Writing a Formal Letter - Lesson 1 - Setting out a formal letter PowerPoint

The educational resource for Year 5 and 6 students focuses on the art of writing a formal letter. It aims to teach the differences between formal and informal English and the correct way to set out a formal letter. The lesson begins by exploring the concept of formality, prompting students to consider the appropriateness of different language styles in various contexts. For instance, colloquial text language such as "HOW R U M8?" is used as an example to highlight informal communication, which would not be suitable in formal situations like job applications. The resource encourages critical thinking about when and why formal language should be used.

Further into the lesson, students are challenged to categorise phrases as either formal or informal, aiding their understanding of context-appropriate language. The importance of presenting a formal letter neatly, with no mistakes, and using standard English is emphasised. An example of a well-structured formal letter is provided, showcasing the proper layout, address placement, and the use of "Yours sincerely" when the recipient's name is known. The lesson also includes an exercise where students are asked to identify errors in an improperly written letter and to rewrite it as an effective formal letter, reinforcing their learning and application of formal writing conventions.