These letters cover the topics that come most often in board exams: letters to parents, brothers, sisters and friends, letters to the editor of a newspaper about public problems, and formal letters to companies and institutions.
Kinds and Parts of a Letter
A letter is a written message from one person to another. Letters are of two kinds: informal (personal) letters to family and friends, and formal letters to officials, editors and companies.
| Part | Informal Letter | Formal Letter |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Address and date | Your address and date (top right) | Your address and date |
| 2. Salutation | My dear Father / Dear Ali | Sir / Dear Sir / The Editor |
| 3. Opening | I hope you are well. | I wish to draw your attention to ... |
| 4. Body | News, feelings, advice | The problem and the request, clearly |
| 5. Closing | Give my love to ... / Write soon. | I hope you will take action. |
| 6. Subscription | Yours affectionately / Your loving son | Yours faithfully / Yours truly |
| 7. Name | First name only | Full name and address |
How to Begin and End a Letter
| Writing to | Begin with | End with |
|---|---|---|
| Father / Mother | My dear Father / Dear Mother | Your loving son / Your loving daughter |
| Brother / Sister | My dear brother / Dear sister | Your affectionate brother / sister |
| Friend | Dear Ali / My dear friend | Yours sincerely / Your friend |
| Editor of a newspaper | Sir, | Yours truly / Yours faithfully |
Note: In exams, write "Examination Hall, City A.B.C." in place of your address, and use A.B.C. instead of your name.