RECOUNTS The purpose of a recount is to list and describe past experiences by retelling events in the order in which they

y happened. We are learning to use structure and features of a recount. Orientation Who? When? Where? Why? Events (what happened) are identified and described in time order. Express a personal opinion We use time words in the body. Past tense to show that it has already happened. Name people and places. Use action verbs, adverbs and adjectives. Write what people say in direct speech use speech marks. Use specific language.

Informal Letters

Informal letters are to a friend or a person you know. LETTER writing is an important aspect of any writing course. This is because letter writing is a very important activity in our daily lives, be it for business or personal purposes. In the Malaysian secondary school system, students are taught to write two types of letters formal letters and informal letters although the latter is a dying art in this age of e-mails and text messages. Informal letters are easier to write in terms of format, language and tone. These letters are sometimes called social or friendly letters. Examples of informal letters include letters to family members and friends. All letters must have

the address at the top right the date under the address a greeting on the left news, information and questions an ending a signature or name

Lets look at some aspects of an informal letter.

Use the most common salutation begin with a capital letter use a comma after the salutation Paragraph 1 Include formalities; give reason for writing the letter

Dear Winnie, How are you? I hope you are fine. I have just recovered from dengue fever. Luckily, my recovery was speedy due to my mothers tender loving care. I am writing this letter to inform you that I recently met up with our ex-classmates from SRK Ambang Baru. I have to stop here. I need to study for a History quiz tomorrow. I am looking forward to seeing you during the coming school holidays.

Paragraph 2 onwards depends on the reason for writing the letter. If your reason is to tell the recipient about your holiday, then you will include details of the holiday. The last paragraph you can give a reason why you have to stop writing.

Include a suitable complimentary close a comma should be used after the complimentary close

Your friend, Lyana

1. Some useful expressions on how to begin an informal letter

 Thank you for your letter which I received yesterday. I was pleasantly surprised to hear from you. It was wonderful to hear from you after so long. Thank you for your letter. I was pleased to hear that you are in good health. It was really nice hearing from you. I am glad that you like your new school. I hope this letter finds you in the pink (of health). Thank you for the lovely birthday card. 2. Some useful expressions on how to end an informal letter I promise to write to you soon. I hope you will reply soon. Give my best wishes to your parents. I am looking forward to seeing you. I look forward to hearing from you. Do write and tell me how you are progressing. Do write soon.

Remember when you write an informal letter: . Do not use slang words Do not use words which are in a language other than English. This means you cannot write Dear Abah, or Dear Amma even if that is how you address your parents. Do not sign off with Love and Kisses. Keep that for your personal letters.

Let us take a look at a sample question.

Sample Question Your friend, who, lives in another town, has written to you to ask for advice on how to be successful student. Write a letter to your friend advising him/her what he/she should be to be an outstanding student. Suggestions: set goals be matoviated pay attention ask questions be organized complete homework on time 10, Jalan Sendari,

prepare well for exams take part in co-curricular activities respect everyone

Avoid wasting time skipping school

Taman Sendari Baru, 56000 Cheras, Selangor Darul Ehsan. 17 SEPTEMBER 2011 Dear Raihan, It was lovely to hear from you after such a long time. In your letter you asked me for some advice on how to become a successful student. If you want to be successful, you must set goals.Moreover, you must be motivated. Motivation makes you work hard. This will help you to achieve your goals. In addition, you must pay attention in class. Focus on what the teacher is teaching. You mustalways ask questions if you do not understand. You can ask your teachers to explain things to you. To be a successful student you must be organised. Use a notebook to write down all your homework. This way you will not forget to do your homework. You must also complete your homework on time. Homework helps you to understand and remember what the teachers have taught. Besides, you must prepare well for exams. You must not study at the eleventh hour. You should also take part in co-curricular activities. These activities help you becaome a better person. You learn leadership skills and values like cooperation and tolerance. Discipline is important in our lives. Hence, it is important thatyou obey the school rules. Lastly, you must respect everyone. You must respect your parents, your teachers, the school staff and also your friends. There are also several things you must avoid if you want to be a successful student. You must avoid wasting time. Do not waste time on Facebook. Also, do not play computer games all the time. It will not help you in any way. Avoid skipping school. If you skip school, you will miss out on important lessons and you will find it difficult to catch up with your other classmates. I have to stop here. I hope you find the above tips useful. Till I hear from you, take care. Your friend, Mandy