[P3, Wk8, L1] Writing Lesson 1

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• mavo, havo, vwo
• Leerjaar 1

To start

1. Go sit in your assigned seat.
2. Take out your notebook and laptop.
3. Be ready to begin when the timer ends.

Letter Exchange

Writing a letter to a foreign country

The assignment

What?

• A formal letter, with a clear introduction, body and closing

When?

• Deadline will be on Magister.Me

Goal of the assignment

• The letter's goal is to get to know the other person, their culture, hobbies, country, etc.
• You will also introduce yourself but don't give too many details about your life.
• Give the other person a chance to also ask questions about your life.
• The best-written letters will receive an answer.

How?

Lesson 1

• Theory: how to write a formal letter | start version 1

Lesson 2

• Continue working on version 1 | giving each other feedback

Lesson 3

• Final details | finishing the letter

Writing a letter (1)

• Sender's info at the top (school's adress for your letter).
• Date
• Receiver's info 

Writing a letter (2)

Start and finish:

• Dear Sir or Madam,
• Yours faithfully,

• Dear Mr/Ms/Mrs/Mx Name
• Yours sincerely

You don't know the person's name.

You know the person('s name). (formal)

Writing a letter (3)

Comma or no comma?: both are allowed, as long as you mirror.

• Dear Sir or Madam,
• Dear Sir or Madam

British or American?:

• Mr (British)
• Mr. (American)

Writing a letter (4)

General tips:

• In a formal letter, don't use contractions (don't = do not)
• Use paragraphs
• Don't use the same words all the time, use synonyms
• (Looking for synonyms? Use thesaurus.com)

Assessment

• Wordcount: Between 200 – 300 words;​
  
• Introduction: The writer introduces themselves, but doesn’t provide details about their life yet. The purpose of the letter is mentioned in the introduction. The introduction excites you to read further;​
  
• Body: The writer asks 10 open questions and gives the reader good input to write a letter back. The questions are about the person’s life, hobbies, country, and habits;​
  
• Closing: The writer motivates the reader to write an answer back;​
  
• Vocabulary: Formal words are used. Students show a great variety of vocabulary. For example: “over the moon” instead of “happy”. The writer doesn’t repeat themselves and uses a variety of words;​
  
• Grammar: Students make less than 5 grammar mistakes;​
  
• Letter standards: The writer included the sender’s information, date, receiver’s information, right salutation and closed with the right closing, as explained in the assignment.​

Get to work

• You are now going to work on your letter.
• Type your letter in Word in either Arial 12 or Calibri 12.
• You may help each other.
• You may listen to music.

Next lesson

• You will continue writing your letter and give each other feedback.