Letter (paper) facts for kids
A letter is a written message sent from one person to another. People often send letters using the postal service, also known as mail. The person sending the letter writes it to a specific reader. For example:
Mary sent Andrew a letter saying "thank you".
Letters are usually more personal and official than a quick phone call or an email. They can be a special way to share news, feelings, or important information.
Contents
What is a Letter?
A letter is a way to communicate in writing. It's like a conversation, but written down on paper. You write a message, put it in an Envelope, and send it to someone. The person who gets the letter can then read your message.
Why Do People Write Letters?
People write letters for many reasons. Sometimes, it's to say "thank you" or "I miss you." Other times, letters are used for important business or official messages. They can be a great way to keep in touch with friends and family who live far away. Letters can also be a special way to share your thoughts and feelings in a more lasting way than a quick message.
How Letters Travel
After you write a letter, you usually put it in an envelope. You write the receiver's address on the front and your own address on the back. Then, you put a postage stamp on it. You can then drop the letter into a Letter box or take it to a Post office. From there, postal workers sort the letters and send them to the correct addresses, often by trucks, planes, or trains.
Types of Letters
Letters come in many different forms, depending on their purpose.
Personal Letters
These are letters you write to friends, family, or people you know well. They are often informal and can be about anything from daily life to special events. A personal letter might share news, offer comfort, or simply say hello.
Business Letters
Business letters are more formal. They are used for communication between companies or between a person and a company. Examples include job applications, complaints, or requests for information. These letters usually follow a specific format and use polite, professional language.
Official Letters
Official letters are sent by government departments, schools, or other organizations. They might include important notices, legal documents, or official announcements. These letters are very formal and often require a signature or a specific response.
History of Letters
People have been writing letters for thousands of years. In ancient times, letters were often written on clay tablets, papyrus, or parchment. They were carried by messengers, sometimes over very long distances.
Early Postal Systems
As societies grew, so did the need for organized ways to send letters. Ancient empires, like the Romans and Persians, had early postal systems. Messengers would ride horses to deliver important messages and documents. These systems were mainly for official use, not for everyday people.
Modern Postal Services
The idea of a public postal service, where anyone could send a letter, developed much later. In the 17th and 18th centuries, countries started setting up national postal systems. This made it easier and cheaper for ordinary people to send letters. The invention of postage stamps in the 19th century made sending mail even simpler.
Letters Today
Even with emails and instant messages, letters are still important. They are often used for official documents, legal notices, and important personal messages. A handwritten letter can feel very special and personal in a world of digital communication. Many people also enjoy collecting old letters, which can tell us a lot about history.
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