Materi Bahasa Inggris Kelas XI tentang Personal Letter

Definition, Purpose, Generic Structure, Language Feature Letter (surat) dalam Bahasa Inggris.

A type of letter (or informal composition) that usually concerns personal matters (rather than profesional concerns) and is sent from one individual to another. The main different between personal letter and other letter is the contain of the letter.

Latter is a written message from one person to another, usually put in a envelope and sent by post.

Purpose (Tujuan)

The purpose about the personal letter is to convey personal opinion or interest.

Generic Structure (Struktur)

-Place and Date: It tells about the specific time the letter is written;

- Recipient Address: It contains the complete postal address of the receiver of the message;

- Greeting: An interjaction that is used to open the conversation of the letter;

- Contents : Several paragraphs claborates the aim of the letter;

- Writer’s Hope: It states what the writer wishes for that the receiver of the message would do;

- Closing: A signature from the writer and the proper closing statement.

The personal letter also can be arranged based on the parts below:
1. Place & Date

2. Salutation

3. Introduction

4. Body

5. Conclusion

6. Signing off

7. Signature

Language Feature (Ciri Kebahasaan)

1. Sentence Structure  

    Accuracy of grammar may be more important than an email. Most of the time, complete sentence are expected

2. Style

    Language use may be personal. For example, first and second person pronouns may be frequently used. May not be as      formal as official letter writing.

3. Allowed to use contractions

    Example : he’s, she’s, haven’t, they’re

4. Altough the tone of your letter is informal, please take note

  •Do not use offensive language

  • Use gramatically correct sentences

The example of Personal Letter

Gunungsitoli, 5 November 2019

To my beloved friend, Aurora.

In Paris

          Hello Aurora, How are you today? Hopefully you are fine. It's been a while since you left me here alone, huhuhu so sad. My family and I here are missing you a lot.
          How is Paris? I guess it's very beautiful. Winter is coming soon right? Ah, I really want to know how the winter is. But, most Importantly, please wear warm outfits and don't get sick.
          And how about your college life? Is it run smoothly as you expected. I guess you will be the best in the class because you are the smartest one haha. Oh, By the way I will be starting my study in January. I'm very excited about it, because it is the first college class. I take English Education as my majority.

          Okay, I think that's all for now. I want to hear everything about your new life in Paris. Please don't forget to reply my letter! See you and good luck~

With Love,

Miya