teaching resource

Example of a Formal Letter with Template

  • Updated

    Updated:  27 Feb 2025

Use this example of a formal letter featuring the Big Bad Wolf’s humorous apology to the Three Little Pigs to teach letter structure in an engaging way.

  • Editable

    Editable:  Google Slides

  • Non-Editable

    Non-Editable:  PDF

  • Pages

    Pages:  4 Pages

  • Curriculum
  • Years

    Years:  3 - 4

Curriculum

  • VC2E3LA03

    Describe how different types of texts across the curriculum have different language features and structures depending on purposes <ul> <li>identifying the stages of a basic argument such as introduction, argument 1, argument 2 and conclusion</li> <li>describing the typical text structure and language features of factual recounts, autobiographies, information reports, narratives, personal responses to literary texts (with reasons), sequential explanations, verse poetry and simple arguments, and describing their purposes</li> </ul>

  • VC2E3LY11

    Create narrative, informative and persuasive texts, written and spoken, with ideas grouped in simple paragraphs, using topic-specific and precise vocabulary and multimodal elements as appropriate <ul> <li>gathering information and ideas about a topic in preparation for writing, which may include information and ideas from online and digital sources</li> <li>researching a topic to prepare an oral or multimodal presentation</li> <li>planning the sequence of ideas and information using techniques such as storyboards or a simple flow chart</li> <li>explaining ideas to a peer when planning a presentation</li> <li>selecting an appropriate text structure for a writing purpose, and sequencing content for clarity and to have an impact on an audience</li> <li>using appropriate simple and compound sentences to express and combine ideas</li> <li>using vocabulary, including topic-specific vocabulary, relevant to the type of text and purpose</li> <li>using digital tools to plan, sequence, compose and edit texts</li> </ul>

  • VC2E3LY12

    Re-read and edit texts for meaning, appropriate structure, grammatical choices and punctuation <ul> <li>using print and online dictionaries and spellcheck to edit spelling, realising that spellcheck accuracy depends on understanding the word function, for example ‘there’ or ‘their’ and ‘rain’ or ‘reign’</li> <li>checking for correct use of apostrophes for contractions and to indicate possession</li> </ul>

  • VC2E4LA03

    Describe how different types of texts across the curriculum have different language features and are typically organised into characteristic stages depending on purposes <ul> <li>identifying the typical stages and language features of texts such as narratives, factual recounts, imaginative recounts, biographies, information reports, explanations, book talks, poetry and arguments for a particular purpose</li> <li>understanding how and why text structure is important in texts such as sequential and causal explanations, and comparative and part-whole information reports</li> <li>recognising that poems have different purposes that influence the organisation of the text into characteristic stages, for example poems that tell stories, poems that describe and poems that reflect on aspects of life</li> <li>recognising the difference between a text’s form (such as a poster, email or list) and its organisation into stages, depending on its social purpose</li> </ul>

  • VC2E4LY10

    Create narrative, informative and persuasive texts, written and spoken, using relevant, linked ideas for a range of audiences and using multimodal elements as appropriate <ul> <li>using research to gather ideas for writing and integrating information from a range of sources, which may include those found online</li> <li>selecting text structure and planning how to group ideas into paragraphs to sequence content</li> <li>using topic-specific, precise and varied vocabulary</li> <li>choosing a variety of appropriate words and phrases, including descriptive words and some technical vocabulary, to communicate meaning accurately</li> <li>using grammatical features, including different types of verb groups, noun groups and adverb groups/phrases, for effective descriptions and details according to purpose</li> </ul>

  • VC2E4LY11

    Re-read and edit texts for meaning by adding, deleting or moving words or word groups to improve content and structure <ul> <li>collaborating with a peer to edit literary texts by sharing feedback about choices made to develop storylines, characters and settings</li> <li>revising written texts to improve the selection of words used to connect ideas and to improve the cohesion of the text</li> </ul>

  • Example of a Formal Letter with Template teaching resource
teaching resource

Example of a Formal Letter with Template

  • Updated

    Updated:  27 Feb 2025

Use this example of a formal letter featuring the Big Bad Wolf’s humorous apology to the Three Little Pigs to teach letter structure in an engaging way.

  • Editable

    Editable:  Google Slides

  • Non-Editable

    Non-Editable:  PDF

  • Pages

    Pages:  4 Pages

  • Curriculum
  • Years

    Years:  3 - 4

Use this example of a formal letter featuring the Big Bad Wolf’s humorous apology to the Three Little Pigs to teach letter structure in an engaging way.

An Example of a Formal Letter for Primary Students

If your students have mastered the art of writing informal letters to known audiences like family and friends, they’re likely ready to write formal letters to unknown audiences. Get ready for an example of a formal letter that brings a classic fairy tale twist to the classroom!

This resource features a ready-made letter from the Big Bad Wolf, who invites the Three Little Pigs to a barbeque as a way of apologising for blowing down their houses. This fun and imaginative scenario makes learning about formal letter writing engaging while reinforcing key writing skills, including appropriate greetings, formal tone and persuasive techniques.

The resource also features a formal letter scaffold so students can practise writing a formal letter to an audience of their choosing. Both one-page and two-page template options are provided in the download.

This resource downloads as a quick-print PDF or an editable Google Slides file. 

Using This Formal Letter Example in Your Lessons

This formal letter example provides an excellent instructional tool when it comes to teaching the structure and language features of formal letters. Here’s how you might build a lesson on letter writing around this formal letter example:

  1. Introduce the Purpose of Formal Letters – Discuss why formal letters are used (e.g. to communicate important information, make requests or express apologies in a professional way).
  2. Read and Annotate the Model Letter – Project the letter onto a screen or provide the students with copies. Read the letter aloud as a class. Ask students to highlight or underline key structural elements as they read.
  3. Identify Key Features – Identify the key features of a formal letter and discuss the purpose of each, including the sender’s address, date, recipient’s address, greeting, body paragraphs, closing and sign-off.
  4. Writing Activity – Have students use the writing template to write a letter back to the Big Bad Wolf in the persona of one of the pigs, either accepting or rejecting the invitation to the barbeque.

Download and Print This Sample of a Formal Letter

Accessing this sample of a formal letter is quick and easy. Simply click the download button to select your preferred file format, print the template and bring formal letter writing to life in your classroom with this fun and engaging activity.

Resources to Complement This Formal Letter Sample

Click below to access more teacher-created resources to support your students with the skill of letter writing.

Image of Letter Writing PowerPoint

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Letter Writing PowerPoint

Download this letter writing PowerPoint to teach students about the purpose, audience and structure of letters through an engaging and easy-to-follow presentation.

Teach Starter Publishing1 pageYears: 1 - 3
Image of The Parts of a Letter Interactive Activity

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The Parts of a Letter Interactive Activity

Teach the parts of a letter with this engaging interactive activity where students learn the format of a letter through sorting and labelling exercises.

Teach Starter Publishing1 pageYears: 1 - 3
Image of Parts of a Letter Poster Pack

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Parts of a Letter Poster Pack

Use this parts of a letter poster pack, featuring colourful visuals and clear explanations, to help students understand the key components of a letter.

Teach Starter Publishing1 pageYears: 1 - 3

Curriculum

  • VC2E3LA03

    Describe how different types of texts across the curriculum have different language features and structures depending on purposes <ul> <li>identifying the stages of a basic argument such as introduction, argument 1, argument 2 and conclusion</li> <li>describing the typical text structure and language features of factual recounts, autobiographies, information reports, narratives, personal responses to literary texts (with reasons), sequential explanations, verse poetry and simple arguments, and describing their purposes</li> </ul>

  • VC2E3LY11

    Create narrative, informative and persuasive texts, written and spoken, with ideas grouped in simple paragraphs, using topic-specific and precise vocabulary and multimodal elements as appropriate <ul> <li>gathering information and ideas about a topic in preparation for writing, which may include information and ideas from online and digital sources</li> <li>researching a topic to prepare an oral or multimodal presentation</li> <li>planning the sequence of ideas and information using techniques such as storyboards or a simple flow chart</li> <li>explaining ideas to a peer when planning a presentation</li> <li>selecting an appropriate text structure for a writing purpose, and sequencing content for clarity and to have an impact on an audience</li> <li>using appropriate simple and compound sentences to express and combine ideas</li> <li>using vocabulary, including topic-specific vocabulary, relevant to the type of text and purpose</li> <li>using digital tools to plan, sequence, compose and edit texts</li> </ul>

  • VC2E3LY12

    Re-read and edit texts for meaning, appropriate structure, grammatical choices and punctuation <ul> <li>using print and online dictionaries and spellcheck to edit spelling, realising that spellcheck accuracy depends on understanding the word function, for example ‘there’ or ‘their’ and ‘rain’ or ‘reign’</li> <li>checking for correct use of apostrophes for contractions and to indicate possession</li> </ul>

  • VC2E4LA03

    Describe how different types of texts across the curriculum have different language features and are typically organised into characteristic stages depending on purposes <ul> <li>identifying the typical stages and language features of texts such as narratives, factual recounts, imaginative recounts, biographies, information reports, explanations, book talks, poetry and arguments for a particular purpose</li> <li>understanding how and why text structure is important in texts such as sequential and causal explanations, and comparative and part-whole information reports</li> <li>recognising that poems have different purposes that influence the organisation of the text into characteristic stages, for example poems that tell stories, poems that describe and poems that reflect on aspects of life</li> <li>recognising the difference between a text’s form (such as a poster, email or list) and its organisation into stages, depending on its social purpose</li> </ul>

  • VC2E4LY10

    Create narrative, informative and persuasive texts, written and spoken, using relevant, linked ideas for a range of audiences and using multimodal elements as appropriate <ul> <li>using research to gather ideas for writing and integrating information from a range of sources, which may include those found online</li> <li>selecting text structure and planning how to group ideas into paragraphs to sequence content</li> <li>using topic-specific, precise and varied vocabulary</li> <li>choosing a variety of appropriate words and phrases, including descriptive words and some technical vocabulary, to communicate meaning accurately</li> <li>using grammatical features, including different types of verb groups, noun groups and adverb groups/phrases, for effective descriptions and details according to purpose</li> </ul>

  • VC2E4LY11

    Re-read and edit texts for meaning by adding, deleting or moving words or word groups to improve content and structure <ul> <li>collaborating with a peer to edit literary texts by sharing feedback about choices made to develop storylines, characters and settings</li> <li>revising written texts to improve the selection of words used to connect ideas and to improve the cohesion of the text</li> </ul>

Teach Starter Publishing

Teach Starter Publishing

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