B1 Lesson 2: Writing Appropriately for a Familiar Audience
In our last lesson, we learned the difference between formal and informal language. Today, we will focus specifically on how to write well in informal situations.
When writing to a familiar audience1 (people you know well, like friends and family), your goal is to sound warm, friendly, and natural2.
Key Features of Friendly, Informal Writing
To make your writing sound friendly and relaxed, you should use these techniques.
- Use Contractions Freely: This is the most important feature. Always use I'm, don't, it's, can't, we'll, etc. Avoiding them sounds too stiff and serious.
- Ask Questions: Make your message a two-way conversation3 by asking questions like "How are you?" or "What do you think?"
- Use Everyday Vocabulary: Use simple, common words. Say "get" instead of "obtain," or "fun" instead of "enjoyable."
- Use Exclamation Marks (a little!): It's okay to use an exclamation mark to show you are happy or excited. For example: I can't wait!
See the Difference: A "Stiff" Message vs. a "Natural" Message
Let's imagine you are messaging a friend to see if they want to go to the cinema.
Stiff / Too Formal ❌
Dear Srey,
I am writing to inquire about your availability for Friday evening. There is a film I would like to view. Please inform me if you are able to attend.
Regards,
Vuthy
Natural / Friendly ✅
Hey Srey,
How's it going? Just wondering if you're free on Friday night? There's a new action movie that looks fun - wanna go?
Let me know!
Cheers,
Vuthy
✍️ B1 Friendly Message Checklist
When writing to a friend, check your message:
- ✔️ Does my greeting and closing sound friendly?
- ✔️ Have I used contractions (like I'm, don't, you're) to sound natural?
- ✔️ Have I used simple, everyday words?
- ✔️ Did I ask a question to make it conversational?
🧠 Practice Quiz: Make it Informal
The following sentences are too formal to say to a friend. How could you rewrite them to be more informal and natural?
1. Formal: I will be arriving at approximately 7 PM.
Informal Answer: I'll be there around 7 PM.
2. Formal: I would like to request your assistance with this problem.
Informal Answer: Can you help me with this problem?
📝 Homework: Write a Friendly Message
Get your notebook and pen. Imagine a friend from another province is visiting Kampot next weekend.
Write a short, friendly message to them (3-4 sentences). In your message, you should:
- Say you are excited to see them.
- Suggest one activity you can do together (e.g., visit the riverside, go to a cafe).
- Ask them what time their bus will arrive.
Use the checklist to make sure your message sounds friendly and natural!
Vocabulary Glossary
- Familiar Audience: (Noun Phrase) - អ្នកអានដែលស្គាល់ - People you know well, like friends and family. ↩
- Natural (language): (Adjective) - (ភាសា)បែបធម្មជាតិ - Language that sounds relaxed and authentic, not stiff or strange. ↩
- Conversational: (Adjective) - បែបសន្ទនា - Like a friendly talk between people. ↩
- Appropriate: (Adjective) - សមរម្យ - Suitable or right for a particular situation or occasion. ↩
- Stiff (language): (Adjective) - រឹង - Too formal and not relaxed or friendly.