This resource focuses on formal letters, asking pupils to write a letter of complaint about a faulty product. It provides practical tools to assess pupils against the KS2 writing Teacher Assessment Framework (TAF) for working towards, expected and greater depth standards.
The resource pack offers a structured approach to cross-curricular writing, combining design technology knowledge, discussion and independent research.
Pupils are guided with success criteria and checklists, while teachers are supported with clear assessment guidance, in line with the recommendation that “pupils’ writing, on which teachers base their judgements, must be produced independently.”
This writing activity works well within a design technology unit, where pupils are evaluating existing products before designing and creating their own. Pupils can explore perspective, tone and formality while applying subject knowledge and using formal vocabulary.
It also provides opportunities for cross-curricular learning, encouraging independent planning, research and structured writing.
TAF statements covered
Working Towards Standard (WTS)
Expected Standard (EXS)
Write effectively for a range of purposes and audiences, selecting language that shows good awareness of the reader
Select vocabulary and grammatical structures that reflect what the writing requires, doing this mostly appropriately (modal verbs, passive voice)
Greater Depth Standard (GDS)
Exercise an assured and conscious control over levels of formality, particularly through manipulating grammar and vocabulary to achieve this
Use the range of punctuation taught at KS2 correctly (colons and semi-colons)
Pack contents
- Personal writing skills checklist – encourages pupils to monitor and edit their own writing.
- Formal letter writing skills checklist – lists features of a formal letter for independent editing.
- How to Write a Formal Letter poster – key features of formal letters for classroom display.
- Writing Using the Subjunctive Form posters – display explaining the subjunctive form for KS2 pupils.
- Game image cards – inspire ideas and scenarios for the letter.
- Collecting ideas worksheet – pupils record initial thoughts and observations about faulty products.
- Formal letter planning sheet – helps pupils structure ideas and plan paragraphs.
- Themed writing paper – PDF for drafting the final letter.
- Teacher assessment sheets – track evidence against TAF standards; can be placed in pupils’ books as a record.
Suggested teaching approach
Begin by exploring the game image cards or a selection of games, considering how they could be faulty or broken. Discuss how the faults make pupils feel and list possible issues. This hooks pupils into the scenario and introduces the purpose of the letter.
Next, pupils will discuss the task: writing a formal letter of complaint to the company, explaining their disappointment. They will collect ideas using the worksheet and revisit formal language and the subjunctive form using the posters. Pupils will use the personal skills checklist to set individual writing targets.
Then, pupils will plan their letter using the formal letter planning sheet, deciding what to include in each paragraph. Pupils working at greater depth will identify where very formal language or the subjunctive form could be used.
After planning, pupils will draft their letter, referring to their writing checklists to support structure, vocabulary, tone and grammar. Give feedback on planning or rehearsal as needed to support independent writing.
Finally, pupils will review and edit their letter independently or in pairs using the checklists, while you will assess their work against the Year 6 TAF statements.
Browse more Year 6 SATs TAF Evidence resources.