Letter to the Editor
Letter to the Editor is usually written to express your opinion on some important
current/ social problem.
How to write a letter to the editor
▪ Begin with reference to a recent development/ event/ issue
▪ Give details of topic—bring out cause-effect relationship.
▪ Offer suggestions/ solutions
▪ Do NOT ask the editor to solve the problem as he can only voice your views,
and ideas.
How to begin the letter
The opening lines given below are straightforward and effectively set the context
for the issue you wish to discuss.
▪ This is to highlight…
"This is to highlight a pressing issue of ___________ that has been affecting
our community…"
▪ This is with reference to…
"This is with reference to the ongoing problems of ______________faced by
the residents of ________area…"
▪ This is to bring to the notice of…
"This is to bring to the notice of the concerned authorities and the public,
the issue of ____________________that requires immediate attention. "
How to end the letter
1. Yours truly:
Commonly used in informal letters or emails. It's less formal but still polite.
2. Yours sincerely:
Appropriate when you know the name of the person you're addressing. It’s
often used in both formal and semi-formal letters.
3. Yours faithfully:
Best used when you don't know the name of the person you’re writing to, such
as in a letter to the editor or a general inquiry.
Format
Sender’s address (3-4 lines)
Date (Date Month Year)
Receiver’s Designation
Receiver’s address
Subject:
Salutation
1st Para (3-4lines)
2nd Para (6-8 lines)
3rd Para: (4 -5 lines)
Closing line.
Yours truly
Signature
(Name)
Sample 1:
A book fair was organized in your city, Bhopal. Thousands of people including a
large number of students visited the fair. It aroused a great interest in reading and
buying books. You want that such book fairs are held in other cities of the state
also to promote the habit of reading. Write a letter in 120-150 words to the Editor
of the local newspaper giving your views. You are Navtej/ Navita, F-112, Malviya
Nagar, Bhopal.
F-112 Malviya Nagar Sender’s address (/as given in
Bhopal the question)
28 July 2020 Date
(Date month year format.
No Punctuation, no
abbreviation)
The Editor Receiver’s designation
Bhopal Times Receiver’s address
XYZ street
Bhopal
Subject: Organizing Book Fairs and Promoting Reading Habit Subject line
(Short 6-8 words, relevant,
underlined and in title case)
Sir Salutation (Use Sir or use
Ma’[Link] NOT use Sir/Ma’am
This is with reference to the Book Fair held in Bhopal. It The first Para is the introductory
evoked an interest in reading and buying books. Book fairs Para- it states the purpose of
writing the letter
such as these must be organized in every city of the state.
Book fairs motivate to read by offering a wide selection. The second Para talks about the
These fairs expose the students to different genres of advantages of hosting book fairs
writing. The discounts offered during the fairs provide an as well as reading books.
opportunity to the institutions and individuals to acquire
books at affordable prices. Reading books helps to broaden
one’s horizon, develops vocabulary and language skills.
It is hoped in the light of these observations; the concerned The third para offers
suggestions.
authorities will aim to host regular Book fairs. Book signings
and talks by renowned authors can be organized to increase
the footfall. Special student discounts can be offered to
motivate the students to pursue reading as a habit. Closing line.
It is hoped that our state will partake in more such events in
the near future.
Yours sincerely Subscription
Navita Signature
(NAVITA) Name
Please Note:
• The content is aligned to the left margin.
• The letter has been written in the third person.
• The tone of the letter is formal and neutral.
• The sentences appear connected.
• The flow of thought is linear.
• The arguments are not repeated.
• The letter does not exceed the word limit and briefly expresses all
arguments logically.
• The letter does not ask the Editor to take any action.
Sample 2:
You have noticed many stray animals on the road during busy hours of the day.
These animals have caused traffic jams as well as accidents. You have already
written to the concerned authorities but no action has been taken so far. Write
a letter to the Editor of a leading newspaper discussing the problem. You are
Preeti Krishnan C55, Palam Village, New Delhi.
C55, Palam Village
New Delhi
11 July 2024
The Editor
The Times of India
New Delhi
Suject: Nuisance Created by Stray Animals
Sir
This is to bring to the notice of the concerned authorities and the public, the issue
of nuisance created by stray animals on the road in Palam Village that requires
immediate attention of the civic administration.
During school hours, numerous stray animals wander on the main road, often
blocking traffic and causing accidents. The situation repeats in the afternoon, with
long lines of animals crossing the road. Additionally, these animals create health
hazards, with heaps of dung lining the streets. The issue is worsened by residents
feeding the strays.
Despite numerous complaints to the concerned authorities, no action has been
initiated. The authorities are requested to depute staff to catch the strays and
send them to the police pen. The residents may contribute by desisting from
feeding the strays. Kindly publish this letter in your editorial to galvanize the
authorities into taking remedial measures.
Yours sincerely
Preeti
Preeti Krishnan
Sample 3:
A report released by the National Crime Records Bureau stated that Delhi is one
of the top most crime affected cities in [Link] a letter to the editor on the
increasing crime rate in this city . You are Vishu Tanwar/Vaishnavee Tanwar of
300/3, Krishna Park, New Delhi-110056.
376/4, Krishna Park
New Delhi-110056
3 August 2024
The Editor
Hindustan Times
New Delhi- 110002
Subject: Rising Crime Rate in Delhi
Sir
This is to highlight a pressing issue of the rising crime rate in Delhi making it
unsafe despite being India's capital. Over the past decade, the crime rate has
steeply increased, with crimes against the elderly, women, and cyber offences like
hacking becoming common.
Unfortunately, the police are often preoccupied with VIP security instead of
addressing these issues. A significant factor in this surge is the influx of
impoverished immigrants, who, driven by poverty, are drawn into crime.
Additionally, the extravagant lifestyles of the wealthy tempt some to seek quick
riches through carjacking and financial fraud. However, the core issue is a mindset
where people believe they are above the law.
To combat this, criminals must be tracked, laws strengthened, and educational
camps organised for the public. The police should also become more vigilant.
It is hoped that Delhi will soon join the ranks of the world’s most livable cities,
becoming a safer place for all.
Yours sincerely
Vishu
Vishu Tanwar
