Year 6 Model Text Resource Pack 15: ‘Job Applications’ (Formal and informal letters; English - writing for a purpose))

Real Writing Year 6 - Unit 15
Model text: Job Applications, by Anita Loughrey
Curriculum links: English - identifying the audience for and purpose of writing

Writing unit overview

This writing unit for Year 6 is built around an original model text by Anita Loughrey; a pair of job application letters, one written in a formal register, and the other informal. The example text is available as a PDF in three versions (plain, illustrated and annotated); annotated and non-annotated PowerPoint presentations are also included.

In this two-week unit, pupils will think about job advertisements, and the kinds of skills and qualities needed to respond to them. They will compare the language and features of the formal and informal sample letters, and understand why the former register is required in this context. Finally, they will write their own formal letters of application for a dream job of their choice using the letter writing templates provided.

Key curriculum skills

Two fully-resourced lessons are included for the following Y5/6 English objectives, which can form part of the unit or be taught discretely:

1. Vocabulary - To identify the difference between vocabulary used in informal and formal speech and writing

Pupils will: revisit the use of formal and informal language, investigating settings where each register might be appropriate; consider sets of synonyms, and arrange them in order of increasing formality; match pairs of synonyms; create formal and informal sentences; identify examples of informal language in a formal letter, and rewrite it appropriately.

2. Grammar - To use the colon to introduce lists and use semi-colons within lists

Pupils will: revise the colon and semi-colon; discuss how both marks are used in lists; explain when each can/should be used; punctuate a series of lists correctly; write a paragraph including a correctly punctuated list.

Additional objectives to teach or revisit

From previous year groups:

• Using modal verbs.
• Parenthesis

Additional year 6 curriculum teaching points

• Using the passive voice to aid formality

Year 6 vocabulary

Year 5/6 statutory spelling words: sincerely, correspond, environmental, suggest
Tier 2 words: qualification, unorthodox, enrichment, punctual, enclose, application

What is a formal letter?

A formal letter is a type of writing used in professional situations. Examples might include a job application, letter of complaint, a letter to a customer or to parents.
Formal letters should be written using a formal tone. The use of Standard English and formal vocabulary is needed.

What is an informal letter?

An informal letter is a personal letter written to people the writer knows well, such as friends and family, to tell them what is going on in their life or to send their regards or thanks.

The language used in informal letters is casual and formal and uses informal vocabulary.