Formal Letter Writing
Nail the format first — half the marks are in the layout
Summary
The formal letter is a guaranteed question in the writing section and is one of the most format-driven, scoring tasks in the whole paper. Examiners award marks for the correct format, the right content and coverage of the points given, and accurate, fluent expression.
Common types asked are letters to the editor (raising a public issue), letters of complaint, letters of enquiry, and placing or cancelling orders. Whatever the type, the layout stays the same — only the body changes.
Because the format carries fixed marks, a student who memorises the layout perfectly starts every letter with marks already secured, before a single sentence of content is written.
Key points to remember
- Sender's address (top-left), then the date below it.
- Receiver's designation and address.
- Subject line — short and specific.
- Salutation: 'Sir/Madam' or 'Dear Sir/Madam'.
- Body in three paragraphs: introduction/purpose, details, polite close/expected action.
- Complimentary close: 'Yours faithfully' (when you don't know the name).
- Sender's name (and designation, if any) at the end.
- Keep the tone formal and impersonal throughout — no contractions, no slang, stay within the word limit.
Important questions (board pattern)
- 5 marksWrite a letter to the editor of a newspaper about the growing problem of plastic waste in your city.
How to answer: Use the full formal format; cover the problem, its effects, and a clear suggestion; keep it to the word limit and a formal tone.
- 5 marksWrite a letter of complaint to a shopkeeper about a defective product you purchased.
How to answer: State the product and date of purchase, the defect, the inconvenience caused, and the exact action you want (replacement/refund).
- 5 marksWrite a letter to the Municipal Commissioner regarding poor sanitation in your locality.
How to answer: Open with the issue, give specific details, and end with the action requested and an expected timeframe.
- 5 marksWrite a letter of enquiry to a coaching institute asking about its courses, fees and timings.
How to answer: List your specific queries clearly in the body and request a prompt reply; keep the tone polite and businesslike.
Common exam traps
- Wrong complimentary close — use 'Yours faithfully' for unknown recipients, not 'Yours sincerely'.
- Forgetting the subject line, which carries a fixed format mark.
- Crossing the word limit or slipping into an informal, chatty tone.
- Missing one of the points given in the question — content marks are split across them.
Frequently asked questions
- How many marks is the formal letter in CBSE Class 10 English?
- The formal letter in the writing section typically carries 5 marks, split across format, content and expression.
- Which complimentary close should I use in a formal letter?
- Use 'Yours faithfully' when you do not know the recipient's name (e.g. 'The Editor'). It is the safe, standard choice for board letters.
- What are the main parts of a formal letter?
- Sender's address, date, receiver's address, subject line, salutation, a three-paragraph body, complimentary close, and the sender's name.
- Is the word limit strict for the formal letter?
- Stay close to the prescribed word limit. Going well over wastes time and can attract a penalty, while writing too little usually means you have missed content points.