This document provides a template and guidelines for writing a personal letter to a pen friend. It includes sections for the greeting, four main paragraphs to share news and updates, closing expressions, and signature. Useful expressions are suggested for each section. The document also includes a checklist to ensure the key elements of a friendly letter are included, such as mentioning the previous letter, sharing feelings and news over multiple paragraphs, stating a reason for ending the letter, and using an informal tone with contractions and vocabulary.

1. Writing a personal
letter
A composition planner chart

2. A composition planner
part purpose notes Useful
expressions
First line Greet your
pen friend
Dear…,

3. part purpose notes Useful
expressions
First main
paragraph
Thank
penfriend
for letter;
mention
something
in their
letter
Hi! How are
you?/How’s it
going?/ Thanks
(a lot) for your
(last)
letter/postcard,
etc/It was great
to hear…/I’m
glad…

4. part purpose notes Useful
expressions
Second
main
paragraph
Give your
main news;
how you feel
about it
Today
was…/I felt /
Feel…/
I think…

5. part purpose notes Useful
expressions
Third main
paragraph
Continue
your news
By the
way,…/Oh
yes,
I forgot to
tell you…

6. part purpose notes Useful
expressions
Fourth main
paragraph
Give a
reason
for
ending
the letter
(Well,) I’d
better go
now as…/
I have to go
now as…

7. part purpose notes Useful
expressions
Closing
expressions
(1)
Final
remarks
Write soon!
Take care,
and hope to
hear from you
soon./
See you
soon!

8. part purpose notes Useful
expressions
Closing
expressions
(2)
Express
love
Love,/ Lots
of love, / All
the best

9. part purpose notes Useful
expressions
Final line Say who
you are
(first name
only)

10. Check that you haven’t made any serious mistakes by
ticking the checklist below.
 I have started with Dear.
 I have written four main paragraphs.
 I have used some short forms (haven’t, can’t, don’t)
 I have used some informal vocabulary and punctuation.
 I have mentioned my pen friend's letter in the first main paragraph.
 I have described my preparations and feelings in the second
paragraph.
 I have said why I have to finish the letter.
 I have used closing expressions.
 I have not written my surname at the bottom of the letter.

11. Informal language
 Use contractions (I’ve, it’s, doesn’t, etc) in
informal writing.
 Start and end letters in an informal way.
Dear + first name
Lots of love,
Take care,
(+your first name)

12.  Don’t always write in complete
sentences.
Sounds like you had a great time in Switzerland.
 Use informal vocabulary.
Cool instead of impressive
 Use direct questions.
Did you pass your exams?
 Use the active voice more.

13.  Use informal connecting words and
phrases.
Anyway, what I wanted to tell you about was the
party last night.
 Use exclamation marks.
I can’t wait to see you!

14. Литература
Для создания презентации
использовались материалы учебного
пособия британского издательства Macmillan
 УМК Laser B1, автор Малкольм Манн (Laser
B1, Malcolm Mann)
 УМК Laser B1+, автор Стив Тайлор-Ноулез
(Steve Taylore-Knowles)