Writing a Semi-Formal Letter: Communicating Absences Effectively English Grammar JSS 3

Composition Lesson Notes: Semi-Formal Letter

Subject: English Language
Class: JSS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 6
Age: Approximately 14-15 years

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Topic: Semi-Formal Letter
Sub-topic: A Letter to Your Class Teacher on Your Absence from School
Duration: 2 periods (80 minutes)

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

1. Identify the features of a semi-formal letter.
2. Write a semi-formal letter addressing their teacher about an absence.
3. Use appropriate language and structure for semi-formal correspondence.

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Key Words:

• Semi-formal letter
• Salutation
• Body
• Complimentary close
• Address

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Set Induction:
The teacher will ask students if they have ever missed school and how they communicated their absence, leading to a discussion about writing letters.

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Entry Behaviour:
Students should have a basic understanding of letter writing and the difference between formal, semi-formal, and informal letters.

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Learning Materials:

• Whiteboard and markers
• Handouts with examples of semi-formal letters
• Sample letter templates

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Instructional Materials:

• Examples of letters to demonstrate features
• Graphic organizers for planning the letter

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Building Background / Connection to Prior Knowledge:
Students will discuss previous experiences of communicating absences and how it feels to miss school, linking it to writing a letter.

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Embedded Core Skills:

• Writing
• Communication
• Critical thinking

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Content

Features of a Semi-Formal Letter

• Definition: Semi-formal letters are written to people you know but are not very familiar with, like teachers, older friends, or relatives.
• Structure:
  1. Writer’s Address and Date: At the top right corner of the letter.
  2. Salutation:
     • Examples: “Dear Teacher,” “Dear Mr. Smith,” “Dear Auntie Mary.”
  3. Body: The content of the letter, divided into clear paragraphs.
     • Opening Paragraph: Greetings and pleasantries.
     • Main Body: Explanation of the topic (e.g., absence from school).
     • Concluding Paragraph: Good wishes or prayers for the recipient.
  4. Ending:
     • Use “Yours sincerely,” followed by your first name.

Example of a Semi-Formal Letter

[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]

Dear Teacher,

I hope you are well. I am writing to explain my absence from school last week. Unfortunately, I was feeling very ill and unable to attend classes. I have attached a note from my parents explaining the situation.

I understand the importance of keeping up with my studies, and I assure you that I will make up all the work I missed as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

I hope to be back in school soon and look forward to your guidance.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]

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Evaluation

1. Identify the features of a semi-formal letter.
   • Answer: Writer’s address, date, salutation, body, complimentary close.
2. Write a semi-formal letter to your teacher explaining your absence.
   • Example: Use the structure provided above.
3. Complete the letter using appropriate language:
   • Dear Teacher,
     I hope you are doing well. I am sorry for my absence from school last week because ____. I will make sure to catch up on my work.
     Yours sincerely,
     [Your Name]

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Weekend Assignment

Write a letter to your class teacher explaining your absence from school. Use the structure of a semi-formal letter as discussed.

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Conclusion

The teacher will summarize the key points of the lesson and encourage students to practice writing letters for various situations.

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