Lesson plan by OtisamLMS · OtisamLMS
| Subject | English Language · SHS |
| Year | SHS 2 |
| Term / week | Term 1 · Week 3 |
| Lessons this week | 2 × 60 minutes |
| Class size | 50 |
| Strand | Writing |
| Sub-strand | Formal and transactional writing |
| Content standard | Learners write formal letters that suit their purpose and audience, using the right layout and tone. |
| Learning indicators | Set out a formal letter with both addresses, date, salutation, title and closing Organise the complaint into clear paragraphs: problem, effect, request Use a polite, firm tone and avoid slang |
| Core competencies | Communication and collaboration Citizenship (raising concerns through proper channels) Critical thinking |
| Key words | salutation, subscript, tone, register, request, Yours faithfully, Yours sincerely |
| Resources | Two short letters written by the teacher about the same problem: one rude, one formal A layout chart on manila card |
| Phase | Teacher and learner activities |
| 1. Starter | Read both teacher-written letters about a broken borehole in the community. Learners decide which one the District Assembly is more likely to act on, and give two reasons. |
| 2. Main activities | 1. Using the layout chart, label the parts of the formal letter together. Point out when to use 'Yours faithfully' and when 'Yours sincerely'. 2. Plan a complaint in three paragraphs: what the problem is, how it affects people, what you want done and by when. 3. In pairs, learners rewrite three rude sentences from the first letter in a formal tone (e.g. 'You people never do anything' → 'Several reports to your office have not yet been answered'). 4. Each learner chooses a situation (late school bus, noise from a drinking spot, a faulty phone bought from a shop) and writes the first draft. 5. Peer check with a checklist: layout, three paragraphs, tone, request. |
| 3. Reflection | Learners underline the one sentence in their draft that they think is most persuasive and share it with a partner. |
Mark the final draft out of 20: layout 5, content 5, organisation 5, language and tone 5. Return with one written comment per learner.
Support: give a letter frame with the layout already in place and sentence starters for each paragraph.
Extension: write the reply the official might send.
Finish the letter neatly for marking.
Keep the rude letter light-hearted; learners enjoy correcting it.
Printed from https://otisam.com/lesson-plans/writing-a-formal-letter-of-complaint