Content updated on 23 April 2026
When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone? Not a quick WhatsApp message, but a real letter on paper? Letter writing is an essential skill that every student must master. In this lesson for Class 7 and 8 students, you will learn the difference between formal and informal letters, the correct format for each, and how to express your thoughts clearly and politely. Whether you're writing to a friend, a principal, or a newspaper editor, this guide will help you get it right.
✅ Recommended for: Class 7–8 (Intermediate) | CBSE & UP Board
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A letter is a written message from one person to another. Even in the age of emails and texts, letters hold a special place. They are more personal, more thoughtful, and often required in official communication. Knowing how to structure a letter correctly can help you in exams and in real life.
Example: A letter to your principal requesting leave is formal. A letter to your cousin inviting them for holidays is informal.
What is a Letter?
A letter is a handwritten or printed message addressed to a person or organisation. It is usually sent in an envelope. Letters can be personal (sharing news and feelings) or professional (making requests, complaints, or applications). In school exams, you are often asked to write a letter of a specific type in about 100–120 words.
Formal vs Informal Letters – Key Differences
| Feature | Formal Letter | Informal Letter |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Official / Business | Personal / Friendly |
| Tone | Polite, respectful, concise | Warm, casual, expressive |
| Receiver | Principal, Editor, Manager | Friend, Parent, Relative |
| Salutation | Dear Sir/Madam, | Dear Rohan, / My dear Mother, |
| Closing | Yours faithfully / Yours sincerely, | Yours lovingly / With love / Your friend, |
| Subject Line | Required | Not required |
Format of a Formal Letter
A formal letter follows a strict format. Here is the standard structure:
- Sender's Address (top left)
- Date (below sender's address)
- Receiver's Address (below date)
- Subject (a short line stating the purpose)
- Salutation (Dear Sir/Madam,)
- Body (3 paragraphs: Introduction, Main content, Conclusion)
- Closing (Yours faithfully,)
- Signature (Name and designation if any)
Format of an Informal Letter
An informal letter is more relaxed. The format is simpler:
- Sender's Address (top left)
- Date (below address)
- Salutation (Dear [Name],)
- Body (friendly language, personal news, questions)
- Closing (Yours lovingly / With love,)
- Name (first name only is fine)
Solved Examples (5 Complete Letters)
Show Solution
Lajpat Nagar
New Delhi – 110024
St. Mary's Convent School
Lajpat Nagar
New Delhi – 110024
I am a student of Class VII-B in your school. I am writing this application to humbly request you to grant me leave for three days, from 25 April 2026 to 27 April 2026.
My elder sister's wedding is scheduled for 26 April 2026 in our hometown, Agra. My presence is required for the various ceremonies and to help my family with the arrangements.
I assure you that I will complete all my pending assignments and classwork before I leave. I will also take notes from my classmates for the days I miss.
I shall be very grateful if you grant me this leave.
Class VII-B
Roll No. 14
Show Solution
Meerut – 250002
Meerut Municipal Corporation
Meerut – 250001
I am a resident of Shastri Nagar, Meerut, and I wish to draw your kind attention to the serious issue of irregular garbage collection in our locality.
For the past two weeks, the municipal garbage truck has been visiting our area only once a week instead of the scheduled daily collection. As a result, garbage bins are overflowing, and foul smell has spread throughout the neighbourhood. Stray dogs and flies are a common sight near the bins, posing a health risk to residents, especially children and the elderly.
I request you to kindly look into this matter and ensure that garbage is collected regularly. We would also appreciate additional dustbins at street corners.
I hope for prompt action from your office.
Resident, Shastri Nagar
Show Solution
Prayagraj – 211001
The Times of India
Prayagraj – 211001
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to express my concern about the worsening traffic situation in our city.
Over the last year, the number of vehicles on the roads has multiplied, but the roads remain the same width. During peak hours, major crossings like Civil Lines and Katra are choked with vehicles. Commuters waste hours in jams, and emergency vehicles like ambulances get stuck. The constant honking and pollution are affecting everyone's health.
I urge the traffic police and municipal authorities to take steps such as deploying more traffic personnel at busy intersections, improving public transport, and encouraging carpooling. I hope my letter finds space in your newspaper and draws the attention of the concerned officials.
Concerned Citizen
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Bareilly – 243001
I hope this letter finds you in the best of spirits. It's been so long since we met, and I miss our silly chats and laughter.
I am writing to you with some exciting news—my birthday is coming up on 28 April, and my parents are throwing a small party at our home. There will be cake, music, games, and all our favourite snacks. It won't be complete without you! Please come over by 5 PM. You can stay the night, and we'll have a great time together.
Do try to come. I'll be waiting for you eagerly.
Give my regards to Uncle and Aunty.
Show Solution
Lucknow – 226004
Thank you so much for the amazing gift you sent for my birthday! I was thrilled when I opened the parcel and found the beautiful wristwatch inside. It is exactly the kind I wanted—with the blue dial and leather strap. You always know what I like!
I wore it to school yesterday, and all my friends admired it. I promise to take good care of it and wear it every day. Your gift made my birthday extra special.
I miss you and Aunty a lot. I hope we can visit you during the summer holidays. Please give Aunty a big hug from me.
Practice Questions (Write Your Own Letters)
Show Sample Answer
Agra – 282002
How have you been? I just returned from the most amazing trip to Nainital, and I couldn't wait to tell you all about it.
The weather there was so cool and refreshing—a welcome escape from Agra's heat. We stayed in a cosy cottage overlooking the Naini Lake. I went boating for the first time and even tried horse riding on the mall road. The view of the hills covered in mist was breathtaking. Mom took hundreds of photos, and Dad bought me a wooden walking stick as a souvenir.
I wished you were there with me. We would have had so much fun together. Next time, we must plan a trip together!
Write back soon and tell me what you've been up to.
Show Sample Answer
Class VIII-A
DAV Public School
Agra
I am the School Captain, and on behalf of the student council, I request your permission to organise a cleanliness drive on the school premises on 30 April 2026.
The drive will involve students from classes VI to VIII. We plan to clean the playground, classrooms, and the area near the canteen. We will also plant a few saplings and put up posters encouraging everyone to keep the school clean. This activity will instil a sense of responsibility among students and align with the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
We assure you that all activities will be supervised by teachers, and there will be no disruption to regular classes. We look forward to your kind approval.
School Captain
Show Sample Answer
Indore – 452001
I just heard the fantastic news from Mummy—you won the first prize in the inter‑school debate competition! I am so proud of you that I had to write immediately.
I always knew you had a gift with words, but winning against so many talented speakers is a huge achievement. Mummy told me your topic was "Social Media Does More Harm Than Good," and the judges were impressed by your confidence and strong arguments. I wish I could have been there to watch you shine on stage.
Treat yourself to something nice—you truly deserve it. Keep up the great work, champ!
Show Sample Answer
Sunshine Public School
Bhopal – 462003
Bookworm Bookstore
MP Nagar, Bhopal
We wish to place a bulk order for the following storybooks for our school library. Please find the details below:
1. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer – 5 copies
2. Malgudi Days – 5 copies
3. The Blue Umbrella – 5 copies
4. Grandma's Bag of Stories – 5 copies
Kindly send the books at the earliest. We would appreciate a discount applicable to educational institutions. The payment will be made via cheque upon delivery. Please share the invoice along with the consignment.
Head Librarian
Show Sample Answer
Sainik School, Satara
How are you, little brother? Mom told me on the phone that you've been spending too much time indoors playing video games. I want to talk to you about something important.
I know studies are important, but playing outside is equally necessary. When I was your age, I used to play cricket and football every evening, and it made me strong and energetic. Sports teach you teamwork and keep your mind fresh. Just an hour of running around in the park will make you feel happier and help you sleep better. Why don't you join the school kho‑kho team? You'll make new friends and have so much fun.
Promise me you'll go out to play for at least an hour tomorrow. I'll ask Mom for a report!
Why Letter Writing Remains an Important Skill
Even though we now communicate mostly through instant messages, the ability to write a proper letter is still highly valued. Formal letters are essential for official communication—applying for jobs, filing complaints, or making requests to authorities. Informal letters, on the other hand, strengthen personal bonds. They show effort and thoughtfulness that a quick text cannot match. Practising letter writing also sharpens your overall writing skills, teaching you how to organise your thoughts and adapt your tone to suit the reader. Keep a few stamps and envelopes handy—you never know when you might want to brighten someone's day with a handwritten letter.
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- Worksheets Master Hub — Practice sheets for every writing topic.
๐ Letter Writing Worksheet – Class 7 & 8
This worksheet includes practice for both formal and informal letters. It contains letter writing prompts, format‑based exercises, and editing tasks to help you master letter writing. Includes 50 questions.
Letter Writing Worksheet »Answer key included • Aligned with CBSE & UP Board curriculum
