1. How to Set Out and Write an Informal Letter Context: Bruno is writing to his friend in Berlin. © Jennifer McKillop 2013

2. Setting Out During the 1940’s letters were a popular way of keeping in touch with family and friends. You would write your own address here, at the top right hand side. You would include the date you were writing it, here. Notice the gap between the address and the date. addressdate Leave another gap before starting your letter with a greeting here, on the left side. greeting © Jennifer McKillop 2013

3. Our example… Outwith Camp Winter Road Poland Europe 7 th May, 1944 Dear Karl, © Jennifer McKillop 2013

4. Beginning the Letter You could begin with a sentence or two that lets your friend know that you miss them, or are thinking about how they are… Examples: Dear Karl, How are you? I have thought about you and your family often during the last few months. Dear Karl, You will be pleased to know that we are all well, and I hope that you and your family are still safe in Berlin. Dear Karl, The most interesting thing just happened, after weeks of nothing but Gretel’s moaning, and I had to write and tell you all about it because you are still my best friend in the world. I hope you are safe and well. © Jennifer McKillop 2013

5. Working on Paragraphs Although this is an “informal” letter, the rules of grammar and the layout of the letter are still important. Bruno is writing this letter in a time when abbreviations and slang words were considered unacceptable. Each new event that you include in your letter will need its own paragraph. © Jennifer McKillop 2013

6. Our Example… Outwith Camp Winter Road Poland Europe 7 th May 1944 Dear Daniel, The most interesting thing just happened, after weeks of nothing but Gretel’s moaning, and I had to write and tell you all about it because you are still my best friend in the world. I hope you are safe and well. I will begin at the beginning. The train journey from Berlin to this dreadful place was almost unbearable. The train was drafty, the carriages cold, and the food not appetising at all. At least we had the First Class carriage to ourselves, only having to share with Gretel’s dolls. She continues to be an absolutely hopeless case. You would not believe the state of the house we are living in. It does`not compare to our five storey house in Berlin at all. Remember the bannister? It was the best ride ever. Please write back and tell me that our house has not been bombed. I can only survive in this place if I know I have my home to return to, sometime in the foreseeable future (Father says that). © Jennifer McKillop 2013

7. Continue… and sign off. Your letter will include details about Bruno’s experiences up to the point when he meets Shmuel. You will then complete the letter and sign off in a manner that sounds like Bruno. Examples: I am trusting you with my secrets. I have disobeyed my parents out of loneliness and don’t want you to think I have turned into one of those boys from our street that we were always trying to avoid. Please write back to me as soon as you can. Yours sincerely Bruno © Jennifer McKillop 2013

8. Or… Outwith is not a pleasant place to be. I wish I was in Berlin with you and Daniel so we could ride down the bannister, play in the street and go to the markets, or that you could be here with me. I need to know that you are alive and well and that the houses in our street are still standing. Write soon. Your friend Bruno © Jennifer McKillop 2013