WRITING PERSONAL LETTER

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL OF NEGERI 2 SUKAWATI

XI MIPA III

Name:
Anak Agung Komang Adipayana (01)
I Gede Ramadika Mulyawan (07)
I Kadek Dwi Ana Tresnawan (13)
I Kadek Purwika Yasa (14)
I Komang Hari Sastrawan (15)
Ni Ketut Puspantini (25)
Ni Made Yunika Saraswati Gupta Manduang (27)
Ni Nyoman Indah Satria Pratiwi (28)
Putu Desyana Maheswari Fristiani (33)

2022/2023
 PREFACE

Praise be to God Almighty for His grace, so that we are given the opportunity to be
able to compile a working paper entitled "Writing Personal Letter" properly and on time.

This paper is prepared so that readers can know how important letter writing in
English is. This paper was prepared with the help of various parties. Both those who come
from outside and from the parties concerned themselves. And with the help and assistance of
God Almighty, this paper can finally be completed.

The authors would also like to thank Mr. Yoga as the English teacher who has
provided a lot of help to the authors to complete this paper.

Hopefully this paper can provide wider benefits to readers. Although this paper has
advantages and disadvantages. Thank you.

Sukawati, Tuesday 17 January 2023

Author

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE...........................................................................................................................................II

TABLE OF CONTENTS..................................................................................................................III

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................................1

1.1 Background............................................................................................................................1

1.2 Problem Formulation.............................................................................................................1

1.3 Purpose..................................................................................................................................1

CAHPTER II

DISCUSSION.......................................................................................................................................2

2.1 Definition and Purpose of a Personal Letter...........................................................................2

2.2 Social Function of a Personal Letter......................................................................................2

2.3 Structure of a Personal Letter.................................................................................................3

2.4 Language Features of Personal Letters..................................................................................7

2.5 Characteristics of Personal Letter..........................................................................................9

2.6 Differences between Formal Letters and Personal Letters.....................................................9

CHAPTER II

CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION.............................................................................................11

3.1 Conclusion...........................................................................................................................11

3.2 Suggestion...........................................................................................................................11

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 CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

English is an international language. If we can speak English well, we can

communicate with everyone in the world. We can also add insight and knowledge and
can improve our English skills.

Not only to improve our international language skills, learning English also
makes it easier for us to make friends.

Having foreign friends is very fun, we can give each other knowledge about the
differences between the two countries. Having foreign friends will often make us write
letters to send to them. At this time, we as writers will present about "Writing Personal
Letter" to guide friends in making English letters.

1.2 Problem Formulation

From this background, the problems that will be discussed are:
1.2.1 What is the definition and purpose of a personal letter?
1.2.2 What is the social function of a personal letter?
1.2.3 What is the structure of a personal letter?
1.2.4 What are the linguistic features of a personal letter?
1.2.5 What are the characteristics of a personal letter?
1.2.6 What is the difference between a formal letter and a personal letter?
1.3 Purpose
The purpose of this paper is:
1.3.1 To know the definition and purpose of a personal letter.
1.3.2 To know the social function of a personal letter.
1.3.3 To know the structure of a personal letter.
1.3.4 To know the linguistic features of a personal letter.
1.3.5 To know the characteristics of a personal letter.
1.3.6 To know the difference between an official letter and a personal letter.

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 CAHPTER II
DISCUSSION

2.1 Definition and Purpose of a Personal Letter

Personal letters belong to short functional texts. Personal letter is a type of letter
that usually concerns personal matters (not professional matters) and is sent from one
person to another such as friends, cousins, relatives, etc.

Personal letters are generally longer than a note, or an invitation. Personal letters
should be friendly, chatty, and relaxed as if you're talking to the person. As well as sent
either directly by post, or via electronic media such as e-mail. The purpose of a
personal letter:

2.1.1. Memberikan informasi atau sharing information.

Example: Do you know about….?; I’m gonna tell you about…
2.1.2. Menunjukkan rasa apresiasi / expressing gratitude and appreciation
Example: It was very kind of you to…; Thanks very much for your help…
2.1.3. Memberi ucapan selamat / Congratulating someone
Example: I'm happy to hear about…; I would like to congratulate you on...
2.1.4. Memberikan nasehat ataupun masukan / giving advice
Example: I suggest…; Have you thought about…
2.1.5. Meminta bantuan / asking for help
Example: I need your help on…; Would you mind giving me a hand..?

2.2 Social Function of a Personal Letter

Social function of personal letters are informal letters written to individuals,
usually only two people who have known each other closely, such as friends, parents,
siblings, cousins, and others. Personal letters are not only written to inform but to
strengthen the bond between two people writing to each other. Such as asking for news,
retell past activities, or asking for information or help. Example:

2.2.1. Asking for news: how are you?; How have you been?; How’s everything?;
How are things going?

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 2.2.2. Retell past activities: Do you remember two years ago when we danced
together?; Do you remember the guy we met in the park last month?
2.2.3. Asking information or help: I wonder if you could tell me…?; Do you have any
idea…?

2.3 Structure of a Personal Letter

Most personal letters can take different forms to fit different situations and
relationship. The following is the structure of a personal letter;
2.3.1. Heading. Appears at the top of the letter. It contains the return address of
sender and the date. Sometimes it has date only. It is aligned to the right-hand
margin.
1) Address. The sender's address is on the right side. The address of the
receiver is on the left side. You may skip the address because sometimes it
is written on the envelope. Example: 117 Baker Street, Westminter.
2) Date. It is the date when you write the letter. This date should be displayed
on the right side. It is beneath the address. You can write it full or
abbreviate it, for example: January 25, 2022; 25 January 2022; or 25th
January 2022.

In Indonesian, you usually see the address in short way, followed by the
date, for example, Jakarta, 27 August 2022.
1.4.2. Salutation or greeting. A salutation greets the person whom you're writing. It
begins below the address. Dear (name) is the most common greeting.
Remember to end it with a two lines comma. A very casual letter or e-mail can
have more informal greeting. Example: Dear Jisoo; Dear Mom; Dear Friend;
My Love; Sweetheart; Dear My Lovely.
1.4.3. Opening paragraph. The first paragraph can be used to ask about the receiver's
condition For example: How are you?; How are you doing?; How have you
been?; I hope you've been having a wonderful holiday.
1.4.4. Body. The body of personal letter includes your thoughts and ideas. Write also
your purpose why you write the letter. But remember, think of your
relationship and familiarity with the person with whom you are writing to. It is
to determine the level of formality you will use to write the letter. Example:

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 After reading your letter, I am very excited to know that you are on a
diet. My tips you can exercise 3 times a week by cycling. This will be fun.
By the way, for your invitation on Sunday, I’m sorry I can’t come. I have to
accompany my mother to check up to the doctor. Maybe next week we can
meet.
1.4.5. Closing (closure). Try to end the letter with positive feelings. For example:
Hope to hear from you soon; Please write me back; Have a wonderful
weekend; I’m waiting for your story. 
1.4.6. Complimentary close. It is based on the relationship with the receiver. Follow
the signature by giving your name. Examples:
Format : Sincerely, Warmly, Best wishes.
Casual : Yours, Take care, Cheers, Your friend, Yours affectionally.
Intimate : Love, Much love, Thinking of you, With love.
1.4.7. Signature. Signature is a person's name written in that person's handwriting.
1.4.8. Postscript (P.S.). It is often found at the end of friendly letters. A (P.S.) or
postscript is a way to add information. A postscript is a brief message
appended to the end of a letter or a short note at the bottom of a letter. For
example: P.S. Good luck for your exam!; P.S. may you always be happy!

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 Example of personal letter:

Source: https://bit.ly/3JpPI9V

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Other example from our group:

177 Ine, Kyoto

Japan

February 11, 2023

Dear My Beloved Friend Sakura Miyawaki,

Hello, Kuura! Are you doing great in Turkey? Hopefully, you’re doing
great there. It’s been a while since you moved from Kyoto. You don’t know how
much I miss you.

I want to let you know that next month is my wedding party. I’m arranging
a family and friend party. I know you have a tight schedule but I’d love it if you
come to the party.

Okay, I think that’s all from me now. Just let me know if you are free next
month. I’d love to hear anything from you. See you!

Sincerely yours,
Minatozaki Sana

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2.4 Language Features of Personal Letters
The language features of personal letter are as follows:
a) Expressions used in personal letters.
Starting Commenting Telling Your Purpose Ending
 How are  I’m sorry to  The reason I’m  Well, that’s all
you? hear that… writing… for now.
 I hope you’re  It’s great to  I wonder if you…  See you soon.
well hear…  I’d like to tell you…  Take care.
 How are  I’m glad to  I regret to inform you…  Write back soon.
things? hear…  Guess what’s  Looking forward
 Thanks for  I’m so pleased happened... to hearing from
your letter. to hear…  I've got some great you again.
news…
 There’s something I
must tell you…
 You won’t believe
this…
b) Use of first and second person pronouns, such as I, we, and you. A pronoun is a word
that you use to refer to someone or something when you do not need to use a noun,
often because the person or thing has been mentioned earlier. In this case, the noun can
be a person, an object, a place, even an action or an idea. the object can be inanimate or
animate.
a) 1st person is the person who is speaking. Example: I, we, me.
b) 2nd person is the person being spoken to. Example: you.
c) Use of declarative sentences. A declarative sentence is a sentence that makes any
statement in the form of fact or opinion, from vitally important information to a minor
detail. Example:
a) The dog is sleeping on the couch. (Anjing itu tidur di sofa).
b) This T-shirt is made of cotton. (Kaos ini terbuat dari katun).
c) The rain has just stopped. (Hujan baru saja berhenti).
d) Sometimes use informal language. Informal language is more casual and spontaneous. It
is used when communicating with friends or family either in writing or in conversation.
The tone of informal language is more personal than formal language.

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 Example:
a) Informal : She's decided to accept the job offer.
Formal : She has decided to accept the job offer.
b) Informal : Imma go hit him up.
Formal : I am going to contact him.
c) Informa : l Everyone was bummed.
Formal : Everyone was disappointed.
e) Sometimes personal letters use colloquial language and slangs. Colloquial language is a
phrase that is common in everyday and unconstrained conversation. Some examples of
informal colloquialisms can include:
a) Words ; such as “y'all” or “gonna” or “wanna”.
b) Phrases ; such as “old as the hills” and “graveyard dead”.
c) Or sometimes even an entire aphorism; “There's more than one way to skin a cat”
and “He needs to step up to the plate.”.
While, Slang is the use of informal words and expressions that are not considered
standard in the speaker's dialect or language. Slang is also the misuse of words and
phrases that are incorrect or illogical when taken in the literal sense. Example:
a) If you make another boo-boo like that, you won't have a job.
b) Do you have a buck I can borrow?
c) I promised to bring two bottles of booze to the party.
Other examples of slang words:
a) Dope (Cool or awesome)
b) Fit (Short for outfit)
c) Fire (Hot, trendy, or on point)
d) IYKYK (Stands for “If you kmow, you know”)
f) Use of simple present tense and past tense, example:
a) Simple present tense : kirana go to school every morning.
b) Simple past tense : My mom and I went to the zoo yesterday.
g) Focus on exchanging personal current news, feelings, and conditions. Give each other
news, stories, and share problems or advice.
h) Use of date and address.

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2.5 Characteristics of Personal Letter
a) Most personal letters are handwritten, but today people often type their personal
letters. Because the times are getting more advanced or the technology is getting
more sophisticated.
b) Personal letters are usually written using an upbeat and friendly tone. Upbeat is a
cheerful tone that is relaxed and sounds happy, for example; happy to see an old
friend, sharing good news with a friend. Friendly tone, friendly is kind and
attractive, sweet language, speech and attitude, sociable and fun to socialize with.
For example: giving and returning greetings
c) Personal letters add to the feeling of intimacy. Intimacy is something that many
people seek, but it is often difficult to find. Because, to find intimacy in personal
relationships, you and the people closest to you must work together to understand
each other's desires and anxieties. For example: Establishing a more harmonious
bond
d) Sometimes, ba joke, poem, or sketch might be added.
Sample joke: "Always remember if you fall, I will pick you up. But after I finished
laughing."; "I am not lazy, i am on energy saving mode".
Examples of poem:
"Laid down late at night,
I hope you drift away in the beauty of dreams"
"Some feelings are shallow, some feelings are deep.
Some make us smile, some make us weep."

2.6 Differences between Formal Letters and Personal Letters

Differences Formal Letter Personal Letter
Tone More objective. More More colloquial, using language
specific and structured. in daily life.
Writing In formal standard English. In informal English with a
Formal English sticks to the greater use of abbreviation.
prescribed rules of spelling
and grammar. This is far
more common in writing than
speech, especially academic
writing and in professional

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 settings.
Opening Focusing almost exclusively Asking about the recipient’s
on the issue or the main topic. health and that of his/her family
Only focuses on one topic besides dealing with the main
and does not go off topic topic.
Can discuss various topics

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 CHAPTER III
CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION

3.1 Conclusion
Based on the discussions that have been described above can be summarized as
follows:

3.1.1. The definition of a personal letter is a letter from someone to a friend or

relative containing news or information.
3.1.2. The structure of a personal letter is from heading, salutation or greeting,
opening paragraph, body, closing, complimentary close, signature, and
postscript.
3.1.3. There are various kinds of language features, characteristics, and differences
between formal letters and personal letters.

3.2 Suggestion
Suggestions from us as the author of this paper, hopefully this paper is useful
for readers and can add to the knowledge of all of us. We know this paper is far from
perfect, so please provide supportive suggestions and criticism so that we are better in
the future. Thank you.

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