Formal Letter Writing
A formal letter is a letter written for an official or professional purpose. It is generally addressed to a principal, teacher, officer, manager, editor, or other authority.
Formal letters are written to make a request, give information, lodge a complaint, apply for something, or seek permission. They follow a fixed format and use polite, clear, and formal language.
Examples:
Application for leave
Letter of complaint
Letter to the editor
Request for permission
Application for a job
- Sender’sAddress: Write the address of the person sending the letter.
- Date: 19th August, 20XX
- Receiver’sAddress : Write the designation and address of the person to whom the letter is addressed.
- Subject: Write the purpose of the letter in one short line.
- Salutation: Use Sir/Madam or Dear Sir/Madam.
- Body of the Letter : Usually written in 2–3 paragraphs:
– Introduction: State the purpose of writing.
– Main Content: Give the necessary details.
– Conclusion: Make the request or state the expected action.
- Complimentary Closing : Use Yours faithfully or Yours sincerely.
- Name/Signature: Write the sender’s name and, if required, designation.
Basic Layout:
Sender’s Address
Date
Receiver’s Address
Subject: ____________
Sir/Madam,
Paragraph 1 – Introduction
Paragraph 2 – Main content
Paragraph 3 – Conclusion/request
Yours faithfully,
Name
Designation (if required)
Letter to editor
Question 1: The parks in your neighbourhood have been neglected for a long time. As Meera / Mohan of 14, Shanti Nagar, Bhopal, write a letter to the editor of The Bhopal Gazette expressing your concern and suggesting ways to improve the parks. Use the following cues and your own ideas. (Word Limit: 120–150 words)
14, Shanti Nagar
Bhopal – 462001
19 August 2026
The Editor
The Bhopal Gazette
Bhopal – 462001
Subject: Deplorable Condition of Parks in Our Neighbourhood
Sir/Madam
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the civic authorities to the deplorable condition of parks in our locality. As a resident of Shanti Nagar, I feel it is my responsibility to raise this concern.
The parks are in a shameful state — overgrown grass, broken benches, open pits, and a complete absence of lights and dustbins have made them unsafe, especially for children and the elderly. What were once spaces of recreation and fresh air have become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and stray animals.
I urge the municipal authorities to prune trees, repair benches and walking tracks, cover open pits, and install solar lights and dustbins at the earliest. Involving local residents in maintenance drives can also prove highly effective. Together, we can restore these spaces to their former glory.
Thanking you
Yours sincerely
Meera/Mohan
Question 2: You are Aryan/Arya, a student of Class 9. You have noticed that children in your neighbourhood spend most of their time on mobile phones instead of reading books. Write a letter to the editor highlighting the decline of reading habits among children and the importance of cultivating them.
14, Shanti Nagar
Delhi – 110045
19 August 2026
The Editor
The Times of India
New Delhi – 110002
Subject: Declining Reading Habits Among Children
Sir/Madam
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to highlight the alarming decline in reading habits among children today. Most children prefer spending hours on mobile phones and video games instead of reading books. This shift is affecting their vocabulary, imagination and concentration.
Reading not only improves language skills but also builds knowledge, empathy and critical thinking. Parents and schools must encourage children to read by setting up reading corners, gifting books and organising library sessions. Schools can introduce weekly reading periods and book clubs to make reading enjoyable.
I urge parents, teachers, and authorities to collectively promote a culture of reading among the younger generation.
Yours truly
Aryan/Arya
Student, Class 9
Question 3: You are Meena/Mohan, residing at 22, Rose Garden, Chandigarh. You are concerned about the increasing noise pollution in your city due to loudspeakers and traffic. Write a letter to the editor of a local daily suggesting measures to control it.
22, Rose Garden
Chandigarh – 160001
19 August 2026
The Editor
The Tribune
Chandigarh – 160002
Subject: Growing Noise Pollution in Our City
Sir/Madam
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw attention to the rising noise pollution in Chandigarh. Blaring loudspeakers, honking vehicles, and construction work have made daily life extremely stressful, especially for students and the elderly.
Noise pollution leads to hearing problems, sleep disorders, stress and loss of concentration. Authorities must enforce strict noise regulations, ban loudspeakers in residential areas during night hours, and promote the use of electric vehicles. Schools should educate students about the ill effects of noise pollution.
I urge the municipal authorities to take immediate steps to create a quieter and healthier environment for all residents.
Yours faithfully
Meena/Mohan
Question 4: You are Rohan Sharma, a resident of Green Park, Bhopal. You are concerned about the increasing number of stray animals on the roads of your city. They often cause traffic problems and accidents. Write a letter to the Editor of The Times of India highlighting the problem and suggesting suitable measures.
24, Green Park
Bhopal
19 August 2026
The Editor
The Times of India
Bhopal
Subject: Increasing problem of stray animals on city roads
Sir/Madam,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the concerned authorities towards the increasing number of stray animals on the roads of our city. Cows, dogs, and other animals are often seen wandering on busy roads and near markets. They cause traffic congestion and may lead to serious accidents.
The authorities should arrange proper shelters for stray animals and ensure that they are not left unattended on busy roads. People should also be encouraged not to throw food waste on roads, as this attracts animals.
I hope your newspaper will highlight this issue and encourage the authorities and citizens to take appropriate action.
Yours faithfully,
Rohan Sharma
Question 5: You are Ananya Verma, a resident of Shanti Nagar, Indore. You are concerned about the increasing use of single-use plastic in your city. Write a letter to the Editor of The Hindustan Times highlighting the harmful effects of plastic pollution and suggesting measures to control it.
32, Shanti Nagar
Indore
19 August 2026
The Editor
The Hindustan Times
Indore
Subject: Rising problem of plastic pollution
Sir/Madam,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw attention to the growing problem of plastic pollution in our city. Plastic bags, bottles, and other single-use plastic items are commonly found on roadsides, in drains, and in public places. They not only make our surroundings dirty but also harm animals and pollute the environment.
The authorities should strictly enforce the ban on single-use plastic and encourage people to use cloth and paper bags. Awareness campaigns should also be organised in schools and public places.
I hope your newspaper will highlight this serious issue and encourage citizens to adopt environment-friendly habits.
Yours faithfully,
Ananya Verma
Question 6 :You are Arjun Mehta, a resident of Civil Lines, Jabalpur. You are disturbed by the increasing level of noise pollution caused by loudspeakers, unnecessary honking, and traffic. Write a letter to the Editor of The Daily News expressing your concern and suggesting measures to control the problem.
18, Civil Lines
Jabalpur
19 August 2026
The Editor
The Daily News
Jabalpur
Subject: Increasing problem of noise pollution
Sir/Madam,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw attention to the increasing problem of noise pollution in our city. Loudspeakers, unnecessary honking, construction work, and heavy traffic create excessive noise, especially in residential areas. This causes disturbance and affects the peace and well-being of residents.
The authorities should strictly enforce noise-control rules and take action against those who use loudspeakers beyond the permitted hours. Citizens should also be encouraged to avoid unnecessary honking and maintain silence near schools and hospitals.
I hope your newspaper will highlight this issue and create awareness among citizens about the harmful effects of noise pollution.
Yours faithfully,
Arjun Mehta
Question 7: You are Nisha Gupta, a resident of Vijay Nagar, Indore. You are concerned about the increasing number of road accidents in your city due to rash driving and violation of traffic rules. Write a letter to the Editor of The Times of India highlighting the problem and suggesting measures to improve road safety.
25, Vijay Nagar
Indore
19 August 2026
The Editor
The Times of India
Indore
Subject: Need for greater road safety
Sir/Madam,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw attention to the increasing number of road accidents in our city. Rash driving, overspeeding, jumping red lights, and the use of mobile phones while driving are some of the major causes of accidents.
The authorities should strictly enforce traffic rules and impose penalties on offenders. Regular road-safety awareness programmes should also be organised for drivers and students.
I hope your newspaper will highlight this issue and encourage people to follow traffic rules responsibly.
Yours faithfully,
Nisha Gupta
Question 8: You are Karan Singh, a resident of Nehru Nagar, Bhopal. Your locality does not have a well-maintained public library. Write a letter to the Editor of The Daily News highlighting the importance of public libraries and requesting the authorities to improve library facilities.
15, Nehru Nagar
Bhopal
19 August 2026
The Editor
The Daily News
Bhopal
Subject: Need for better public library facilities
Sir/Madam,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to highlight the need for a well-maintained public library in our locality. A library provides students and residents with access to books, newspapers, magazines, and other useful resources. However, the existing library has limited books and inadequate facilities.
The concerned authorities should provide new books, comfortable reading spaces, proper lighting, and internet facilities. A well-equipped library would encourage reading and support students in their studies.
I hope this issue will receive the attention of the concerned authorities.
Yours faithfully,
Karan Singh
Question 9 : You are Priya Sharma, a student of Class IX and a resident of Shastri Nagar, Jabalpur. There are very few playgrounds and sports facilities available for children in your area. Write a letter to the Editor of The Hindustan Times highlighting the problem and suggesting suitable measures.
22, Shastri Nagar
Jabalpur
19 August 2026
The Editor
The Hindustan Times
Jabalpur
Subject: Need for better sports facilities for children
Sir/Madam,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw attention to the lack of sports facilities for children in our locality. Most open spaces have either been occupied by construction or are poorly maintained. As a result, children have very few opportunities to play outdoor games.
The local authorities should develop and maintain public playgrounds and provide basic sports equipment. Safe spaces for cycling and other outdoor activities should also be created.
I hope your newspaper will highlight this issue and encourage the authorities to take necessary action.
Yours faithfully,
Priya Sharma
Question 10 :You are Rahul Mehta, a resident of Civil Lines, Bhopal. You have noticed that large quantities of food are wasted at weddings, parties, and restaurants. Write a letter to the Editor of The Indian Express highlighting the problem and suggesting ways to reduce food wastage.
10, Civil Lines
Bhopal
19 August 2026
The Editor
The Indian Express
Bhopal
Subject: Need to prevent food wastage
Sir/Madam,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw attention to the growing problem of food wastage. Large quantities of food are often thrown away at weddings, parties, hotels, and restaurants. This is particularly unfortunate when many people still struggle to get sufficient food.
People should be encouraged to take only as much food as they can eat. Hotels and event organizers can donate safe, surplus food to charitable organisations. Awareness campaigns can also teach people the value of food.
I hope your newspaper will spread awareness about this issue and encourage people to use food responsibly.
Yours faithfully,
Rahul Mehta
