Mastering Formal and Informal Letters: Writing an Invitation Composition English Grammar Primary 5 First Term Lesson Notes Week 9

Composition English Grammar Primary 5 First Term Lesson Notes Week 9

Subject: English Composition
Class: Primary 5
Term: First Term
Week: 9
Age: 9-10 years
Topic: Comparison of Formal and Informal Letters
Sub-topic: Writing a Letter of Invitation
Duration: 60 minutes

Behavioural Objectives

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

1. Distinguish between formal and informal letters.
2. State the features and format of a formal letter.
3. Write a letter of invitation.

Keywords

• Formal letter
• Informal letter
• Features
• Invitation
• Layout

Set Induction

• Begin with a discussion on different types of letters and their purposes. Ask pupils if they have ever received an invitation and what they think makes a letter formal or informal.

Entry Behaviour

• Pupils are familiar with basic letter writing and have written informal letters before.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Samples of formal and informal letters
• Writing materials (paper, pencil)

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

• Pupils have experience writing informal letters and are familiar with basic letter formats.

Embedded Core Skills

• Writing
• Analysis
• Organization

Learning Materials

• Examples of formal and informal letters
• Format guide for formal letters

Reference Books

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Primary 5 English Language Textbook

Instructional Materials

• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed samples of letters

Content

Features of a Formal Letter:

1. Heading: Includes the sender’s address and date.
2. Salutation: Formal greeting (e.g., “Dear Mr. Smith”).
3. Body: Clear and concise content.
4. Closing: Formal sign-off (e.g., “Yours sincerely”).
5. Signature: Sender’s name.

Features of an Informal Letter:

1. Heading: Often includes just the date.
2. Salutation: Informal greeting (e.g., “Dear John”).
3. Body: Casual and friendly content.
4. Closing: Informal sign-off (e.g., “Best wishes”).
5. Signature: First name or nickname.

Example of a Formal Letter Layout:

1. Sender’s Address
2. Date
3. Recipient’s Address
4. Salutation
5. Body
6. Closing
7. Signature

Example of a Letter of Invitation: “Dear Mr. Johnson,

I am pleased to invite you to my birthday party on Saturday, March 5th. The party will be held at my house, 123 Elm Street, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Please let me know if you can attend.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Yours sincerely,
Tommy Green”

Evaluation

1. Which part of a formal letter includes the sender’s address?
   a) Body
   b) Heading
   c) Closing
   d) Signature
2. What is a common feature of an informal letter?
   a) Formal salutation
   b) Informal closing
   c) Sender’s address
   d) Recipient’s address
3. How is the closing of a formal letter different from an informal letter?
   a) Formal closing uses casual language
   b) Informal closing is more formal
   c) Formal closing is more formal
   d) Informal closing includes the sender’s address
4. Where is the date placed in a formal letter?
   a) At the end
   b) Before the recipient’s address
   c) After the salutation
   d) In the body
5. What should be included in the body of a letter of invitation?
   a) The sender’s address
   b) The recipient’s address
   c) Details about the event
   d) A formal closing
6. Which of the following is true about the salutation in a formal letter?
   a) It uses a friendly tone
   b) It is usually informal
   c) It uses formal titles
   d) It is omitted
7. How should you sign off in an informal letter?
   a) “Yours sincerely”
   b) “Best wishes”
   c) “Respectfully”
   d) “To whom it may concern”
8. What is the purpose of the heading in a formal letter?
   a) To greet the recipient
   b) To state the sender’s address and date
   c) To introduce the subject
   d) To close the letter
9. Where does the recipient’s address appear in a formal letter?
   a) At the beginning
   b) After the date
   c) At the end
   d) Before the closing
10. What is a key feature of the body of a letter of invitation?
    a) It should be very brief
    b) It should include personal opinions
    c) It should clearly state the event details
    d) It should not include a closing

Class Activity Discussion

1. Q: What is the main difference between formal and informal letters?
   A: Formal letters use a structured format and formal language, while informal letters are more casual and personal.
2. Q: Why is it important to use the correct format for formal letters?
   A: To maintain professionalism and ensure clear communication.
3. Q: What details should be included in a letter of invitation?
   A: Event details such as date, time, location, and RSVP instructions.
4. Q: How do the features of an informal letter differ from those of a formal letter?
   A: Informal letters have a more casual format and language, while formal letters follow a strict format and use formal language.
5. Q: Where is the date placed in a formal letter?
   A: Just below the sender’s address.
6. Q: How should you address someone in a formal letter?
   A: By using their title and last name, such as “Dear Mr. Johnson.”
7. Q: What is the purpose of the closing in a formal letter?
   A: To formally end the letter with a respectful sign-off.
8. Q: How should the body of a letter of invitation be organized?
   A: It should clearly explain the details of the event and provide any necessary instructions.
9. Q: What is the importance of using a formal tone in a formal letter?
   A: To ensure respect and professionalism in communication.
10. Q: What should you include in the heading of an informal letter?
    A: Typically just the date.

Presentation

Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic, which was “Descriptive Writing: My School.”
Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic: “Comparison of Formal and Informal Letters.”
Step 3: The teacher allows pupils to classify letter samples and write a letter of invitation.

Teacher’s Activities

• Provide samples of formal and informal letters.
• Explain the features and format of each type of letter.
• Guide pupils in writing their invitation letters.

Learners’ Activities

• Classify letter samples as formal or informal.
• Highlight the features of a formal letter in small groups.
• Write a letter of invitation to their class teacher.

Assessment

• Pupils will write a letter of invitation, ensuring it follows the correct format and includes necessary details.

Evaluation Questions

1. What distinguishes a formal letter from an informal letter?
2. What is the correct format for a formal letter?
3. How should you start the body of a formal letter?
4. What details should be included in a letter of invitation?
5. Where should the recipient’s address be placed in a formal letter?
6. What is a common feature of informal letters?
7. How should you sign off in a formal letter?
8. What is the purpose of the heading in a formal letter?
9. How is the salutation different in formal and informal letters?
10. Why is it important to follow the correct format in formal letters?

Conclusion

• The teacher will review pupils’ invitation letters, providing feedback and making corrections as needed.

More Useful Links

• Mastering Debate: Should Corporal Punishment Be Banned in Schools? Composition English Grammar Primary 5 First Term Lesson Notes Week 10
• First Term Examination Composition English Grammar Primary 5 First Term Lesson Notes Week 12