Writing a Formal Letter


ELAR-Grade-5 Non-fiction Texts Writing a Formal Letter
Students brainstorm about letter writing. Then, they learn the difference between informal and formal (business) letters and study formal letter format. Next, they consider the purposes of the parts of a business letter, and they explain why business letter format is important. Finally, they write a letter requesting information and a letter responding to it.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

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Here are the teacher pack items for Writing a Formal Letter:

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Overview

In this experience, students brainstorm about letter writing. Then, they learn the difference between informal and formal (business) letters and study formal letter format. Next, they consider the purposes of the parts of a business letter, and they explain why business letter format is important. Finally, they write a letter requesting information and a letter responding to it.

Students will collaborate in small groups for scene 4.

Objectives

  • Compose a formal letter requesting information.
  • Respond to a formal letter requesting information.

Duration

One class period.


When was the last time you got a letter in the mail? People used to get letters in the mail almost every day. That isn’t true anymore. People usually send messages by email or text. However, some kinds of letters are still sent on paper, by mail. In this experience, you will learn how to write and respond to formal letters.

Objectives

  • Compose a formal letter requesting information.
  • Respond to a formal letter requesting information.


girl writing a letter and checking something on a tablet on the desk

Imagine you receive a letter in the mail. Who might it be from? What might it be about?


Brainstorm some ideas about the kinds of letters people write. You may use sentences or phrases. 

Post your answer

Briefly discuss students’ responses. Typical letters that still arrive in the mail include wedding invitations, requests for donations, holiday greetings cards, political messages, and letters from grandparents.

One mail item that has largely disappeared for the always-connected generation is the vacation postcard. Ask students if they have ever received a postcard from a family member or friend who traveled someplace new.


When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.

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