Video on Mastering Features of Formal and Informal Letters for BECE/WASSCE

It is worrying to see students mixing up the features of formal and informal letters when answering questions related to letter writing at the BECE and WASSCE. This prompted the need for a short and straight-to-the-point video on the features of formal and informal letters for BECE and WASSCE candidates.
Candidates preparing for the two examinations will often come across one or both of these letter types as questions in their BECE or WASSCE.
Candidates need to know the difference between these letters to be able to use the right features and format when writing them. \ For instance, people in authority, such as managers, news paper editors, headmasters, district chief executives, and others in senior positions, receive formal letters.
We write informal or friendly letters to friends or people our own age.
Let’s assume, for example, that your dad has a friend who is 45 years old and your friend is 50 years old. You are a friend to the son of your dad’s friend.
If you write a letter to the son of the man, that is a friendly letter. Similarly, if your father writes a letter to his 50-year-old, it’s also considered a friendly letter, as you are both communicating with someone who is similar in age.
Let us look at the correct features of a formal letter and some other tips.
Do well to master the formal and informal letters features for BECE/WASSCE candidates shared here
Formal letter features
- Writer’s address
- Date
- Recipient’s address
- Salutation eg. Dear Sir, or Dear Madam, Choose one of these do not use Dear Sir/Madam,
- Headings are in capital letters and centered. Eg. LETTER TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE POOR ROADS
- Leave up to 2 cm for paragraphs
- Introduction – never asking about the well-being
- Use official language , do not use please.
- No jargons or contracted forms of words.
- Avoid unnecessary explanations
- Explain a maximum of three points in the body. This adds up to 3 paragraphs.
- Your conclusion should be one paragraph.
- Sign off (subscription). This should be in the following order:.
- * Yours faithfully,
- Signature or initials.
- Full name.
- [Title or position in brackets]
READ: 2024 BECE English Language Sample Questions And Answers
Informal letter features
- Writer’s address
- Date
- Salutation Eg. Hello Ama,
- Leave up to 2 cm for paragraphs
- Introduction – Included greetings and pleasantries. You can ask about the well-being of people etc
- Use friendly language and jargons common between you and the writer.
- Use contracted forms of words. eg. can’t , We’ll etc
- Explain a maximum of three points in the body. This adds up to 3 paragraphs.
- Your conclusion should be one paragraph.
- Sign off (subscription) eg. * Yours ever,
- Followed by first name of writer. Eg Ako
Watch the video below
Learn all that needs to be learnt from this video
Do not make mistakes when writing formal and informal letters again. Just follow the rips above and get everything right. However, always brainstorm your questions and jot the points down before you start wring.
Always read through your work to correct any spelling, grammar or missing explanations.
Let us take a test after watching the video
Question 1: Determined which of the following essay questions is a formal letter and an informal letter
a. Write a letter to Kuma your friend explaining three challenges you are facing as you prepare for your final exam.
b. You have been appointed the class prefect of your school, write a letter to your pen pal in the UK explaining how you intend to lead the class.
c. Your community has been hit by ethnic conflict recently, write a letter to the Inspector General of Police and request for assistance to ensure peace is restored.
d. Write a letter to the editor of your school magazine and explain three reasons why Computing is an important subject to students.
Question 2: Brain storm each of questions above
Question 3: Solve each of the four questions above.