Features of an Informal Letter Composition English Grammar JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 9

Subject: English Grammar

Class: JSS 1

Term: First Term

Week: 9

Topic: Composition

Sub-topic: Features of an Informal Letter

Duration: 40 minutes

Age: 12–13 years

Behavioural Objectives:

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

1. Define an informal letter.
2. Identify the key features of an informal letter.
3. Write a simple informal letter using the correct format.

Keywords:

• Informal letter
• Address
• Salutation
• Body
• Conclusion

Set Induction:

Begin by asking students if they have ever written a letter to a friend or family member. Discuss how an informal letter is different from a formal letter.

Entry Behaviour:

Students should have basic writing skills and an understanding of the difference between formal and informal situations.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Whiteboard and markers
• Example of an informal letter

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Students are familiar with personal communication through text messages or social media and can relate to writing informal letters.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Writing skills
• Communication
• Critical thinking

Learning Materials:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Sample informal letter

Instructional Materials:

• Whiteboard
• Example of informal letters

Content:

Features of an Informal Letter:

1. Sender’s Address: The sender’s address is written at the top right corner of the letter.
   • Example: 14, Olanipekun Street, Surulere, Lagos.
2. Date: The date follows immediately after the sender’s address.
   • Example: 10th September, 2024.
3. Salutation: This is the greeting used in an informal letter. You can use “Dear” followed by the recipient’s name.
   • Example: Dear Tolu,
4. Introduction: The letter starts with a friendly introduction. This is where the writer asks about the well-being of the recipient or states the reason for writing.
   • Example: How are you? I hope you’re doing well.
5. Body of the Letter: The main content or message. This is where the writer explains the reason for writing. It can be casual, personal, and conversational.
   • Example: I wanted to let you know that I will be visiting you next month during the holidays. I can’t wait to see you and spend time together.
6. Conclusion: The conclusion sums up the letter and can include a wish, a plan to meet, or anything else that feels appropriate.
   • Example: I look forward to seeing you soon. Take care!
7. Closing/Sign-off: This is the farewell or goodbye statement, followed by the sender’s name.
   • Example: Yours sincerely,
     Chidinma.

Example of an Informal Letter:

14, Olanipekun Street, Surulere, Lagos.
10th September, 2024.

Dear Tolu,

How are you? I hope you’re doing well. It’s been a while since we last spoke, and I wanted to share some good news with you. I recently started learning how to bake, and it’s been so much fun! I can’t wait to bake a cake for you when we meet next month during the holidays.

I heard you started swimming classes. How’s that going? I can’t wait to hear all about it when we catch up. It will be great to hang out together like old times. Please write back and let me know how things are going on your end.

I look forward to seeing you soon. Take care!

Yours sincerely,
Chidinma.

Evaluation:

15 Fill-in-the-blank Questions with Options (Evaluation):

1. The sender’s address in an informal letter is written at the ___ corner.
   a. Left
   b. Right
   c. Bottom
   d. Middle
2. The date comes immediately after the ___.
   a. Body
   b. Salutation
   c. Sender’s address
   d. Conclusion
3. The greeting in an informal letter is called the ___.
   a. Salutation
   b. Address
   c. Body
   d. Signature
4. The main part of the letter where the message is written is called the ___.
   a. Introduction
   b. Conclusion
   c. Salutation
   d. Body
5. An informal letter is often written to ___.
   a. Your boss
   b. A family member
   c. The principal
   d. A company
6. The letter ends with a ___ or sign-off.
   a. Date
   b. Signature
   c. Greeting
   d. Closing
7. The farewell phrase often used in an informal letter is ___.
   a. Yours sincerely
   b. Yours faithfully
   c. Yours truly
   d. Dear
8. The letter starts with a friendly ___.
   a. Conclusion
   b. Introduction
   c. Signature
   d. Salutation
9. The body of an informal letter is often ___.
   a. Formal and brief
   b. Detailed and conversational
   c. Written in points
   d. Very short
10. The main difference between an informal letter and a formal letter is ___.
    a. The language used
    b. The length of the letter
    c. The use of “Dear”
    d. The format
11. The phrase “Take care” is often used in the ___ of an informal letter.
    a. Salutation
    b. Conclusion
    c. Address
    d. Body
12. The sender’s address is usually written on the ___.
    a. Left corner
    b. Right corner
    c. Bottom left
    d. Bottom right
13. “How are you?” is an example of a(n) ___.
    a. Salutation
    b. Address
    c. Introduction
    d. Conclusion
14. “Yours sincerely” is an example of a ___.
    a. Salutation
    b. Closing
    c. Introduction
    d. Body
15. The part of the letter that tells who wrote it is called the ___.
    a. Body
    b. Conclusion
    c. Salutation
    d. Signature

Class Activity Discussion (15 FAQs with Answers):

1. What is an informal letter?
   An informal letter is a personal letter written to friends or family members.
2. Who can you write an informal letter to?
   You can write an informal letter to friends, family members, or close acquaintances.
3. What should be included in the introduction of an informal letter?
   The introduction should include a greeting and ask about the recipient’s well-being.
4. Where is the date written in an informal letter?
   The date is written below the sender’s address on the right-hand side.
5. How is an informal letter different from a formal letter?
   An informal letter is casual and personal, while a formal letter is professional.
6. What is the body of an informal letter?
   The body is the main part of the letter where the writer expresses their message.
7. What does ‘Yours sincerely’ mean in an informal letter?
   It’s a polite way of signing off or ending the letter.
8. Where is the recipient’s address written?
   The recipient’s address is not written in informal letters.
9. How do you start an informal letter?
   Start with a greeting like “Dear” followed by the recipient’s name.
10. What is a salutation in an informal letter?
    The salutation is the greeting at the beginning of the letter, like “Dear.”
11. Why do we write informal letters?
    We write informal letters to communicate with friends and family in a personal way.
12. Can an informal letter be written in any tone?
    Yes, informal letters can be written in a friendly, casual tone.
13. What are examples of sign-offs in informal letters?
    Examples include “Yours sincerely,” “Take care,” or “Best regards.”
14. Do informal letters need to be long?
    No, informal letters can be short or long depending on the message.
15. How should the letter end?
    The letter should end with a closing statement and the writer’s signature.

Presentation:

1. Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic on letter writing.
   • Teacher’s Activities: Review what students know about letters.
   • Learners’ Activities: Recall prior knowledge.
2. Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic on features of informal letters.
   • Teacher’s Activities: Explain and show examples of informal letters.
   • Learners’ Activities: Follow along with the teacher.
3. Step 3: The teacher allows students to draft their own informal letters.
   • Teacher’s Activities: Assist students as they practice.
   • Learners’ Activities: Write their letters and share with the class.

Teacher’s Activities:

• Provide a sample of an informal letter.
• Guide students through identifying features.
• Help students in writing their own letters.

Learners’ Activities:

• Identify the features of an informal letter.
• Write an informal letter to a friend or family member.

Evaluation:

10 Short Answer Questions (Evaluation Questions):

1. What is an informal letter?
2. Where is the sender’s address written?
3. What is the salutation used in an informal letter?
4. What comes after the sender’s address?
5. Who do we write informal letters to?
6. What is the body of the letter?
7. How does an informal letter end?
8. Give an example of a closing phrase.
9. Why is the body of an informal letter conversational?
10. What should be included in the conclusion of an informal letter?

Conclusion:

The teacher goes around to mark students’ work and give feedback on their letters.

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Understanding the Features of an Informal Letter

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Discover the key features of an informal letter in this detailed lesson for JSS 1 students. Learn how to write a personal letter with ease.