Writing an Email: Sentence Connectives, Structure, Formal vs Informal

A classroom-ready, teacher-created PowerPoint lesson that explicitly teaches students how to structure and write an email for different audiences and purposes, while reinforcing key English Language skills including linking ideas using sentence connectives, register awareness (formal vs informal tone) and planning content for transactional writing.

This resource includes interactive sorting activities, clear explanations of email layout conventions, and two modelled writing tasks that allow students to apply tone, structure and content effectively.

Lesson Content & Annotation/Teaching Focus:

Sentence Connectives Identification Task:
Students sort key connectives (e.g. for, although, because, unless, while, if, so) under appropriate headings to build cohesion and reasoning in emails.
Connective groups support:

cause and effect

contrast

sequencing

conditions

Email Structure Modelling:
Clear instructor notes explain and model the conventions of:

To (recipient address requirement)

CC (copied in for information, no action required)

Subject line (brief summary of purpose)

Body (greeting, main content, closing salutations)

Tone & Register Teaching:

Formal vs informal email indicators discussed and modelled

Guidance on adapting language for clients vs friends

Character and narrative examples are teacher-annotated on slides to model thinking and planning

Scaffolds embedded to support mixed-ability learners and allow GCSE-level extension

Application Writing Tasks:

Task 1 — Formal Client Email
Students write an email to a client explaining a new or improved product/service offering, considering:

formality

type of service

cost

whether it is new or an improvement

clear purpose and persuasive clarity

Task 2 — Informal Email to a Friend
Students write an email asking a friend to help organise a group trip to a zoo, including required logistical content:

date and time

meeting point

travel arrangements

ticket cost

lunch plans

zoo choice

weather considerations

Skills Developed:

Writing transactional emails with clear purpose

Selecting and applying appropriate tone/register

Sequencing, reasoning and contrasting using connectives

Understanding layout conventions used in professional and personal emails

Planning and including required content (audience/purpose awareness)

Building cohesion in transactional writing, transferable to GCSE English Language exams

Perfect For:

KS3 English lessons

GCSE English Language transactional writing and cohesion skill transfer

Literacy interventions and adult learners practising formal/informal register

Functional writing units, classroom modelling, or homework tasks

Email writing skill development for mixed-ability secondary learners