Lesson Note on Formal and Informal Letters

Lesson Note on Formal and Informal Letters

Subject: English Language

Class: JSS 1 / Upper Primary

Duration: 40 – 60 minutes

Topic: Letter Writing – Formal and Informal Letters

 

Learning Objectives (Performance Objectives)

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

1. Define a letter and explain its purpose.

2. Distinguish between formal and informal letters.

3. Identify and explain the features of both types of letters.

4. Write a simple formal and informal letter correctly.

 

Instructional Materials

1. Sample formal and informal letters

2. Chart showing features of both types

3. Whiteboard and markers

4. Envelope and letter paper

 

Entry Behaviour

Students have seen or received letters, text messages, or emails and know they are used for communication.

 

Lesson Presentation

Step 1: Introduction (Teacher’s Activities)

The teacher asks:

• “Have you ever written a letter to someone before?”

• “Who did you write to?”

• “What was the letter about?”

 

Students’ Responses:

They share experiences (writing to parents, friends, or head teachers).

 

Teacher’s Remark:
Explains that a letter is a written form of communication between two people or groups.
There are two main types — formal and informal letters.

 

Step 2: Meaning of a Letter

A letter is a written message used to communicate thoughts, ideas, information, or feelings from one person to another.

 

Step 3: Types of Letters

There are two main types of letters:

• Formal Letters

• Informal Letters

 

Step 4: Formal Letter

Meaning:

A formal letter is an official or business letter written to people in positions of authority or for official purposes. It is polite, serious, and written in a formal tone.

Examples:

• A letter to the principal to request permission.

• A letter to a government official.

• A letter to apply for a job or scholarship.

 

Features of a Formal Letter:

Feature	Description / Example
1. Writer’s Address and Date	At the top right-hand corner. Example: 12, Adewale Street, Lagos. 10th October, 2025.
2. Receiver’s Address	Below the writer’s address, on the left-hand side.
3. Salutation	“Dear Sir” or “Dear Madam”
4. Heading / Title	States the purpose of the letter, e.g. Application for the Post of Class Prefect
5. Body of the Letter	Divided into three paragraphs: introduction, main message, and conclusion.
6. Complimentary Close	“Yours faithfully,” followed by the signature and full name.

 

Example of a Formal Letter Heading:

Write a letter to your principal requesting for more textbooks in the school library.

 

Step 5: Informal Letter

Meaning:

An informal letter is a personal letter written to friends, family members, or close acquaintances. It is friendly, relaxed, and conversational in tone.

Examples:

• A letter to your friend telling him/her about your holiday.

• A letter to your parents thanking them for their support.

 

Features of an Informal Letter:

Feature	Description / Example
1. Writer’s Address and Date	At the top right-hand corner.
2. Salutation	“Dear Tolu,” “My dear Friend,” etc.
3. Introduction	Begins with greetings or personal news.
4. Body of the Letter	Contains details of the message; can be several paragraphs.
5. Closing Remark	Ends with warm wishes.
6. Complimentary Close	“Yours sincerely,” “Yours affectionately,” “Best wishes,” etc.
7. Signature / Name	First name only (e.g. “Tunde”).

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Step 6: Differences Between Formal and Informal Letters

Formal Letter	Informal Letter
Written for official purposes	Written for personal communication
Uses polite and formal language	Uses friendly and simple language
Addressed to people in authority	Addressed to family or friends
Has title or subject	No title or subject
Ends with Yours faithfully	Ends with Yours sincerely or Best wishes

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Step 7: Class Activities (Guided Practice)

Teacher’s Activities:

• Displays two sample letters (formal and informal).

• Guides students to identify and label their features.

 

Students’ Activities:

• Read the sample letters aloud.

• Compare and discuss the differences.

 

Step 8: Evaluation

I. What is a letter?

II. State the two types of letters.

III. Mention four features of a formal letter.

IV. Mention three features of an informal letter.

V. What is the main difference between “Yours faithfully” and “Yours sincerely”?

VII. Write the address section of a formal letter.

 

Step 9: Assignment

I. Write a formal letter to your local government chairman requesting the renovation of your school.

II. Write an informal letter to your friend telling him/her about your new school and teachers.

 

Step 10: Conclusion

The teacher revises the meaning, types, and features of letters. Students are reminded that knowing how to write both types of letters is essential for school, exams, and real-life communication.

 

Reference Materials

1. New Oxford Secondary English Course

2. English Studies for Junior Secondary Schools

3. Effective English Grammar and Composition

4. Exam Focus on English Language