Letter Writing:  The thank-you letter

House B Language Arts

Mrs. Gann

Below is a sample thank-you letter that conforms to the model we discussed in class.  Further discussion of this model is available at http://www.themorningnews.org/archives/how_to/how_to_write_a_thankyou_note.php.

January 26, 2005

(at least double spaced here)

Dear Uncle Rob,

(one space down)

Thank you very much for the five-pound box of Godiva chocolate.  You can’t imagine how handy this delicious present was over the weekend—we were snowed in like polar bears!  It was a wonderful treat that we really enjoyed.  It was wonderful to see you over the holidays, and we look forward to seeing you over the summer.  Thanks again.

(one space down)

Very truly yours,

(one space down)

Suzie Q

How I followed the model:

I greeted the giver (Dear Uncle Rob)

I expressed gratitude (Thank you very much for the five-pound box of Godiva chocolate)

I discussed use (You can’t imagine how handy this delicious present was over the weekend… It was a wonderful treat that we really enjoyed)

I mentioned the past (It was wonderful to see you over the holidays) and alluded to the future (we look forward to seeing you over the summer)

I showed a little grace (Thanks again)

I showed regards (Very truly yours)

Sample “regards”

Very truly yours,

Sincerely,

Sincerely yours,

Your (fill in the blank)  friend, niece/nephew, grandson/granddaughter,

Forever yours,

Yours,

Best wishes,

Best regards,

These are “standard.” In a thank-you letter you can be creative as long as you are still polite.  If you don’t know what to use, pick one of the above to be safe.

Activity:

Take 10-15 minutes and on a separate sheet of paper (which you will NOT throw away) create a sample thank-you letter with the following requirements:

--You are writing to Aunt Bessie OR Uncle Rufus

--You are thanking him/her for the extra-large box of paper clips OR the year’s supply of Spongebob Squarepants breakfast cereal

--You last saw him/her over the summer and he/she is coming to visit over spring break

FOLLOW THE MODEL.  If you have questions, please raise your hand.  This is a timed activity.