1Lesson Goals
I will be able to:
- organise a formal email into clear paragraphs.
- support a suggestion with reasons and details.
- use polite language for requests.
Start here: How would an email to a council differ from a message to a friend?
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Writing a Formal Email
Writing · Community ideas and polite requests
Teacher note: This is an original classroom task, not an official assessment. The council scenario and model email are fictional. Read the listening script from the teacher answers twice. Learners draft their email; no message is sent.
2Reading
Imagine your local council wants ideas for a new community space. It is considering a playground, a skate park or a community garden. You decide to send an email suggesting a community garden.
A clear subject line helps the reader understand your purpose quickly. Begin with a polite greeting, such as “Dear Council Members”. In the opening paragraph, state your suggestion.
In the next paragraph, describe useful features. For a community garden, you might suggest raised garden beds, a compost area and benches. Explain how these features would help people. For example, benches would give visitors a place to rest, while shared garden beds could bring neighbours together.
Give reasons rather than only saying that your idea is good. Use specific examples to make your argument stronger. Keep each paragraph focused on one main idea.
Finish with a short conclusion and a polite request. You could write, “Could you please consider this suggestion?” Thank the reader and close with “Kind regards” followed by your name.
Before sending an email, check your subject line, paragraph order, spelling and tone. A formal email can be friendly while still being clear and respectful.
3Vocabulary
Match 1–6 with A–F.
- subject line
- purpose
- feature
- benefit
- consider
- tone
A. a useful or positive result
B. to think carefully about an idea
C. the reason for doing something
D. the style or attitude shown by the words
E. a particular part or characteristic
F. the short heading that describes an email
Use two words in your own sentences.
4Reading Comprehension
- Which three options is the fictional council considering?
- Why is a clear subject line useful?
- What should the opening paragraph state?
- Name two garden features suggested in the reading.
- How could shared garden beds benefit the community?
- Give the polite request suggested in the reading.
- Name two things to check before sending an email.
Answer in sentences. Use the reading.
5Grammar
Polite requests: Could you please + base verb…?
Possible benefits: would/could + base verb.
Complete with the correct form of the verb.
- Could you please ___ (consider) our idea?
- Benches would ___ (give) visitors a place to rest.
- A garden could ___ (bring) neighbours together.
- Shared beds would ___ (help) people learn new skills.
6Listening & Speaking
Listen: Your teacher will read a short script twice. Answer these questions.
- Which option does Ella prefer?
- What feature does she suggest for beginners?
- Why does she want seating?
Then discuss with a partner:
- Choose a playground, a skate park or a community garden.
- Agree on two useful features and explain their benefits.
- Practise a polite request for the council to consider your idea.
Try: I think… because… / We could… / What do you think?
Writing a Formal Email — continued
7Writing
Write a 120–150-word email to the fictional council. Choose one option. Include a subject line, greeting, two features with reasons, a polite request and an appropriate closing.
Plan your ideas, then write.
Check purpose, paragraph order, polite tone and punctuation.
8Something New
Tone detective: Match each casual phrase with a more formal version.
1. Hi guys!
2. Put in a garden.
3. It’s good.
4. Cheers!
A. Kind regards
B. Dear Council Members
C. It would bring neighbours together.
D. I would like to suggest a garden.
9Success Criteria ✓
- I can organise a formal email into clear paragraphs.
- I can support a suggestion with reasons and details.
- I can use polite language for requests.
- I can use three new words.
- I can answer questions about the listening.
Exit reflection: One thing I learned…
One thing I want to practise…
10Show What You Can Do
Final challenge: Review your email as if you were a council member. Underline the purpose, circle one polite request and highlight two benefits. Improve one sentence by adding a specific example.