SESSION: 2025-26

(Worksheet)
CLASS : XII

ENGLISH

TOPIC: LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Letters written to the editor are different than the other types of formal letters. These are
written to influence public opinion and raise one’s voice against or for some social condition.
So, such letters have to be objective. One must not talk about personal problems but about the
interest of the society. These letters serve as an appeal to the authorities and the society.

 The contents of the letter are aligned to the left of the sheet, starting with the
sender’s address at the top-left corner.
 It is advised to leave a line between the various elements of your letter so that
all the elements/items stand out distinctly.
FORMAT
 SENDER’S ADDRESS (The sender’s name is not mentioned here. Also, do not
put any punctuation marks here)
eg:

4, Civil Lines

Ghaziabad
Uttar Pradesh

 DATE (DD/MM/YY format) 06 July 20XX /(MM /DD/YY) –July 06, 20XX

 RECEIVER’S ADDRESS (The address should include the name and/or

designation of the receiver. Do not use any punctuation marks in the address.
Eg:
The Editor
The Times of
India
Bahadur Shah Zafar
Marg New Delhi

 SUBJECT (states precisely the purpose of the letter. Keep the subject short and
crisp, preferably not more than seven to eight words)
Eg: Need for traffic signals at Deendayal Crossing/ Roadside nuisance caused by
…

 SALUTATION/ GREETING (use correct names and titles)

Eg: Madam/Sir

 BODY OF THE LETTER : divided into short clear paragraphs, generally in four
paras
PARA1: should state the purpose of the letter and should contain the reference to the issue.

Examples :
 Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw
the attention of the concerned authorities to the nuisance caused by
the………………
 Through the columns of your daily, I would like to highlight the
…………………
 Through the columns of your widely read newspaper, I would like to
……………
 Kindly allow me to attract the attention of the authorities to the
…………………
 Kindly allow me some space in your esteemed newspaper to ponder
over the subject………………/spread the message ……………

PARA 2: talk about the issue /problems/causes in this paragraph. Give details to establish
cause - effect relationship. Elaborate at least three- four points to emphasize your point or
in support of the issue.
PARA 3: Give your suggestions in this paragraph before finally concluding the letter.
PARA 4: Sum up the letter with a polite wish/idea/request, or an appeal for action to improve
the situation. Examples:
 I am sure it is the public conscience that can make the city safe
.......................................................................................................................an
d the
public outcry that can awaken the authorities to take some strict action
against the …..
 It is the joint responsibility of the public and the authorities to ………….
 I hope my letter will serve as an eye opener for the public and concerned
authorities, and earnest steps will be initiated by one and all in this
direction.

 COMPLIMENTARY CLOSE: This is short, polite closing that ends the letter. It
should correspond with your salutation.
Eg: Yours truly/ Yours sincerely (No apostrophe before ‘s’ in ‘yours’)

 Signature / Name: to be put below the complimentary close and above your name.

Other points to remember:

 Make sure you adhere to the format.
 Do NOT write your name in the body of the letter.
 Underline the subject of the letter with a pencil. Also, underlining the main points
is very important. Use a pencil and scale for underlining.
 Make sure you double check for grammatical accuracy and spellings.
 Leave a line between paragraphs to make it look clean.
 Presentation is very important.
Sample letter: Letter to the Editor:

QUESTION: Write a letter to the editor of a local daily complaining against the school-
bus drivers for rash-driving and overcrowding of buses causing risk to the lives of
innocent school children. You are Dipti/ Deepak, C-4C, Phase II, Janakpuri, New Delhi.
Answer:
C-4C, Phase II
Janakpuri
New Delhi
07 July 20XX

The Editor
The Tribune
New Delhi

Subject- Regarding reckless driving of school-bus drivers

Sir/Madam
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the
concerned authorities towards the grave issue of rash driving being done by school bus
drivers that pose a threat to the lives of innocent school children.
Driving in a zigzag manner on packed roads, crossing speed-limits, not following traffic lights
has become very common. Despite such strict regulations regarding speed, none of these
drivers seem to follow them. This shows that there is lack of implementation. This is a menace
to other road users as the bus drivers that drive at high speed might crush down whoever
comes in their way. These drivers need to understand their responsibility and must value the
lives of the little innocent children who travel in their buses.
By addressing this issue, it is hoped that the public awareness towards the dangers of reckless
driving can be raised. The general public must inform the authorities if they see any such case
of rash driving on roads. It is also the time for the traffic authorities to take stronger measures
against the reckless drivers, which includes levying heavy fines and forfeiting of their licenses
if they are found guilty of breaching the traffic rules.
I hope my letter will serve as an eye opener for the authorities and general public, and earnest
steps will be taken by one and all in this direction.

Yours sincerely
Signature
(DIPTI/DEEPAK)

Practice Questions-
1. Improper waste disposal and lack of public cleanliness are major concerns in India, leading
to environmental pollution and health hazards. Despite various awareness campaigns and
initiatives like ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’, many people continue to litter and ignore proper
waste management practices. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily expressing your
concern, analyzing the reasons behind this behavior, and suggesting measures for
improvement. Use the given cues along with your own ideas to compose this letter. You are
Arjun/Ananya, a responsible citizen.
 Cues:
Major concerns: Littering, open dumping, lack of waste segregation
 Reasons: Public negligence, lack of awareness, inadequate waste disposal
infrastructure
 Awareness initiatives: Schools, colleges, community drives, social media campaigns
 Solutions:
Strict fines for littering
Encouraging recycling and waste segregation at source
Increasing garbage collection points and waste treatment facilities
Active role of municipal authorities in enforcement

2. You have realized the necessity of education and financial independence of women for
their family, society and in turn for the nation. Write a letter to the editor of Hindustan Times
highlighting your ideas on the importance of education of women leading to a better status
for them. Use the given cues along with your own ideas to compose this letter. You are
Rahul/ Ravina, a concerned city resident.

 Women’s education—a burning issue

 Rural women—illiterate
 Literacy campaigns
 Needs economic independence
 Government schemes—'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’, ‘Saakshar Bharat’, ‘Mudra Yojana’
 Role of education in reducing gender discrimination
 Financial independence leading to empowerment
 Educated mothers ensuring children's education
 Community participation for awareness

3. Despite legal prohibitions, child labor remains a harsh reality in India, depriving children
of their fundamental right to education and a healthy childhood. Many children are forced
into labor due to poverty, lack of awareness, and societal neglect. Write a letter to the editor
of a national daily highlighting the seriousness of this issue, examining its causes, and
suggesting solutions to eradicate child labor and ensure education for all. Use the given cues
along with your own ideas to compose this letter. You are Rajesh/Priyanka, a socially aware
citizen.

Cues:
 Major concerns: Children working in hazardous conditions, missing out on education
 Causes: Poverty, lack of awareness, weak enforcement of laws
 Awareness measures: Campaigns in rural and urban areas, role of schools and NGOs
 Solutions:
o Strict enforcement of child labor laws
o Financial support and scholarships for underprivileged children
o Community participation in identifying and rescuing child labourers
o Strengthening implementation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act