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CBSE • Class 11 • Hornbill
Letter Writing - Formal, Informal, and Job Application (CV Attached)
A clear, classroom-ready guide with formats, labels, worked models, and practice Q&A.
Table of Contents
1) Introduction
This guide focuses only on letters: Formal letters, Informal letters, and Job Applications with a short CV. Follow the formats, read the model texts, and then try the practice questions with answers.
Tip: Keep sentences short. State the purpose early. Stay within the word limit given in the paper.
2) Before You Write (FAST-4)
FAST-4
1
Focus: What type of letter? Who is the reader? Word limit?
2
Arrange: Note 3–5 points in order.
3
State: Draft in simple lines. One idea per paragraph.
4
Tidy: Check format, tone, date, and names.
Tone Guide
Formal offices, editors, officials
Informal family, friends
Job Application formal + short CV
3) Formal Letter
Use for officials, institutions, and editors. Style is polite and direct.
Full-Block Layout
| Part | What to write | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Sender’s address | Your address (no name here) | Left aligned |
| 2. Date | Day Month Year | e.g., 13 November 2025 |
| 3. Receiver’s address | Designation + full address | Left aligned |
| 4. Subject | One clear line | After addresses |
| 5. Salutation | Dear Sir/Madam, or Dear Mr/Ms + Surname | |
| 6. Body | Intro • Details • Close | 2–3 short paragraphs |
| 7. Complimentary close | Yours faithfully/sincerely | As per salutation |
| 8. Name & Signature | Hand sign + name in block letters | + designation if any |
Body Plan (3-P)
- P1: Purpose — State the reason.
- P2: Points/Proof — Facts, dates, examples.
- P3: Prompt — What action you want.
Model (Letter to the Municipal Commissioner)
42, Ashok Vihar Jaipur 302001 13 November 2025 The Municipal Commissioner Jaipur Municipal Corporation Jaipur 302005 Subject: Request for street lights in Lane 4 Dear Sir/Madam, I wish to draw your attention to the lack of street lights in Lane 4, Ashok Vihar. The lane is used by students and senior citizens. After 6:30 p.m., the area is dark and unsafe. A minor accident occurred last week near House No. 42. Kindly approve four LED poles along Lane 4 and a “Slow – School Zone” board at the turning near the park. I shall be grateful for prompt action. Yours faithfully, (Arjun Mehta) Resident, Lane 4
Avoid: Long greetings and flowery language. Keep it short and clear.
4) Informal Letter
Use for family and friends. Friendly tone, but correct grammar and spelling.
Flexible Layout
- City (optional) and Date at top
- Warm opening
- Main news/request
- Polite close and sign-off
Model (To a Friend)
Lucknow 13 November 2025 Dear Aisha, Our school is holding a book exchange next week. I remember your love for mystery novels. Can you share your spare copies of Feluda series? I will bring my extra sports biographies in return. Lots of love, Rahul
Sign-offs: With love Best wishes Yours affectionately
5) Job Application (with CV)
Write a short cover letter and attach a brief CV. Keep both neat and factual.
Cover Letter — 3 Blocks
- Opening: Post + source + date.
- Match: Your skills and training in 2–3 lines.
- Close: Availability + enclosure line.
Subject: Application for Library Assistant Dear Sir/Madam, I wish to apply for the post of Library Assistant advertised on 10 November 2025. I am a Class XII pass student with strong English and basic computer skills. I have volunteered at the school library for two years. I can join from 1 December. I enclose my CV. Yours sincerely, (Sana Khan)
CV — Compact Format
| Name | Sana Khan |
|---|---|
| Contact | Phone • Email • City |
| Education | Class XII (CBSE), 2025 |
| Skills | English communication, MS Word/Excel, library cataloguing (basic) |
| Experience | School Library Volunteer (2023–2025) |
| Achievements | Winner, Reading Challenge 2024 |
| References | Available on request |
Tip: Keep the CV to one page. Use simple headings and bullet points.
6) Practice Sets: Q&A
A) Formal Letter — 4 Sample Questions with Answers
Q1. Letter to Editor about noisy construction at night (120–150 words)
27, Green Park New Delhi 110016 13 November 2025 The Editor City Chronicle New Delhi Subject: Night construction noise near residential area Dear Sir/Madam, Through your newspaper, I wish to highlight the late-night construction near Block C, Green Park. Work continues past 11 p.m. on weekdays. Students and elderly residents are unable to sleep. I request the civic body to limit work to 8 a.m.–6 p.m. and to enforce noise rules. Please publish this letter to draw attention. Yours faithfully, (Anita Sharma)
Q2. Letter to School Principal requesting a water cooler
Class XI-B Horizon Public School 13 November 2025 The Principal Horizon Public School Subject: Request for an additional water cooler outside Lab Block Dear Madam, During the short break, long queues form near the Lab Block cooler. Students miss their next period. Kindly sanction one more unit near Room 210 to reduce the rush. Thank you for your kind consideration. Yours faithfully, (Rohan Gupta) Class Representative, XI-B
Q3. Complaint to Electricity Department for overbilling
House No. 18, Sector 7 Chandigarh 160019 13 November 2025 The Assistant Engineer (Billing) Punjab State Power Corporation Subject: Correction of inflated bill for Consumer No. 00981234 Dear Sir, My October bill shows 980 units, which is not possible for a small family. The average use is 230 units per month. Kindly recheck the meter reading and issue a revised bill. Yours faithfully, (Neha Verma)
Q4. RTI-style information request to Public Information Officer (PIO)
54, Patel Nagar, Bhopal 13 November 2025 The Public Information Officer Ward 12 Office, Bhopal Subject: Information on park renovation funds under RTI Dear Sir/Madam, Please provide details of funds allotted and used for the Ward 12 park renovation during April–September 2025, including contractor name and work schedule. Yours faithfully, (Arvind Kumar)
B) Informal Letter — 4 Sample Questions with Answers
Q1. Invite a cousin to your school fair
Agra 13 November 2025 Dear Samir, Our annual school fair is on 22 November. I am on the food stall team. Please come by 4 p.m. We will visit the robotics show after my shift. With love, Ali
Q2. Thank a friend for helping with notes
Mumbai 13 November 2025 Dear Isha, Thank you for sharing your English notes. Your summary on “Letter Writing” made revision easy. I’ll return your notebook on Monday with my history charts for you. Best wishes, Karan
Q3. Advise a friend on time management
Pune 13 November 2025 Dear Meera, Set a 40-minute study block and a 10-minute break. Keep the phone away during the block. Use a small checklist. It helped me finish work faster. Yours affectionately, Ritu
Q4. Congratulate an aunt on a promotion
Hyderabad 13 November 2025 Dear Aunty, Many congratulations on your promotion! Your hard work inspires me. We will celebrate when you visit next weekend. Lots of love, Zara
C) Job Application (CV Attached) — 4 Sample Questions with Answers
Q1. Apply for the post of Lab Assistant (include CV)
12, Park View, Ranchi 13 November 2025 The Principal St. Joseph’s School Ranchi Subject: Application for the post of Lab Assistant Dear Sir/Madam, In response to your notice dated 10 November 2025, I apply for the post of Lab Assistant. I am a Class XII (Science) pass student and have handled basic equipment during practicals. I am careful, punctual, and can assist teachers during demonstrations. I can join from 1 December. I enclose my CV. Yours sincerely, (Rishi Kumar) ----- CV ----- Name: Rishi Kumar Contact: 9XXXXXXXXX | [email protected] | Ranchi Education: Class XII (CBSE, Science), 2025 Skills: Lab safety, apparatus handling, MS Office Experience: Science Club volunteer (2023–2025) Achievements: District Science Fair – Team Runner-up (2024) References: Available on request
Q2. Apply for Customer Care Intern (email style, CV attached)
Subject: Application for Customer Care Intern Dear Hiring Manager, I am a Class XII pass student with clear spoken English and basic email skills. I handled the school helpdesk during our fest. I can work flexible hours. I look forward to an interview. CV attached. Regards, (Sana Khan) -- CV: Name • Contact • Education (XII) • Skills (English, Email, Excel) • Experience (School fest helpdesk) • References on request.
Q3. Apply for Library Assistant (short CV)
Subject: Application for Library Assistant Dear Sir/Madam, I apply for the Library Assistant post advertised on 9 November 2025. I am a regular reader and can catalogue books using Excel. Available from 1 December. CV enclosed. Yours sincerely, (Neel Patel) CV (Brief): Education: Class XII (2025) Skills: English, Excel, cataloguing (basic) Experience: School Library Volunteer (2024–2025)
Q4. Apply for Sports Coach (Junior) — if you have certificates
Subject: Application for Junior Sports Coach Dear Sir/Madam, I have completed the District Level Coaching Workshop (2025) and served as House Captain. I can conduct warm-ups and basic drills for Classes VI–VIII. I enclose my CV and certificates. Yours faithfully, (Prateek) CV Snapshot: Education: Class XII (2025) Skills: Fitness drills, first aid (basic), scheduling Certificates: District Coaching Workshop (2025), House Captain (2024–25)
7) Exam-day Checklist
Format
- Addresses and date in order
- Clear subject line
- Correct salutation and close
Language
- Short sentences
- Active voice
- No slang in formal letters
Time & Word Limit
- Plan points (1 min)
- Draft (6–8 min)
- Check (1–2 min)
Final check: Names, dates, spelling, and punctuation.
