EnglishCBSE Class 10 · Writing Skills

Formal Letter Writing for CBSE Class 10

Updated 14 October 2026 · Fact-checked

The formal letter is Question 4 of the CBSE Class 10 English paper. You write 100-120 words for 5 marks, choosing one of two situations. Marks go to format (1), content (2), organisation of ideas (1) and accuracy (1). You write to an editor or an official about a given situation.

Typed formal letter on Indian University Foundation letterhead with date, salutation, body paragraphs, 'Very sincerely' and signature. — Notice the letterhead, date, 'Dear Mr...' greeting, short body paragraphs, formal closing and the signer's name and designation. CBSE adds a subject line.
Picture: Howard S. Wilcox, Executive Director of Indiana University Foundation in Bloomington, Indiana · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Understand Formal Letter Writing

A formal letter is a letter to a person you do not know personally, usually an editor, an officer or an organisation. You write it for a purpose: to raise a concern, complain, request or enquire. In the board paper you get a situation with an imaginary name and role, and you choose one of two tasks. The limit is 100-120 words, and the question is worth 5 marks.

The marking scheme splits the 5 marks like this: Format 1, Content 2, Organisation of ideas 1, Accuracy 1. Format means the parts are present and in the right order: sender's address, date, receiver's address, subject line, salutation, body, subscription and signature. Content means you cover every point the question asks for. If the question says to mention the effect on studies, the need for silent zones and public awareness, each of these needs its own idea.

Organisation means the body flows. A good plan is two to four short paragraphs. The first says why you are writing. The middle gives reasons, effects and details. The last asks for action and ends politely. Accuracy means correct spelling, grammar and punctuation within the word limit. Keep the tone formal as well: do not use slang, short forms like don't, or an angry voice.

Before you write, spend one minute planning. Underline the role you play, the receiver and every point the question asks for. Note that all details in the question are imaginary, so use only the name and place given. Never invent a real person's name. If the question gives no address, or only the colony and city, use a simple one based on the details given, adding a house number if you like. Do not write your own real name or address.

Count your words as you practise. Aim for a body of about 105-115 words, so that the letter stays inside the 100-120 limit however it is counted. Stay inside the limit, because very long answers waste time and invite errors.

Formal Letter Writing: rules and format

1
Sender's address
7 Civil Lines, Nagpur
Place it at the top left. Use the address in the question; if only the colony and city are given, add a simple house number or the colony name. Leave out your real details. A missing or misplaced address can cost part of the format mark.
2
Date
12 March 2027
Put it below the sender's address. Write the month in words to avoid confusion.
3
Receiver's designation and address
The Editor, The City Chronicle, Nagpur
Write the person's title first, then the organisation and city. Keep it on the left.
4
Subject line
Subject: Noise pollution near schools in Nagpur
Keep it to one short line stating the purpose. Do not write a full sentence with a full stop.
5
Salutation
Sir/Madam,
Use Sir/Madam, or Dear Sir/Madam. Never use Dear Friend or a first name.
6
Opening paragraph
Through the columns of your newspaper, I wish to draw attention to the growing noise around schools in our city.
State who you are and why you write in one or two sentences. Get to the point at once.
7
Body paragraph
Constant honking near classrooms makes it hard for students to listen and causes headaches.
Give reasons, effects and facts one by one. Cover every point asked in the question. This earns the content marks.
8
Closing paragraph
I request the authorities to act soon and hope your paper will support this cause.
State the action you want and thank the reader. A clear request shows good organisation.
9
Subscription
Yours faithfully,
Use Yours faithfully when you start with Sir/Madam. Capital Y, small f, comma at the end.
10
Signature and name
Ishaan Verma
Write only the name given in the question. Do not add a designation unless the question gives one.

How to answer Formal Letter Writing questions

Follow this order in the exam so you do not miss a mark in any criterion.

1Read both tasks. Choose the one where you can think of three or four clear points quickly.
2Underline your role, the receiver, the purpose and every point the question asks you to cover.
3Jot a plan in the margin: one idea for the opening, two or three for the body, one for the request.
4Write the format top to bottom: address, date, receiver, subject, salutation.
5Write the body in two to four short paragraphs of about 105-115 words, in a polite, formal tone with no short forms.
6End with a clear request or call to action, then Yours faithfully and the name given.
7Reread for spelling, tense, punctuation and missing points, and check the body is within 100-120 words.

Formal Letter Writing in real life

The idea, met in an everyday situation. Answer the question in your own words, then compare with the model answer. The one-line hook is what to remember.

Letter to the Editor

Imagine your neighbourhood park has had a broken swing and uncollected garbage for months. Many families no longer take their children there. You want the municipal authorities to notice, so you decide to use a local newspaper.

Write the body of a letter to the Editor of a local daily in 100-120 words, as Ananya Rao of Lake View Colony, Pune, drawing attention to the poor condition of the park and requesting action.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Open by stating who you are and the purpose.
Describe the problems: broken equipment and garbage.
Explain the effect on children and elderly residents.
Request the authorities to repair and clean the park.
Close politely and thank the editor.

Answer: Through the columns of your newspaper, I wish to bring to the notice of the authorities the neglected condition of the park in Lake View Colony. The park was once a lively place for children and senior citizens. Today a swing is broken, benches are damaged and garbage lies uncollected near the gate. The bad smell and the risk of injury have made many families stay away. Children now play on the road, which is unsafe. Elderly residents have lost their place for a morning walk. I request the municipal authorities to repair the equipment, arrange daily cleaning and place dustbins. I hope your paper will highlight this matter so that action is taken soon.

Memory hook: A problem in your own street becomes a letter when you name it, explain its effect and ask for action.

Complaint letter

Suppose you ordered a set of reference books online for your board preparation. The parcel arrives two weeks late, and two books have torn pages. You must now write to the seller.

As Rohan Mehta of Sector 9, Jaipur, write a letter to the Manager of the bookseller in 100-120 words, complaining about the delayed and damaged delivery and asking for a remedy.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

State the order details and date.
Mention the delay and the damaged books.
Say how it affects your studies.
Ask for replacement or refund.
End politely.

Answer: I am writing to complain about my order of reference books placed on 5 February. The parcel reached me two weeks after the promised date. On opening it, I found that two books had torn pages and a bent cover. As my board examinations are near, this delay has disturbed my preparation. I request you to replace the damaged books within one week or refund their price. I am returning the damaged copies with this letter. I also suggest that your staff pack books more carefully and keep customers informed about delays. I have been a regular customer and hope you will resolve the matter quickly. Thank you for your attention.

Memory hook: A good complaint states the fact, shows the harm and asks for one clear remedy.

Tricks to remember Formal Letter Writing

Short memory aids. Say each one aloud once, then use it on a question the same day.

ADRS-S, Body, S-S
Address, Date, Receiver, Subject, Salutation, Body, Subscription, Signature: four letters, the body, then the last two S's.
Use it when: Run it in your head before you write the first line, so no part of the format is lost.
Why-What-Please
Paragraph 1 says Why you write, paragraph 2 says What the problem and effects are, paragraph 3 says Please act.
Use it when: It gives you the three-paragraph body and good organisation.
Faithfully with Sir
Sir or Madam goes with Yours faithfully. A name goes with Yours sincerely.
Use it when: It stops you from mixing salutation and subscription.
Tick the cues
Put a small tick beside each point in the question as you cover it in the body.
Use it when: It protects your two content marks.

Formal Letter Writing: solved examples

Ordered from board level to HOTS. Try each one before you open the solution.

Example 1: Letter to the Editor on noise near schools · 5 marks · Long answerBoard level

You are Ishaan Verma, a resident of Civil Lines, Nagpur. Write a letter to the Editor of a local daily about the noise from traffic and loud music near schools in your city. Draw attention to its effect on studies and health, the need for silent zones and public awareness. (100-120 words)

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Format (1): address, date, editor's address, subject line, Sir/Madam, Yours faithfully, name.
Content (2): effect on studies and health, silent zones with enforcement, public awareness all covered.
Organisation (1): opening purpose, body with effects and remedy, closing request.
Accuracy (1): formal tone, correct tenses, no short forms.

Answer: 7 Civil Lines
Nagpur
18 March 2027

The Editor
The City Chronicle
Nagpur

Subject: Noise pollution near schools

Sir/Madam,

Through the columns of your newspaper, I wish to draw attention to the growing noise around schools in our city.

Constant honking, loud music from processions and vehicles with pressure horns disturb classes every day. Students find it hard to listen, teachers have to raise their voices, and many children complain of headaches and tiredness.

Strict silent zones should be marked within a short distance of every school, with clear signboards. Traffic police should fine drivers who blow horns without need.

Schools can also run awareness drives so that drivers and families understand the harm. I request the authorities to act soon and hope your paper will support this cause.

Yours faithfully,
Ishaan Verma

Example 2: Request to a school principal · 5 marks · Long answerHarder board level

You are Meera Iyer, a student of Class 10, Sarvodaya Vidyalaya, Madurai. Your school has no career guidance for students. Write a letter to the Principal requesting a career counselling session. Justify why Class 10 is the right time for it, say what it should cover, and propose a suitable time and format that will not disturb studies. (100-120 words)

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Format: sender's address (the question gives none, so a simple one such as 21 Gandhi Road, Madurai), date, Principal's address, subject, Sir/Madam, Yours faithfully, name.
Content: why now (a stream must be chosen within months; guesswork causes stress), what to cover (streams, careers, entrance examinations, students' own questions), when and how (a Saturday after the half-yearly examinations; a talk, then group discussions).
Organisation: purpose first, then justification, content, a practical proposal and the request.
Accuracy: respectful tone, correct grammar and spelling.

Answer: 21 Gandhi Road
Madurai
8 February 2027

The Principal
Sarvodaya Vidyalaya
Madurai

Subject: Request for a career counselling session

Sir/Madam,

I am writing on behalf of the students of Class 10 to request a career counselling session in our school.

Class 10 is the right time for such guidance, because we must soon choose a stream that will shape our future. At present many of us depend on guesses or the advice of friends, which leads to confusion and stress.

An expert could explain the streams, the careers linked with each and the entrance examinations that follow, and answer questions about our own interests.

The session could be held on a Saturday after the half-yearly examinations, with a talk and group discussions, so that classes are not disturbed. I hope you will consider this request.

Yours faithfully,
Meera Iyer

Example 3: Suggesting a policy to the Municipal Commissioner · 5 marks · Long answerHOTS / competency

You are Kabir Sharma, a resident of Shanti Nagar, Indore. Many students cycle to school on a busy road with no cycle lane. Write a letter to the Municipal Commissioner suggesting dedicated cycle lanes. Support your suggestion with at least two benefits for the city, and propose how the idea can be put into practice. (100-120 words)

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Format: complete, with Commissioner's designation and subject line.
Content: danger to cyclists, benefits (safety, less traffic and pollution, healthier habits), practical proposal (start with school routes, paint and mark lanes, strict parking rules).
Organisation: problem, benefits, proposal, request.
Accuracy: persuasive but polite tone; no invented statistics.

Answer: 22 Shanti Nagar
Indore
15 April 2027

The Municipal Commissioner
Indore Municipal Corporation
Indore

Subject: Request for dedicated cycle lanes near schools

Sir/Madam,

I am writing to suggest dedicated cycle lanes on the main road near our schools.

At present students cycle between speeding vehicles and parked cars, which puts their lives at risk.

Cycle lanes would make travel safer and encourage more students to cycle. For the city, fewer motor vehicles would mean shorter traffic jams and cleaner air, and young people would grow up with healthy habits.

The work can begin as a trial on two busy school routes. Lanes can be marked with bright paint, and a ban on parking in them can be enforced. After three months it can be reviewed and, if successful, extended to other roads.

I request you to consider this proposal.

Yours faithfully,
Kabir Sharma

Where students lose marks in Formal Letter Writing

The slips examiners see most often, and what to write instead.

Mistake: Wrong subscription for the salutation
Students mix the closing phrases and lose the format mark.
Wrong working
Sir/Madam, ... Yours sincerely,
Right working
Sir/Madam, ... Yours faithfully,
Do this: Pair Sir/Madam with Yours faithfully every time.
Usually costs: Part of the 1 format mark.
Mistake: Skipping a point asked in the question
Students write freely and forget one of the cues.
Wrong working
Writing only about the effect on studies when the question also asks for silent zones and public awareness.
Right working
One short paragraph for each cue: effect on studies and health, silent zones, awareness.
Do this: Tick each cue as you cover it.
Usually costs: Content marks, up to 2.
Mistake: Informal tone and short forms
Students write as they speak.
Wrong working
I'm really fed up and it's a total mess here.
Right working
I am deeply concerned and the situation has become unmanageable.
Do this: Use full forms and polite, measured words.
Usually costs: It weakens the letter and can cost the accuracy-of-language mark.
Mistake: Missing subject line or writing it as a sentence
Students forget it or write it too long.
Wrong working
Subject: I want to tell you that the park is in a very bad condition.
Right working
Subject: Poor condition of the park in Lake View Colony
Do this: Write a short phrase stating the topic, with no full stop.
Usually costs: Format mark.
Mistake: Exceeding the word limit with long openings
Students waste words on greetings and repetition.
Wrong working
I hope you are well and I am writing this letter to you today to tell you that I want to say something...
Right working
I am writing to draw your attention to the lack of street lights in our lane.
Do this: State the purpose in the first sentence.
Usually costs: Words and time; a letter far over the limit can lose the 'accuracy and word limit' mark.
Mistake: Several small slips in one letter: a weak letter compared with a strong one
Each slip looks minor, but together they cost the format mark and the accuracy mark.
Wrong working
Weak: no date; 'Dear Editor Sir,'; 'Subject: I'm writing coz the park is very bad.'; body opens 'I hope you are fine'; ends 'Yours sincerely, Ananya'.
Right working
Strong: date below the address; 'Sir/Madam,'; 'Subject: Poor condition of the park in Lake View Colony'; body opens 'Through the columns of your newspaper, I wish to draw attention to...'; ends 'Yours faithfully, Ananya Rao'.
Do this: After writing, check the format line by line (ADRS-S, Body, S-S) and remove short forms and chatty openings.
Usually costs: The format mark and the accuracy-of-language mark: 2 of the 5.

Exam tips

Choose the question where you can list the cues in your mind within a minute.
Use the name and place given in the question and nothing else, because all details are imaginary.
Keep the body to two to four short paragraphs: purpose, details, request.
Write the format neatly and completely; it carries 1 mark of the 5.
Leave two minutes to count words and check spelling.

Practice questions on Formal Letter Writing

Write each answer on paper first. Open the hint only if you are stuck, and the answer only when you have finished.

Q1 · 5 marks · Long answerBoard level
You are Sana Khan of Rose Garden Colony, Lucknow. The street lights in your lane have not worked for a month, causing fear and accidents. Write a letter to the Executive Engineer of the Electricity Department asking for repair. (100-120 words)
Hint
Plan: purpose, effects of darkness, request for quick repair. Use Yours faithfully.
Answer
Model letter (body about 110 words):
12 Rose Garden Colony
Lucknow
10 May 2027
The Executive Engineer
Electricity Department
Lucknow
Subject: Repair of street lights in Rose Garden Colony
Sir/Madam,
I am writing to draw your attention to the street lights in our lane in Rose Garden Colony, which have not worked for a month.
The lane is now completely dark after sunset. Residents, especially women and children, feel unsafe walking home, and the risk of accidents and theft has increased. Evening walkers and shopkeepers who close late also face difficulty.
I request you to send a team to repair the lights within a week. Regular checks would also prevent such faults in future. The delay is causing great inconvenience to all of us. I shall be grateful for your quick action, as the safety of residents depends on it.
Yours faithfully,
Sana Khan
Marks: Format 1 (all parts, designation, subject line), Content 2 (problem, effects, request for repair), Organisation 1 (purpose, effects, request), Accuracy 1 (formal tone, no short forms).
Q2 · 5 marks · Long answerHarder board level
You are Arjun Das of Salt Lake, Kolkata. Write a letter to the Editor of a daily on teenagers' use of mobile phones. Present both the benefits and the harms, argue for a balanced approach rather than a ban, and suggest how parents and schools can help. (100-120 words)
Hint
One short paragraph each: benefits, harms, your balanced view with what parents and schools can do. Do not simply condemn phones.
Answer
Model letter (body about 115 words):
45 Salt Lake
Kolkata
20 June 2027
The Editor
The Metro Daily
Kolkata
Subject: Teenagers and mobile phones: the need for balance
Sir/Madam,
Through the columns of your newspaper, I wish to share my views on teenagers' use of mobile phones.
Phones are not all harmful. They help students look up information, join online classes and stay in touch with their families.
However, long hours on screens cause eye strain and poor sleep, and endless scrolling eats into time for homework and revision.
The answer is balance, not a ban. Parents can agree on fixed screen-time rules with their children, and schools can teach students to use phones for learning and hold more sports and hobby periods.
Used wisely, the phone is a tool rather than a trap. I hope your paper will encourage readers to think about this.
Yours faithfully,
Arjun Das
Marks: Format 1, Content 2 (benefits, harms, a reasoned case for balance with suggestions for parents and schools), Organisation 1 (purpose, both sides, view and suggestions, closing), Accuracy 1.
Q3 · 5 marks · Long answerHOTS / competency
You are Tara Pillai of Kochi. Your colony faces frequent water shortages in summer. Write a letter to the Secretary of the Residents' Welfare Association proposing a rainwater harvesting plan. Explain how it will work, who will do what and how costs may be met. (100-120 words)
Hint
Think practically: collection, storage, a committee, shared contribution.
Answer
Model letter (body about 108 words):
9 Lake Road
Kochi
5 April 2027
The Secretary
Residents' Welfare Association
Kochi
Subject: Proposal for a rainwater harvesting plan
Sir/Madam,
I am writing to propose a rainwater harvesting plan for our colony, which faces frequent water shortages every summer.
Rainwater from the roofs of our buildings can be carried through pipes into a common underground tank. It can then be used for gardening, cleaning and washing, which will reduce our dependence on tankers.
A small committee of residents can supervise the work, while volunteers can check the tank every month. The cost can be shared equally among all families, and we may also request the local authorities for help.
I request you to place this proposal before the general meeting. I am ready to help in any way.
Yours faithfully,
Tara Pillai
Marks: Format 1, Content 2 (how it works, roles, costs), Organisation 1 (purpose, plan, roles and cost, request), Accuracy 1.

Test your recall

Answer in your head or on paper first, then open the card. Pulling an answer out of memory makes it stick far better than re-reading.

1.How many marks and words does the formal letter carry?Show answer
5 marks, 100-120 words.
2.How are the 5 marks split?Show answer
Format 1, Content 2, Organisation 1, Accuracy 1.
3.Which subscription goes with Sir/Madam?Show answer
Yours faithfully.
4.What does a subject line look like?Show answer
A short phrase stating the purpose, such as Subject: Need for street lights in our colony.
5.What should the last paragraph do?Show answer
Make a clear request for action and close politely.

Formal Letter Writing: frequently asked questions

How many words should a formal letter be in Class 10?

The CBSE limit is 100-120 words. Aim for about 105-115 words in the body, with a clear opening, middle and request, and check the total is within 100-120.

Do I write my own name and address in the letter?

No. Use only the name and address details given in the question, because all details are imaginary. If no address is given, write a simple one based on the situation.

Is the subject line compulsory?

Yes. Include it between the receiver's address and the salutation. It is part of the format mark and tells the reader the purpose at once.

What is the difference between Yours faithfully and Yours sincerely?

Use Yours faithfully when you begin with Sir/Madam. Yours sincerely is used when you address a named person. In board letters you will mostly use Yours faithfully.

Can I use bullet points in the body?

It is safer to write in short paragraphs. Bullets may look like a list and can reduce marks for organisation and expression.