Tone | Friendly, warm, and conversational |
| 7 Parts | Address, Date, Salutation, Opening, Body, Closing, Sign-off |
| No Recipient Address | Only sender’s address — never the reader’s |
| No Subject Line | Informal letters do not need a subject line |
| Contractions OK | Use “I’m”, “won’t”, “you’re” freely |
| Common Sign-offs | Yours lovingly / Your friend / With love / Warm regards |
Writing an informal letter is a skill that every student can master with a little practice. The format is simple, the tone is natural, and the structure is logical once you understand each part. Remember: keep your language friendly, your paragraphs focused, and always end on a warm note. Whether you are writing for a class exam, a board paper, or even a genuine letter to a friend, the principles stay the same. For further practice on letter writing and other composition skills, explore our full collection of English language resources at Alvipedia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is an informal letter and example?
An informal letter is a personal letter written to someone you know well, using a friendly and casual tone. For example, a letter written to a cousin asking about her visit to Pakistan — sharing excitement, asking questions, and ending warmly — is a perfect informal letter.
How do you start an informal letter?
Start with your address and date in the top-right corner, then write “Dear [Name],” on the left. Follow this with a warm opening line such as “I hope you are keeping well” or “It has been so long since we last spoke!”
What are the 7 parts of an informal letter?
The 7 parts are: (1) Sender’s address, (2) Date, (3) Salutation, (4) Opening line, (5) Main body, (6) Closing line, (7) Sign-off and name.
What is the difference between a formal and informal letter?
A formal letter is written to officials, employers, or strangers using professional language and a strict structure including a subject line and the recipient’s address. An informal letter is written to people you know personally and uses a warm, conversational tone without a subject line.
What are the features of an informal letter?
Key features include: friendly and personal tone, use of contractions and everyday language, no subject line, no recipient address, warm salutation using the person’s name, a conversational body, and a casual sign-off like “Yours lovingly” or “Your friend.”
Can I use “I’m” and “don’t” in an informal letter?
Yes, absolutely. Contractions are perfectly acceptable in informal letters and actually make the writing sound more natural and friendly. Avoid them only in formal or official letters.
What are the 4 types of letter writing?
The four main types of letter writing are: (1) Formal letters (to officials and institutions), (2) Informal/personal letters (to friends and family), (3) Business letters (professional correspondence), and (4) Application letters (for jobs, admissions, etc.).