Letter Writing Format for Class 12 with Solved Samples
| Type of Letter | When to Use | Brief Example |
|---|---|---|
| Formal Letter | Exams, job applications, official requests | Application for leave, complaint to municipal office |
| Informal Letter | Personal communication | Letter to a friend about holidays |
| Letter to the Editor | Suggesting solutions, raising public issues | Letter on traffic problems in your locality |
| Business/Official Letter | Placing orders, making inquiries | Order of books for school library |
Why Letter Writing for Class 12 Matters
Letter writing is frequently tested in school board exams and also builds real-world skills like clear communication, formal requests, and complaint registration. Mastery of letter writing format, content, and tone directly affects scores and confidence in English exams.
Types of Letters in Class 12 English
For CBSE, ICSE and most State boards, the main letter writing categories are formal, informal, and letter to the editor. Each type has its own tone and structure. Business, job application, and order letters are treated as formal letters in Class 12.
- Formal Letter: For official communication, complaints, applications
- Informal Letter: To friends, relatives — use a casual tone
- Letter to Editor: For public awareness or community issues
- Business/Official Letter: For orders, inquiry, complaints to companies
Letter Writing Format for Class 12 (2024 CBSE & Boards)
Follow this structure for all formal and official letters to score full marks:
- Sender’s Address
- Date (e.g., 15 March 2024)
- Receiver’s Address
- Subject (Purpose of letter in one line)
- Salutation (e.g., Sir/Madam, Dear Editor)
- Body (3 paragraphs: introduction, main content, request/action/closing)
- Formal Closing (e.g., Yours sincerely, Yours truly)
- Sender’s Name and signature
| Part | Details/Example |
|---|---|
| Sender’s Address | 47 Green Avenue, Mumbai |
| Date | 12 April 2024 |
| Receiver’s Address | The Principal Oxford Public School Mumbai |
| Subject | Request for Bonafide Certificate |
| Salutation | Sir/Madam |
| Body | State reason, details, request |
| Closing | Yours sincerely, (Name) |
Key Guidelines: How to Write Letters in Class 12
- Follow the full block format — left alignment only, no indentation.
- Don’t use casual words or contractions in formal letters.
- KISS: Keep it short and simple; be to the point.
- Start directly with your intention in the first paragraph.
- Add details like account/order/reference numbers where needed.
- Always check the latest CBSE/Board guidelines.
Letter Writing Topics for Class 12 with Examples
Practising sample topics will help clarify the format further. Here are some common exam-style topics with sample openings:
- Complaint about poor bus service (Letter to Editor)
Opening: “Through the columns of your newspaper, I wish to highlight the issue of poor bus service in our area...” - Request for school fee concession (Application to Principal)
Opening: “I wish to request a full fee concession due to financial hardship in my family...” - Order for notebooks (Order Letter to Supplier)
Opening: “We wish to place an order for 100 A4 ruled notebooks for our school library...” - Job Application for English Teacher
Opening: “With reference to your advertisement, I hereby apply for the post of P.G. teacher in English...”
For detailed letter samples, see Vedantu’s Formal Letter and Job Application Letter Format pages.
Common Mistakes in Letter Writing for Class 12
- Mixing old and new formats — always use the latest old block format.
- Forgetting important parts (like Subject or Date).
- Using informal tone or contractions (“I’m”, “can’t”) in formal letters.
- Punctuation in the block format (avoid except for full stops in sentences).
- Addressing the editor for solution; only state problems or requests.
Marking Scheme for Letter Writing in CBSE/Class 12
| Criteria | Marks |
|---|---|
| Format (All parts present) | 1 mark |
| Content (Relevance, details, clarity) | 2 marks |
| Expression (Language, grammar, tone) | 2 marks |
| TOTAL | 5 marks |
Exam Tips: Practice Questions for Letter Writing
- Write a letter to the municipal office about garbage in your area.
- Apply for the post of a sports coach in a school.
- Complain to the supplier about damaged books received.
- Order 20 computers for the school’s computer lab.
- Letter to editor on the need to ban single-use plastic.
For more practice and grammar support, explore Vedantu’s Letter Writing Guide.
Page Summary
Letter Writing for Class 12 is a core English skill for board and competitive exams. Knowing letter types, following the CBSE format, and practising clear, formal English helps students score high marks and communicate confidently. Vedantu provides easy examples and updated formats for every Class 12 learner’s success.
FAQs on Letter Writing for Class 12 – Format, Examples, and Guide
1. What are the main types of letters prescribed in the Class 12 English syllabus for the 2025-26 session?
For the Class 12 CBSE curriculum, letter writing is primarily divided into two main categories:
- Formal Letters: These are written for official, professional, or business purposes. This category includes Letters to the Editor, Job Applications, Official Letters of Complaint, and Inquiry Letters.
- Informal Letters: These are personal letters written to friends, family, and relatives. The tone is casual and conversational.
2. What are the essential components of the latest CBSE formal letter format for 2025-26?
The latest CBSE format for formal letters follows a strict, left-aligned block structure. The essential components in order are:
- Sender's Address
- Date
- Receiver's Address
- Subject (A concise line summarising the letter's purpose)
- Salutation (e.g., Dear Sir/Madam)
- Body (Typically 3 paragraphs: Introduction, Details, Conclusion)
- Complimentary Close (e.g., Yours sincerely, Yours truly)
- Sender's Name and Signature
3. Why is the 'Subject' line considered a critical element in a formal letter?
The 'Subject' line is critical because it serves as the letter's headline. It provides immediate context to the recipient, allowing them to understand the purpose of the communication at a glance. In an official environment, a clear subject helps in sorting and directing the mail to the correct department, ensuring a faster response. It demonstrates professionalism and a respect for the recipient's time.
4. How does the tone and language significantly differ between a formal and an informal letter?
The difference in tone and language is fundamental. A formal letter must use objective, polite, and professional language. It should be concise and to the point, avoiding slang, contractions (like "can't" or "don't"), and emotional expressions. In contrast, an informal letter uses a personal, friendly, and conversational tone. It allows for the use of contractions, colloquialisms, and emotional language to express personal feelings and share news with someone you know well.
5. What is the main purpose of a 'Letter to the Editor' and what should it focus on?
A 'Letter to the Editor' is a type of formal letter written to a publication (like a newspaper or magazine) to express an opinion, raise awareness about a social issue, or respond to a previously published article. Its primary purpose is not to ask the editor to solve the problem, but to use the platform to draw the attention of the general public and relevant authorities to the issue. The focus should be on presenting a well-reasoned argument or a clear perspective.
6. When writing a letter of complaint, what is the correct approach to mention the problem and suggest a resolution?
The correct approach in a letter of complaint is to be factual, specific, and professional. First, clearly and calmly state the problem, providing essential details like the order number, product model, or date of service. Instead of making aggressive demands, you should professionally suggest a desired resolution. For example, rather than saying "Fix this now!", you should state, "I would appreciate it if you could arrange for a replacement/refund at your earliest convenience."
7. Is the CBSE letter writing format accepted in State Board exams?
Yes, the CBSE format for letter writing is widely regarded as a standard and is accepted by most State Boards due to its clarity and professional structure. However, students are always advised to confirm the specific guidelines issued by their respective State Board, as minor variations in format or marking scheme might exist. Sticking to the left-aligned block format is generally a safe and effective approach for all board exams.
8. Beyond scoring marks in exams, why is mastering letter writing an important real-world skill?
Mastering letter writing is a crucial real-world skill because it forms the basis of professional communication. This skill is essential for:
- Applying for jobs and internships with a compelling cover letter.
- Communicating formally with government bodies, banks, and other institutions.
- Effectively lodging consumer complaints or inquiries.
- Building a foundation for writing clear and professional emails in a future workplace.
