Formal letter- Letter to the Editor

Layout

Sender's Address (2-3 lines)

LAL

Date (in expanded from)

LAL

Receiver's Designation
and Address(3-4 lines)

LAL

Subject: brief and underlined

Salutation

Content

Subscription
Sender's name
Designation (if required)
WHAT IS A LETTER TO THE EDITOR?
You feel strongly about an issue, and you want to let people know what you think. You
believe you can even influence people to take some action if you speak your mind. But,
you want to reach an audience larger than just your friends or your group membership.
Letters to the editor can be an effective way to get the word out.

A letter to the editor is a written way of talking to a newspaper, magazine, or other

regularly printed publication. Letters to the editor are generally found in the first section
of the newspaper, or towards the beginning of a magazine, or in the editorial page. They
can take a position for or against an issue, or simply inform, or both. They can convince
readers by using emotions, or facts, or emotions and facts combined.
Using a few carefully placed letters, you can generate plenty of community discussion.
You can also keep an issue going by preventing it from disappearing from the public
eye. You can stimulate the interest of the news media and create more coverage for the
matters you're working on. You can also send a "good news" letter to bring recognition
to people who deserve it or acknowledge the success of an effort.

WHY SHOULD YOU WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR?

Letters to the editor are among the most widely read features in any newspaper or
magazine. They allow you to reach a large audience. You can probably think of many
more specific reasons why you might want to write to the editor, but here are a few
general ones:

You are angry about something, and want others to know it

You think that an issue is so important that you have to speak out
Part of your group's strategy is to persuade others to take a specific action
Or you want to:

Suggest an idea to others

Influence public opinion
Educate the general public on a specific matter
Influence policy-makers or elected officials directly or indirectly
Publicize the work of your group and attract volunteers or program participants
Content of a Formal Letter

First paragraph
The first paragraph should be short and state the purpose of the letter- to make an
enquiry, complain, request something, etc.

The paragraph or paragraphs in the middle of the letter should contain the relevant
information behind the writing of the letter. Most letters in English are not very long, so
keep the information to the essentials and concentrate on organising it in a clear and
logical manner rather than expanding too much.

Last Paragraph
The last paragraph of a formal letter should state what action you expect the recipient to
take- to refund, send you information, etc.
Sample Formal Letters to the Editor
Q. 1. Read the following advertisement for products using solar energy.
SOLAR POWER SYSTEMS FOR A GREENER INDIA
• EXCELLENT OFFERS
• Solar Cookers
• Solar Lanterns
• Solar Heating/Cooking Systems
• Solar Water Heater
Raj Solar Sales and Service 45-Panchkwan Road New Delhi

Write a letter to the editor of an English daily, making a plea to the common people to
switch over to solar energy to conserve electricity and limit electricity bills. (Board 2014,
Set PRE2N18) (5 marks)
Ans.
147 Mayur Vihar
New Delhi

11 April 20xx

The Editor
Hindustan Times
New Delhi

Subject: Evoking Awareness Towards Solar Energy

Sir
Through the columns of your reputed newspaper, I wish to make the people aware of
the growing need and demands of solar power. We all know that our earth is showing
signs of a patient in declining health and it is due to excessive pollution on our planet.
Man has a desire to live a luxurious life and for that, he is over consuming electricity. He
doesn’t realize that overuse would exhaust the treasure. We must conserve electricity
which is the need of the hour.
But this conservation can only be done if we start using solar power systems. Various
kinds of solar systems like solar cookers, solar lanterns, solar heating and cooking
system, solar water heater, etc., are available in the market.
These solar systems are non-polluting. They are economical and are available in
different sizes. So, I request you to publish this letter in your newspaper to make people
aware of the need of conserving electricity and limiting electricity bills. Public must pay
attention to the dire need of switching over to solar energy.
Thankyou.
Yours sincerely
Divyansh

Q.2. Though there is a movement like ‘Sarvashiksha Abhiyan’ and enrolling of

underprivileged children in schools, there are still many children, like the one in the
picture, who do not go to school, rather have never seen a school. It is indeed
disturbing. You decide to write a letter to the editor of a newspaper expressing your
views and the steps to be taken. Take ideas from the MCB unit ‘Education’. Write the
letter in about 120 words. (NCT 2014) (5 marks)

Ans.
87 A Saket Colony
Agra

25th October 20 xx

The Editor
The Times of India
New Delhi

Subject:EducatingtheUnderprivileged
Sir
Through the columns of your reputed newspaper, I wish to draw your attention towards
the movement ‘Sarvashiksha Abhiyan’ which aims at providing knowledge to all
children. Even the act RTE-Right to Education also ensures education for all children
between the age of four to fourteen. But these movements and acts do not show
themselves implemented anywhere especially in the underprivileged class. There are
still many children who do not go to school. They either work as a domestic labour or
work in factories, dhabas, etc. It is disturbing to note that our government’s plans are
not bearing any fruits. It is all because of lack of awareness towards these kinds of
movements.
We all need the help of print media as well as electronic media to spread messages of
awareness to the masses. The underprivileged children must be made to realize that
they have the right to get education. So, they must go to school. The foremost thing is to
discourage child-labour so as to give these children a bright future. I hope you will pay
attention to this noble cause and publish it in your newspaper.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely
Siddharth Singh
Q. 3. Your grandfather is very upset about the rising prices and keeps thinking of his
olden times when things were very cheap. You are convinced that inflation has made
life difficult for common man. Write a letter in 100-120 words to the editor of a national
daily describing the difficulties faced by poor families. (Board 2014, Set 8L1922Q) (5
marks)

Ans.
679 Kaveri Vihar
New Delhi

14th July 20xx

The Editor
The Times of India
New Delhi

Subject: Rising Prices

Sir
I wish to draw your attention towards the inflation which has made life difficult for
common man. It was not so in earlier times when things were very cheap and were
within the reach of almost everyone. But the sharp rise in prices of all commodities has
made it difficult for a common man to make both his ends meet He cannot bear even
the daily expenses of his family. This is giving rise to disappointments and dejections in
their life. Corruption is also on the rise, so as to avoid financial crisis, people are turning
towards bribery whidt is the root cause of all evils. The society is taking a bad turn only
because of inflation.
It is high time that the concerned authorities should wake up to this social cause and try
to put reins to the rising price so that people can lead a comfortable and peaceful life.
Thank you.
Regards
Sahil

Q. 4. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily, expressing your opinion and views on
the increased human dependence on technology. Right from a small child to an adult, or
even an old man, everyone wants gadgets only-cell phone, I-pod, laptop, etc. This also
has a negative effect on social relationships. Using your own ideas and the unit,
‘Science’, vyrite the letter in 100-120 words. (Board 2014, Set QUD9VQW) (5 marks)

Ans.
230 C.O.D. Colony
New Delhi

15th May, 20 xx

The Editor
The Times of India
New Delhi

Subject: Human Dependence on Technology

Sir
Through this letter of mine, I wish to draw the attention of everyone towards the
increased dependence of humans on technology. We use internet for any type of
information which we find only a click away. Everyone, whether a child or an adult,
wants gadgets like cell phones, I-pod, laptop, etc. No doubt, technology is a boon to
mankind and has a great future ahead. But in my opinion, we should not depend on it as
excess of everything is bad. It is making everyone lazy. On the other hand, cyber crimes
are also growing. The key word for this is caution.
We must make judicious use of technology and should not totally depend on it. We must
believe in natural and simple living.
I hope you will publish this letter in your newspaper for better future of human beings.
Regards
Yours sincerely
Sambhav Jain

Q. 5. Kush read the following article in The Economic Times :

An Urban Farm in an Urban Jungle

Can you create functional, green spaces in a crowded city like Mumbai ? ‘Fresh and
Local’ is an initiative to transform underused spaces into productive, community areas
through urban farming. It aims to inspire city residents to make the most use of the
spaces that surround them to grow fruits, herbs and vegetables. Not only can urban
farming improve the environment, but also the health of the city residents.
Kush decides to write a letter to the Editor of a National Daily to raise public awareness
about using the space around them for productive community areas. Use your ideas as
well the write the letter.
Ans.
18 Model Town
Mumbai

14th May, 20 xx

The Editor
The Times of India
Mumbai

Subject: Steps to Improve Environment

Sir
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the
general public towards the underused spaces in crowded cities like Mumbai. These
spaces can be best used by taking some initiative to make them green. We can grow
fruits, vegetables and herbs which will help in the improvement of environment as well
as the health of the City residents. Urban farming should not be taken as a Herculean
task. It is only a matter of effort taken to’transform these areas/spaces into productive,
community area. Thus, people will be able to breathe and live in pollution free
environment which is good for the health. Conservation of soil and more of greenery will
be an added advantage.
I hope, people will become aware of these underused spaces and take some action
after reading this letter of mine.
Thankyou.
Yours sincerely
Kush
Q.6. The Pie-chart given below shows the changing trends in the recreational activities
of children of two different generations. You are disturbed at very little importance given
to book reading, followed by sports and games which are mostly indoors resulting in
poor health and stamina. You decide to write a letter to the Editor of ‘The Herald
Tribune’, New Delhi on this issue, suggesting ways and means to improve the condition.
Sign yourself as Malavika/Manas, a Health Specialist from New Delhi and write the
letter in about 120 words.
(Board Term-12012, Set EC2,059) (5 marks)
Ans.
Deptt. of Health Care
New Delhi

14th April, 20xx

The Editor
The Herald Tribune
New Delhi

Subject: Changing Trend in Children’s Activities

Sir
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the
general public towards the changing trend in the recreational activities of children of
modem tunes. It is shocking to know that present day children don’t want to spend their
leisure hours on book-reading, sports and games or any other outdoor activity as was
done in the years from 1960-1980. Rather modem day juveniles are more interested in
indoor activities. Only 10% of them are interested in book reading whereas 60% can be
seen busy with gadgets. This is not a positive trend. It is leading our children towards
poor health and stamina.
In my opinion, children should be made to understand the importance of reading books
and this can be done at school level as well as by parental interference. The
advantages of outdoor games must be stressed upon. They must realise that outdoor
games impart them the value of discipline as well as team spirit Parents should not
provide them electronic gadgets at an early stage.
Hope this letter of mine will spread awareness among children as well as parents and
recreational activities of children will again get channelized in a positive way.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely
Malavika
(Health Specialist)
Q. 7. You are Amit/ Amita. You happened to take part in a medical camp organized by
Health Club of your school in a remote village near Delhi. You are surprised to find that
most of the people there have no awareness of basic health and hygiene. As a
concerned citizen you decide to take up their cause and organize camps to make the
villagers aware of the importance of hygiene. Taking ideas from the given notes and the
unit on ‘Health and Medicine’ alongwith your own ideas, write a letter to the editor of a
newspaper, in about 120 words, expressing your concern and encouraging youngsters
to take part in such campaigns. (Board Term-12012, Set EC2,040) (5 marks)

• Causes of ill health

• Regular discussions and camps to be held
• A small dispensary to be setup
• Youngsters to volunteer

Ans.
47, COD colony
Jaipur

18th February, 20 xx
The Editor
The Hindu
New Delhi

Subject: Creating Awareness towards Health and Hygiene

Sir
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the
youngsters towards the negligent attitude of people towards basic health and hygiene.
The villagers are not paying any attention to sanitation and personal hygiene which is
leading them towards ill health. This hurdle can be overcome by organizing Health
Camps in these areas where we can make these villagers aware of the importance of a
healthy lifestyle by means of discussions or health check ups by specialists. A small
dispensary can also be set up there for their regular routine check up. They must be
taught that cleanliness is next to godliness. I invite youngsters through this letter of mine
to volunteer their names so that we can put our plan into action. A little effort on our part
will save these villagers from contracting serious diseases.
Thank you
Regards
Amita

Q. 8. You recently visited an important historical monument. You were shocked to find it
in a state of utter neglect Taking help from unit, ‘Travel and Tourism’, the clues given
below and with your own ideas write a letter to the editor of a leading newspaper
highlighting the poor condition of important archaeological and heritage ‘ sites. Point out
the lack of essential services, the poor state of maintenance and its misuse by people.
Give suggestions for improving the situation. (Board Term-12012, Set EC2,055) (5
marks)
Ans.
136, New Kamla Nagar
Agra

27th May, 20xx

The Editor
The Times of India
New Delhi

Subject: Poor Condition of Heritage Sites

Sir
Last Sunday I went to visit Taj Mahal along with my parents. I was quite excited but all
the excitement was only shortlived as the place was not as beautiful as it should have
been. The Taj no doubt, is an epitome of beauty. But the place outside was littered with
plastic plates, broken bottles, leftover food, etc. Many tourists come to Agra to view Taj
but the mess around the monument leaves a bad impression on the tourists. People
must acquire some good civic habits. Dustbins should be provided at short distances
and people should use them. They should throw the wastes and leftovers in the
dustbins. Spitting of pan-masalas should not be done. Children should be taught dvic
habits right from the beginning. Parents should ensure that the children are following
good habits. There is a dire need to check all this and to take preventive steps.
Through this letter of mine, I want to create awareness among general public that we
must not neglect our archaeological and heritage sites. We must take good care of them
by following good civic habits and following the code of conduct ethically.
Thankyou.
Yours truly
Archit Mahajan

Q. 9. You visited the Water Park in your city as part of school excursion. You noticed
that the water was not clean and also had a stale smell which could result in many
water borne diseases. Taking ideas from the unit, Health and your own ideas, write a
letter in about 120 words to the editor of a local newspaper about your experience on
visiting the place and how the polluted water would affect the visitors. Include the
precautions that should be taken in the Water Park. You are Neeta/Nitin. (Board Term-
12012, Set EC2,036) (5 marks)

Ans.
389, Mayur Vihar
New Delhi
14th May, 20xx

The Editor
The Hindu
New Delhi

Subject: Critical Condition of Water Park

Sir
Through the columns of your reputed newspaper, I would like to share my experience
with one and all that I had during my recent visit to the Water Park. We visited the place
as a part of school exclusion but were shocked to see its plight. The water in the park
was dirty and a stale smell was emnating from it. It can result in many water borne
diseases. There were very few visitors due to the degrading condition.
I want to make the concerned authorities aware that they must ensure the regular
cleaning of water at proper intervals. Draining can also be done. To restore its
popularity, a canteen or snack-bar can be opened. This place can become a popular
holiday spot if taken care of properly.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely
Nitin

Q. 10. Everyday you are late to school by fifteen minutes. Your school bus is stuck in a
traffic jam near Chintpumi Temple crossing. Along with own ideas, write a letter to the
editor of a newspaper highlighting this problem and suggesting some remedy for it.
(Board Term-1,2012 Set EC2,046) (5 marks)

Ans.
232, Friends Colony
Noida
16th May, 20xx

The Editor
The Hindustan Times
New Delhi

Subject: Chaotic Traffic Condition

Sir
Through this letter of mine, I wish to draw the attention of the authorities towards the
problems faced by students everyday. We reach our school fifteen minutes late as our
school bus gets stuck in a traffic jam near Chintpumi Temple crossing. People park their
vehicles in a haphazard way. Beggars crowd the gates as well as roads, waiting for
someone to come out of the temple and give alms to them. There is a traffic signal at
that crossing but people do not follow it.
It is my humble request that a parking area should be allotted to the Temple site so that
people can park their vehicles in a proper way. The Temple Trust should appoint
someone who can make the beggars sit in a queue and that too on the footpath and not
on the road. And last but not the least, a police-picket should be there at the crossing to
make people follow the rules and regulations.
I hope you’ll publish this letter in your esteemed newspaper so that some actions can be
taken in this matter.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely
Akriti
Q. 11. Write a letter in about 120 words to the Editor of ‘National Herald’, New Delhi,
about the scarcity of water in your locality suggesting ways to improve the position of
water supply. Yon are Kunal/Karuna of Ghaziabad. (Board Tenn-1,2012 Set EC2, 052)
(5 marks)

Ans.
522, Railway Colony
Ghaziabad
27th April, 20xx

The Editor
National Herald
New Delhi

Subject: Poor Water Supply

Sir
Through the columns of your reputed newspaper, I wish to draw your attention towards
the water supply in our colony. There is a great scarcity of water in our colony. We’re
supplied water for only 3-4 hours in the whole day. The pressure at that time is so low
that it is very difficult to finish the chores in time. Moreover, sometimes the water
supplied is dirty and unclean. Most of the times, there is a power-cut also at the same
hours when water is supplied which affects us a lot.
So, I request the concerned authorities to improve the quality of water supplied in our
area and increase the hours of supply so that the residents of our area do not face the
problem. Everyone is aware that water is our basic necessity and we cannot do without
it. I hope some positive action will be taken by the authorities at the earliest.
Thank you.
Yours truly
Kanina