Formal and Informal Letter Writing - Structure and Introduction

Download the Lessonotes Mobile Liberia app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.

Subject: English Grammer

Semester: 2

Period: 6

Week: 31

---

School Name:
Teacher’s Name:
Subject: English Grammar
Grade Level: Grade 11
Period: VI
Week & Period: Week 31, Period VI

Topic: Informal and Formal Letter Writing – Structure and Introduction

Specific Objectives:
By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:

1. Identify and distinguish between formal and informal letter formats.
2. Label and explain the five essential parts of a formal and informal letter.
3. Begin composing simple formal and informal letters.

 

A – Anticipation (Engage Learners):

Starter Questions:

• Have you ever written a letter to a friend or a teacher? What was different about each one?
• Why do some letters follow a specific format while others are more relaxed?

Activity:

• Distribute two printed sample letters: one formal and one informal.
• In pairs, students underline differences in tone, language, and structure.

 

B – Building Knowledge (Core Content):

1. The Five Parts of a Letter:

• Heading – includes sender’s address and date.
• Greeting/Salutation – Dear Sir/Madam vs. Dear John.
• Body – Main message; informal is conversational, formal is structured.
• Closing – Yours faithfully/sincerely vs. Best wishes, Yours lovingly.
• Signature – Your name or official designation.

2. Differences Between Formal and Informal Letters:

Feature	Formal Letter	Informal Letter
Purpose	Official, work, school, business	Personal messages
Tone	Polite, professional	Friendly, relaxed
Salutation	Dear Sir/Madam	Dear [Friend’s name]
Closing	Yours sincerely / faithfully	Yours truly / Your friend
Example Use	Application, complaint, request	Invitation, catching up, sharing news

3. Writing Guidelines:

• Avoid contractions (e.g., don’t) in formal letters.
• Always address the purpose in the first paragraph.

 

C – Consolidation (Application and Reflection):

Class Activity:

• Students are given two scenarios:

1. Write a letter to your school principal requesting permission to organize a debate.
2. Write a letter to your cousin inviting them to your birthday.

• Identify if it is formal or informal and write the introduction and salutation parts only.

Assignment:

• Complete the two letters introduced in class:
• A full formal letter to the school principal (minimum 150 words).
• A full informal letter to a cousin or friend (minimum 150 words).
• Highlight the five parts in each letter with different colors.

Teacher’s Reflection:

• Were learners able to distinguish between formal and informal structures?
• Did students apply the five parts in their practice correctly?
• Who needs extra support in organizing letter format?