Formal Letters: A Step-by-Step Guide Composition English Grammar Primary 5 First Term Lesson Notes Week 5

Composition English Grammar Primary 5 First Term Lesson Notes Week 5

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

Behavioural Objectives

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

1. List and describe the features of formal letters.
2. Analyze the style and sentence structure used in formal letters.
3. Write a formal letter following the correct format.

Keywords

• Formal letter
• Address
• Salutation
• Subject line
• Closing remark

Set Induction

• Begin by asking pupils if they have ever written a letter to a principal or an official. Discuss what makes such letters different from casual notes to friends.

Entry Behaviour

• Pupils can write simple sentences and have basic knowledge of letter writing.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Sample formal letters
• Writing materials (paper, pencil)
• Chart showing the format of a formal letter

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

• Pupils have learned informal letter writing in previous lessons, and this lesson will expand on the formal structure required for official communication.

Embedded Core Skills

• Writing
• Critical thinking
• Communication

Learning Materials

• Example of a formal letter
• Structure guide for formal letters

Reference Books

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

Instructional Materials

• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed samples of formal letters

Content

Features of a Formal Letter:

1. Addresses: Writer’s address (top right) and recipient’s address (below, on the left).
2. Date: Placed just below the writer’s address.
3. Salutation: “Dear Sir/Madam” or the recipient’s name.
4. Subject Line: A brief line summarizing the purpose of the letter.
5. Body:
   • Introduction: State the purpose of the letter.
   • Main Content: Provide details in a clear and concise manner.
   • Conclusion: Summarize the key points and state any actions to be taken.
6. Closing Remark: “Yours faithfully” or “Yours sincerely,” followed by the writer’s signature.

Example of a Formal Letter:

Evaluation

1. What is placed at the top right corner of a formal letter?
   a) Salutation
   b) Writer’s address
   c) Date
   d) Subject line
2. The recipient’s address is written on the ______ side of the letter.
   a) top right
   b) top left
   c) bottom right
   d) bottom left
3. The salutation in a formal letter is usually _______.
   a) Hi
   b) Hello
   c) Dear Sir/Madam
   d) Hey
4. The subject line in a formal letter should be _______.
   a) long and detailed
   b) brief and clear
   c) at the end
   d) omitted
5. The main body of a formal letter should be _______.
   a) casual
   b) detailed and organized
   c) written in bullet points
   d) very brief
6. What should follow the closing remark “Yours faithfully”?
   a) Date
   b) Address
   c) Signature
   d) Recipient’s name
7. Which of the following is NOT a feature of a formal letter?
   a) Salutation
   b) Subject line
   c) Closing remark
   d) Nicknames
8. The purpose of a formal letter is usually _______.
   a) personal
   b) official or business-related
   c) casual
   d) for entertainment
9. The language used in a formal letter should be _______.
   a) friendly
   b) formal and polite
   c) casual
   d) humorous
10. What is the primary purpose of the introduction in a formal letter?
    a) To greet the recipient
    b) To state the purpose of the letter
    c) To discuss unrelated topics
    d) To conclude the letter

Class Activity Discussion

1. Q: What is a formal letter?
   A: A formal letter is a type of letter used for official communication.
2. Q: What is the importance of the subject line in a formal letter?
   A: The subject line summarizes the purpose of the letter.
3. Q: How is the tone of a formal letter different from an informal letter?
   A: A formal letter has a polite and official tone, while an informal letter is more casual.
4. Q: What should be included in the body of a formal letter?
   A: The body should include an introduction, main content, and conclusion.
5. Q: Why is the closing remark important in a formal letter?
   A: It provides a polite conclusion to the letter.
6. Q: What salutation is commonly used in a formal letter?
   A: “Dear Sir/Madam” or the recipient’s name.
7. Q: Where do you place the date in a formal letter?
   A: Below the writer’s address.
8. Q: What follows the salutation in a formal letter?
   A: The subject line or the body of the letter.
9. Q: Why is it important to use formal language in a formal letter?
   A: It maintains professionalism and respect.
10. Q: What should be avoided in the language of a formal letter?
    A: Slang, casual language, and personal anecdotes.

Presentation

Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic, which was “Descriptive Writing: My Favourite Friend.”
Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic: “Formal Letter Writing: Writing a Formal Letter.”
Step 3: The teacher allows the pupils to discuss and identify the features of a formal letter by analyzing a sample.

Teacher’s Activities

• Explain the format and structure of a formal letter.
• Provide examples and guide pupils in writing their own formal letters.
• Encourage pupils to maintain a formal tone throughout their writing.

Learners’ Activities

• List the features of a formal letter.
• Analyze the sentence structure and style in a sample formal letter.
• Write a formal letter on a given topic.

Assessment

• Pupils will write a formal letter and submit it for grading, ensuring they follow the correct format and use appropriate language.

Evaluation Questions

1. What is a formal letter?
2. Where is the writer’s address placed in a formal letter?
3. What is the purpose of the subject line in a formal letter?
4. How is the body of a formal letter organized?
5. Why should formal language be used in a formal letter?
6. What is the function of the closing remark in a formal letter?
7. How does the tone of a formal letter differ from an informal letter?
8. What should be included in the introduction of a formal letter?
9. Why is it important to use a formal salutation in a formal letter?
10. What should be avoided when writing a formal letter?

Conclusion

• The teacher will review the pupils’ formal letters, provide feedback, and correct any mistakes.

More Useful Links

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• Mastering Formal and Informal Letters: Writing an Invitation Composition English Grammar Primary 5 First Term Lesson Notes Week 9
• First Term Examination Composition English Grammar Primary 5 First Term Lesson Notes Week 12