Formal Letter WritingCBSE Class 10 English — Section B, Q4
Q4 in Section B carries 5 marks and always gives you two choices: a letter to a government official or authority (a), or a letter to the editor of a newspaper (b). You write one of them in 100–120 words.
How 5 marks are distributed
Format
1 mark
Correct use of all parts: address, date, designation, subject line, salutation, closing
Content
2 marks
Relevant points made clearly — problem stated, suggestions given, tone appropriate
Expression
2 marks
Grammar, vocabulary, sentence variety, coherence, word limit (100–120 words)
The format — know every part
| Part | What to write | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Sender's address | Your address (as given in the question) — no name here | 14, Green Park, New Delhi |
| Date | Write the date on a new line below the address | 15 March 2024 |
| Receiver's designation & address | Official title first, then organization and city — for letter to editor, write the newspaper name | The District Magistrate, Dipak Nagar District |
| Subject | One clear line stating what the letter is about — compulsory | Subject: Request for installation of streetlights |
| Salutation | Sir / Madam — for letter to editor, use 'Sir' even if the editor is unknown | Sir, |
| Body | 3 short paragraphs: (1) introduce yourself and the problem, (2) give details/suggestions, (3) request for action | I am writing to bring to your attention… |
| Closing | For official: 'Yours faithfully' + name. For editor: 'Yours sincerely' + name (+ designation if applicable) | Yours faithfully, Alka |
Letter to Official
Close with Yours faithfully. The receiver is a government authority you have no personal relationship with.
Letter to Editor
Close with Yours sincerely. Include your designation (Head Boy, Resident, etc.) below your name if given in the question.
Real Board Paper Questions
All questions below are from actual CBSE Class 10 board papers (2023 and 2024). Practice each one before reading the model answer.
You are Soumya Hansal / Sumit Hansal living at F-32, Shanti Nagar, Vayugarh. Seeing the inadequate healthcare infrastructure in your town, write a letter to the MLA of your area, in about 120 words, suggesting the need for improving existing healthcare facilities and creating more 'Wellness Centres' including a specialised hospital for children and women.
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Model Answer
F-32, Shanti Nagar, Vayugarh 15 March 2024 The MLA, Vayugarh Constituency, Vayugarh Subject: Urgent need to improve healthcare infrastructure in Vayugarh Sir, I am writing to draw your kind attention to the deplorable state of healthcare facilities in our town. The existing government hospital is severely understaffed and lacks basic equipment. Patients are often referred to distant cities for treatment, which is both costly and time-consuming for ordinary families. I respectfully request you to take up this matter with the concerned authorities and work towards upgrading the existing hospital, establishing Wellness Centres in residential areas, and setting up a dedicated hospital for children and women. These measures will go a long way in improving public health in our town. Thanking you, Yours faithfully, Soumya Hansal
You are Risha Khan / Zuhaan Khan, the sports captain of Highrise Public School, New Line, Rai Nagar. You believe that games and sports are an integral part of a student's life. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily, in about 120 words, sharing your views on the importance of physical education and suggesting the need to establish a dedicated sports university, so that students can pursue and focus on their favourite sport.
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Model Answer
Highrise Public School, New Line, Rai Nagar 15 March 2024 The Editor, The National Times, New Delhi Subject: Need for a dedicated sports university in India Sir, Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to highlight the importance of physical education and sports in a student's overall development. Games and sports build discipline, teamwork, and physical fitness — qualities that are just as vital as academic achievement. However, talented young athletes are forced to choose between academics and sport due to the lack of proper institutions. I strongly urge the authorities to establish a dedicated sports university where students can train professionally while completing their education. This will help India produce world-class athletes and give sports the recognition it deserves. Yours sincerely, Risha Khan Sports Captain
As Sakshi / Saksham Bedi of 864, Solar Apartments, Lajpat Street, Dipak Nagar, you feel that the lack of proper street lighting in several areas of your neighbourhood is a threat to safety. Residents, especially those who work late shifts or return home after dark, feel vulnerable due to poorly lit streets. Write a letter to the District Magistrate of your city area, in about 120 words, stating the problem and requesting him to take necessary action for installation of streetlights in those areas.
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Model Answer
864, Solar Apartments, Lajpat Street, Dipak Nagar 15 March 2024 The District Magistrate, Dipak Nagar District [City] Subject: Request for installation of streetlights in Dipak Nagar Sir, I am a resident of Solar Apartments, Lajpat Street, and I am writing to bring to your notice the serious problem of inadequate street lighting in our neighbourhood. Several lanes and approach roads remain completely dark after sunset, creating an unsafe environment for residents, particularly women and those returning home from late shifts. The absence of proper lighting has already led to a few incidents of theft and accidents on poorly lit stretches. I earnestly request you to direct the concerned department to install adequate streetlights in the affected areas at the earliest, to ensure the safety of residents. Yours faithfully, Sakshi Bedi
You are Dharti Pradhan / Balal Goyal, the head girl/boy of Pinnacle School, Ustahpuri. You live in a culturally rich city with many historical monuments. You have observed that visitors have etched graffiti on these monuments and littered the area around. You are extremely disturbed at this irresponsible behaviour of the visitors. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily, in about 120 words, suggesting measures to stop such vandalism and creating awareness about the importance of these monuments.
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Model Answer
Pinnacle School, Ustahpuri 15 March 2024 The Editor, The National Tribune, New Delhi Subject: Vandalism of historical monuments — urgent need for action Sir, I am deeply troubled by the growing menace of vandalism at historical monuments in our city. Visitors have been etching graffiti on ancient walls and littering the premises, causing irreversible damage to our cultural heritage. These monuments are not just tourist attractions — they are a record of our history and identity. I urge the authorities to install CCTV cameras and warning boards at these sites, impose strict penalties on offenders, and deploy heritage guards during visiting hours. Schools and media should also run awareness campaigns emphasising civic responsibility. Our monuments belong to all of us, and it is our collective duty to protect them. Yours sincerely, Dharti Pradhan Head Girl, Pinnacle School
You are Neha / Nehal Panjwani, residing at 8576, Sarita Apartments, Hanger Street. As a responsible citizen, you believe in promoting environmentally responsible practices. Write a letter to the Director, Alternate Energy Commission, in about 120 words, sharing your views about 'Reducing the Carbon Footprint' by encouraging the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, and to provide subsidies to families who want to avail the facility.
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Model Answer
8576, Sarita Apartments, Hanger Street 15 March 2024 The Director, Alternate Energy Commission, [City] Subject: Promoting renewable energy to reduce carbon footprint Sir, I am writing to strongly advocate the wider adoption of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power as a practical step towards reducing our nation's carbon footprint. While awareness about climate change is growing, many families are unable to switch to clean energy due to the high initial cost of solar panels and wind installations. I respectfully suggest that the Commission introduce targeted subsidies and easy-loan schemes for households wishing to install solar panels. A reduction in installation costs will encourage mass adoption. Additionally, public awareness campaigns in schools and residential societies will help build a culture of responsible energy use. Yours faithfully, Neha Panjwani
As Shobita / Shobhit Das, a responsible citizen, residing in 14-A, GVR Colony, Hoshiyarbad, you have noticed that a road crossing in your area does not have a traffic signal which leads to chaos and traffic jams during peak hours. It is also an accident-prone area. Despite writing numerous letters to the Traffic Commissioner, no action has yet been taken. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily, in about 120 words, to draw the attention of concerned authorities to address the pressing issue affecting the commuters.
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Model Answer
14-A, GVR Colony, Hoshiyarbad 15 March 2024 The Editor, The Daily Herald, [City] Subject: Missing traffic signal at a dangerous crossing in GVR Colony Sir, I wish to use your esteemed platform to draw attention to a pressing public safety issue in our area. The main road crossing near GVR Colony has no traffic signal, resulting in daily chaos, severe traffic jams during peak hours, and a dangerously high rate of accidents. Despite submitting multiple letters to the Traffic Commissioner, no action has been taken. I urge the concerned authorities to install a traffic signal and proper road markings at this crossing immediately, before a serious accident claims a life. I hope your newspaper's intervention will prompt the authorities to act without further delay. Yours sincerely, Shobhit Das
You are pained to see that in your city, there is no proper arrangement for cleaning of drains. There are heaps of accumulated garbage and stagnant water. Write a letter to the Municipal Commissioner of your city complaining about the same as there is a fear of outbreak of disease. You are Alka / Ashish. (Word limit 100-120)
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Model Answer
14, Green Park, [City] 15 March 2023 The Municipal Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, [City] Subject: Complaint regarding uncleaned drains and accumulated garbage Sir, I am writing on behalf of the residents of Green Park to bring to your urgent attention the appalling state of drainage and sanitation in our locality. The drains have not been cleaned for months. Heaps of garbage have piled up on roadsides and stagnant water has collected in several areas, emitting a foul odour and becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes. We are deeply worried about the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera and dengue. I earnestly request you to direct the sanitation department to clean the drains and remove the garbage immediately, before the situation turns into a health crisis. Yours faithfully, Alka
The authorities have been claiming that the roads in your town have been relaid and repaired. But no such work done is seen. Write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper expressing your concern at the present situation and giving suggestions to resolve the problem, in 100-120 words. You are Prabhu / Parvati of Vivek Vihar, Delhi.
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Model Answer
Vivek Vihar, Delhi 15 March 2023 The Editor, The Delhi Chronicle, New Delhi Subject: Poor condition of roads in Vivek Vihar — authorities' claims unfounded Sir, Through your esteemed newspaper, I wish to raise a serious concern about the state of roads in Vivek Vihar. The civic authorities have repeatedly announced that road repair work has been completed in our area. However, the roads remain full of potholes and cracks, making daily commuting a hazardous experience for residents and motorists. I suggest that an independent inspection be conducted by neutral officials to verify the actual ground situation, and that the contractors responsible for substandard work be held accountable. Public funds must be used honestly and transparently. I hope the media's attention will compel the authorities to act. Yours sincerely, Prabhu