Which of the following statements about formal and informal letters are correct?
(A) A formal letter keeps to the point, but an informal letter may share personal news and feelings.
(B) A formal letter is written for official or business matters, while an informal letter is written to family and friends.
(C) Short forms such as ‘can’t’ and ‘I’m’ suit a formal letter better than an informal one.
(D) An informal letter ends with the writer’s full name and designation, just like a formal letter.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → (A) and (B) only
(A) A formal letter keeps to the point, but an informal letter may share personal news and feelings. — Correct.
- A formal letter deals only with the matter it is written for.
- An informal letter can share news, feelings and plans.
(B) A formal letter is written for official or business matters, while an informal letter is written to family and friends. — Correct.
- Formal letters go to officials and companies.
- Informal letters are personal letters to people close to the writer.
(C) Short forms such as ‘can’t’ and ‘I’m’ suit a formal letter better than an informal one. — Incorrect.
- Short forms give a letter a chatty tone, so they suit an informal letter.
- A formal letter uses the full forms ‘cannot’ and ‘I am’.
(D) An informal letter ends with the writer’s full name and designation, just like a formal letter. — Incorrect.
- Only a formal letter may need the writer’s full name and designation.
- An informal letter ends with just the writer’s name, usually the first name.