Composition Writing - Letters of Application

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Subject: English

Semester: 2

Period: 5

Week: 27

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School Name:
Teacher’s Name:
Subject: English Language
Grade Level: Grade 8
Date:
Lesson Duration: 45 minutes
Week & Period: Week 27, Period 5
Topic: Composition Writing – Letters of Application
Sub-topic: Meaning, purpose, structure, tone, and guided practice in writing letters of application
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Explain the meaning and purpose of a letter of application.
2. Identify and describe the correct structure of a letter of application.
3. Use formal language and appropriate tone in writing letters of application.
4. Write a sample letter of application using guided practice.

Previous Knowledge
Students already know:
• Informal and formal letter writing.
• Basic rules of composition writing.
Instructional Materials
• Textbook: English Language textbooks for Grade 8
• Teaching aids: Sample letter of application (on chart/board), projector/printouts, sentence starters
• Students’ notebooks and writing materials
Lesson Development – ABC Model
A – Anticipation (Warm-up / Starter)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Activity: The teacher will ask the class:
• What kind of letter would you write if you wanted to apply for a job or a scholarship?
• Why do you think the way you write such a letter is important?
The teacher will record their responses on the board.
Teacher’s Role: Guide a short brainstorming session and correct misconceptions.
Learner’s Role:
• Share their prior knowledge about formal letters.
• Respond verbally and participate in warm-up discussion.

B – Building Knowledge (Main Lesson Body)

Time: 25–30 minutes

Teacher’s Role (Expanded with Details & Examples)

1. Meaning and Purpose of a Letter of Application

• A formal letter written to seek employment, scholarship, admission, internship, or training opportunities.
• Purpose: To introduce the applicant, highlight qualifications, skills, and experiences, and convince the recipient why the applicant is suitable.
• Tone: formal, respectful, and persuasive (not casual, not chatty).

 

2. Structure of a Letter of Application (with Examples)
3. Sender’s Address
   • Top right of the letter.
   • Example:
   • 12 Benson Street
   • Monrovia, Liberia
4. Date
   • Directly below sender’s address.
   • Example:
   • 29th August, 2025
5. Recipient’s Name/Designation & Address
   • Below the date, aligned left.
   • Example:
   • The Human Resource Manager
   • StarBank Liberia
   • 25 Broad Street
   • Monrovia
6. Salutation
   • Dear Sir/Madam, (if unknown recipient)
   • Dear Mr. Johnson, (if name is known).
7. Body (Three Clear Parts)
   • Introduction: State purpose.
     “I am writing to apply for the position of Administrative Assistant advertised in the Daily Observer.”
   • Middle Paragraphs: Highlight qualifications, skills, experience.
     “I hold a diploma in Business Administration. During my internship at ABC Company, I developed strong organizational and communication skills.”
   • Closing Paragraph: Express enthusiasm and request consideration.
     “I would be grateful for the opportunity to contribute to your organization. I look forward to your favorable response.”
8. Complimentary Close
   • Yours faithfully, (if addressed to Dear Sir/Madam)
   • Yours sincerely, (if addressed to a named person).
9. Signature and Full Name
   • [Signature]
   • John K. Doe

 

3. Sample Letter (Model)

12 Benson Street 

Monrovia, Liberia 

29th August, 2025 

 

The Human Resource Manager 

StarBank Liberia 

25 Broad Street 

Monrovia 

 

Dear Sir/Madam, 

 

APPLICATION FOR THE POSITION OF ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT 

 

I am writing to apply for the position of Administrative Assistant recently advertised in the Daily Observer. 

 

I hold a Diploma in Business Administration and possess three years of clerical experience. My background in record keeping, customer service, and office organization has prepared me to contribute effectively to your team. I am proficient in Microsoft Office and have excellent communication skills. 

 

I am confident that my skills and dedication would make me a valuable asset to your organization. I look forward to an opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to StarBank Liberia. 

 

Yours faithfully, 

 

[Signature] 

John K. Doe 

 

Learners’ Activities (Expanded)

• Copy Structure: Students note the standard parts of a letter.
• Highlighting: Students mark introduction, qualifications, and closing statement in the sample letter.
• Guided Writing (Fill-in-the-Blank): Teacher provides a scaffolded template:

[Your Address] 

[City, Country] 

[Date] 

 

[Recipient’s Position] 

[Company/School Name] 

[Address] 

 

Dear ____________, 

 

APPLICATION FOR ___________ 

 

I am writing to apply for ________________________________. 

 

I hold __________________ and have experience in ______________________. I believe my skills in _____________________ make me a suitable candidate. 

 

I look forward to your favorable consideration. 

 

Yours ____________, 

[Signature] 

[Full Name] 

• Independent Practice: Students draft a short letter of application for:
• A teaching position
• A scholarship
• Admission into a secondary school
• Peer Review: Exchange drafts and check for correct tone and structure.

 

Assessment Checks (Expanded)

1. Oral Questions
   • “Why is the tone of a letter of application formal?”
   • “When do we use Yours faithfully vs Yours sincerely?”
   • “List the seven main parts of a letter of application.”
2. Error Identification Task (teacher provides poorly structured letter):
   • Missing sender’s address
   • Wrong salutation (“Hi there”)
   • Informal tone (“I’m super excited to work with you guys!”)
   • Students correct mistakes.
3. Short Written Quiz
   • Write one purpose of a letter of application.
   • Arrange these in order: (Recipient’s address, Date, Sender’s address, Salutation).
   • Correct the error: Yours friendly,
   • True or False: “A letter of application should be persuasive.”
4. Practical Writing Assessment
   • Teacher provides job/scholarship scenario. Students write a complete letter in 10–15 minutes.

 

Notes (Expanded & Detailed)

• A letter of application must be formal, structured, and persuasive.
• It demonstrates suitability through qualifications, skills, and experience.
• Neatness, accuracy, and correct format reflect professionalism.
• Breaking structure, using informal tone, or making grammatical mistakes weakens the letter.

C – Consolidation (Conclusion & Assessment)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Summary:
• The teacher will ask the students to recall:
– The meaning and purpose of a letter of application.
– The main sections of its structure.
– Why tone is important.
Evaluation Method (Expanded):
• Exit slip/quiz: Students will answer briefly:

State one purpose of a letter of application.

List two components of the structure.

Write one sentence that could appear in the body of a letter of application.
• Teacher will collect and quickly review for understanding.
• Provide oral feedback before class ends.
Assignment (Expanded):
Write a complete letter of application for the position of a school librarian in a local secondary school. Ensure you follow the correct structure and tone.
Follow-up Activity:
In the next class, students will exchange their letters with a partner for peer review and correction of tone and structure.
Differentiation / Inclusive Strategies
• Struggling Learners: Provide a letter template with prompts (e.g., “My name is… I am applying for…”).
• Advanced Learners: Challenge them to write a letter of application for an international scholarship.
• Students with Disabilities: Allow oral dictation of ideas before writing; provide large-print samples.
Teacher’s Reflection (After Class)
• What worked well? ______________________________________________________
• What needs improvement? _________________________________________________
• Students’ engagement level: □ High □ Medium □ Low