LETTER WRITING

Letter to the Editor | Letter to Editor Format,

How to write a Letter to the Editor ?

A Letter to the Editor may be written to the editor of a newspaper or a
magazine. It is written to highlight a social issue or problem. It can also be written
in order to get it published in the said medium.
As it is a formal letter, the format has to be followed strictly. Only formal
language can be used i.e. abbreviations and slang language should be avoided.
A letter to the editor is a formal letter and in the examination, students are
asked to write a letter to the editor. Here, we have discussed sample letter to
the editor for the convenience of the students.

Letter to Editor Format

Let us discuss the Letter to Editor Format.
The format of a letter to the editor of a Newspaper is as follows –
1. Sender’s address: The address and contact details of the sender are written
here. Include email and phone number, if required or if mentioned in the
question.
2. Date: The date is written below the sender’s address after Leaving one space
or line.
3. Receiving Editor’s address: The address of the recipient of the mail i.e. the
editor is written here.
4. Subject of the letter: The main purpose of the letter forms the subject. It must
be written in one line. It must convey the matter for which the letter is written.
5. Salutation (Sir / Respected sir / Madam)
6. Body: The matter of the letter is written here. It is divided into 3 paragraphs as
follows -
Paragraph 1: Introduce yourself and the purpose of writing the letter in brief.
Paragraph 2: Give a detail of the matter.
Paragraph 3: Conclude by mentioning what you expect from the editor. (For
example, you may want him to highlight the issue in his newspaper / magazine).
7. Complimentary Closing
8. Sender’s name, signature and designation(if any)
Sample Letter to the Editor
Q1. You are Radha G, member of NGO AWAAZ. Write a letter to the editor of a
national daily for a public movement to clean the Yamuna river. (You must
introduce yourself, describe how the people are to be blamed for polluting the
river and suggest the need for installing water treatment plant to clean the river).
A.
33, Jal Vihar
Wazirabad, New Delhi - 33
Dated: 17 July 2017
The Editor
Hindustan Times New
Delhi.
Subject: Need for people’s movement for a clean Yamuna
Dear Editor
I am Radha G, member of NGO AWAAZ. I am writing to you in order to highlight
the deteriorating condition of river Yamuna.
The city of Delhi is getting contaminated water from river Yamuna. The residents
are to be blamed for this. They pollute the river with garbage, sewage and filth.
The river water is full of bacteria, plastic, chemicals and other waste materials. It
is unfit for consumption.
The people have been demanding a Water Treatment plant. The authorities have
not yet responded to the repeated requests.
I request you to highlight the problem in your newspaper and arouse public
interest. We all need to get together in order to get the plant set up in the area.

Yours sincerely
Radha G
Member AWAAZ.
 Job Application Topic
What is a Job Application?
Employment application means the letter written for getting a job. It is the primary
means of introducing the job seeker to the employer. Through the job application,
job seeker offers his or her labour and service for a return. Therefore, the
application for employment acts as a personal advertisement. Job application
contains appeal for the job along with the job seeker’s personal data like name,
address, qualification, and experience.

Biodata Topic
What do you mean by BioData?
Bio data refers to a person’s life, experience and achievements. It should be
representative of all your personal and professional details in a specified format.
It is generally divided into four parts:

i.Personal Details ii.

Qualifications
iii. Experience
iv. References

Job application With Biodata

In the class 12 CBSE English examination, choices will be given to attempt
any one question out of the given two Long Answer Questions to be answered in
120-150 words. The questions will be based on Letter writing (Based on verbal /
visual input). (6 Marks) Letter types include -

i.Business or official letters (for making enquiries, registering complaints, asking

for and giving information, placing orders and sending replies)
ii. Letters to the editor (giving suggestions or opinion on issues of public
interest)
iii. Application for a job
The breakup of 6 marks for class 12 English writing skills - job application
and biodata (as per CBSE Marking scheme for 2018-19) is as follows:-
Format 01 mark
1. sender's address,
2. date,
3. receiver's address,
4. subject / heading,
5. salutation,
6. Complimentary close.

Content 03 marks

Expression O2 marks:
1
.grammatical accuracy, appropriate words and spelling ii. 1
coherence and relevance of ideas and style

Total 06 marks

[Note: - No marks are to be awarded if only the format is given. Credit should be
given for the candidate's creativity in the presentation of ideas. The use of both
the traditional and the new format is permitted. Mixing of formats is not
permitted.] (As per CBSE guidelines)
Job application and Bio-data is crucial not only from the point of view of the
examination but it is important in the long run also. While attempting the writing
skills questions, it is pivotal that the student follows the correct format. And for
that, we present before you the proper format to enable you to write the ideal job
application letter along with the bio-data.

Job Application Format for CBSE Class 12

A job Application consists of two parts- the covering letter (appeal) and the
biodata/CV.

▪ Cover letter
 The format for the covering letter is similar to the format of a Formal letter. It goes
on like-
SENDER’s ADDRESS- The sender’s address is usually put on the top left-hand
corner.
DATE- The sender’s address is followed by the date just below it. This is the date
on which the letter is being written. It is to be written in expanded form.
RECEIVER’s ADDRESS- Whether to write “To” above the address depends on
the writer’s preference. Make sure you write the official title/name/position etc of
the receiver, as the first line of the address.
SUBJECT- Then we sum up the purpose of writing the letter in one line. This
helps the receiver focus on the subject of the letter in one glance. It is important
to underline the subject.
SALUTATIONS- This is where you greet the person you are addressing the letter
to. Bear in mind that it is a formal letter, so the greeting must be respectful and
not too personal. The general greetings used in formal letters are “Sir” or
“Madam”.
BODY- This is the main content of the letter. It is either divided into three
paragraphs or two paragraphs if the letter is briefer. The tone of the content
should be formal. Do not use any flowery language. Another point to keep in
mind is that the letter should be concise and to the point. And always be
respectful and considerate in your language.

i.PARAGRAPH 1- Begin the body of the letter by mentioning the source (from
where you got to know about the job) of information about the job (e.g.,
newspaper) along with the day, date and advertisement number. Also mention
the post you wish to apply for.
ii. PARAGRAPH 2- Here, you are supposed to offer your candidature by
briefing about your qualifications, achievements, previous experiences and
your strengths. In other words, this paragraph should be an answer to the
question: ‘How are you the perfect candidate for the job?’.

Keep in mind that it should be to the point and clear. You should not sound
boastful.

▪ PARAGRAPH 3- In this part of the body, you are supposed to make a

reference to the photograph (passport-sized), Bio-data or curriculum vitae
and other detailed documents that you have enclosed. You can also
appeal for a one-on-one interview.
 End the body on a promising note, e.g., Looking forward to your positive
response.
COMPLIMENTARY CLOSE- At the end of your letter, we write a complimentary
closing. The words “Yours Faithfully” or “Yours Sincerely” are used.
SIGNATURE- Here finally you sign your name. And then write your name in
block letters beneath the signature. This is how the recipient will know who is
sending the letter.
(NOTE- Mention the name given in the question paper. Do not mention your
personal details.)

▪ Bio-data

After signing, you are supposed to mention the heading “ENCLOSURES” which
will include the name of the documents and testimonials attached along with the
cover letter. They may include the following-

i.Photograph (Passport-sized) ii.

Bio-data or CV
iii. Copies of certificates
iv. Any other

Biodata Format for CBSE Class 12 English writing skills

The Biodata or CV is generally divided into four parts as follows-

i.Personal Details ii.

Qualifications
iii. Experience
iv. References

It goes like-
BIO-DATA (HEADING) NAME
FATHER’s NAME
DATE OF BIRTH – In expanded form
ADDRESS
AGE
CONTACT NO.
EMAIL ID
NATIONALITY-Indian
MARITAL STATUS
QUALIFICATIONS-
NAME OF THE NAME OF NAME OF YEAR OF PERCENTAGE
EXAMINATION THE BOARD/ THE PASSING
UNIVERSITY INSTITUTION

▪ Qualifications must be written in tabular form with the above mentioned

heads.

WORK EXPERIENCE- It should be written from latest to the oldest along with

the duration.
ACHIEVEMENTS
LANGUAGES KNOWN
SKILLS
WEAKNESSES
HOBBIES
REFERENCES
DECLARATION
DATE
PLACE
SIGNATURE
NOTE: The resume can be a part of the letter or as an enclosure
 Job application and biodata Tips for CBSE Class 12
Tips to attempt a question on Job application and biodata
Here are a few valuable tips for you to attempt the class 12 English writing
skills - job application and biodata question in a better way-

i.Make sure you double check for grammatical accuracy and spellings. They carry
marks. ii. Leave adequate number of lines between paragraphs to make
it look clean.
iii. Underlining the main points is very important. But it is advised to do it after
finishing your exam. Use a pencil and scale for underlining.
iv. Presentation is very important.
v. Read a lot of letters to get an idea. vi. Never mention any of your
personal details, i.e., name, school name or address. vii. Never write
in one go. Make sure you follow the right format and make paragraphs.
viii. Don’t use slangs or short forms. ix. Try not to exceed the
prescribed word limit of 150-200 words.

Job application with biodata - solved questions

Below are a few solved questions for you so that you get an idea as to how to
attempt class 12 English writing skills - job application and biodata question
well. Remember, the more you read and practice, the better it is. As per, CBSE
guidelines, it should not exceed the prescribed word limit of 150-200 words.

1. Bal Vidya Public School, Bhilai, urgently requires a post-graduate teacher to

teach political science for which they have placed an advertisement in The Bhilai
Express. You are Sanjay/Sanjana Sharma from 21, Vasant Marg, Bhilai. Draft a
letter including a CV, applying for the advertised post.(120 – 150 words)
(SOURCE- CBSE 2018)
Answer:
21, Vasant Marg Bhilai
01 March, 20XX
The Principal
Bal Vidya Public School
Bhilai
Subject- Application for the post of a post-graduate teacher
Sir/Madam
In response to your advertisement in The Bhilai Express, dated February 25,
20XX for the post of a political science teacher in your renowned school, I wish
to offer my candidature.
I am enclosing a copy of my bio-data for your perusal and kind consideration.
I am available for the interview on any day of your convenience. If given a
chance to serve you, I assure you that I shall work with utmost sincerity and
dedication up to your satisfaction. Thank you
Yours faithfully
Sanjay/Sanjana Sharma
Encl.: Bio-data
BIO- DATA
NAME. - Sanjay/Sanjana Sharma
FATHER’s NAME. - Mithun Sharma
DATE OF BIRTH. - 25 July, 1984
ADDRESS. - 21, Vasant Marg, Bhilai
PHONE. -98100XXXXX
E-MAIL. - [email protected]
MARITAL STATUS. - single
AGE. - 28 years
NATIONALITY. - Indian
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS-
i. B.A. in Political Science
ii. M.A. Political Science
iii. B. Ed
HOBBIES. - Trekking and reading
STRENGTHS- Good communication skills, computer literate, proficient in
English, Hindi and German
NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF REFERENCES-
i) Mr. Vijay Mathur, Principal D.A.V.
School, Gurudwara Rd., Delhi ii) Mr.
Satish Ohri
0Head of Commerce Department
Punjab University, Chandigarh