Writing an Informal Letter – Letter to a Friend About Inter-House Sports
Composition: Writing an Informal Letter – Letter to a Friend About Your School’s Inter-House Sports
JSS 2 Second Term Lesson Notes – Week 3
Lesson Details
- Subject: English Language
- Class: JSS 2
- Term: Second Term
- Week: 3
- Age: 11 – 13 years
- Topic: Composition – Writing an Informal Letter
- Sub-topic: Letter to a Friend About Your School’s Inter-House Sports
- Duration: 40 minutes
Behavioural Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Define an informal letter and state its purpose.
- Identify the features of an informal letter.
- Write an engaging informal letter to a friend about a school event.
- Use appropriate grammar, tone, and style in an informal letter.
- Organize thoughts clearly and logically in writing.
Keywords
- Informal letter – A letter written to friends, family, or close acquaintances.
- Salutation – A greeting at the beginning of a letter.
- Body – The main part of the letter that contains the message.
- Signature – The writer’s name at the end of the letter.
- Inter-house sports – A school sports event where students compete in different houses.
Set Induction (Entry Behaviour)
The teacher asks students about their experiences in the last inter-house sports competition. Students share their favorite moments. The teacher then introduces the topic by explaining that informal letters can be used to share such exciting events with friends.
Learning Resources and Materials
- Sample informal letters
- Whiteboard and markers
- Chart displaying the format of an informal letter
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge
Students have learned about informal letter writing in previous lessons. This lesson builds on that by making them apply their knowledge to a real-life situation—writing to a friend about a school sports event.
Embedded Core Skills
- Writing skills
- Communication skills
- Organizational skills
- Creativity
Lesson Content
Definition of an Informal Letter
An informal letter is a letter written to someone you have a personal relationship with, such as a friend or family member. It is usually written in a friendly and conversational tone.
Features of an Informal Letter
An informal letter has the following structure:
- Address – The sender’s address at the top right-hand side.
- Date – The date when the letter is written, written below the address.
- Salutation/Greeting – A friendly greeting (e.g., Dear Tolu,).
- Introduction – A short opening paragraph asking about the recipient’s well-being and introducing the letter’s topic.
- Body – The main content of the letter, explaining details about the inter-house sports competition.
- Conclusion – A summary of the letter and a farewell message.
- Closing and Signature – A warm closing phrase (e.g., Your friend, Amina) and the writer’s name.
Class Activity Discussion
10 FAQs with Answers
-
What is an informal letter?
- A letter written to a friend or family member in a personal and friendly tone.
-
How is an informal letter different from a formal letter?
- Informal letters are friendly and casual, while formal letters are official and professional.
-
What is the purpose of an informal letter?
- To communicate personal information, share experiences, or maintain relationships.
-
Where is the address written in an informal letter?
- At the top right-hand side of the letter.
-
What should the salutation in an informal letter look like?
- It can be Dear [Friend’s Name], e.g., Dear Tolu,
-
Can an informal letter have contractions (e.g., don’t, won’t)?
- Yes, because it is friendly and conversational.
-
Should slang be used in an informal letter?
- Only if it suits the tone of the letter and the recipient understands it.
-
What tense should be used when writing about a past event?
- The past tense should be used.
-
How do you end an informal letter?
- With a friendly closing like Your friend, Yours sincerely, or Best wishes, followed by the writer’s name.
-
Why should an informal letter be clear and engaging?
- So the reader enjoys reading it and understands the message easily.
Sample Informal Letter: Letter to a Friend About Your School’s Inter-House Sports
No. 5, Alhaji Street,
Ikeja, Lagos State.
15th February 2025.
Dear Tolu,
How are you doing? I hope you are in good health and that school is going well for you. I have so much to tell you about our recent inter-house sports competition, and I couldn’t wait to write to you!
Last Friday, our school held its annual inter-house sports event, and it was the most exciting one ever! There were four houses: Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow. I was in the Green House, and we competed in various sports, including football, sprint races, relay races, and high jump. The entire school field was decorated with banners, and parents, teachers, and students all came to watch and cheer.
The most thrilling moment was the 100-meter race. I ran for my house, and guess what? I came second! The crowd cheered so loudly, and I felt so proud of myself. The football match between Red House and Blue House was also very interesting. Red House won with a last-minute goal!
At the end of the event, Green House won the overall trophy, and we all celebrated joyfully. There was music, dancing, and even snacks for everyone. I really wish you had been there to experience the fun!
Please write back and tell me how things are going at your school. I hope to hear from you soon.
Your friend,
Amina
Evaluation (Assessment Questions)
Fill in the blank with the correct option (a, b, c, or d):
-
An informal letter is written to ___.
a) The president
b) A friend or relative
c) A company
d) A government official -
The sender’s address in an informal letter is written ___.
a) At the bottom
b) In the middle
c) At the top right-hand side
d) At the top left-hand side -
What greeting is appropriate for an informal letter?
a) Dear Sir/Madam
b) Dear Manager
c) Dear Friend
d) Yours faithfully -
The body of an informal letter contains ___.
a) The writer’s address only
b) The main message
c) The recipient’s address
d) The date -
Which of the following is an example of a friendly closing?
a) Yours faithfully
b) Best wishes
c) Sincerely yours
d) Respectfully -
What is the purpose of writing an informal letter?
a) To apply for a job
b) To communicate personally with a friend or family
c) To write a business proposal
d) To request permission from an official -
How should an informal letter be written?
a) In a friendly and conversational tone
b) In a strict and formal tone
c) Using only short sentences
d) Without proper punctuation -
What should NOT be included in an informal letter?
a) A greeting
b) The writer’s address
c) The recipient’s address
d) A closing remark
Conclusion
The teacher summarizes the lesson, highlights key points, and provides feedback on students’ letters.