Introduction to Letter Writing Composition English Grammar JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 8

Subject: English Grammar

Class: JSS 1

Term: First Term

Week: 8

Topic: Composition – Introduction to Letter Writing

Sub-topic: Types of Letters

Duration:

40 minutes

Age:

12–13 years

Behavioral Objectives:

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

  1. Understand the basic format and components of letter writing.
  2. Identify and write different types of letters.
  3. Practice writing formal and informal letters.

Keywords:

  • Letter writing
  • Formal letter
  • Informal letter
  • Salutation
  • Closing

Set Induction:

Discuss with students the importance of letter writing in everyday communication. Ask if they have ever written or received a letter and share their experiences.

Entry Behavior:

Students should have basic writing skills and understand the purpose of different types of letters.

Learning Resources and Materials:

  • Sample letters (formal and informal)
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Letter writing format chart

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Students have previously learned about different forms of communication. This lesson will connect those skills to practical letter writing.

Embedded Core Skills:

  • Writing skills
  • Organizational skills
  • Understanding letter formats

Learning Materials:

  • Lagos State Scheme of Work
  • Sample letters
  • Letter writing format chart

Instructional Materials:

  • Sample letters
  • Whiteboard
  • Markers

Content:

Introduction to Letter Writing:

Letter writing is a way to communicate with others using written words. Letters can be formal or informal, depending on the recipient and the purpose of the communication.

Basic Components of a Letter:

  1. Sender’s Address: The address of the person writing the letter.
  2. Date: The date when the letter is written.
  3. Recipient’s Address: The address of the person receiving the letter.
  4. Salutation/Greeting: A polite way to address the recipient.
  5. Body: The main content of the letter.
  6. Closing: A polite way to end the letter.
  7. Signature: The name of the person writing the letter.

Types of Letters:

  1. Formal Letters: Written for professional or official purposes. Example: job applications, complaints.
  2. Informal Letters: Written to friends or family. Example: personal invitations, thank you notes.

Sample Letters:

  1. Formal Letter:

    Sender’s Address:
    123 Main Street
    Lagos, Nigeria

    Date:
    9th September 2024

    Recipient’s Address:
    Mr. John Doe
    Manager, XYZ Company
    456 Elm Street
    Lagos, Nigeria

    Salutation:
    Dear Mr. Doe,

    Body:
    I am writing to apply for the position of Administrative Assistant as advertised on your company’s website. I have enclosed my resume for your review. I believe my skills and experience make me a suitable candidate for this role.

    Closing:
    Yours sincerely,
    Jane Smith

    Signature:
    Jane Smith

  2. Informal Letter:

    Sender’s Address:
    123 Main Street
    Lagos, Nigeria

    Date:
    9th September 2024

    Recipient’s Address:
    Tolu Johnson
    789 Oak Street
    Lagos, Nigeria

    Salutation:
    Dear Tolu,

    Body:
    I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to thank you for the wonderful gift you sent me. It was very thoughtful, and I appreciate it greatly. Let’s plan to meet up soon.

    Closing:
    Best wishes,
    Amina

    Signature:
    Amina

Presentation:

  1. Step 1: Review the previous topic on writing techniques.
    • Teacher’s Activities: Recap key points about writing styles and formats.
    • Learners’ Activities: Recall different types of writing they have learned.
  2. Step 2: Introduce letter writing and its types.
    • Teacher’s Activities: Explain the format and purpose of formal and informal letters.
    • Learners’ Activities: Take notes and ask questions.
  3. Step 3: Practice writing sample letters.
    • Teacher’s Activities: Guide students through writing their own formal and informal letters.
    • Learners’ Activities: Write letters based on given prompts.

Teacher’s Activities:

  • Introduce the concept of letter writing.
  • Explain the components of a letter and its types.
  • Provide and review sample letters.
  • Supervise students as they write their letters.

Learners’ Activities:

  • Discuss the importance of letter writing.
  • Take notes on letter formats.
  • Write and share their own letters based on given examples.

Assessment:

  1. Evaluation:
    • Write a formal letter applying for a school club position.
    • Write an informal letter to a friend inviting them to a birthday party.
    • Identify the key components of a letter in a sample provided.
  2. Class Activity Discussion:
    • What are the main differences between formal and informal letters?
    • How do you format a formal letter?
    • Why is it important to include the recipient’s address?
  3. Evaluation Questions:
    • What is the purpose of the salutation in a letter?
    • How should you end a formal letter?
    • What information should be included in the sender’s address?
    • How does an informal letter differ from a formal letter?
    • What is the function of the letter body?
    • Why is the recipient’s address important?
    • How do you write a closing for an informal letter?
    • What details should be included in the date section?
    • How can you make a formal letter more effective?
    • Describe the steps to write an informal letter.

Conclusion:

The teacher will review the key points of letter writing and ensure that students understand how to write both formal and informal letters. Students will be assessed based on their ability to apply the letter writing format to their written work. The teacher will provide feedback and address any questions.

More Useful Links

“Explore letter writing basics with sample formal and informal letters. Learn key formats and practices.”