People write letters for many different reasons. These days we can send emails and texts very easily so not as many letters are written as in the past, but it is still important to know how to write letters for different situations.
When you receive a present, it's polite to thank the person who gave you the present. Sometimes, you can tell them face to face or phone them up, but many people, especially older relatives, really appreciate receiving a proper thank you letter.
Look at this letter written by Sophie to her grandfather.
Dear Grandad,
Thank you ever so much for the bicycle you gave me for my birthday. I couldn't believe it when I saw it! I have wanted a new bike for ages and it was exactly the make I wanted. How did you know? I have ridden it around the estate and I can't wait to go out on a proper bike ride at the weekend.
I had a brilliant birthday. My best friend Kayla came to lunch and then we went ice skating. It was fantastic! We both fell over lots of times but we didn't hurt ourselves. Afterwards, we went for a pizza and then Kayla came back to our house and we watched videos and ate popcorn. It was the best birthday ever!
I hope that you are well. Mum said that you have to have an operation on your hip soon. I hope that it will help you to get about better. I promise to come and visit you in hospital lots of times!
In the meantime, I'm sending you a picture of me on the bike that Mum took yesterday.
Lots of love and hugs
Sophie
xxx
Sophie has written a friendly and chatty letter to her granddad. She hasn't just thanked him for the present but has told him why she likes it and what she will do with it. She has also told him what she did on her birthday and has written about him as well as herself. It is polite to ask about the person you are writing to.
In this activity, you are going to have a go at writing a letter!
Let's get started.