| Full lesson | Create for a teacher a set of content for giving a lesson, beginning with the lesson plan. Each new block of materials must begin with an H1 heading (other subheaders must be H2, H3, etc). When you describe required pictures, write those descriptions in curly brackets, for example: {A picture of a triangle} |
| Which subject | English |
| What topic | Formal email of complaint |
| What length (min) | 30 |
| What age group | Year or Grade 11 |
| Class size | 20 |
| What curriculum | |
| Include full script | |
| Check previous homework | |
| Ask some students to presents their homework | |
| Add a physical break | |
| Add group activities | |
| Include homework | |
| Show correct answers | |
| Prepare slide templates | |
| Number of slides | 5 |
| Create fill-in cards for students | |
| Create creative backup tasks for unexpected moments |
Formal Email of Complaint
Year 11
English
30 minutes
20 students
| Step Number | Step Title | Length (minutes) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Topic | 5 | Introduce the topic of formal emails of complaint. Discuss why such communication is important in various contexts (e.g. customer service, employment). |
| 2 | Key Elements of a Complaint Email | 5 | Present the structure of a formal complaint email (salutation, introduction, body, closing). Highlight key phrases and appropriate language to use. |
| 3 | Sample Analysis | 10 | Distribute sample emails. In pairs, students will identify and discuss the key elements and language used. Regroup to share observations. |
| 4 | Writing Activity | 5 | Prompt students to start drafting a formal email of complaint based on a given scenario. Provide support as needed. |
| 5 | Homework Assignment | 2 | Assign homework where students will complete their email draft at home and submit it by the next class. Outline submission instructions and expectations. |
| 6 | Review and Close | 3 | Recap the key points discussed in the lesson. Answer any lingering questions. Remind students about the importance of professional communication. |
The lesson aligns with the UK National Curriculum for English, particularly in developing writing skills and understanding forms of communication in a professional context.
Homework will be submitted through a designated online platform or collected at the beginning of the next lesson. The teacher will provide feedback without requiring students to present their work in front of the class.
"Good morning, everyone! Today, we are going to explore a very important topic: formal emails of complaint. Can anyone tell me why it might be necessary to write a formal complaint? Think about situations you've encountered, perhaps in customer service or with employment. [Pause for responses]
That’s right! Whether you're addressing an issue with a faulty product or a concern at work, knowing how to communicate effectively is crucial. So, let’s dive into the key elements of writing a formal complaint email."
"Now that we understand its importance, let’s look at the structure of a formal complaint email. The email will typically include a salutation, an introduction, the body, and a closing statement.
It’s also important to use the right tone and polite language. For example, instead of saying 'you ruined my experience,' you could say 'I was disappointed with my experience.'
Let’s keep those key phrases in mind as we move on!"
"Now, I will hand out some sample emails for you to review. In pairs, I want you to read through the emails and identify the key elements we've just discussed. Look for the salutation, the introduction, the body of the email, and how the closing is formulated.
Take about 5 minutes for this activity. After that, we'll regroup and share our observations. [Distribute samples and facilitate the activity]
Great work, everyone! Now, who would like to share what they observed? [Allow students to share, encouraging discussion about the language used and effectiveness of the emails]"
"Now, it’s your turn! I want you to draft a formal email of complaint based on a scenario I will provide.
[Read out the scenario: e.g., 'You recently ordered a product online, and it arrived damaged.']
Think about how you will structure your email based on what we’ve discussed. Remember to use polite language and be as clear as possible.
You have 5 minutes for this. If you need any help, please feel free to ask! [Give students time to write and circulate to assist wherever needed]"
"Alright, time is up! For your homework, I want you to complete your email draft at home. Please make sure to review it for clarity, tone, and structure.
You will need to submit this through our online platform by the beginning of our next lesson. If you have any questions about the homework, feel free to ask me now or reach out via email.
Please ensure you follow the submission guidelines I have reviewed with you."
"Finally, let's recap what we learned today. We discussed the importance of formal emails, identified the structure of a complaint email, and even crafted our own.
Does anyone have any remaining questions about the content of today’s lesson? [Pause for questions]
Remember, professional communication is essential in many aspects of our lives. Thank you for your participation today, and I look forward to reading your emails!"
What are the key components that must be included in a formal complaint email? List them and provide a brief explanation of each.
Why is it important to maintain a polite tone when writing a complaint email? Provide at least two examples of how the wording can affect the tone.
Considering the scenario provided in class, outline your email using the following structure:
Read through the sample emails discussed in class. Identify one effective technique used in those emails and explain why you think it was successful.
Draft an introduction for a formal complaint email regarding a service that did not meet your expectations. Ensure it includes the purpose of your email.
After drafting your email, reflect on how you can ensure clarity in your writing. List at least two strategies you can employ.
Explain the role of the closing statement in a formal complaint email. What should it achieve?
Describe a situation from your own experience where you might need to write a formal complaint email. What details would you include in your email?
What guidelines should you follow when submitting your homework through the online platform?
Why do you think learning how to write formal complaint emails is an important skill in both personal and professional contexts?