Writing Informal Letter on the last holiday

English Language 

Composition 

Second Term Lesson Note

Week 1

Primary 6 

Writing Informal Letter on the last holiday

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to 

1. Cite and describe the features of informal letter. 
2. Survey the style and pattern of the sentence structure that are used when writing Informal Letter. 
3. Write an informal letter on the given topic 

Entry Behaviour

Pupils have been taught how to write letters in their previous classes

Instructional Materials

• Audio Visual Resources 
• Flash cards 
• Online Dictionary 
• Recommended English Textbook 
• Chart 
• Hard copy dictionary 

Methods of Teaching

• Class Discussion
• Group Discussion
• Asking Questions
• Explanation
• Role Modelling
• Role Delegation

Reference Materials 

• Scheme of Work
• Online Information
• Textbooks
• Workbooks
• 9 Year Basic Education Curriculum

Content 

Features of an informal letter. 

1. Personal address: An informal letter usually begins with a personal address of the write at the top right corner of the paper. This is immediately followed by the date of which the letter is written. Then we have the address to the recipient, using words like “Dear,” “Hi,” “My dear friend” My dear James” or “Hello.” This is in contrast to a formal letter, which would usually begin with a more formal greeting like “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam.”
2. Familiar language: An informal letter is usually written in a more familiar and casual tone, using language and words that you would use when speaking to a friend or family member. This is in contrast to a formal letter, which would use more formal language and tone.
3. Personal details: An informal letter may include personal details and anecdotes, as well as updates on your own life and experiences. This is not typically included in a formal letter.
4. Use of contractions: Informal letters may use contractions, such as “I’m” and “we’re,” which are not typically used in formal letters.
5. Lack of structure: An informal letter may not have a strict structure or format, and may not follow the traditional layout of a formal letter.
6. Use of slang or colloquial language: Informal letters may include slang or colloquial language that is not typically used in formal writing.
7. Signature: An informal letter usually ends with a signature, using words like “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” or “Take care.” This is in contrast to a formal letter, which would typically end with a more formal closing like “Yours faithfully” or “Respectfully.”

The style and pattern of sentence structure that is used when writing an informal letter.

In an informal letter, the style and pattern of sentence structure may be more casual and relaxed compared to a formal letter. This may include the use of shorter sentences, colloquial language, and contractions. The letter may also include a mixture of simple, compound, and complex sentences, depending on the purpose and content of the letter.

For example, an informal letter may begin with a simple greeting like “Hey, how’s it going?” followed by a compound sentence like “I hope this letter finds you well, I’ve been busy with work and school.” The letter may then include a series of simple or compound sentences providing updates on the writer’s life and experiences, as well as asking questions and expressing personal thoughts and feelings.

Overall, the style and pattern of sentence structure in an informal letter will depend on the tone and relationship between the writer and recipient, as well as the purpose of the letter. The important thing is to maintain a consistent and coherent style throughout the letter.

Evaluation 

1. How does an informal letter typically begin?

A) “To Whom It May Concern” B) “Dear” C) “address of the writer at the right topmost part of the paper” D) “Greetings”

2. What is the tone of an informal letter?

A) Formal B) Casual C) Neutral D) Professional

3. What type of personal details may be included in an informal letter?

A) Job titles B) Educational qualifications C) Anecdotes and updates on personal life D) Salary information

4. Can contractions be used in an informal letter?

A) No B) Yes C) Only in certain situations D) Only if the recipient is also using contractions

5. Does an informal letter typically have a strict structure or format?

A) Yes B) No C) It depends on the purpose of the letter D) It depends on the relationship between the writer and recipient

6. Can slang or colloquial language be used in an informal letter?

A) No B) Yes C) Only if the recipient is also familiar with the slang or colloquial language D) Only if the letter is being sent internationally

7. How does an informal letter typically end?

A) “Yours faithfully” B) “Take care” C) “Sincerely” D) “Respectfully”

8. Can an informal letter include a mixture of different types of sentences?

A) No B) Yes C) Only if the letter is very long D) Only if the writer is proficient in grammar and syntax

9. Is it important to maintain a consistent and coherent style in an informal letter?

A) No B) Yes C) Only if the letter is being sent to a formal recipient D) Only if the letter is being sent internationally

10. Can an informal letter include updates on the writer’s professional life?

A) No B) Yes C) Only if the letter is being sent to a professional colleague D) Only if the letter is being sent to a close family member

Answers

1. C
2. B
3. C
4. B
5. B
6. B
7. C
8. B
9. B
10. B

Write an informal letter to your friend James, on how you spent your last Christmas holiday.

Dear James,

Hi! How are you doing? I hope this letter finds you well.

I had such a great time over the Christmas holiday. I spent it with my family at home and we had a lot of fun together. We decorated the house, cooked a big feast, and exchanged gifts. It was really nice to spend some quality time together and catch up on everything that’s been going on in our lives.

We also went out and did some fun activities, like visiting a local Christmas market and going ice skating. It was so much fun and a nice change of pace from our usual routine.

I’m really looking forward to seeing you and catching up on all the things we missed over the holiday. Let’s make plans to hang out soon.

Take care,

Your amazing loving friend,

Anthony [Your Name]

Presentation

The lesson presentation is done step by step. The class teacher or subject teacher does the following

1. Revise the previous lesson which also includes learners previous knowledge that is related to the new topic
2. Introduce the new lesson by teaching the pupils with a sample of an informal letter and let them infer the writer’s address, date, salutation, body of the letter and the closing compliment.
3. Pupils are to study the structure pattern of writing an informal letter.
4. Pupils are to write out their own informal letters to their own friends
5. Give a board summary of the topic that has just been taught

Evaluation

Objectives

1. Who is the recipient of the letter?

A) James B) Your family C) Your boss D) Your teacher

2. What is the purpose of the letter?

A) To inform James about your Christmas holiday B) To invite James to a Christmas party C) To request a favor from James D) To apologize to James

3. How did you spend your Christmas holiday?

A) Traveling abroad B) Working C) With your family at home D) Volunteering

4. Did you do any fun activities during your Christmas holiday?

A) No B) Yes C) Only on Christmas Day D) Only on New Year’s Eve

5. Did you exchange gifts with your family during the holiday?

A) No B) Yes C) Only with some family members D) Only with children

6. Did you cook a big feast for your family during the holiday?

A) No B) Yes C) Only for Christmas Day D) Only for New Year’s Eve

7. Did you visit a local Christmas market during the holiday?

A) No B) Yes C) Only once D) Several times

8. Did you go ice skating during the holiday?

A) No B) Yes C) Only once D) Several times

9. Are you looking forward to seeing James and catching up on everything that happened during the holiday?

A) No B) Yes C) Only if James is available D) Only if James initiates the meeting

10. How do you end the letter?

A) “Sincerely” B) “Best regards” C) “Take care” D) “Yours faithfully”

Marking Guide 

1. A
2. A
3. C
4. B
5. B
6. B
7. B
8. B
9. B
10. C

Conclusion

To conclude the lesson, the class teacher or subject teacher does a brief review of what he or she has just taught the pupils. He ask you questions that are related to the topic to ascertain if the learners have actually assimilated and understood the new topic that has just been taught