Hello, fellas! How’s your day? Today, the session we’ll have is about how to write a thank you letter.

But, do people still write a thank you letter these days? Text messages or chat are more popular at the moment, but nothing beats writing an old-fashioned thank you letter. A thank you letter is definitely more meaningful to express gratitude. Have you ever written one?

When do you write a thank you letter? When you receive gifts, when you are promoted, when you receive a scholarship, many more.

So, here are the tips to write a thank you letter. If you have other tips, you’re more than welcome to share them with us.

1. Open your letter naturally.
   • “Dear [person’s name],” is appropriate for every situation.
   • If you want to be more personal, you can try these: “Dearest ___,” or “To my favorite ___,”
2. Thank you notes are usually short and to the point, so start thanking the person right away.
   • Be specific about what you’re grateful for. You can also describe the help or the gift that you have received to be clearer.
   • For example:
     • “I am very grateful for your assistance with my final thesis.”
     • Or, “Thank you so much for the gorgeous souvenirs from London you gave me.”
3. Tell the person why you cherish the help or the gift you have received. Psst, try to be honest!
   • Example: 
     • “I had difficulties finishing my final thesis but your guidance made me able to finish it.” 
     • Or, “London is my favorite city and the souvenirs complete my collection from the city.”
4. After the gratitude, you can add more lines asking about the person.
5. Before closing the letter, wrap nicely by appreciate the person. You don’t have to talk about the gift again. Just thank them.
   • For example: 
     • “You are the kind of lecturer that every student needs. Thank you.”
6. Close the letter appropriately.
   • To a loved one: “Love,” or “Much love,” 
   • To a friend: “Cheers,” or “Thanks again,” or “See you soon,” 
   • To a colleague: “Sincerely,” or “Best wishes,” or “Gratefully yours,”
7. Hand-write your letter or type it. Use a pen with black or blue ink if you choose to hand-write it.
8. Choose a font that’s easy to read if you type it.
9. Decide whether it’s appropriate to write a real letter or just an email instead. This depends on the gift or helps you receive.
10. Last but not least, don’t forget to match the length of the letter to the size of the gift.

Now, time to practice! Think of someone you want to send a thank you letter to. Then, write one! :)

That’s all for today’s session of #EngTips. Till we meet again tomorrow, fellas!

Compiled for @EnglishTips4U on Wednesday, 13 July, 2016.