NEW YEAR Writing Activities (KS2)

KS2 Letter Writing: Understanding Purpose and Audience (Free PDF)

This writing resource is designed to help pupils understand the purpose, tone and structure of different letter types, in line with KS2 SATs writing expectations.

Pupils explore six common letter purposes - to enquire, complain, explain, recount, comment and congratulate - through clear model texts set in engaging, real-life New Year contexts. They then apply their understanding by writing their own letter, choosing the appropriate style and purpose.

The resource supports pupils in moving beyond simply copying a “letter format” and instead focusing on what the writing is meant to achieve, helping to strengthen audience awareness, register and organisation.

What’s included:

• A matching activity linking letter examples to their purpose
• Six fully written model letters suitable for KS2
• A structured independent writing task
• Purpose-specific success criteria checklists for self- and peer-assessment
• An accompanying one-page grid aligning each letter type to Working Towards, Expected and Greater Depth standards

Ideal for:

• KS2 writing lessons and revision
• SATs preparation and moderation support
• Shared writing, guided practice or independent application
• Developing metacognition and self-assessment in writing

This resource is classroom-ready, easy to use, and suitable for whole-class teaching or targeted support.