10 Steps for Writing WAEC Informal Letter

Do you want to learn how to write WAEC informal letter?

If yes, you’ve come to the right place!

First of all, what is an informal letter?

An informal letter is the type of letter we write to people who we are familiar with such as our parents, siblings, uncles, friends, etc.

When writing English Language in WAEC, you will be often required to write an informal letter and this section carries a lot of marks.

So you have to ensure that you write yours in the best possible format to increase your chances of passing English Language in WAEC.

However, many students find it hard to write the kind of informal letter that will fetch them high marks in WAEC.

This is because they don’t know the steps to follow.

So in this article, I want to show you 10 steps for writing WAEC informal letter.

Ready? Let’s get started!

Also Read: 28 Tips on How to Score A1 in WAEC as a Nigerian Student

Table of Contents

10 Steps For Writing WAEC Informal Letter

To write an excellent WAEC informal letter that will fetch you high marks, follow these steps:

1. Date and Address

When writing date and address in an informal letter, here’s what you should take note of:

Date: Write the date at the top right corner of the page. For example: June 19, 2021.
Address: Leave a line below the date and write your address on the left side of the page. Include your full name, street address, city, state/province, and postal code. For example:

Peter Okoye

235 Ike Street

Oko

Anambra State

Postal Code: 400135

Remember to align the address to the left margin of the page for clarity.

Including the date and address helps both you and the recipient of the letter identify when it was written and who it is from.

2. Salutation

When writing the salutation of an informal letter, here’s what you should take note of:

Consider your relationship with the recipient. If you’re writing to a friend, you can use a casual salutation. If you’re writing to someone you’re less familiar with, use a more formal salutation.
Address the recipient by their name. For example:

Dear Precious,

Hi Franklin,

Hello Mirabel,

Use a comma (,) or a colon (:) after the recipient’s name.
Be polite and respectful in your salutation.

Here are a few examples of informal salutations:

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

Hi [Recipient’s Name],

Hello [Recipient’s Name],

Choose the salutation that best matches your relationship with the recipient and the tone of your letter.
Remember to capitalize the first letter of the salutation and use proper punctuation.

3. Introduction

When writing the introduction of an informal letter, here’s what you should take note of:

Start with a friendly greeting to set a warm tone.
Express well-wishes or positive thoughts for the recipient.
Mention any recent events or shared experiences to establish a connection.
Clearly state the purpose of your letter.

For example:

I hope you’re doing well!

I wanted to share some exciting news with you.

It was great to see you last week.

I’m writing to discuss our upcoming plans.

Keep the introduction brief and engaging, creating a friendly and welcoming tone for the rest of your letter.

4. Body

When writing the body of an informal letter, here’s what you should take note of:

Use paragraphs to organize your ideas and make your letter easier to read.
Share detailed information related to the purpose of your letter. This can include news, updates, ideas, or thoughts.
Make your letter engaging by including personal stories or anecdotes.
Keep a conversational tone throughout the letter, as if you’re having a friendly conversation.
Be clear and concise in expressing your thoughts, using simple language.
Include relevant details to support your points or provide context.
Maintain politeness and respect in your language.
Stay focused on the main topic of your letter and avoid going off-topic.
Use transitional phrases or sentences to smoothly transition between ideas.
Check for errors and revise your letter for clarity and coherence.

By following these steps, you can write a clear and engaging body for your WAEC informal letter.

5. Personal Experiences

When sharing personal experience in an informal letter, here’s what you should take note of:

Share personal experiences that relate to the topic or purpose of your letter.
Provide specific details to make your experiences more vivid and engaging.
Express your emotions and thoughts related to the experiences.
Explain the impact or significance of the experiences on your life or the topic.
Be genuine and authentic in sharing your experiences.
Maintain a balance between personal experiences and the overall purpose of the letter.
Keep your personal experiences concise and relevant to the main topic.

Remember, sharing personal experiences can add depth to your letter, but it’s important to stay focused and not let them overshadow the main message of your letter.

6. Express Opinions or Concerns

When expressing opinions or concerns in an informal letter, here’s what you should take note of:

Be clear and concise when stating your opinion or concern.
Use “I” statements to indicate that it’s your personal perspective.
Support your opinion or concern with reasons or evidence.
Maintain a respectful and polite tone throughout.
Consider different perspectives or counterarguments and respond thoughtfully.
Stay focused on the main topic of the letter and avoid unrelated issues.
Offer constructive suggestions or solutions when expressing concerns.
Strive for a balance between expressing your viewpoint and being open to dialogue.

By following these simple guidelines, you can effectively express your opinions or concerns in your WAEC informal letter while maintaining a respectful and constructive tone.

7. Supporting Evidence

When providing supporting evidence in an informal letter, here’s what you should take note of:

Relevance: Choose supporting evidence that directly relates to the point you are making or the argument you are presenting. Ensure that the evidence supports and strengthens your opinion or concern.
Types of Evidence: There are various types of evidence you can use, including:

Facts and statistics: Provide factual information or data that support your viewpoint. This can include numbers, research findings, or expert opinions.
Examples and anecdotes: Share specific examples or personal anecdotes that illustrate your point or demonstrate the impact of your concern. These help make your argument more relatable and compelling.
Quotes and references: Include quotes from credible sources, such as experts, researchers, or respected publications. Referencing reliable sources adds credibility to your argument.
Personal experiences: If relevant, share your own experiences that support your opinion or concern. These personal insights can provide valuable context and perspective.

Proper Attribution: When using supporting evidence, provide proper attribution to the sources. This includes citing the author, publication, or organization from which the evidence is derived. This demonstrates integrity and ensures transparency.
Balance and Variety: Use a mix of different types of supporting evidence to strengthen your argument. This helps create a well-rounded and persuasive case.
Clarity and Explanation: Clearly present the supporting evidence and explain how it connects to your opinion or concern. Provide a clear link between the evidence and your point to help the reader understand the relevance.

Remember, supporting evidence adds credibility and weight to your opinions or concerns.

By utilizing relevant and diverse evidence, you can make a stronger and more persuasive argument in your WAEC informal letter.

Also See: 20 Tips on How to Pass WAEC in One Sitting as a Nigerian Student

8. Request or Suggestion

When making requests or suggestions in an informal letter, here’s what you should take note of:

Be polite and friendly when making your request or suggestion.
Clearly state what you are requesting or suggesting, using specific and concise language.
Provide reasons to support your request or suggestion, explaining why it is important or beneficial.
Offer alternatives or possible solutions if applicable.
Ensure your request or suggestion is realistic and reasonable.
Consider the recipient’s perspective and be understanding of their needs.
End with a polite closing, expressing gratitude or appreciation for their consideration.

By following these simple guidelines, you can effectively make a request or suggestion in a WAEC informal letter while maintaining a respectful and friendly tone.

9. Conclusion

When writing a conclusion in an informal letter, here’s what you should take note of:

Summarize the main points briefly to reinforce your message.
Remind the reader of the purpose of your letter.
Share any final thoughts or reflections related to the topics discussed.
End with a warm and friendly closing remark, such as “Best regards” or “Take care.”
Sign your name at the end to add a personal touch.

By following these simple guidelines, you can effectively conclude your informal letter on a positive note, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

10. Closing and Signature

When it comes to the closing and signature of an informal letter, here’s what you should take note of:

Choose a friendly closing phrase like “Best regards” or “Take care” to end your letter.
Use a comma and start a new line after the closing phrase.
Sign your name below the closing phrase on the next line.
Add a personal touch, like a short handwritten note or doodle, if appropriate.
Optionally, include a postscript (P.S.) after the signature to add any additional thoughts.

By following these simple guidelines, you can effectively close your WAEC informal letter with a friendly tone and add a personal touch to make it more special.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What Is the Best Way to Start an Informal Letter for WAEC?

When starting an informal letter for WAEC, keep it simple and easy to understand.

Begin by addressing the recipient in a friendly way, such as “Dear Peter” or “Hello Nelson.”

Next, clearly state the reason for writing and include any necessary information or requests.

Remember to be polite and respectful throughout the letter.

By using a straightforward and approachable tone, you can effectively write an informal letter for WAEC.

Is B3 a Good Grade in WAEC?

Yes, a B3 is considered a good grade in WAEC.

It shows a solid level of understanding and achievement in the subject.

WAEC’s grading system ranges from A1 (excellent) to F9 (fail), and B3 falls in the upper middle range.

However, it’s important to remember that the perception of a good grade may vary depending on personal goals and expectations.

Overall, a B3 indicates a commendable performance in WAEC.

What Is the Maximum Age to Write WAEC in Nigeria?

There is no maximum age limit to write the WAEC examination in Nigeria.

People of all ages can register and sit for the exam, whether they are students or adults seeking to further their education.

The only requirement is that candidates must have completed their secondary school education or its equivalent before taking the exam, regardless of their age.

How Is Maths Marked in WAEC?

Are you wondering how maths is marked in WAEC?

Well, maths papers are marked using a predetermined grading system in WAEC.

Examiners follow specific marking schemes provided by WAEC.

Each question has assigned marks based on correct answers and criteria like methodology, reasoning, and presentation.

The total marks earned are converted into a grade using the WAEC grading scale, which ranges from A1 (excellent) to F9 (fail).

How Many Times Can I Use WAEC?

Once you pass the WAEC examination and obtain your certificate, you can use it as many times as needed.

There is no limit to how many times you can utilize your WAEC results.

Whether you want to pursue higher education, apply for jobs, or other purposes, your WAEC certificate remains valid throughout your lifetime.

It serves as proof of your academic qualifications and is recognized by institutions and organizations in Nigeria.

Also See: What Causes Failure in WAEC in Nigeria? (Top 20 Reasons)

Conclusion

Writing WAEC informal letter is not difficult as long as you follow the right steps.

One key thing you have to keep in mind when writing WAEC informal letter is time.

Do not spend the whole time in the world writing an informal letter.

Instead, present your points in the best possible format within a few minutes.

This will enable have enough time to answer other questions on the exam paper.

By carefully following the tips I have shared with you in this article, you can write an excellent WAEC informal letter and get the high marks you deserve.

If you have any questions or inquiries, kindly drop them in the comment section and I will address them instantly.

Best of luck!

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