Class 7 Letter Writing English Grammar - Importance of English Grammar for Class 7 Students
Have you ever wondered where the custom of writing letters originated? One of the earliest methods of communicating with family and friends was through letters, and this practice has persisted ever since. In this article, we will learn different ways to write a letter and their formats with examples followed by practice questions.
English Grammar
Importance of Letter Writing
Writing letters is more than just a decorative skill. Even today, writing letters has been seen as a crucial ability that everyone should learn. Especially in a formal setting writing a good letter helps communicate your ideas in an effective way and one can come across as well-read. Whereas for informal writing, the personal way of connecting via a letter will always be well received and improve interpersonal relationships.
Letter Writing
Letter Writing
A letter is a statement that is written on paper and can be printed or handwritten. It is typically mailed or delivered to the addressee in an envelope, however, this is not a requirement. Any such message sent through the mail is a letter, a two-way written correspondence.
The art of letter writing has fallen out of favour as emails, texts, and other similar modes of communication have taken over as the standard for communication. But even now, letters still play an important role in our communication, particularly official communication. Whether it's a cover letter for a job, a notice from the bank, or an acceptance letter from college, letters remain an important means of communication. Therefore, it's crucial that we understand the subtleties of letter writing.
Types of Letter Writing
Types of Letter Writing
Let's start by realizing that there are essentially two types of letters: formal and informal.
Formal Letters
A formal letter is one that adheres to a predefined format and is written in a formal, ceremonial tone. Such letters are not sent to private individuals, such as friends or family members, but instead to authorities, dignitaries, coworkers, and seniors for official objectives. Writing formal letters requires adherence to a variety of conventions. So let's look at an example of a formal letter format.
The format of an formal letter is:
Specify the Sender's Address
Mention the Receiver’s Address
Add the date
Put the letter's subject in writing.
Put greetings in
Initially, the Introduction
Add the formal letter's body
Conclusion
Closing
Signature
Example:
Write a letter to request to issue a School Leaving Certificate.
Informal Letter
Informal letters are written to the writer's close friends, family, and other members of their social network. The letters are informal and personal in tone because they are sent to close family members. Writing informal letters requires using informal language. And often there may even be an emotional tinge to the letters.
Informal letters are typically used for private correspondence. They really aren't required to conform to any set pattern, format, or tradition. They can be created to suit the author's preferences and the situation. As a result, the letter was written in a friendly, informal style.
The format to write this kind of letter is as follows,
Location of the sender
When a letter was written
Address of the Recipient
Salutation/Greeting
the letter's body
Conclusion
Authentication of the sender
Examples:
Write a letter to a friend-Inviting him during vacation.
Difference between a Formal Letter and an Informal Letter
We have discussed the two basic types of letter. However, there are a variety of letter types based on formalities, content, intended recipients, etc. Let's look at some of the letter varieties.
Business Letter: This letter, which is sent between business associates, typically includes business information like quotes, orders, complaints, claims, letters for collections, etc. Such letters always adhere to the strict formality and adhere to a formal format.
Circular Letter: A circular letter is one that conveys information to a vast audience. To communicate crucial information like a change of address, a change in management, the retirement of a partner, etc., the same letter is sent to a broad group of people.
Employment Letter: any letters pertaining to the hiring process, such as a letter of application, a letter of promotion, etc.
Social Letter: A social letter is a private letter that is written on a particular occasion. Social letters include letters of congratulations, condolence, invitation, etc.
Difficult Word Meanings:
Summary
In the chapter, we have discussed letter writing. It's true that people don't write letters as frequently as they used to. But still, one of the most beneficial skills to master and use for a variety of reasons is letter writing. There are various letter types, and each has a distinct form and style. The letter still has some elements that are the same, though.
Practice Questions
1. Write a letter to the school's principal requesting better library funding.
2. Write a Letter to your father Informing him about admission to a new school
Answers:
1. Letter to the school's principal requesting better library funding.
2. Letter to father Informing about admission in a new school
NCERT Solutions - Class 7 Letter Writing Grammar Solution
NCERT Solutions for English Grammar serves as a comprehensive solution book for the students of Class 7 Letter Writing who are willing to expertise in the English Grammar subject.
The Class 7th English Grammar syllabus is comprehensively mentioned in this NCERT Solutions. Exhaustive Class 7 Grammar topics are present in the NCERT Solutions. Also, this is to ensure that students from any board can refer to the NCERT Solutions for English Grammar Class 7 Letter Writing.
FAQs on English Grammar for Class 7 Letter Writing
1. What are some important formal letter topics that are frequently asked in the Class 7 English exam?
For the Class 7 CBSE English exam for the year 2025-26, students should focus on the following important formal letter topics:
- Letter to the Principal: Common requests include applying for leave, asking for a fee concession, requesting a transfer certificate, or suggesting improvements for school facilities like the library or playground.
- Letter of Complaint: Writing to a manager about a faulty product or poor service.
- Letter to a Civic Authority: Writing to the Municipal Corporation to complain about issues like poor sanitary conditions, irregular water supply, or damaged roads in your locality.
- Letter to the Editor: Highlighting a social issue in a newspaper, such as the importance of planting trees or the nuisance of loudspeakers.
2. What are the most expected informal letter topics for the Class 7 exam?
In Class 7, informal letters test your ability to express personal feelings and information clearly. Important topics you can expect in your exam include:
- Writing to a friend or cousin inviting them to spend a vacation with you or to attend a birthday party.
- Writing to a parent or guardian, who is away, describing your new school or hostel life.
- Congratulating a friend on their success in an examination or competition.
- Writing to a friend describing a recent trip or a school event you enjoyed.
- Thanking a relative (like an uncle or aunt) for a birthday gift they sent you.
3. What is the correct format and marking scheme for a formal letter as per the CBSE Class 7 pattern for 2025-26?
The format of a formal letter is crucial for scoring well. The marks are generally divided across format, content, and expression. A typical breakdown is:
- Sender's Address: Top-left corner.
- Date: Below the sender's address.
- Receiver's Address: Below the date.
- Subject: A concise line stating the purpose of the letter.
- Salutation: (e.g., 'Respected Sir/Ma'am' or 'Dear Sir/Ma'am').
- Body of the Letter: Usually in 3 paragraphs (Introduction, Main Content, Conclusion).
- Complimentary Closing: (e.g., 'Yours faithfully,' or 'Yours sincerely,').
- Sender's Name: Your full name.
For a 5-mark question, the marking scheme is often: Format (1 mark), Content (2 marks), and Expression (2 marks) which covers grammatical accuracy and vocabulary.
4. How can I make my formal letter sound more professional to score full marks?
To score full marks, go beyond just the format. Focus on the tone and language. Here are some tips:
- Be Polite and Respectful: Always use courteous language, even in a complaint letter. Use phrases like 'I would be grateful if you could...' or 'I would like to draw your attention to...'.
- Be Clear and Concise: State your purpose in the first paragraph. Avoid using long, complicated sentences. Stick to the main points.
- Use Formal Vocabulary: Avoid using slang, contractions (like 'don't', 'can't'), or overly friendly language. Use words like 'request', 'inform', 'apologise', and 'sincerely'.
- Check for Errors: Always proofread your letter for any grammatical mistakes or spelling errors, as these can lead to a deduction in marks under 'Expression'.
5. What are the key differences in format and tone between a formal and an informal letter for exams?
Understanding the difference is a key scoring point. The main differences are:
- Structure: A formal letter requires both the sender's and receiver's addresses, along with a subject line. An informal letter only needs the sender's address and the date.
- Salutation: In formal letters, use 'Dear Sir/Ma'am' or 'Respected Principal'. In informal letters, use 'Dear [Friend's Name],' or 'Dearest Father,'.
- Tone: The tone of a formal letter is objective, professional, and to the point. An informal letter has a personal, friendly, and emotional tone.
- Closing: Formal letters end with 'Yours faithfully,' or 'Yours sincerely,'. Informal letters end with 'Yours lovingly,' 'With love,' or 'Your friend,'.
6. What are the most common mistakes students make in letter writing in Class 7 exams and how can they be avoided?
To avoid losing marks, watch out for these common errors:
- Mixing Formats: Using an informal salutation in a formal letter (e.g., writing 'Dear Principal') or adding a subject line in an informal letter. To avoid this, memorise the structure for both types separately.
- Incorrect Date Format: Writing the date as 'dd-mm-yy' is often considered incorrect. Use the proper format like '15th August 2025' or 'August 15, 2025'.
- Vague Subject Line: The subject in a formal letter must be short and clear. Instead of 'A letter about our library', write 'Request for New Books for School Library'.
- Grammatical Errors: Simple mistakes in tense, prepositions, and spelling are very common. Always spare a minute to reread your letter before finishing.
7. Why is sticking to the prescribed word limit an important factor in scoring well in letter writing questions?
Sticking to the word limit is not just about following rules; it's a skill being tested. Examiners check this for a few reasons:
- Precision and Clarity: It shows you can express your ideas effectively without unnecessary words. This is a crucial skill for formal communication.
- Time Management: Writing too much on one question can cost you valuable time needed for other sections of the paper.
- Following Instructions: Adhering to the word limit demonstrates that you have read and understood the question's requirements completely. While minor deviations are okay, exceeding the limit significantly may lead to a penalty in marks as it shows a lack of planning.
