"Private Letter" - English for 11th Grade Students

Summary

In this English lesson, Intan introduces the concept of writing private letters in contrast to modern digital communication. She explains the emotional impact of receiving a private letter, which strengthens bonds between individuals, compared to the casual nature of chatting through apps like WhatsApp. The lesson highlights different types of letters—such as expressing gratitude, offering advice, or delivering news—and walks through the structure of a private letter, including the inside address, date, salutation, opening, body, closure, complementary close, and signature. Students are encouraged to write private letters to build deeper connections with their loved ones.

Takeaways

• 😀 Private letters are becoming less common due to the rise of digital communication methods like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
• 😀 Receiving a private letter from a loved one can create more excitement and emotional connection compared to digital chats.
• 😀 Writing a private letter can strengthen bonds between individuals, not just serve as a means of communication.
• 😀 Common reasons for writing a private letter include expressing gratitude, giving advice, sharing both good and bad news (not urgent), asking for help, and offering an apology.
• 😀 When writing a private letter, the structure includes: inside address, date, salutation, opening, body, closure, complementary close, and signature.
• 😀 The inside address indicates where the letter is being written from, while the date shows when it was written.
• 😀 Salutation is an opening greeting that can be personalized, such as 'Dear', 'My Dearest', or 'My Love'.
• 😀 The opening of the letter may include phrases like 'How are you?' or 'I hope this letter finds you well'.
• 😀 The main part of the letter (the body) explains the purpose and intentions behind the writing.
• 😀 The closure signals the end of the letter, and the complementary close includes short phrases like 'Yours with love', 'Sincerely yours', or 'Love you'.

Q & A

What is the main difference between receiving a chat message and a private letter?

A private letter tends to make people feel more excited and valued compared to a chat message, which has become more ordinary and less personal due to the use of digital communication tools like WhatsApp and Instagram.

Why is writing a private letter important in today's digital world?

Writing a private letter is important because it strengthens personal bonds and allows for more meaningful, heartfelt communication, which is often missing in quick, casual digital exchanges.

What are some reasons you might write a private letter?

You might write a private letter to give gratitude, offer advice, share news (both good and bad), ask for help, or apologize to someone.

What is the first part of the structure of a private letter?

The first part is the inside address, which shows where the letter is being written from.

What comes after the inside address in the structure of a private letter?

The next part is the date, which indicates when the letter was written.

What is the salutation in a private letter?

The salutation is the opening greeting of the letter, such as 'Dear [Name]' or 'My dearest [Name].'

What is the main part of a private letter?

The main part of a private letter is the body, where the writer shares their intentions and the purpose of writing the letter.

What does the closure in a private letter indicate?

The closure signals that the writer is about to end the letter.

What is the complementary close in a private letter?

The complementary close is a short phrase like 'Yours sincerely,' 'With love,' or 'Best wishes,' that expresses the tone of the closing of the letter.

Why is the signature included in a private letter?

The signature is included at the end of the letter to authenticate it and provide a personal touch from the writer.