Formal Letter Writing Composition English Grammar JSS 1 Second Term Lesson Notes Week 1 and 2

Lesson Notes: Composition – English Grammar JSS 1 Second Term (Week 1)

Captivating Title:

Mastering Formal Letter Writing: Seeking Permission to Be Absent

Focus Keyphrase:

Formal letter writing in English

SEO Title:

Formal Letter Writing

: Features and Writing a Letter of Permission

Slug:

formal-letter-writing-permission-jss1

Meta Description:

Learn the features of formal letter writing and how to write a letter of permission to your school principal. Simplified and engaging for JSS 1 students.

Lesson Plan

Subject:

English Grammar

Class:

JSS 1

Term:

Second Term

Week:

1

Age:

10-12 years

Topic:

Formal Letter Writing

Sub-topic:

Features of a Formal Letter: Writing a Letter of Permission to Be Absent

Duration:

40 minutes

Behavioral Objectives:

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

1. Identify the features of a formal letter.
2. Explain the purpose of a formal letter.
3. Write a formal letter to the principal requesting permission to be absent.

Keywords:

Formal letter, permission, address, salutation, subject, closing

Set Induction:

The teacher will ask students if they have ever needed permission to miss school and how they communicated this to their principal or teacher.

Entry Behavior:

Students are familiar with writing informal letters.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Sample formal letter
• Whiteboard and marker
• Chart showing parts of a formal letter

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

The teacher connects the lesson to informal letter writing, explaining the difference between informal and formal letters.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Communication
• Writing skills
• Critical thinking

Learning Materials:

1. Sample formal letters
2. Lagos State Scheme of Work

Reference Books:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for JSS 1
• English Grammar textbooks

Instructional Materials:

• Board illustrations
• Chart with labeled formal letter parts

Content

Features of a Formal Letter

1. Writer’s Address: Placed at the top right corner of the letter.
2. Date: Written directly under the writer’s address.
3. Recipient’s Address: Placed at the top left corner, below the date.
4. Salutation: “Dear Sir/Madam” is commonly used.
5. Subject Heading: A short title stating the purpose of the letter.
6. Introduction: The opening paragraph states the purpose of the letter.
7. Body: This section provides detailed information about the subject.
8. Conclusion: Summarizes the request and expresses gratitude.
9. Closing Remark: “Yours faithfully” or “Yours sincerely.”
10. Signature and Name: Writer signs their name and writes it in full.

Example Letter

[Writer’s Address]
123 Main Street,
Ikeja, Lagos.

[Date]
28th December 2024.

[Recipient’s Address]
The Principal,
Model High School,
Ikeja, Lagos.

[Salutation]
Dear Sir/Madam,

Subject: Request for Permission to Be Absent

I am writing to seek your permission to be absent from school from January 2 to January 4, 2024, due to a family engagement. My family will be traveling, and I am required to attend.

I assure you that I will cover all the lessons missed during this period and submit any assignments given.

Thank you for your understanding.

[Closing]
Yours faithfully,
(Signature)
John Doe

Evaluation Questions

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions (with options)

1. The writer’s address is written at the ____ corner. (a) bottom left (b) top right (c) middle (d) top left
2. The salutation in a formal letter is usually _____. (a) Dear Friend (b) Hello (c) Dear Sir/Madam (d) Yours sincerely
3. The subject heading is written _____. (a) at the bottom (b) above the salutation (c) after the conclusion (d) below the writer’s address
4. In a formal letter, “Yours faithfully” is an example of _____. (a) a salutation (b) a closing remark (c) a subject heading (d) an address
5. The date is written directly under the _____. (a) recipient’s address (b) salutation (c) writer’s address (d) conclusion
6. A formal letter is written for ____ purposes. (a) official (b) casual (c) humorous (d) fictional
7. The purpose of a formal letter is stated in the _____. (a) writer’s address (b) body (c) introduction (d) signature
8. The recipient’s address is written on the ____ corner. (a) top right (b) bottom right (c) top left (d) middle
9. The signature of the writer is placed _____. (a) at the top (b) below the closing remark (c) after the salutation (d) at the bottom left
10. The subject of the letter is also known as the _____. (a) heading (b) salutation (c) conclusion (d) signature
11. “Dear Sir/Madam” is an example of _____. (a) a subject (b) a salutation (c) a closing remark (d) an address
12. The concluding part of the letter often includes _____. (a) a greeting (b) a request (c) gratitude (d) an explanation
13. The introduction of a formal letter is found in the _____. (a) body (b) opening paragraph (c) conclusion (d) signature
14. A formal letter must include the ____ of the sender. (a) title (b) phone number (c) address (d) hobbies
15. The closing phrase “Yours sincerely” is used when _____. (a) you know the recipient’s name (b) the letter is personal (c) it is a complaint letter (d) the recipient is unknown

FAQs (with answers)

1. What is a formal letter?
   A formal letter is a letter written for official purposes.
2. What is the difference between formal and informal letters?
   Formal letters are official, while informal letters are personal.
3. What should a formal letter include?
   It includes addresses, date, salutation, subject, body, and closing.
4. Where is the writer’s address written?
   At the top right corner.
5. What is the purpose of a subject heading?
   It gives the main purpose of the letter.
6. How do you close a formal letter?
   By using “Yours faithfully” or “Yours sincerely.”
7. What is the importance of the date in a formal letter?
   It shows when the letter was written.
8. What is the role of the introduction in a formal letter?
   It states the purpose of the letter.
9. Why is the recipient’s address included?
   To identify the person or organization receiving the letter.
10. How many paragraphs does a typical formal letter have?
    Usually 3 (introduction, body, conclusion).
11. What is the salutation in a formal letter?
    A polite greeting like “Dear Sir/Madam.”
12. What is a closing remark?
    A polite phrase used before the signature.
13. Why is a formal letter important?
    It helps to communicate in official settings.
14. What should not be included in a formal letter?
    Slang or informal language.
15. What is the difference between “Yours faithfully” and “Yours sincerely”?
    “Yours faithfully” is for unknown recipients; “Yours sincerely” is for known recipients.

Presentation Steps

1. Step 1: Revision of the Previous Topic
   The teacher will review informal letter writing.
2. Step 2: Introduction of the New Topic
   The teacher explains the features and purpose of a formal letter.
3. Step 3: Student Contributions and Corrections
   Students identify features in a sample formal letter, and corrections are discussed.

Teacher’s Activities

• Explain the features of a formal letter.
• Display examples on the board.
• Guide students in writing a letter of permission.

Learners’ Activities

• Identify parts of a sample letter.
• Write their own letter of permission.

Assessment

Students will write a formal letter seeking permission for absence, using the format discussed.

Conclusion

The teacher will review key points and provide feedback on students’ written letters.