Informal Letter Structure (B2 Level – Cambridge Exam)
1. Salutation
Dear…
2. The first paragraph (opening)
Begin by asking some personal questions or making some personal comments
3. The next paragraphs (main content)
Say why you are writing. If you need to change agreements or turn someone down, give
reasons. Give the information that you have been told to give. Add some more details of
your own if you like.
4. Closing and signing off
Give a reason why you’re ending the letter.
Send greetings and/or make references for future contact. Sign off with your name.
1. Greeting (Salutation)
Start with an informal greeting:
● Hi [Name],
● Dear [Name], 💡 Use the person’s first name only.
2. Opening Paragraph – Introduction
Say why you're writing and show interest:
● Thanks for your last letter – it was great to hear from you!
● Sorry I haven’t written for so long, I’ve been really busy lately.
● Sorry I haven’t been in touch for a while
● I’m writing to tell you about…
● I wanted to share some exciting ideas with you…
3. Main Body – 2 or 3 Paragraphs
Organize your ideas clearly. Use paragraphs to talk about different points.
➤ Paragraph 1: Answer the question or talk about the topic
Example expressions:
● You asked me about… so here’s what I think.
● As for your question about…
● I’d definitely recommend... / I wouldn’t recommend...
➤ Paragraph 2: Give more information, opinions, or examples
Useful idioms/collocations:
● To be honest, / In my opinion,
● It was/ It will be a piece of cake! (= very easy)
● I had/ you’ll have the time of my/your life! (= really enjoy it)
● It’s not my cup of tea. (= not what I enjoy)
● We had/ we’ll have a whale of a time. (= a great time)
● If I were in your shoes, I would...
● The best part was... / What I liked most was...
4. Closing Paragraph – Ending and Wishes
Close the letter warmly:
● Anyway, I’d better go now – I’ve got a lot on my plate!
● Can’t wait to hear all your news.
● Let me know what you think!
✅ Example Closing Sentence (with idioms & natural tone)
Anyway, I won’t keep you any longer. Fingers crossed everything goes well with
………………– you’ve got this!
5. Signing Off
End the letter with an informal sign-off:
● Take care,
● Best wishes,
● All the best,
+ YOUR NAME
