[Sender’s Address]
No. 22, Alabi Crescent,
Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State.
23rd September, 2025.
Dear Michael,
How are you doing, my dear friend? It has been such a long time since I last heard from you, and I have missed our playful arguments and football matches. I hope this letter meets you in sound health and happiness. I decided to write you today to share all about my experiences during the last long vacation, which was one of the most memorable holidays I have ever had.
The holiday began on a rather quiet note, as I spent the first week at home helping my parents with household chores. I helped Mum in her shop and assisted Dad in running some errands. Though it was tiring, I felt proud knowing I was contributing in my own small way. After that, things became more interesting.
Midway through the vacation, my uncle invited me to spend two weeks with his family in Lagos. I was excited because it was my first time travelling alone to such a big city. The journey itself was fun, as I sat by the window of the bus and enjoyed the changing scenery from villages to towns and finally to the bustling city of Lagos.
Life in Lagos was both exciting and overwhelming. My uncle’s house was located in Ikeja, close to many busy roads and shopping centres. One of the highlights of my stay was when my cousin took me to the National Theatre. There, we watched a live drama performance about the history of Nigeria. It was not only entertaining but also educational.
Another unforgettable experience was my visit to the beach. Standing by the Atlantic Ocean for the first time, I felt a mixture of fear and joy as the waves crashed against the shore. My cousins and I played in the sand, built castles, and even tried riding horses along the beach. It was a day I will never forget.
On returning home, I joined a holiday lesson programme organized in my area. The classes helped me revise some difficult topics in Mathematics and Physics. I also made new friends there, and together we challenged each other to study harder in preparation for the new academic session.
Perhaps the most important part of the holiday was the lesson I learnt about responsibility. Being away from home taught me how to take care of myself and adapt to new environments. I also realized the value of time, as balancing fun activities with study sessions helped me become more disciplined.
In summary, my last long vacation was a blend of fun, adventure, and personal growth. I truly wish you were around to share those experiences with me. Please write back soon and tell me how you spent your own holiday.
Extend my warm greetings to your parents and siblings.
Yours sincerely,
Emeka
What Examiners Want to See
- Correct Informal Format – personal address, date, salutation, friendly closing.
- Narration Style – clear storytelling with events in sequence.
- Details of Experiences – home chores, trip to Lagos, theatre, beach, holiday lessons.
- Personal Reflection – what was learnt (responsibility, time management).
- Friendly Tone – warm, lively, and conversational.
- Length – minimum 450 words, flowing naturally.
Tips for Students
- Use past tense for narration since you’re recounting experiences.
- Include personal emotions (joy, fear, excitement, lessons learnt).
- Arrange events in chronological order for clarity.
- End with a request for reply and greetings to family.