Teaching students how to write a good message—whether a text, email, or simple note—is a practical and essential skill. Here’s a short guide on how to teach message writing effectively in the classroom.
✉️ Why Teach Message Writing?
Messages are a part of everyday communication. Students may need to:
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Text a classmate about homework
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Leave a note for a teacher
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Send a short email for a job or appointment
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Message someone in English socially or professionally
A “good message” is clear, polite, and has a purpose. Teaching message writing builds confidence in both written English and real-life interaction.
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🧑🏫 How to Teach Students to Write a Good Message
1. Start with the Purpose
Explain the different types of messages:
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Informal (to friends/family)
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Semi-formal (to classmates/teachers)
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Formal (for jobs or requests)
Discuss:
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What is the message for?
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Who is the reader?
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What information must it include?
✅ Tip: Create a message checklist (Who? What? Why? When? How?)
2. Introduce the Structure
Teach students a basic structure for a short, polite message:
1. Greeting – “Hi Sara,” / “Hello Mr. Lee,”
2. Purpose – “I just wanted to ask…” / “I’m writing to tell you…”
3. Details – Time, place, request, reason
4. Closing – “Thanks!” / “See you soon!” / “Best regards,”
✅ Example (to a classmate):
Hi Leo,
Just a quick note to ask if you remember the homework for today.
Let me know. Thanks!
– Emma
3. Model and Analyze Messages
Show students realistic examples of short messages. Discuss what makes them good:
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Clear and polite language
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Correct grammar and punctuation
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The right tone for the audience
✅ Activity: Compare a “bad” and “good” message. Ask: “What’s wrong? How can we fix it?”
4. Practice with Prompts
Provide prompts and ask students to write short messages. Examples:
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Write a message to your teacher explaining why you’re late.
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Send a text to a friend inviting them to a movie.
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Email your boss asking for a day off.
✅ Pair students to write and reply to each other’s messages.
5. Focus on Politeness and Clarity
Teach phrases that sound polite and helpful:
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“Could you…” instead of “Give me…”
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“I’m sorry, but…” instead of “I can’t…”
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“Would you mind…?”
✅ Mini-lesson: Formal vs informal tone
🛠️ Classroom Tips
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Create sentence banks for common situations
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Review punctuation and short-form writing rules
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Encourage daily practice with real-life scenarios
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Lesson Plan, Worksheet & Checklist: Writing a Good Message
📅 LESSON PLAN
Level: High Beginner to Intermediate
Time: 45–60 minutes
Topic: Writing a Good Message
Focus: Writing, Reading, Speaking (Politeness, Clarity, Tone)
Objectives
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Understand the structure and purpose of different types of messages
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Write clear and polite short messages (texts, notes, or emails)
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Identify and use appropriate tone (informal, semi-formal, formal)
Materials
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Sample message handouts
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Message writing checklist (see below)
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Worksheet (included)
Warm-Up (5–10 mins)
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Ask: “When do you write messages in your daily life? Who do you write to?”
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Discuss the differences between messages to friends, teachers, or employers
Presentation (10 mins)
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Show 2 sample messages (one informal, one formal)
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Identify structure:
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Greeting
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Purpose
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Details
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Closing
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Guided Practice (10–15 mins)
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Read sample messages and highlight key parts
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Practice rewriting informal messages into more polite ones
Worksheet Activity (20 mins)
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Complete the worksheet exercises (see below)
Wrap-Up (5 mins)
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Exit slip: Write a short message to the teacher about something realistic (e.g., being absent)
🗋 WORKSHEET: Writing a Good Message
Part A: Label the Parts of the Message
Read the message below and label: Greeting, Purpose, Details, Closing
Hi Mr. Park,
I’m sorry I missed class today. I wasn’t feeling well and went to the doctor.
I will catch up on the notes from Maria.
Thank you!
See you tomorrow,
Anna
Part B: Improve the Message
Make this message more polite and clear:
Hey! Can I not come tomorrow? Got stuff to do. Bye.
Write your improved version:
Part C: Write a Message for Each Situation
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You want to ask your teacher about homework.
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You want to invite a friend to study together.
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You need to cancel your English class.
Use full sentences. Include greeting, purpose, detail, and closing.
🔢 CHECKLIST: A Good Message Has…
✅ A clear greeting (Hi Sarah, Hello Mr. Kim)
✅ A short and clear purpose (I want to ask…, I’m writing to tell you…)
✅ Enough details (What, when, why)
✅ A polite tone (Please, Thank you, Sorry)
✅ A proper closing (Thanks, See you, Best wishes)
✅ Correct punctuation and spelling
Extension idea: Create a message board in class or use chat simulations for real-life practice!
A Brilliant Message!
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