How to Write a Business Letter

From LearnSocialStudies

July 26, 2026

Teacher: Mr. Ott ___ AP Psychology ____ Current Events ____ Resource Room/SETSS


EQ: What is the correct way to write a Business Letter/Email?

Do Now: Name Three (3) reasons why you would write a Business Letter/Email? Share you responses with a classmate by exchanging your response.

This Lesson Overview is provided as a quick and easy lesson plan format for teachers.
Lesson Procedures are located at bottom of lesson for individuals/groups/pairs. Print Lesson and complete as needed.


Lesson Overview
Utilized Activity Time Allocated Mode of Activity
____ Do Now _________ / 2-5 Min (Individual / Think-Pair-Share / Pair / Group #____)
____ Mini Lesson _________/ 15-20 Min (Individual / Think-Pair-Share / Pair / Group #____)
____ Activity _________ / 20-30 Min (Individual / Think-Pair-Share / Pair / Group #_____)
____ Discussion/Exit Ticket _________ / 5-10 Min (Individual / Think-Pair-Share / Pair / Group #____)
____ Assessment _________ / 10-40 Min (Individual / Think-Pair-Share / Pair / Group #____)
____ Conferencing _________ Min (Individual / Pair / Group #____ / Throughout Class Period)

Classwork & Homework

Lesson Activity:

Pre-Writing: Either take out a lined piece of paper or open a new Google Doc.

Step 1: You will be using BLOCK format. All of your information will be LEFT Justified. There is NO indentation for any line.

Step 2: Include your contact information At the top of the page, include your full name, address, phone number, and email address, using a separate line for each.

Step 3: Add the date (date the letter is being written or sent).

Step 4: Add the recipient's contact information Include the full name, title, company name, and address of the person to whom the letter is being sent.

Step 5: Add the salutation Begin the letter with a formal salutation, such as "Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name," or "To Whom It May Concern."

Step 6: Write the body of the letter In the body of the letter, state your purpose clearly and concisely. Provide any necessary details, such as dates, times, or specific requests.

Step 7: Close the letter End the letter with a polite closing, such as "Sincerely," or "Best regards."

Step 8: Add your signature and printed name Leave space for your signature and type your name beneath it.

Step 9: Proofread the letter Check the letter for grammar and spelling errors, and ensure that the tone and content are appropriate.

Step 10: Send the letter Print the letter on high-quality paper, sign it, and send it to the recipient via mail or email, depending on the circumstances.

Highlights & Double Checks

  • Ensure that the letter is strictly formal and professional in tone
  • Mention the exact reason for writing the letter
  • State the number of days required for an event, if any.
  • State any arrangements (if required)
  • Mention contact information
  • If writing the letter for the issue of any documents needed
  • Ensure that no slangs are used at any point in the letter
  • Proofread the letter for grammar, spelling or factual errors before sending it

Procedure:

  1. Students will explore the exemplar as a class for the Business Letter format.
  2. Students will write a draft letter to the principal about a good quality or an issue they see about EPIC High School South
  3. Students can write their Business Letter draft on lined paper or in a Google Doc.
  4. Students will revise their Business Letter draft by using synonyms to replace lower level vocabulary words.
  5. Students will revise their Business Letter draft by replacing sentences with a professional tone, and/or academic/community vernacular.
  6. Students will use Google Docs to transcribe their letter from handwritten to text-based (if not completed, already)
  7. Students will conference with the teacher using their Google Doc and complete edits using Rewording Tool. (Revision)
  8. Students will submit a final copy to the teacher for printing and delivery to the school principal.
  9. Students who have completed the activity will complete and Exit Ticket for their lesson.
  10. Students will complete the SEL activity on the Smartboard in class and/or for homework.

Homework:

  • Work on Editing & Revising Wording,
  • If assignment is complete, complete the SEL Activity on the Smartboard.
  • Complete Classwork Assignment



Danielson Framework
Domain 1: Planning and Preparation Domain 2: Classroom Environment
1a Demonstrating Knowledge of Content and Pedagogy
1b Demonstrating Knowledge of Students
1c Setting Instructional Outcomes
1d Demonstrating Knowledge of Resources
1e Designing Coherent Instruction
1f Designing Student Assessments

Rubric: Domain 1

2a Creating an Environment of Respect and Rapport
2b Establishing a Culture for Learning
2c Managing Classroom Procedures
2d Managing Student Behavior
2e Organizing Physical Space
Domain 3: Instruction Domain 4: Professional Responsibilities
3a Communicating With Students
3b Using Questioning and Discussion Techniques
3c Engaging Students in Learning
3d Using Assessment in Instruction
3e Demonstrating Flexibility and Responsiveness
4a Reflecting on Teaching
4b Maintaining Accurate Records
4c Communicating with Families
4d Participating in the Professional Community
4e Growing and Developing Professionally
4f Showing Professionalism

Rubric: Domain 4