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:
- List and describe the features of formal letters.
- Analyze the style and sentence structure used in formal letters.
- 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:
- Addresses: Writer’s address (top right) and recipient’s address (below, on the left).
- Date: Placed just below the writer’s address.
- Salutation: “Dear Sir/Madam” or the recipient’s name.
- Subject Line: A brief line summarizing the purpose of the letter.
- 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.
- Closing Remark: “Yours faithfully” or “Yours sincerely,” followed by the writer’s signature.
Example of a Formal Letter:
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Recipient’s Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear Sir/Madam,
Subject: Request for New Library Books
I am writing to request the addition of new books to our school library. The current collection is limited, and students would greatly benefit from more up-to-date resources.
Thank you for considering my request.
Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
Evaluation
- What is placed at the top right corner of a formal letter?
a) Salutation
b) Writer’s address
c) Date
d) Subject line - The recipient’s address is written on the ______ side of the letter.
a) top right
b) top left
c) bottom right
d) bottom left - The salutation in a formal letter is usually _______.
a) Hi
b) Hello
c) Dear Sir/Madam
d) Hey - The subject line in a formal letter should be _______.
a) long and detailed
b) brief and clear
c) at the end
d) omitted - The main body of a formal letter should be _______.
a) casual
b) detailed and organized
c) written in bullet points
d) very brief - What should follow the closing remark “Yours faithfully”?
a) Date
b) Address
c) Signature
d) Recipient’s name - Which of the following is NOT a feature of a formal letter?
a) Salutation
b) Subject line
c) Closing remark
d) Nicknames - The purpose of a formal letter is usually _______.
a) personal
b) official or business-related
c) casual
d) for entertainment - The language used in a formal letter should be _______.
a) friendly
b) formal and polite
c) casual
d) humorous - 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
- Q: What is a formal letter?
A: A formal letter is a type of letter used for official communication. - Q: What is the importance of the subject line in a formal letter?
A: The subject line summarizes the purpose of the letter. - 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. - Q: What should be included in the body of a formal letter?
A: The body should include an introduction, main content, and conclusion. - Q: Why is the closing remark important in a formal letter?
A: It provides a polite conclusion to the letter. - Q: What salutation is commonly used in a formal letter?
A: “Dear Sir/Madam” or the recipient’s name. - Q: Where do you place the date in a formal letter?
A: Below the writer’s address. - Q: What follows the salutation in a formal letter?
A: The subject line or the body of the letter. - Q: Why is it important to use formal language in a formal letter?
A: It maintains professionalism and respect. - 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
- What is a formal letter?
- Where is the writer’s address placed in a formal letter?
- What is the purpose of the subject line in a formal letter?
- How is the body of a formal letter organized?
- Why should formal language be used in a formal letter?
- What is the function of the closing remark in a formal letter?
- How does the tone of a formal letter differ from an informal letter?
- What should be included in the introduction of a formal letter?
- Why is it important to use a formal salutation in a formal letter?
- What should be avoided when writing a formal letter?
Conclusion
- The teacher will review the pupils’ formal letters, provide feedback, and correct any mistakes.
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