Letter Writing

5 marks [120-150 words]

 Mark Scheme

Format – Sender’s address, date,

receiver’s address, subject,
salutation and complimentary
close 1 mark
Content 2 marks
Expression – Coherence and relevance of
ideas and style 2 marks
Grammatical accuracy,
appropriate words and spellings
 Important points

 The formal letter is written in formal language. Try to avoid

starting with ‘I’. Keep sentences short and to the point. Do
not use contractions. (I’ve, won’t, etc.)
 End with a short sentence that anticipates the response of
the addressee
 Use passive voice where possible
 Be brief and to the point
 Be clear and specific; state the purpose clearly and concisely
 Be positive and polite even if you are writing a complaint.
Remember on the receiving end of your letter is a human
being!
 Job applications
These type of letters demand a very formal and precise
treatment. Their format is almost the same as that of the
forwarding letter and is usually accompanied by a bio-
data. The bio-data ought to include the name, address, date
of birth, educational qualifications, experience, expected
salary and references.
Salutation
Sir
Complimentary close
Yours sincerely
or
Yours truly
 Sample Letter
Draft an application for the post of an Accountant with
Biodata in Ryan International School, Patparganj, Delhi,
that was advertised in The Times of India on 28 February
2019. You are Keshav/Kriti of C-3/6 Yamuna Vihar,
Delhi-110053.
 C-3/6 Yamuna Vihar
Sender’s address
Delhi-110053
Date 2 March 2019
The Principal
Receiver’s designation
and address
Ryan International School
Patparganj, Delhi
Subject Subject : Application for the job of an Accountant
Salutation Sir,
This is with reference to your advertisement in The
Opening statement Times of India on 28 February 2019 for the job of
an Accountant.
I am at present working with a company in
Gurugram. Since my family is stationed in East
Reasons for change Delhi, I find it rather difficult to commute daily. My
parents are old and ailing and require constant
medical aid. Hence I am looking for a job in Delhi.
I have 4 years of experience and can assure you of
Suitability my best services if given a chance.
Enclosures I am enclosing my biodata for your perusal.
Complimentary close Yours truly
and name Keshav
 Biodata/CV
Name Keshav Aggarwal
Address C-3/6 Yamuna Vihar, Delhi-110053
Date of Birth 20 August 19xx
Educational B. Com (Hons), Delhi University
Qualifications
Technical CIA (Computerised Industrial
Qualifications Accountant), ICA, Preet Vihar, Delhi
Job Experience Working for the last 4 years in JM
Prakashan Ltd., Sector 9, Gurugram
Expected Salary `25,000 p.m.
References Mr Sengupta, Head Accounts Division,
JM Prakashan Ltd.
 Letters to the Editor
These letters:
(i) give suggestions on a public interest issue
(ii) give suggestions on an issue already raised in an article/
published letter
They form the most important part of interactive journalism.
Readers react to the news items or articles to express their
agreement or disagreement on an issue. Readers also write to
the editor to draw the attention of the authorities towards
problems that concern a large number of people.
Salutation
Sir
Complimentary close
Yours truly
Important points
 Begin with reference to a recent event/issue
 Give details of topic bringing out cause-effect relationship
 Offer suggestions/solutions
 Do not ask the editor to solve the problem as he can only
voice your views and ideas
 Sample Letter
You are Yash, living at 4, Punjabi Bagh, Delhi. Write a
letter to the Editor of a newspaper about the burden
of the heavy bags that young children carry to school.
4, Punjabi Bagh
Delhi
2 March 2019
The Editor
The Times of India
Delhi
Subject : Undue burden on school children
Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper I would like to draw the
attention of the authorities to the burden of the heavy bags that young children
carry to school.
It is a pity that tiny kids carry a heavy load on their little shoulders. In fact the load
is much higher than their physical strength. It is even difficult at times to mount
the bus. In this day when imparting education is not solely dependent on books
and notebooks, it makes it impractical for children to carry heavy bags.
Modern psychologists have evolved games and methods of stress-free learning
without books. This ought to be coupled with the optimum use of computers. All
this needs to be incorporated to lessen their burden.
Yours truly
Yash