Creative Writing - Senior Secondary 2 - Informal Letters (2) & Past Questions

TERM: 2^ND TERM

WEEK: 10
CLASS: Senior Secondary School 2
AGE: 16 years
DURATION: 2 periods of 40 mins each
DATE:
TOPIC: Informal Letters (2) Language & Past Questions
CONTENT: Language of Informal Letters, Analyzing Past Questions
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: By the end of the lesson, learners should be able to:
a. Explain the language used in informal letter writing.
b. Analyze and respond to past WAEC and NECO questions on informal letters.
c. Write a well-composed informal letter using the appropriate language.
INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Discussion, group activities, past question analysis
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Past WAEC and NECO questions, sample informal letters, chalkboard

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES
PERIOD 1 and 2
INTRODUCTION

• The teacher revises the features of informal letters discussed in the previous lesson.
• The teacher introduces the language of informal letters, highlighting informal, friendly, and conversational tones.
• Learners observe, listen, and engage in discussion.

MAIN CONTENT

• Language of Informal Letters:
  • Use of simple, conversational language.
  • Avoidance of formal or complex vocabulary.
  • Use of slang and idiomatic expressions (where appropriate) to create a friendly tone.
  • Short sentences and direct language.
  • Expressions of warmth and personal connection: "How have you been?", "I hope you're doing well!", "Take care of yourself."
• Analyzing Past Questions (WAEC & NECO):
  • The teacher provides past questions on informal letter writing and explains how to approach each question.
  • Learners are encouraged to analyze the questions and identify the best way to structure their responses.
  • Example: "Write a letter to your friend, telling him/her about your recent holiday."
    Learners are shown how to break this prompt down into a structure (greeting, body, closing).

EXPLICIT INSTRUCTION/TEACHER MODELLING

• The teacher models how to write an informal letter in response to a sample past question.
• The teacher emphasizes using the appropriate language, tone, and structure for informal letters.

EVALUATION

• The learners are given another past question to respond to: "Write a letter to a friend, describing your experience during the last holiday."
• Learners will write their responses in class, using the language and structure discussed.

CLASS WORK

• Learners are asked to write an informal letter to a friend describing a recent family event or holiday experience.

ASSIGNMENT

• Learners are asked to write a letter to a friend, inviting them to a special event or celebration happening in their school.

CONCLUSION

• The teacher goes over a few common mistakes learners may make while writing informal letters.
• The teacher marks the learners’ work, correcting any errors in language or structure, and gives commendations for good work.