Composition: Formal Letter

Here's a comprehensive lesson note based on the provided guide:

Lesson Note: Formal Letter

Introduction (5 minutes) A formal letter is a type of letter written to official persons, offices, organizations, or authorities for official purposes. It is written in a polite, respectful, and serious tone. Examples of situations where formal letters are used include writing to a school principal, a company, or a government office.

Meaning of a Formal Letter A formal letter is a letter written to official persons, offices, organizations, or authorities for official purposes. It is written in a polite, respectful, and serious tone.

Uses/Situations Where Formal Letters Are Written Formal letters are written in the following situations:

1. To a school principal
2. To a company or organization
3. To government offices
4. To request for permission
5. To make complaints
6. To apply for a job

Features/Characteristics of a Formal Letter The features of a formal letter include:

1. Writer's address and date
2. Receiver's address
3. Salutation (Dear Sir/Madam)
4. Heading or title
5. Formal and polite language
6. Complimentary close (Yours faithfully)
7. Neat writing

Format of a Formal Letter The format of a formal letter is as follows:

1. Writer's Address (Top right corner)
2. Date (Below the writer's address)
3. Receiver's Address (Left side)
4. Salutation (Dear Sir/Dear Madam)
5. Heading (Topic) (Brief and underlined)
6. Body of the Letter
   • Introduction
   • Main message
   • Conclusion
7. Complimentary Close (Yours faithfully)
8. Signature
9. Full Name of the Writer

Example of a Simple Formal Letter Topic: Letter to the Principal Requesting Permission

Writer's Address: No. 12 Unity Road, Enugu State Date: 12th March, 2026 Receiver's Address: The Principal, Community Secondary School, Enugu State Salutation: Dear Sir, Heading: REQUEST FOR PERMISSION TO BE ABSENT FROM SCHOOL Body: I write to respectfully inform you that I will not be able to attend school on Monday, 15th March, 2026. This is because I have a medical appointment scheduled for that day. I promise to copy all notes missed and submit all assignments given. Thank you for your understanding. Complimentary Close: Yours faithfully, Signature: Nnebuihe Maureen Full Name: Nnebuihe Maureen

Evaluation Students should be able to:

1. Define a formal letter
2. Mention four features of a formal letter
3. Write a formal letter to their principal requesting permission to attend a family function

Assignment Write a formal letter to the Chairman of your Local Government complaining about bad roads in your area.

Class Notes Students should copy the following notes:

1. Definition of a formal letter
2. Uses/situations where formal letters are written
3. Features/characteristics of a formal letter
4. Format of a formal letter
5. Example of a simple formal letter

Slide Presentation A slide presentation can be created to illustrate the format of a formal letter and provide examples of simple formal letters.

Video/Audio A video or audio recording can be created to provide a step-by-step guide on how to write a formal letter.

Exam Questions

1. What is a formal letter?
2. Mention four situations where formal letters are written
3. What are the features of a formal letter?
4. Write a formal letter to your principal requesting permission to attend a family function.