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A formal letter is a business letter used for writing letters on formal occasions.
B-3 and B-4 type questions in the question paper demand long essay-type answers. Both these questions need to be answered with care and adequate preparation.
- Read the 'Main Course Book' completely at least once so that you can be familiar with a wide range of subjects.
- Answer all the 'Reading' questions so that your power of comprehension and expression improves.
- Read the given question carefully and decide the content of your essay.
- Decide on what your target is:
(a) letter
(b) essay for school magazine
(c) report
(d) brochure
(e) speech
(f) article or description
Then use the suitable format.
- Write down points, which you can later expand into at least 3-4 sentences.
- Group these together to form 3 paragraphs.
- Underline important points/phrases in each paragraph.
- Use the format.
- Concentrate on the topic on hand.
- Write brief and precise letters. The student is not expected to use all the lines provided (in a formal letter).
- If the content is incorrect, no marks are awarded for format.
- Mention dates, amount and other specifications, relevant to the content of the letter very clearly.
- Underline key points.
In formal letters or official letters, you start with your name and address. Next comes the name and address of the person you address to. It is followed by a salutation - Dear Sir/Madam. Then comes the subject, which must contain the key points and not irrelevant details.
In the first paragraph itself, the subject must be discussed. The next two paragraphs can contain analysis of the problem followed by suggestions to overcome the problem. You complete the letter with a Thanking you and Yours faithfully.
The whole format of the letter should be in the left side of the page. No commas in the From, To, salutation or signing off. Punctuation marks to be observed in the content of the letter. No need to leave space to indicate the beginning of a Para. A little space between paragraphs is to be maintained.
You are marked for content, fluency and accuracy. If your format is wrong up to 2 marks can be deducted. In formal letters, the problem should be stated to other readers or concerned authorities. Appropriate style is to be maintained.
You have come across some advertisements regarding job opportunities abroad for people from the field of information technology. You are disturbed at this trend of professionals working abroad and decide to write a letter to the Editor of a National daily expressing your views.
Suggested answer:
XYZ
Basavanagudi
Bangalore
28-1-2004
The Editor
Indian Times
Bangalore
Dear sir
Subject: Migration of IT professionals
It is a matter of great shame and pity that so many of our professionals and intellectuals are making an exodus to other parts of the world in search of greener pastures. The reason for this brain drain are many. The high remunerations and the desire for better urban life is a distinct attraction. There is tremendous job satisfaction and intellectual freedom. Red tapism and politicking are relatively less in the West and this is conducive to professionals to work in a shackle-free environment. Political stability and better security are certainly reassuring factors. Yet questions need to be asked. Isn't it the duty of these professionals to give back something to the society, from which they have received so much.
Public funds are pumped into IITs. The returns of these investments are reaped abroad. Is it fair? Why are these professionals looking abroad when our economy offers so much. Heavy pay-packets are not uncommon. These IT professionals can afford a life style, which a few years ago was the privilege of a selected few. A good life-style with the status of a first-class citizen. What more can one ask for? Apart from this, they can also impart values to their children. Why then lead a life of rootlessness abroad?
These questions go unanswered. Our country faces serious loss as these professionals get lured by the glitter and glamour of the western world. Unless this trend is arrested, the possibility of our nation turning into a developed one will only remain a distant dream.
Thanking you
Yours faithfully
XYZ
Recently you have read a newspaper report about how a tiger attacked a girl during a circus show in Calcutta. Write a letter to the Editor expressing your concern for the animals in the circus.
Suggested answer:
XYZ
7, M.G.Road
Bangalore
6-3-2004
To
The Editor
Times of India
Bangalore
Dear sir
Subject: Cruelty against animals
Through the esteemed columns of your newspaper I wish to share my views on the cruelty against animals. I was shocked to read a report in the newspaper about how a tiger attacked and killed a girl during the recent Circus Show. While my heart went out to the relatives of the dead girl I also thought about how helpless the creature felt.
We enjoy the circus shows yet fail to notice the pitiable plight of the animals there. Most of them are underfed and suffering from many diseases.
They are mercilessly beaten to perform in front of the spectators. The mighty roar of the jungle is a mere whimper amidst thundering applause from the spectators. The animals are kept in cages and in unhygienic conditions. Most of them are kept under heavy sedation. Just because these mute animals are unable to express their feelings, their condition is ignored. Living an imprisoned life, driven by hunger, they sometimes go out of control. The above case was a result of similar circumstances. The circus owner in order to escape the hands of the law has since been absconding.
It is a matter of utmost shame that no action is taken to free these animals from an existence of misery. Animals continue to pull overloaded carts and are mistreated. Domestic animals are used by man for his own needs and then left to die after their use is over.
I request the concerned authorities and the S.P.C.A. to take necessary action and release these animals from a life of suffering.
Thanking you
Yours faithfully
XYZ
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