Mastering Formal and Informal Letters

Composition English Grammar JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 5

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Subject: English Grammar
Class: JSS 2
Term: First Term
Week: 5
Age: 12–14 years
Topic: Revisit the Format of an Informal and Formal Letter
Sub-topic: Writing Formal and Informal Letters
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives

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

1. Identify the differences between formal and informal letters.
2. Write a well-structured formal letter following the correct format.
3. Write an appropriate informal letter using the correct format.
4. Use the appropriate tone and language for each type of letter.

Keywords

• Formal letter: A letter written for professional or official purposes.
• Informal letter: A personal letter written to friends or family.
• Salutation: The greeting used at the start of a letter.
• Closing: The way a letter is concluded or ended.

Set Induction

The teacher will start by asking students to recall instances when they had to write a letter and to whom it was addressed. This will lead to a discussion about the differences between formal and informal letters.

Entry Behaviour

Students have written letters before and are familiar with the basic structure of a letter.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Sample formal and informal letters
• Whiteboard and markers
• Charts showing the structure of both formal and informal letters

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students have previously been introduced to letter writing. This lesson will build on their understanding by reinforcing the format and style of both informal and formal letters.

Embedded Core Skills

• Communication: Understanding how to write clearly and effectively in formal and informal contexts.
• Cultural Awareness: Recognizing the appropriate way to communicate based on the audience and purpose.

Reference Books

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• English Language Textbook for JSS 2

Instructional Materials

• Sample letters (formal and informal)
• Diagrams of letter formats

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Content

1. Format of an Informal Letter

Features of an Informal Letter:

• Sender’s Address: This is written at the top right-hand corner of the letter.
• Date: The date the letter is written is placed just below the sender’s address.
• Salutation: An informal greeting such as “Dear [Name],” or “Hi [Name],”.
• Body of the Letter: This is where the main message of the letter is written. It can be personal, friendly, and conversational.
• Closing: End with a warm, informal closing such as “Yours sincerely,” “Best regards,” or “Love,” followed by the writer’s name.

Example of an Informal Letter:
Sender’s Address
34, Kings Street,
Lagos.
5th September, 2024.

Salutation
Dear Tola,

Body
I hope this letter finds you in good health. I am writing to tell you about my new school and how much I am enjoying it here. The teachers are very friendly, and I have made new friends who make each day exciting.

I can’t wait to visit you during the next holiday so we can catch up on everything. Let me know how you are doing, and say hello to your family for me.

Closing
Yours sincerely,
Amaka.

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2. Format of a Formal Letter

Features of a Formal Letter:

• Sender’s Address: The address of the person sending the letter, written at the top right-hand corner.
• Date: The date is written just below the sender’s address.
• Receiver’s Address: The address of the person receiving the letter, written on the left-hand side below the date.
• Salutation: A formal greeting such as “Dear Sir/Madam,” or “Dear Mr./Mrs. [Name],”.
• Title of the Letter: A brief subject line stating the purpose of the letter.
• Body of the Letter: The message should be clear, concise, and professional.
• Closing: End with a formal closing such as “Yours faithfully,” or “Yours sincerely,” followed by the writer’s name.

Example of a Formal Letter:
Sender’s Address
34, Kings Street,
Lagos.
5th September, 2024.

Receiver’s Address
The Manager,
XYZ Company,
Victoria Island,
Lagos.

Salutation
Dear Sir/Madam,

Title
Application for the Post of a Clerk

Body
I am writing to apply for the position of a clerk as advertised in the Daily Times newspaper on the 1st of September, 2024. I am a hardworking individual with experience in office management and clerical duties. I have attached my CV and would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further in an interview.

I look forward to your response.

Closing
Yours faithfully,
Amaka Johnson.

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Evaluation

1. The sender’s address in a formal letter is written at the ______.
   a) Left-hand corner
   b) Right-hand corner
   c) Bottom of the page
   d) Middle of the page
2. The salutation of a formal letter usually starts with ______.
   a) Hi
   b) Dear Sir/Madam
   c) Hey
   d) Hello
3. The closing of an informal letter can be ______.
   a) Yours faithfully
   b) Yours sincerely
   c) Best regards
   d) Respectfully
4. In an informal letter, the tone is usually ______.
   a) Casual
   b) Formal
   c) Angry
   d) Strict
5. The body of a formal letter should be ______.
   a) Long and detailed
   b) Clear and concise
   c) Short and personal
   d) Informal
6. The subject line in a formal letter is meant to ______.
   a) Give a greeting
   b) State the purpose of the letter
   c) Ask for a favor
   d) Express feelings
7. An informal letter is usually written to ______.
   a) Friends and family
   b) The manager
   c) A teacher
   d) The president
8. The closing of a formal letter can be ______.
   a) Yours sincerely
   b) Yours obediently
   c) Love
   d) Take care
9. The date in a letter is usually written ______ the sender’s address.
   a) Below
   b) Above
   c) Beside
   d) Next to
10. In a formal letter, the receiver’s address is written ______.
    a) Below the salutation
    b) Below the sender’s address
    c) At the top right corner
    d) After the date

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Class Activity Discussion

1. What is a formal letter?
   A letter written for professional or official purposes.
2. What is an informal letter?
   A personal letter written to friends or family.
3. Where is the sender’s address in a formal letter?
   At the top right-hand corner.
4. How do you close a formal letter?
   With “Yours faithfully” or “Yours sincerely.”
5. What should you include in the body of a formal letter?
   Clear, concise information related to the purpose of the letter.
6. What tone is used in an informal letter?
   A casual and friendly tone.
7. What is the purpose of a subject line in a formal letter?
   To briefly state the purpose of the letter.
8. Can you use informal language in a formal letter?
   No, the language should be formal and professional.
9. To whom would you write an informal letter?
   Friends, family, or close acquaintances.
10. Is the salutation “Dear Sir” appropriate for a formal letter?
    Yes, it is a formal salutation.

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Presentation (Steps 1-3)

Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic on letter writing.
Step 2: The teacher introduces the formats of formal and informal letters, highlighting their differences.
Step 3: The teacher asks students to write both an informal letter to a friend and a formal letter to a school principal or employer.

Teacher’s Activities

• Explain the structure of formal and informal letters.
• Show examples of each type of letter.
• Guide students as they write their own letters.

Learners’ Activities

• Listen and take notes.
• Write an informal letter to a friend.
• Write a formal letter to a principal or manager.

Assessment

Students will write both an informal and a formal letter, ensuring they follow the correct format and tone.

Ten Evaluation Questions

1. What is the difference between a formal and informal letter?
2. Where is the sender’s address placed in both types of letters?
3. What is the correct salutation for a formal letter?
4. What kind of tone is used in an informal letter?
5. Why is the subject line important in a formal letter?
6. Can you use a casual tone in a formal letter? Why or why not?
7. How should you close a formal letter?
8. What information should be included in the body of a formal letter?
9. To whom can you write an informal letter?
10. What are the key features of an informal letter?

Conclusion

The teacher will collect the letters, mark them, and provide feedback, helping students improve their letter writing skills.

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