Writing a Personal Letter

2nd Year Bac · Unit 6 · Writing

Learn to write a warm, informal letter to a friend — sharing something about your own culture and values.

What the exam asks

In this task, you write a personal letter to a friend or pen pal — often a foreign friend — telling them about an aspect of your own culture, such as Moroccan traditions or values. Unlike a formal letter, this one is warm, friendly, and relaxed.

ماذا يطلب الامتحان؟
في هذه المهمة، تكتب رسالة شخصية إلى صديق أو مراسل — غالبًا صديق أجنبي — تخبره فيها عن جانب من ثقافتك، مثل التقاليد أو القيم المغربية. على عكس الرسالة الرسمية، هذه الرسالة دافئة وودية وغير رسمية.

Personal letter vs. formal letter

You already learned the formal letter in an earlier unit — this is its friendly opposite. Compare them side by side.

Formal letter

Dear Sir/Madam,

Professional, businesslike tone

Yours faithfully / sincerely,

Personal (informal) letter

Dear Sarah,

Warm, friendly, conversational tone

Best wishes, / Take care,

The structure

Follow this friendly, natural shape.

Greeting — “Dear [Name],” then ask how they are.

Opening — thank them for their last letter, then state why you’re writing.

Body — the main content: describe the cultural value, tradition, or topic.

Closing — wrap up warmly, invite a reply or a visit, then sign off informally.

Golden order

Greeting → opening (why you’re writing) → body (the details) → warm closing + informal sign-off.

Useful phrases

Opening

Dear [Name]How are you?I hope you’re doing well.Thank you for your last letter.I was really interested to hear about…

Stating your purpose

I’m writing to tell you about…I thought I’d share…Let me tell you a bit about…

Closing

I hope to hear from you soon.Write back soon!Take careBest wishesYour friend

Example

Dear Tom, How are you? I hope you’re doing well. Thank you for your last letter — I loved hearing about your city! I thought I’d share a bit about Moroccan traditions with you.

A model letter

Here is a short, complete example. Notice the friendly tone throughout.

The letter

Dear Tom,

How are you? I hope you’re doing well. Thank you for your last letter — I really enjoyed hearing about your city!

I thought I’d share a bit about Moroccan traditions with you. Family and hospitality are two of the most important values here. When guests visit, families always offer them tea and food, even if the visit is unexpected. Respect for elders is also very important — younger people are taught to greet older relatives first and listen carefully to their advice.

I find these traditions really beautiful, and I hope you get to experience them one day. Write back soon and tell me more about your own culture!

Take care,
Youssef

What's happening

Greeting + how are you.

Opening: thanks + purpose.

Body: the cultural details.

Closing: warm wrap-up + invite reply.

Informal sign-off + first name only.

Common mistakes to avoid

⚠️ Watch out

❌ Using a formal opening: “Dear Sir/Madam” → ✅ use the person’s name: “Dear Tom,”

❌ Ending with “Yours faithfully” → ✅ use an informal closing: “Take care,” or “Best wishes,”

❌ Writing in a stiff, formal tone throughout → ✅ keep it warm and personal, like you’re really talking to a friend.

✏️

Your turn — test your understanding

1. A personal letter should open with ___.
2. Which sign-off fits a personal letter?
3. The tone of a personal letter should be ___.
4. “I thought I’d share a bit about…” is used to state your ___.
5. Which comes FIRST in the letter?
6. Choose the correct sentence.
7. A personal letter is usually written to ___.
8. Which is an informal closing?
9. What makes a personal letter different from a formal one?
10. “I hope to hear from you soon” belongs in the ___.
11. Choose the correct sign-off for a letter to a close friend.
12. The body of a personal letter should ___.

✏️ Writing challenge ✍️

Write a personal letter (about 10–12 sentences) to a foreign friend about ONE of these:

A Moroccan celebration or festival you enjoy
A family tradition that matters to you
Something about Moroccan food or hospitality

Follow the structure: greeting → opening (why you’re writing) → body (the details) → warm closing + informal sign-off. Keep the tone friendly throughout.