Formal vs Informal Emails and Letters 2025-2026

• Eng
• Middelbare school
• Leerjaar 5

Formal vs Informal Emails and Letters

5Ha,b Week 35 Lesson 2

Writing 

Learning targets:At the end of this lesson, you can write an informal email using the right format:

1. Subject line

2. Salutation ( Dear mary, Hi John, etc..)

3. Introduction -opening paragraph

4. Body

5. Conclusion -closing paragraph

6. Closing salutation 

Note: Pay attention to linking words  (e.g. first of all, in addition, furthermore , although...)

word count, content - Does your assignment include all the required elements

5Ha,b Week 35 Lesson 2

Writing 

Assignment:

• Writing syllabus - p.3 , 1.1. Informal email.
• Start working on your first assignment and submit it via MagisterLearn 

Exit tickets - Share your feedback 

5Ha,b Week 35 Lesson 3

Writing 

What is missing?

5Ha,b Week 36 Lesson 1

Writing - Formal email

Learning targets: Peer feedback I  can write a formal email using the right format:

1. Subject line

2. Salutation ( Dear Ms. Brown, , etc..)

3. Introduction -opening paragraph

4. Body

5. Conclusion -closing paragraph

6. Closing salutation 

Note: Pay attention to the linking words  (e.g. first of all, in addition, furthermore , although...)

word count, content - Does your assignment include all the required elements?

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

Formal vs Informal

Formal emails/letters are used for professional purposes while informal emails/letters are used for personal communication.

Tone

Formal emails/letters use a polite and professional tone while informal emails/letters use a casual and friendly tone.

Greetings

Formal emails/letters use formal greetings such as 'Dear Sir/Madam' or 'To Whom It May Concern' while informal emails/letters use casual greetings such as 'Hi' or 'Hey'.

Language

Formal emails/letters use formal language and avoid contractions while informal emails/letters use informal language and contractions.

Length

Formal emails/letters are usually longer and more detailed while informal emails/letters are shorter and more relaxed.

Closing

Formal emails/letters use formal closings such as 'Sincerely' or 'Yours faithfully' while informal emails/letters use casual closings such as 'Cheers' or 'Best'.

Practice

Let's practice! Read the email and determine if it is formal or informal.

Review

What have we learned today? Let's review the differences between formal and informal emails/letters.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.