Writing Formal Letters Composition English Grammar Primary 6 First Term Lesson Notes Week 10

Subject: English Language
Class: Primary 6
Term: First Term
Week: 10
Age: 10-11 years
Topic: Composition
Sub-topic: Writing Formal Letters
Duration: 45 minutes

Behavioral Objectives

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

1. Identify the key features of a formal letter.
2. Write formal letters using the listed features.
3. Compose various types of formal letters for different situations.

Keywords

• Heading
• Address
• Salutation
• Body
• Closing
• Signature

Set Induction

Begin with a discussion on different types of letters (e.g., personal vs. formal) and their purposes. Show examples of formal letters to illustrate their structure and use.

Entry Behavior

Pupils should have a basic understanding of letter writing and be able to distinguish between informal and formal letter formats.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Examples of formal letters
• Whiteboard and markers
• Paper for letter writing
• Envelopes (optional)

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Discuss the importance of formal letters in various situations, such as applying for a job, requesting information, or making formal complaints. Connect these scenarios to real-life applications.

Embedded Core Skills

• Writing and formatting
• Understanding formal language and tone
• Communication skills

Learning Materials

• Sample formal letters
• Writing templates

Reference Books

• English Language Textbooks
• Letter Writing Guides

Instructional Materials

• Copies of letter samples
• Writing materials (paper, pens)

Content

Features of a Formal Letter:

1. Heading: Includes the sender’s address and the date.
2. Address: The recipient’s address.
3. Salutation: A formal greeting (e.g., “Dear Mr. Smith”).
4. Body: The main content of the letter.
5. Closing: A formal sign-off (e.g., “Sincerely”).
6. Signature: The writer’s name and signature.

Examples of Formal Letters:

1. Application Letter: For a job or school application.
2. Complaint Letter: Addressing a problem with a service or product.
3. Request Letter: Asking for information or a favor.

Activity Steps

1. Introduction: Explain the features of a formal letter and their purposes.
2. Sample Review: Analyze sample formal letters to identify the features.
3. Guided Practice: Have pupils draft a formal letter using a provided template, including all the features.
4. Independent Practice: Ask pupils to write a formal letter on a given topic, such as applying for a library card or requesting a school record.
5. Peer Review: Pair pupils to exchange letters and provide feedback.

Teacher’s Activities

• Introduce and explain the features of a formal letter.
• Provide examples and templates.
• Guide pupils through the writing process.
• Review and correct pupils’ letters.

Learners’ Activities

• Identify the features of a formal letter in examples.
• Write their own formal letters based on given topics.
• Participate in peer review and provide feedback.

Assessment

• Evaluate pupils’ letters for correct formatting and inclusion of all features.
• Check their ability to use appropriate formal language and tone.

10 Questions for Practice:

1. What should be included in the heading of a formal letter?
2. How do you address the recipient in a formal letter?
3. What is the purpose of the salutation in a formal letter?
4. What goes in the body of a formal letter?
5. How should you close a formal letter?
6. What should you include in your signature?
7. How can a formal letter be used to apply for a job?
8. What is the importance of using formal language in a letter?
9. How do you format the recipient’s address in a formal letter?
10. Can you provide an example of a formal closing phrase?

Conclusion

Summarize the lesson by highlighting the importance of using the correct format and language in formal letters. Encourage pupils to practice writing formal letters for various scenarios to build their skills.