Question

You wish to write a letter to your aunt asking her about her health. What kind of letter would you write?
A) Formal Letter
B) Informal Letter
C) Semi Formal Letter
D) Business Letter

Answer 1

Hint: Letter is a written mode of communication. Mainly there are two types of letters which are Formal and Informal but there can be several types depending upon the purpose, person and content. The format of writing a letter also varies with its type.

Complete answer:
Let us analyze the given options:
A) Formal letter: This is the incorrect option. A formal letter is the form of a letter where matter is discussed ‘to the point’ and in formal tone. These are primarily written for official works and to authorities of organisations e.g. to teachers/principal of the school, to the manager of a company etc. They have to be written professionally and not personally. The message also has to be very brief. Whereas to write to one’s aunt one does not have to write professionally or formally. Therefore it is an incorrect option.

B) Informal letter: This is the correct option: An informal letter is a letter written in a casual and informal tone. They are lengthier in comparison to formal letters and are usually written on a personal note. They can be sent to family members, friends and even to formal authorities where we share a friendly relationship. Thus it is appropriate to send an informal letter to aunt asking about her health.

C) Semi-formal letter: This is the incorrect option. Such letters are sent to those people whose name is known but there is not a very personal or friendly relationship with them. The polite and respectful tone must be maintained throughout despite any kind of informal connection. Thus it is an incorrect option because one knows their relative’s closely, more than just their name.

D) Business letter: This is the incorrect option. These are mainly legal documents that are professionally written for business-related communications. These are mainly informative, order issuing, and requesting types of letters. Thus it is also an incorrect option.

Therefore, the correct answer is option ‘B’.

Note:
- Business letters, Official letters, Social letters, Circular letters, Employment letters are types of formal letters. Letters can be both handwritten as well as electronically generated.
- There are various types of letters based on the purpose, event and many other things few of them are Acknowledgement letter, welcome letter, Announcement letter, Appointment letter, Apologies letter, Birthday letter etc.,