Some don’ts of informal letters

As modern communication evolves, the art of letter writing persists, especially for students facing English examinations.

The article focuses on the "don'ts" of informal letters, which are typically written to family and friends. While these letters allow for a more relaxed structure and tone than formal correspondence, they still adhere to certain rules to ensure clarity and effectiveness.

Key advice includes writing only one address – the sender's – as opposed to formal letters which require both sender and receiver addresses. Additionally, while a salutation is compulsory, it should not include a title or heading. Candidates are also cautioned against losing focus on the question's theme, ensuring the letter directly addresses the prompt rather than getting lost in imagined conversations.

Proper paragraphing is crucial, even in a chatty letter, to break up thoughts and improve readability. Overuse of slang expressions should be avoided, as it can lead to confusion or appear disrespectful. The article stresses that while informal letters allow for freedom, carelessness or vulgarity is unacceptable.

These guidelines are presented as particularly important for West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) candidates preparing for their English exam, aiming to help them avoid common pitfalls and achieve better marks.