Letter Writing: Sample Informal & Formal Letters for Exams

 

Letter Writing: Sample Informal & Formal Letters for Class 10 Exams

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Introduction

Letter writing is one of the most important writing skills tested in board exams. A letter is a written form of communication that expresses thoughts, feelings, requests, or information. It is not only useful for exams but also for real life, as letters are still used in schools, offices, and formal communication.

There are two main types of letters:

Informal letters – written to friends, relatives, or people close to us.

Formal letters – written to principals, teachers, officials, or authorities in a respectful and professional tone.

In this post, you will learn the correct format of letters, see examples of both informal and formal letters, and get simple tips to help you write better and score well in your exam.

Format / Guidelines

A good letter usually has the following parts:

Sender’s Address – Write your address on the top left.

Date – Write the date just below the address.

Receiver’s Address – In formal letters, write the receiver’s address below the date.

Salutation – Greeting.

Informal: Dear Rohan,

Formal: Respected Sir/Madam,

Body of the Letter – Main content, usually 2–3 paragraphs.

Introduction (purpose of writing)

Main details (explanation, reason, or message)

Conclusion (thanks, request, or closing thought)

Closing –

Informal: Yours lovingly/affectionately,

Formal: Yours faithfully/obediently,

Signature – Your name at the end.

Differences Between Informal & Formal Letters

Informal: Friendly tone, personal style, no subject line.

Formal: Respectful tone, professional style, must include subject line.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting the subject line in formal letters.
• Using very casual words in formal letters.
• Making sentences too long or unclear.
• Skipping date or address.

Writing a Heartfelt Letter to Family: Common Sentences for Students

Crafting a letter to family, whether for a special occasion or just to say hello, is a skill that students will use throughout their lives. For exams and beyond, knowing a few key phrases can help them structure their thoughts and express themselves clearly and warmly. Here is a guide with common sentences to assist students in writing a thoughtful family letter.

Openings and Greetings: Starting with Warmth

The beginning of the letter sets the tone. Students can choose a greeting that reflects their relationship with the family member.

Casual and Friendly Greetings:

• Dear [Family Member's Name],

• Hello [Family Member's Name],

• Hi [Family Member's Name],

For addressing the whole family, options include "Dear Smith Family," or simply "Dear Family."

Opening Lines to Reconnect:

• I hope this letter finds you well.

• How is everyone doing?

• I've been thinking of you all lately and wanted to write you a letter.[1]

• It’s been a while since I last wrote, so I wanted to give you an update on how I'm doing.

The Body of the Letter: Sharing and Caring

This is the heart of the letter, where students can share news and inquire about their family's well-being. The content of an informal letter can be about anything you feel or think you want to convey.[2]

Checking In on Family:

• How have you been?

• I was wondering what you've been up to lately.

• I hope you are all in good health.[3]

• Is everything alright at home?

Sharing Personal News and Updates:

• I have some exciting news to share with you!

• You'll never guess what happened to me the other day.

• I'm writing to tell you about my recent trip to [place].

• School has been [describe school life - busy, interesting, challenging].

• I wanted to tell you about my success in [a competition or subject].[2]

Expressing Feelings and Gratitude:

• I’m so grateful for your support.

• Thank you so much for the [gift/advice].

• I was so happy to receive your last letter.

• I miss you all very much.

• Thinking of you always makes me smile.

Closings and Sign-offs: Ending on a Loving Note

The end of the letter should leave a lasting warm impression.

Concluding Sentences:

• I can't wait to see you all again soon.

• Please write back when you have a moment.

• Give my love to everyone.

• I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

• Take care of yourselves.

Common Sign-offs:

• With love,

• All my love,

• Yours lovingly,

• Warmly,

• Best wishes,

• Affectionately,

• Fondly,

By using these common sentences as a framework, you can confidently compose a personal and heartfelt letter to their family, ensuring you communicate your thoughts and feelings effectively, especially under the time constraints of an exam.

Sample Letters

1. Informal Letter (Trip to a Historical Place)

Question: Write a letter to your friend telling him/her about your recent school trip to a historical place.

Answer:

7, M.G. Road,

Shastri Nagar 

Akola – ××××××

21st September 2025

My dear Rohan,

I hope you are fine and doing well. I am also very fine here. I am writing this letter to tell you that last week, our school arranged a trip to Agra. I was very excited because I wanted to see the Taj Mahal.

On that day, we gathered together and began our journey by train. All of us were in the same buggy, so the journey itself was fun. When we reached Agra, our teachers told us about the history of the monument. I was amazed to see the beauty of the Taj Mahal. The white marble, the gardens, and the Yamuna River nearby made the place very attractive. It was really a memorable experience.

I wish you were with me on this trip. Do write back soon.

Yours lovingly,

A.B.C.

---

2. Informal Letter (Preparation for Exams)

Question: Write a letter to your elder brother/sister telling him/her about how you are preparing for your final examinations.

Answer:

12, Shanti Colony,

Nagpur – 440002

21st September 2025

My dear Sister,

How are you? I am fine here. And hope you are selling in the same boat! You will be glad to know that I am preparing seriously for my final exams. I have made a timetable for all the subjects. I give more time to Mathematics and Science as they are a little difficult.

I wake up early in the morning to memorise some important formulae and historical events. Every evening too I revise my lessons and also practice writing, though I am tired throughout the day. Our teachers are also taking extra classes. I am sure I will do well in the exams. Please bless me for my success.

Yours lovingly,

X.Y.Z.

3. Formal Letter (Leave Application to Principal)

Question: Write an application to the Principal of your school requesting him/her to grant you three days’ leave as you are unwell.

Answer:

A.B.C.

Class 9 (E)

S.F.L. High School,

Dhamangaon Rly.444709

21st September 2025

To,

The Principal,

S.F.L. High School,

Dhamangaon Rly.

Subject: Application for leave

Respected Sir/Madam,

I am a student of Class IX ‘E’. I am suffering from a fever and the doctor has advised me to rest. Therefore, I kindly request you to grant me leave for three days, from 21st to 23rd September 2025.

I shall be very thankful to you for your kind consideration.

Yours obediently,

A.B.C.

(Class IX ‘E’)

4. Formal Letter (Complaint to Postmaster)

Question: Write a letter to the Postmaster of your town complaining about the irregular delivery of letters in your area.

Answer:

103, Ram Niwas,

Tilak Chawk,

Dhamangaon rly 444709.

To,

The Postmaster,

Head Post Office,

Dhamangaon – 444709.

21st September 2025

Subject: Complaint about irregular delivery of letters

Respected Sir,

I wish to bring to your notice that the delivery of letters in our locality is very irregular. 

Sometimes letters are delivered very late, and sometimes they are misplaced. This causes great inconvenience to the residents. Important letters regarding exams, bank matters, and jobs are often delayed.

I request you to kindly look into the matter and take necessary steps to improve the postal service in our area.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,

A.B.C.

5. Formal Letter (Request to Librarian)

Question: Write a letter to the librarian of your school requesting him/her to issue you some extra books for preparing for a science project.

Answer:

A.B.C.

Class 9 (E)

S.F.L. High School,

Dhamangaon Rly.444709

21st September 2025

To,

The Librarian,

S.F.L. High School,

Dhamangaon Rly.

21st September 2025

Subject: Request for extra books for science project

Respected Sir/Madam,

I am a student of Class IX ‘E’. I am preparing a science project on renewable energy for the upcoming school exhibition. For this purpose, I need some extra reference books from the library.

I kindly request you to issue me books related to Solar Energy, Wind Power, and Hydroelectricity for one month. I assure you that I will take proper care of the books and return them on time.

Thanking you in anticipation.

Yours obediently,

A.B.C.

Tips for Writing Good Letters

Keep your sentences clear and simple.

Use polite and respectful language, especially in formal letters.

Be brief but include all important details.

Revise your letter to avoid spelling and grammar mistakes.

Remember: a neat presentation also earns marks in exams.

Letter writing is an easy and scoring part of your English exam if you follow the correct format. Always start with the proper address and date, write in simple language, and choose the right salutation and closing.

Practice writing at least one informal and one formal letter every week on different topics. This will not only help you score full marks in exams but also improve your communication skills in real life.

All the best for your preparation!

How to Write a Letter to the Editor

A Letter to the Editor is a formal letter written to a newspaper or magazine. The main purpose is to draw the attention of the public or the higher authorities toward a specific social issue, a local problem, or to express an opinion on a recent news event.
Important Note: Remember that the Editor does not fix your problems directly (e.g., the Editor won't come to fix a broken road). Instead, the Editor publishes your letter so that the concerned authorities (like the Municipality or Police) see it and take action.

1. The Layout (Format)

A formal letter must follow a specific order:

Sender’s Address: Your own address.

Date: Written as 18th April 2024.

Receiver’s Address:

The Editor,

[Name of the Newspaper],

[City].

Subject: A short, one-line summary of the problem (e.g., Subject: Regarding the rising problem of noise pollution).

Salutation: Sir or Madam.

Body of the Letter: Divided into three paragraphs.

Closing: Yours faithfully or Yours sincerely.

Name/Signature: Your name.

2. How to Structure the Body

Paragraph 1 (Introduction): Start with a standard opening line.

Example: "Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw the attention of the concerned authorities toward..."

Paragraph 2 (Main Content): Explain the problem in detail. Talk about how it is affecting people and what the causes are.

Paragraph 3 (Conclusion/Suggestion): State what you want.

Example: "I hope you will publish my letter in your newspaper so that the authorities wake up and take necessary steps to solve this problem."

3. Sample Letter

Question: Write a letter to the Editor of a local newspaper about the irregular water supply in your locality.

Answer:

A/4, Shanti Nagar,
Pune - 411004.

18th April 2024.

The Editor,
The Times of India,
Pune.

Subject: Complaint regarding irregular water supply in Shanti Nagar.

Sir,

Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw the attention of the Municipal authorities toward the irregular water supply in our locality.

For the past two weeks, the water is supplied only for thirty minutes in the morning. Sometimes, the water is very dirty and not fit for drinking. This is causing great trouble for the residents, especially students and office-goers. Despite several complaints to the local ward office, no action has been taken yet.

I hope you will publish this letter in your columns so that the concerned authorities take immediate steps to ensure a regular and clean water supply.

Yours faithfully,

(Signature)
Amit Shah.

4. Quick Tips

Be Polite: Even if you are complaining, use formal and respectful language.

Keep it Short: Editors receive hundreds of letters. Keep yours under 150 words.

Clear Subject: Your subject line should be bold and clear so the Editor knows exactly what the letter is about at a glance.

No Personal Requests: Never ask the Editor for a personal favour. Only discuss issues of public interest.