How to Write Informal Letter

How to Write an Informal Letter: Complete Guide for Nigerian Students

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Why Informal Letters Matter for Nigerian Students

If you’re a Nigerian student preparing for examinations like WAEC, NECO, or JAMB, you’ve probably encountered the dreaded letter-writing question on your English Language paper. Many students panic at this point, unsure whether they’re tackling a formal or informal letter, and even more uncertain about what examiners actually want to see.

Here’s the reality: informal letter writing is one of the most frequently tested writing skills in Nigerian secondary school exams. Yet most students approach it without a clear strategy, resulting in lost marks that could have been easily earned. This is where the difference between a B3 and an A1 often lies.

The good news? Writing excellent informal letters is entirely learnable, and with the right guidance, you can master this skill. If you’re finding this challenging or want professional assistance perfecting your letter-writing abilities, PremiumResearchers’ expert writers can guide you through the process. We’ve helped hundreds of Nigerian students understand and excel in letter writing, and we can help you too.

But first, let’s break down exactly what examiners expect and how you can deliver it consistently.

Understanding the Basics: Formal vs. Informal Letters

Before you write a single word of your informal letter, you absolutely must understand what distinguishes it from formal letters. This distinction is critical because exam questions specifically ask for informal letters, and if you write with a formal tone, you’ll immediately lose marks regardless of your content quality.

What Are Formal Letters?

Formal letters are your professional communication tools. You use them when writing to organizations, making official complaints, applying for jobs, requesting information from government agencies, or addressing people you don’t know well or who are in positions of authority. Think of formal letters as your business suit – they look professional, sound professional, and follow strict rules.

Key characteristics of formal letters include:

• Purpose: Professional communication, complaints, job applications, official requests, inquiries to organizations
• Tone: Polite, respectful, impersonal, and sometimes stiff
• Language: Standard English with no slang, contractions, or casual expressions
• Structure: Sender’s address, date, recipient’s address, formal greeting (Dear Sir/Madam), body in paragraph form, closing (Yours faithfully/Yours truly), and signature
• Opening: Usually references a previous communication or states the purpose directly

In a formal letter, you might write: “I am writing to lodge a complaint regarding the poor service I received at your establishment on March 15th.” Notice the stiffness? That’s exactly what formal letters should sound like.

What Are Informal Letters?

Informal letters are the complete opposite. These are personal communications written to people you know – friends, family members, close relatives, or pen pals. They’re like having a conversation on paper. You can be yourself, express emotions freely, use humor, and write in a relaxed, natural way.

Key characteristics of informal letters include:

• Purpose: Sharing personal news, maintaining relationships, expressing feelings, catching up with loved ones, inviting someone to an event, or thanking a friend
• Tone: Friendly, warm, conversational, sometimes humorous, and genuinely personal
• Language: Natural, conversational English with contractions (I’m, don’t, can’t), casual expressions, and even slang if appropriate
• Structure: Sender’s address (optional), date, informal greeting (Dear [First name], Hi [Name], or Hey [Name]), body in paragraph form with natural flow, informal closing (Best wishes, Love, Warm regards), and signature
• Opening: Usually a friendly inquiry or immediate sharing of news without formal introduction

In an informal letter, you’d write something like: “I hope you’re doing well! I’ve got to tell you about this amazing thing that happened to me last week…” See the difference? It feels personal and warm.

Understanding these differences isn’t just academic knowledge – it’s the foundation that determines whether your informal letter meets examination standards or falls short. Many students make the critical mistake of writing too formally in informal letters, which immediately signals to examiners that they don’t truly understand the distinction.

The Complete Structure and Format of an Informal Letter

Now that you understand the fundamental differences, let’s examine the exact structure you need to follow. This is where many students struggle because they’re unsure about what should go where and how each component contributes to the overall impression.

1. The Sender’s Address (Optional but Recommended)

While informal letters don’t strictly require your address, including it is actually a good practice. It provides context and shows the recipient where the letter is coming from. If you include it, place it at the top left of the page.

Format your address like this:

123 Lekki Crescent
Lagos, Nigeria

Keep it simple and clear. You don’t need to include your phone number or email in an informal letter unless specifically relevant to the content.

2. The Date (Essential)

Always include the date. This is non-negotiable and examiners specifically look for it. It provides temporal context and shows that you understand letter writing conventions. Place it on the line below your address (or at the top if you’re not including an address).

Write the date like this:

15th November, 2024

or

November 15, 2024

Both formats are acceptable. The key is consistency and clarity.

3. The Greeting (Critical for Setting Tone)

This is where your informal tone immediately becomes evident. Never use “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern” in an informal letter – that’s formal language that will cost you marks. Instead, use the recipient’s first name or a nickname you share.

Use greetings like:

• Dear Tunde,
• Hi Sarah,
• Dear Uncle Kunle,
• Hey Chioma,
• My dear Aunty Grace,

The greeting should match your relationship with the recipient. If it’s a close friend, you can be very casual. If it’s a family member you’re less close to, slightly more formal is acceptable, but still warm and personal.

4. The Body of the Letter (Where Your Skills Shine)

The body is the heart of your letter. This is where you share news, express feelings, tell stories, and maintain the relationship. Organization is crucial here.

Opening Paragraph: Begin with a friendly inquiry or warm greeting. This immediately establishes your informal, personal tone.

Examples:

• “I hope you’re having an amazing time!”
• “It’s been so long since we last spoke, and I’ve missed you!”
• “I’m excited to tell you about what’s been happening in my life.”
• “I’ve been thinking about you and wanted to catch up.”

Middle Paragraphs: This is where you develop your main content. Depending on your letter’s purpose, you might:

• Share personal news or updates about your life
• Describe an event or experience in detail
• Express your feelings or emotions about something
• Ask questions about the recipient’s life
• Provide information they requested
• Tell stories or anecdotes that illustrate your points

Here’s a real example:

I've just finished my final exams, and I can't tell you how relieved I am! The Mathematics paper was incredibly challenging, but I think I managed to answer most of the questions. Chemistry was my favourite - you know how much I love that subject. I'm hoping for good results before the holidays.

Speaking of holidays, I'm planning to visit home for Christmas. Would you be free to meet up? I'd love to catch up properly and hear what you've been up to.

Notice how this feels natural and conversational? That’s exactly what examiners want to see.

Closing Paragraph: Wrap up your letter warmly. Reaffirm your affection for the recipient and perhaps indicate what you hope happens next (meeting up, receiving a reply, etc.).

Examples:

• “I can’t wait to see you soon!”
• “Please write back and tell me everything!”
• “I’m looking forward to hearing from you.”
• “Let’s make sure we stay in touch more regularly.”

5. The Closing (The Final Touch)

End your letter with an informal sign-off that matches your relationship with the recipient. This is another place where informal letters shine – you have options based on closeness.

Choose closings like:

• “Best wishes,” (neutral, friendly)
• “Warm regards,” (warm but slightly formal)
• “Love always,” (for very close relationships)
• “Take care,” (friendly and casual)
• “Till we meet again,” (poetic and personal)
• “Your friend,” (straightforward and warm)
• “Much love,” (very personal)

6. The Signature (Your Identity)

Sign your name in a natural way. In informal letters, you can simply write your first name or a nickname you share with the recipient. You can optionally add a personal touch below your signature, such as:

• A short quote you love
• A simple doodle or drawing
• An “X” to represent a kiss (in very close relationships)
• A P.S. (postscript) with additional thoughts

Complete Example with All Components:

42 Ikoyi Estate
Lagos, Nigeria

20th October, 2024

Dear Folake,

I hope you're doing wonderfully! It feels like ages since we last properly chatted, and I've really missed our conversations.

I wanted to tell you about my recent experience at the Lagos Book Festival. I attended a session with one of my favourite authors, and it was absolutely inspiring. The author shared insights about her writing process that I found fascinating. It made me think about how much I'd love to discuss books with you again - remember how we used to spend hours talking about plots and characters?

I've also been working on that project we discussed before the holidays. It's coming along nicely, and I'd love your opinion on it when we next meet. Your perspective is always valuable to me.

How have you been? Tell me everything! Are you still thinking about studying Literature at university? I'd love to hear about your plans.

I really hope we can arrange to meet up soon. Maybe we could visit that new bookshop in Victoria Island?

Warm regards,

Amara

P.S. Don't forget to lend me that novel you mentioned!

Essential Tips for Writing Compelling Informal Letters

Understanding the structure is one thing. Writing an informal letter that actually impresses your examiner is another. Let me share the specific techniques that transform adequate letters into excellent ones.

Keep It Conversational and Natural

The biggest mistake students make is writing stiffly, as if they’re translating from a textbook. Remember: you’re writing to a friend or family member, not to a judge. Write how you naturally speak (but with correct grammar and spelling).

What not to do: “I am writing this letter to inform you of the events that transpired during my vacation.”

What to do: “You won’t believe the amazing things that happened while I was on holiday!”

The second version sounds like an actual person writing to someone they care about. That’s exactly what examiners want.

Use Personal Stories and Anecdotes

One of the most effective ways to make your letter engaging is through specific, concrete examples. Rather than saying “I had a great holiday,” tell a story about something that happened.

Weak approach: “My visit to Oshogbo was nice. I saw interesting things.”

Strong approach: “While visiting Oshogbo, I stumbled upon the most incredible sculpture exhibition. One piece in particular caught my eye – it was a bronze figure of a woman that the artist said represented resilience. Standing there looking at it, I thought about your recent success and how much you embody that same quality.”

The second example brings the reader into your experience. They can visualize what you saw, and you’ve connected it personally to them.

Ask Genuine Questions

Good letters are dialogues, not monologues. By asking questions, you’re inviting the recipient to respond, which is what informal letter writing is about. This also shows engagement with the other person.

Include questions like:

• “How have you been managing with your new job?”
• “What’s your opinion on…?”
• “Have you heard about…?”
• “When are you planning to…?”
• “I’m curious to know how you felt about…?”

These questions should feel genuine, not forced. They should emerge naturally from your letter’s content.

Use Humor Appropriately

Humor is a powerful tool for making your letter memorable and showing personality. However, it must be appropriate to your relationship and context.

Good example: “You know how I always struggle with public speaking? Well, I had to present my project in class last week, and I swear my legs were shaking so badly the whole classroom could probably feel an earthquake!”

This is self-deprecating humor that feels real. It shows vulnerability and invites the reader to relate to you.

Bad example: Avoid jokes that might offend, sarcasm that could be misunderstood, or humor that’s too obscure for the recipient to get.

Use Vivid, Descriptive Language

Instead of vague statements, paint pictures with your words. Use sensory details and specific descriptors.

Vague: “The party was good.”

Vivid: “The party was electrifying. The DJ played this incredible mix of highlife and contemporary music, and everyone was dancing in this natural, uninhibited way. The air was thick with laughter and the aroma of perfectly grilled suya from the food stand outside. I kept wishing you were there to experience it with us.”

See how much more engaging the second version is? The reader can almost taste, see, and hear what you’re describing.

Never Compromise on Clarity and Grammar

While informal letters allow for a relaxed tone, they absolutely do not allow for poor grammar, spelling mistakes, or unclear writing. This is where many students lose unnecessary marks.

Always:

• Proofread your letter before finalizing it
• Check that your ideas flow logically from one to the next
• Ensure all sentences are complete and grammatically correct
• Verify that your spelling is accurate
• Read it aloud to catch awkward phrasing

A casual tone does not mean careless writing. The best informal letters are friendly AND polished.

Ensure Logical Flow and Organization

Even though informal letters are conversational, they still need structure. Your ideas should flow naturally from one to the next.

A typical flow might be:

1. Opening greeting and inquiry
2. First main topic/story
3. Second main topic/story
4. Questions for the recipient
5. Expression of affection/closing thoughts
6. Sign-off

Jumping randomly between topics confuses readers and makes your letter feel disorganized.

Real Examples of Informal Letters

Seeing actual examples is often the best way to understand what excellence looks like. Let me provide several real-world examples tailored to different scenarios you might encounter in exams.

Example 1: Letter to a Friend After a Long Time Apart

67 Admiralty Road
Lekki, Lagos
Nigeria

22nd September, 2024

Dear Chioma,

I hope this letter finds you in excellent spirits! It's been far too long since we last spoke properly, and I've been thinking about you constantly.

A lot has changed in my life since we last saw each other. I've started a new extracurricular activity at school - creative writing club. Honestly, it's been transformative! We meet every Thursday, and I've discovered that I actually enjoy writing short stories. You always said I had a way with words, and now I'm finally believing it myself. We're planning to publish an anthology before the end of the term, and I'm genuinely excited about contributing to it.

School has been quite demanding this term. The workload is enormous, and sometimes I feel overwhelmed. But then I remember how you always tell me to break things into manageable chunks, and it actually helps! Your advice from months ago is still guiding me.

How have you been? I've been dying to hear about your new school. Are you settling in well? Have you made friends? I'm desperate to hear everything - don't leave out a single detail!

I really miss our late-night conversations where we'd discuss everything from our dreams to the most random topics. I miss your laughter and your ability to put things in perspective. Could we arrange to meet up soon? Maybe during the next holiday? I'd love nothing more than to spend quality time with you again.

Please write back soon. Your letters always brighten my days.

With warmest affection,

Adaobi

P.S. Remember that funny incident with the teacher? I still laugh about it!

Example 2: Letter to a Family Member About a Personal Achievement

124 Gbagada Estate
Lagos, Nigeria

3rd October, 2024

Hi Uncle Segun,

I'm writing to share some exciting news that I know you'll be proud to hear about. I've just found out that I came first in my class this term! I still can't quite believe it myself.

You know how I've been struggling with Mathematics for the past year? Well, I took your advice and started attending the additional classes after school. At first, I was skeptical, but I'm so glad I persisted. The repetition helped everything click into place. When I saw my Mathematics result, I just stood there in disbelief. An A! I've never gotten an A in Mathematics before. I immediately thought of you and how you always believed I could do it, even when I doubted myself.

The journey to this achievement wasn't easy. There were nights when I felt like giving up, when the concepts seemed impossible to understand. But I kept thinking about your words: "Emeka, the only failure is not trying." That mantra kept me going during those difficult moments.

My teachers are already talking about me taking the advanced class next term, which feels surreal. I know you've always invested so much in my education, and I want you to know that your support truly makes a difference. Without your encouragement and guidance, I wouldn't have achieved this.

I hope you're doing well. Mum mentioned that you've been working on that new project at your firm. I'd love to hear about it when we next meet. Are you coming home for the holidays? I'd really like to spend some time with you and properly thank you in person.

Wishing you all the best,

Emeka

Example 3: Letter to a Pen Pal from Another Country

89 Ikoyi Lane
Lagos, Nigeria

15th November, 2024

Dear James,

Greetings from Nigeria! I'm absolutely thrilled to be your pen pal. Your letter about life in Manchester was fascinating, and I found myself reading it multiple times, trying to imagine what the English countryside looks like.

You asked about life in Lagos, so I thought I'd give you a proper picture. Lagos is vibrant, chaotic, and absolutely captivating all at once. The energy here is infectious. Every morning, I wake to the sounds of the city coming alive - vendors calling out their wares, okada drivers navigating through traffic, and people from all walks of life going about their daily lives. The diversity here is incredible. In my school alone, I have friends from at least five different Nigerian ethnic groups, and we all come together with our unique perspectives and cultures.

What I found most interesting in your letter was your description of Manchester's football culture. We're absolutely obsessed with football here too! Lagos is divided between supporters of different clubs - some back Manchester United, others Liverpool, and still others support African clubs. The debates can get quite heated, but it's all in good fun. Do you support a particular team? I'd love to know!

Your description of autumn made me curious. We don't really experience seasons like you do here. It's either hot or less hot, and the rainy season brings relief but also flooding in some areas. I'm genuinely fascinated by what it's like to see leaves change color and experience winter. Do you prefer one season over the others?

I'd love to hear more about your school experience, your family, and your dreams for the future. Are you planning to study at university? If so, what subject interests you?

I'm attaching a small drawing I made of the Lagos waterfront. I'd love it if you could describe your favorite place in Manchester to me in detail - every sight, sound, and feeling.

Looking forward to your reply!

Warmest regards,

Zainab

Example 4: Letter Inviting Someone to a Special Event

5 Heritage Close
Abuja, Nigeria

28th October, 2024

Dear Yetunde,

I hope you're in good health and spirits! I'm writing with some exciting news and a heartfelt invitation.

My parents have decided to host a small garden party next month to celebrate my sixteenth birthday. It's going to be a memorable day, and I absolutely cannot imagine celebrating it without you there. You've been my closest friend since primary school, and you know how much this milestone means to me.

The party is planned for Saturday, the 20th of November, starting at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. We're setting up in our garden - yes, the same garden where we used to hide out and talk for hours! Mum is planning a lovely buffet with both traditional and contemporary Nigerian dishes, and I'm pretty sure there will be enough jollof rice and suya to feed an army. There will also be games, music, and lots of laughter.

I'd love for you to attend, but more importantly, I'd love for you to stay throughout the afternoon and evening. We could have some time together before the other guests arrive, just like old times. I have so much to catch you up on, and I want to hear everything about your new hobby - the photography thing you mentioned in your last letter.

Please confirm that you can make it. If there are any constraints or concerns, let me know, and we'll figure something out. Your presence would make this celebration truly special.

Looking forward to celebrating with you!

Your devoted friend,

Tope

P.S. The invitation is extended to your parents too if they'd like to attend!

Meeting Nigerian Examination Standards

If you’re preparing for WAEC, NECO, or JAMB English Language exams, you need to understand the specific criteria that examiners use to grade your informal letter. This is crucial information that many students overlook, to their detriment.

WAEC English Language Standards

WAEC (West African Examinations Council) typically assesses informal letters based on several criteria:

• Content and Relevance: Your letter must address the prompt provided. If the question asks you to write an informal letter to a friend about an experience, that’s exactly what you should do. Straying from the prompt will result in lost marks.
• Format and Structure: All essential components (address, date, greeting, body, closing, signature) must be present and correctly formatted. WAEC examiners expect to see proper letter structure.
• Language and Expression: You’re expected to use correct English grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Informal tone is encouraged, but carelessness is penalized.
• Tone and Style: The tone must be appropriately informal. Using overly formal language in an informal letter loses marks. Conversely, being too casual or sloppy also loses marks.
• Word Count: Typically, WAEC expects informal letters to be around 150-200 words for examination purposes. Too short and you seem unprepared; too long and you’re wasting valuable exam time that could be spent on other questions.

NECO English Language Standards

NECO (National Examination Council) has similar expectations but with some subtle differences:

• Adherence to Instructions: NECO is very particular about following instructions exactly. If the prompt specifies a particular scenario or tone, your letter must reflect that precisely.
• Clarity of Communication: Your letter must clearly communicate whatever message or purpose the
  

  MESSAGE US Need quick, reliable writing support? Message us Now and we’ll match you with a professional writer who gets results! or email your files to [email protected]