Grade Level: Middle or High School
Subject: English Language Arts
Duration: 60–90 minutes
Objective:
Students will be able to identify and write different types of letters, including formal, informal, and business letters, by understanding their structure, purpose, and tone.

1. Engage (10 minutes) – Hook & Warm-up

• Ask students: “When did you last write a letter? What was it about?”
• Show a short video or read a famous historical letter (e.g., Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” or a heartfelt letter from a soldier).
• Discuss: Why do people write letters? What makes a letter special compared to a text or email?

2. Explore (15 minutes) – Types of Letters

• Introduce the three main types of letters:
  1. Formal Letters – Used for professional or official communication (e.g., complaint letters, job applications).
  2. Informal Letters – Personal letters written to friends and family.
  3. Business Letters – Used in professional settings for business transactions or inquiries.
• Divide students into small groups. Give each group a sample letter and have them analyze its structure, tone, and purpose.
• Sample Letters for Exploration:

• Formal Letter Sample: Application for a job or complaint to a company.
• Informal Letter Sample: A letter to a friend about a recent vacation.
• Business Letter Sample: A letter requesting a product refund.

3. Explain (20 minutes) – Letter Structure

• Go over the parts of a letter with labeled examples:
  1. Heading – Includes sender’s address and date.
  2. Greeting/Salutation – “Dear [Name],”
  3. Body – The main message, structured in paragraphs.
  4. Closing & Signature – Ends the letter respectfully.
• Discuss tone and language differences between formal, informal, and business letters.

4. Elaborate (30 minutes) – Writing Practice

• Students choose one type of letter to write:
  • A formal letter (e.g., applying for a library card).
  • An informal letter (e.g., writing to a cousin about school).
  • A business letter (e.g., requesting a price quote from a company).
• Provide a checklist and peer feedback session.

5. Evaluate (15 minutes) – Review & Reflection

• Students read their letters aloud (optional).
• Use a rubric to assess structure, clarity, and appropriateness of tone.
• Exit ticket: “What is the most important thing you learned about letter writing today?”

Extensions & Homework:

• Write a thank-you letter to a teacher or mentor.
• Research famous historical letters and summarize one.