Semi-formal letter writing

• newEditor
• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 2

Semi-formal letter writing

Today's plan

1. Reading WWC (10 minutes)

2. Recap previous lesson (5 minutes)

3. Lesson objective

4. Explain the semi-formal structure (10 minutes)

5. Writing assignment (15 minutes)

6. Ending (5 minutes)

Recap previous lesson

1. What is an informal letter?

2. Give one example of a greeting and one example of a closing.

3. Which date is correct:

• 9 March, 2026

• March 9, 2026

• 09/03/2026

3

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add30s

Lesson objective

By the end of the lesson you can write a semi-formal letter.

Structure

1. Date: 9 March, 2026

2. Greeting: Dear _______, 

3. Paragraph 1: introduction. Here you must introduce why you are writing the letter, don't go into too much detail, just a short introduction. '' I am writing because....''

4. Paragraph 2: main body

Here you explain the subject.

• the problem

• your opinion

• explanation / information / advice

5. Paragraph 3: conclusion
A short summary or what you hope will happen.

6. Closing off: Kind regards, or Best wishes,

7. Your name 

10

minute

00

second

add30s

Things to keep in mind

• Heb je alle 7 onderdelen? (zie vorige dia)

• Word count! Je mag +/- 10% gebruiken. Dus als het aantal woorden 100 is, mag je 90-110 woorden gebruiken (niet meer, niet minder).

• Verkorte woorden zijn NIET toegestaan. I'm, I've, it's, she's, enz. Zorg ervoor dat je ze volledig schrijft.

Introduction

1. I am writing to inform you about…

2. I am writing to ask about…

3. I am writing to talk about…

4. I am writing regarding…

Slotzin

1. I hope to hear from you soon.

2. I hope this information is helpful.

3. Thank you for your time and consideration.

4. I look forward to your reply.

Example letter (letter of complaint to a neighbour named John)

9 March, 2026

Dear John,

I am writing to you about something that has been bothering me for a little while now. I have noticed that your music is often played quite loudly, especially during the evenings and sometimes even super late in the night. 

While I understand that you enjoy listening to music, and everyone should be able to enjoy their home, my family and I have been having some trouble sleeping because of the volume. 

I do not mean to cause any conflict, but I wanted to kindly ask if you could lower the volume a bit during the late hours. If it is possible, even wearing headphones could help. I believe this small change would make a big difference for me and possibly for other neighbours as well. 

Thank you very much for your understanding.

Kind regards,

James

Case

Your school has a study room (library) where students can do homework. Recently, many students are talking loudly and using their phones, which makes it difficult to study.

You decide to write an email to the school librarian, Mr. Johnson.

In your email you should:

• explain why you are writing

• describe the problem in the study room

• explain how this affects students

• give at least 2–3 suggestions to improve the situation

• say what you hope will happen in the future

A few prompts to practice

1. Write to the local library to complain about the limited opening hours and suggest changes.

2. Write to the local transport company to complain about buses arriving late and request an improvement.

3. Invite your neighbour to a small garden party you are organising next weekend.

4.  Apologise to your teacher or coach for missing a scheduled appointment and ask to reschedule.

5. Write a letter to your landlord to apologise for damage caused accidentally and offer a solution.

6. Ask your neighbour to collect your mail while you are on holiday.

7. Write a letter to welcome a new neighbour and give them tips about living in the area.

8. Write to the school’s student council to suggest improvements to the canteen food.

9. Write to a sports club to suggest new activities or changes to the current schedule.

Writing

By the end of the lesson you can write a semi-formal letter.

Recap of the last lesson

What is a semi-formal letter?

Give an example of a greeting and an example of ending.

Write down the structure of a semi-formal letter.

Case

Your school has a study room (library) where students can do homework. Recently, many students are talking loudly and using their phones, which makes it difficult to study.

You decide to write an email to the school librarian, Mr. Johnson.

In your email you should:

• explain why you are writing

• describe the problem in the study room

• explain how this affects students

• give at least 2–3 suggestions to improve the situation

• say what you hope will happen in the future