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Letter to the Editor Class 12: Body Plan and Examples

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EnglishCBSE Class 12 · Letter to the Editor

The Three-Paragraph Body of a Letter to the Editor, Class 12

Updated 17 October 2026 · Draft, not yet fact-checked

The body of a letter to the editor (120-150 words, 5 marks) has three short paragraphs: the issue and why you write, its causes and effects, and your suggestions with a polite appeal. Around it, use the format: sender's address, date, the Editor, newspaper and city, subject line, Sir/Madam, and Yours faithfully with your name.

Understand The Three-Paragraph Body of a Letter to the Editor

Where it sits. Question 5 of Section B offers a letter to the editor or a job application, 120-150 words, for 5 marks: format 1, organisation 1, content 2, accuracy 1. The question usually gives verbal or visual input, such as a news line, a note or a chart.

The frame (format mark).
1. Sender's address (top left) and date.
2. The Editor, name of the newspaper, city.
3. Subject: a precise line.
4. Sir/Madam.
5. Body.
6. Yours faithfully, your name.

The frame earns the format mark; the body earns organisation, content and accuracy.

The body in three paragraphs.

Paragraph 1: the issue and the reason for writing. In two or three sentences, name the problem and say why you are writing now: Through the columns of your newspaper, I wish to draw attention to... Do not describe yourself.

Paragraph 2: causes and effects. Explain what is causing the problem and what it does to people. Use facts from the input, a figure or an example. This is where content marks are won. Join sentences with linkers: because, as a result, moreover, however.

Paragraph 3: suggestions and appeal. Offer two or three practical steps, naming who should act (authorities, schools, citizens). Close with a polite appeal: I hope your paper will highlight this matter so that action is taken soon.

Style. Formal, persuasive and constructive. No slang, no short forms, no exclamation marks and no abusive language. Opinions are given as reasoned views, not accusations. Use Sir/Madam with Yours faithfully.

Word control. Aim for about 40 words in paragraph 1, 50 in paragraph 2 and 45 in paragraph 3 of the body. Stay inside 120-150 words.

Use the input. If the question gives data or a news item, use at least two points from it in paragraph 2.

The Three-Paragraph Body of a Letter to the Editor: rules and format

  1. 1

    Use the full frame: address, date, Editor, newspaper, city, subject, Sir/Madam, close, name

    Subject: Need for a pedestrian crossing near Government School, Sector 9

    Missing items cost the format mark.

  2. 2

    Write the subject line as a precise phrase

    Rising plastic waste in Lake Park

    Not a full sentence and not too general.

  3. 3

    Three short paragraphs of issue, causes and effects, suggestions and appeal

    P1 introduces; P2 explains; P3 suggests and appeals.

    This earns the organisation mark.

  4. 4

    Use facts from the input in the middle paragraph

    According to the note, over fifty students cross the road each day.

    Do not invent statistics beyond the input; use general statements instead.

  5. 5

    Stay formal and constructive

    Strict enforcement of speed limits would reduce accidents.

    Avoid blaming named persons.

  6. 6

    Close with Yours faithfully after Sir/Madam

    Yours faithfully
    Rahul Sen

    Mismatched closings lose a format mark.

The Three-Paragraph Body of a Letter to the Editor: key facts

Marking scheme
  • Format 1
  • Organisation 1
  • Content 2
  • Accuracy 1
  • Total 5 marks
CBSE English Core (301): 120-150 words.
Frame order
  • Sender's address
  • Date
  • The Editor, paper, city
  • Subject
  • Sir/Madam
  • Body
  • Yours faithfully
  • Name
Five items before the body.
Body split
P1issue and reason for writing, about 35-40 words
P2causes and effects, about 50-55 words
P3suggestions and appeal, about 40-45 words
Totals 125-140 words.
Linkers
Additionmoreover, in addition
Resultas a result, therefore
Contrasthowever
AppealI request, I hope
Use at least three.

How to answer The Three-Paragraph Body of a Letter to the Editor questions

Use this routine to write a letter to the editor in about ten minutes.

  1. 1Read the input and underline the issue, the facts and who is affected.
  2. 2Write the frame: address, date, Editor, paper, city, subject, Sir/Madam.
  3. 3Plan three bullet points: the issue; causes and effects; two or three suggestions.
  4. 4Write paragraph 1 in two or three sentences.
  5. 5Write paragraph 2 with at least two facts or examples and a linker.
  6. 6Write paragraph 3 with suggestions and a polite appeal, then Yours faithfully and your name.
  7. 7Count the body: it must be between 120 and 150 words.

The Three-Paragraph Body of a Letter to the Editor 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.

Turning a complaint into a constructive letter

Suppose water collects on your lane every monsoon because the drain is blocked. Your neighbour wants to write: The municipality is useless and lazy.

Rewrite her sentence as a constructive point for paragraph 3 of a letter to the editor.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. Remove the abuse.
  2. State the remedy and who should act.
  3. Add a polite appeal.

Answer: The municipal authorities may kindly clear the drain before the monsoon and inspect it regularly so that water does not collect in our lane.

Memory hook: Complain about the problem, not the person.

Tricks to remember The Three-Paragraph Body of a Letter to the Editor

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

  • I-C-S: Issue, Causes and effects, Suggestions

    The three paragraphs of the body.

    Use it when: Plan before you write.

  • S-S-F: Sir/Madam, Subject, Faithfully

    Sir/Madam pairs with Yours faithfully.

    Use it when: Avoid mismatched closings.

  • Columns of your newspaper

    Through the columns of your newspaper opens many letters.

    Use it when: A safe formal opening.

The Three-Paragraph Body of a Letter to the Editor: solved examples

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

Example 1: Where does the appeal belong? · 1 mark · MCQBoard level

In the three-paragraph body of a letter to the editor, where should the polite appeal for action come?
(a) In the subject line (b) In the first paragraph only (c) At the end of the last paragraph, after the suggestions (d) After Yours faithfully

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. The last paragraph carries suggestions and then a polite appeal (1 mark).

Answer: (c)

Example 2: Marking split · 1 mark · Very short answerBoard level

State how the 5 marks for a letter to the editor are divided.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. Format 1, organisation 1, content 2, accuracy 1 (1 mark).

Answer: Format 1, organisation 1, content 2, accuracy 1.

Example 3: Letter on stray dogs near a school · 5 marks · Long answerHarder board level

You are Meghna/Manav, a resident of Sector 14, Chandigarh. Stray dogs near the neighbourhood primary school frighten children. Write a letter to the Editor of The Daily Post, Chandigarh, in 120-150 words, suggesting remedies.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. Format (1): address, date, Editor, subject, Sir/Madam, Yours faithfully, name.
  2. Organisation (1): three paragraphs.
  3. Content (2): issue, effects on children and parents, practical remedies.
  4. Accuracy (1).

Answer: 14 Sector 14
Chandigarh
6 February 2027

The Editor
The Daily Post
Chandigarh

Subject: Stray dogs near the primary school in Sector 14

Sir/Madam,

Through the columns of your newspaper, I wish to draw attention to the growing number of stray dogs near the primary school in Sector 14, which has begun to worry parents and children.

The dogs gather near the school gate, especially at opening and closing time, and bark and chase children who run towards the road. Several young pupils are now afraid to walk to school, and some parents have started accompanying them, which disturbs their working hours. As a result, attendance has suffered and a sense of insecurity has spread in the neighbourhood.

I request the municipal authorities to set up a humane animal-control programme, including sterilisation and vaccination, and to arrange shelters for the dogs. Residents should also avoid leaving food near the school. I hope your paper will highlight this issue so that children can walk to school without fear.

Yours faithfully
Meghna/Manav

Example 4: Letter on the digital divide in learning · 5 marks · Long answerHarder board level

You are Deepa/Dev, a student of Class 12 in Patna. Many students in government schools lack a smartphone or reliable internet to use online learning material. Write a letter to the Editor of The Bihar Courier, Patna, in 120-150 words, presenting the problem and suggesting steps.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. Format (1).
  2. Organisation (1).
  3. Content (2): problem, effect on learning, remedies.
  4. Accuracy (1).

Answer: 22 Rajendra Nagar
Patna
12 March 2027

The Editor
The Bihar Courier
Patna

Subject: Unequal access to online learning in government schools

Sir/Madam,

I wish to bring to the notice of your readers the difficulty faced by many students of government schools in using online learning material, which has become an important part of education today.

Several students in my neighbourhood do not own a smartphone, and their families depend on a single shared device. Internet connections are expensive or unreliable. As a result, these students cannot join online classes, download notes or practise mock tests, and they fall behind their classmates who have the facilities. This widens the gap between the privileged and the poor.

Schools should open their computer labs in the evenings, and libraries could offer free internet hours. The government may also provide low-cost devices and printed notes to those in need. I hope your paper will draw the attention of the authorities to this matter.

Yours faithfully
Deepa/Dev

Example 5: A balanced view · 5 marks · Long answerHOTS / competency

You are Farhan/Fiza, a resident of Kozhikode. A proposal to ban all private vehicles from the city centre has been announced. Write a letter to the Editor of The Coastal Times, Kozhikode, in 120-150 words, giving a balanced opinion on the proposal and your suggestions.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. Format (1).
  2. Organisation (1): proposal, benefits and difficulties, suggestions.
  3. Content (2): both sides, reasoned view.
  4. Accuracy (1).

Answer: 9 Beach Road
Kozhikode
3 April 2027

The Editor
The Coastal Times
Kozhikode

Subject: Proposed ban on private vehicles in the city centre

Sir/Madam,

Through your newspaper, I wish to share my views on the proposal to ban private vehicles from the city centre, which has divided residents.

The ban could reduce traffic jams, noise and air pollution, and make the area safer for pedestrians. However, it may also cause difficulty for senior citizens, shopkeepers and people with disabilities, particularly if public transport is not frequent. A sudden ban without alternatives may simply push traffic into nearby lanes.

I suggest that the authorities should introduce the ban in phases, beginning with restricted hours, and should first improve bus services and parking at the edge of the centre. Special passes may be given to the elderly and to delivery vehicles. I hope that residents will be consulted before the final decision is taken.

Yours faithfully
Farhan/Fiza

Where students lose marks in The Three-Paragraph Body of a Letter to the Editor

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

  • Mistake: Writing one long block

    The organisation mark needs paragraphs.

    Wrong working

    A single 140-word paragraph.

    Right working

    Three short paragraphs of issue, causes and effects, suggestions.

    Do this: Use I-C-S.

    Usually costs: The organisation mark.

  • Mistake: Mismatching Sir/Madam and Yours sincerely

    Salutation and closing must agree.

    Wrong working

    Sir/Madam ... Yours sincerely

    Right working

    Sir/Madam ... Yours faithfully

    Do this: Pair them.

    Usually costs: Part of the format mark.

  • Mistake: No suggestions

    The question asks for views or suggestions.

    Wrong working

    A letter that only describes the problem.

    Right working

    Two or three practical steps and who should take them.

    Do this: Always write paragraph 3.

    Usually costs: 1 of 2 content marks.

  • Mistake: Going over 150 words

    Long letters lose accuracy.

    Wrong working

    A 190-word body.

    Right working

    A body of 125-140 words.

    Do this: Cut examples that repeat.

    Usually costs: Part of the accuracy mark.

Exam tips

  • Write the subject line before the body so the issue stays focused.
  • Use the input: take at least two points from the note, chart or news line.
  • Keep paragraph 3 for suggestions and a polite appeal.
  • Never invent names of real officials; address the authorities in general.
  • Count the body, not the address, to stay within 120-150 words.

Practice questions on The Three-Paragraph Body of a Letter to the Editor

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

  1. Q1 · 1 mark · MCQBoard level

    Which of these is the best subject line for a letter on a broken footbridge near a station?
    (a) Complaint (b) Urgent repair of the footbridge at Green Park station (c) Sir, please repair (d) The footbridge is broken and nobody cares

    Hint

    Precise phrase, not a sentence.

    Answer

    (b)

  2. Q2 · 5 marks · Long answerHarder board level

    You are Ishita/Ishan, a student of Class 12 in Ranchi. Food is wasted at wedding and party functions in your city. Write a letter to the Editor of The Hill Gazette, Ranchi, in 120-150 words, expressing your concern and suggesting ways to reduce wastage.

    Hint

    Issue; causes and effects; suggestions.

    Answer

    5 Station Road
    Ranchi
    18 January 2027

    The Editor
    The Hill Gazette
    Ranchi

    Subject: Need to reduce food wastage at functions

    Sir/Madam,

    I would like to draw the attention of your readers to the large quantities of food that are wasted at weddings and parties in our city.

    Hosts often order far more food than is needed, and guests take heaped plates and leave much of it uneaten. While good food is thrown into the dustbin, many people in our own city go to bed hungry. This is wasteful and also harms the environment, since the waste adds to the garbage load of the city.

    Hosts should plan quantities carefully and use smaller servings. Caterers can be asked to pack surplus food for charities and food banks, and guests should be encouraged to take only what they can eat. Community groups can run awareness campaigns on this issue. I hope your paper will help to spread the message.

    Yours faithfully
    Ishita/Ishan

  3. Q3 · 5 marks · Long answerHarder board level

    You are Tara/Tarun of Mysuru. Mobile phones are spreading in schools and distracting students. Write a letter to the Editor of The Southern Mail, Mysuru, in 120-150 words, expressing your concerns and giving a balanced suggestion.

    Hint

    Do not simply condemn phones.

    Answer

    28 Palace Road
    Mysuru
    25 February 2027

    The Editor
    The Southern Mail
    Mysuru

    Subject: Use of mobile phones in schools

    Sir/Madam,

    Through the columns of your newspaper, I wish to share my concern about the growing use of mobile phones during school hours and to suggest a sensible way forward.

    Many students are now distracted in class by messages and games, and attention spans appear to be shrinking. Some also use phones during breaks instead of playing or talking to friends. However, phones also help students to find information, to contact parents in emergencies and to use learning apps, so a complete ban may not be the best answer.

    Schools can require phones to be kept in a locker during lessons and allow their supervised use for projects. Parents should also set limits at home. I hope that teachers, parents and students will together agree on clear and fair rules.

    Yours faithfully
    Tara/Tarun

  4. Q4 · 5 marks · Long answerHarder board level

    You are Naman/Nisha, a resident of Surat. The footpath outside a busy market is crowded with vendors and parked vehicles, forcing pedestrians to walk on the road. Write a letter to the Editor of The Surat Chronicle, in 120-150 words, requesting action.

    Hint

    Safety first; fair to vendors.

    Answer

    11 Ring Road
    Surat
    9 March 2027

    The Editor
    The Surat Chronicle
    Surat

    Subject: Encroachment on the footpath near the main market

    Sir/Madam,

    I wish to draw the attention of the authorities, through your newspaper, to the encroachment of the footpath outside the main market, which has made walking unsafe.

    Vendors have spread their goods over the pavement and two-wheelers are parked in rows along it. Pedestrians, including schoolchildren and elderly people, are forced to walk on the busy road, where there is a real danger of accidents. The crowding also causes traffic jams during the evening rush.

    The municipal corporation should clear the footpath regularly and mark a separate area for vendors so that their livelihood is not lost. Proper parking spaces and a fine for parking on the pavement would also help. I hope that prompt action will be taken to protect the public.

    Yours faithfully
    Naman/Nisha

  5. Q5 · 2 marks · Short answerHOTS / competency

    A student writes a letter to the editor on water scarcity, but the second paragraph says: The government is lazy and the people are fools. Explain, in 40-50 words, why this loses marks and how it should be changed.

    Hint

    Tone and content.

    Answer

    The sentence is abusive and gives no facts, so it harms the tone and content marks. A letter should be formal and constructive. It should be replaced with causes and effects, such as over-use of groundwater and shortage in summer, and a suggestion such as rainwater harvesting.

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. 1.How many marks does the letter carry?Show answer

    5 marks: format 1, organisation 1, content 2, accuracy 1.

  2. 2.What is the word limit?Show answer

    120-150 words.

  3. 3.Which salutation and closing pair?Show answer

    Sir/Madam with Yours faithfully.

  4. 4.What is paragraph 2 for?Show answer

    Causes and effects of the issue.

  5. 5.What is paragraph 3 for?Show answer

    Suggestions and a polite appeal.

  6. 6.What does the subject line look like?Show answer

    A precise phrase, not a sentence.

The Three-Paragraph Body of a Letter to the Editor: frequently asked questions

Should I invent the sender's address?

Yes. If the question gives none, write a simple, plausible address and use the role given.

Can I use a real newspaper name?

Use the one in the question; otherwise a general name is safer.

Is a letter to the editor formal?

Yes, formal and persuasive, but constructive.

How long should each paragraph be?

Roughly 35-55 words each, in a body of 120-150 words.