Formal Letter — Complaint / Inquiry / Editor
In the CBSE Class 10 English (Language & Literature, Code 184) paper for session 2026-27, the Writing section includes one formal letter of about 100–120 words carrying 5 marks (with an internal choice). You may be asked to write a letter of complaint, a letter of inquiry/enquiry (e.g., asking a company or institute for information), or a letter to the editor of a newspaper raising a civic or social issue.
Marking Scheme (5 marks)
- Format — 1 mark (address, date, receiver's designation/address, subject, salutation, complimentary close)
- Organisation of ideas — 1 mark (clear paragraphs in logical order)
- Content — 2 marks (all points from the question covered, relevant details)
- Accuracy — 1 mark (grammar, spelling, appropriate formal tone)
Format Box
| Part | What to Write |
|---|---|
| 1. Sender's address | Top left. House no./locality, city — do not write your real name here. (In the exam use the address given, e.g., 15, Station Road, Madhubani.) |
| 2. Date | Below the address, after a blank line: 4 August 20XX or August 4, 20XX. |
| 3. Receiver's designation and address | The Manager / The Editor / The Principal, then the organisation and its address. |
| 4. Subject | One clear line stating the purpose: Subject: Complaint regarding defective mixer grinder. |
| 5. Salutation | Sir / Madam (or Dear Sir/Madam). |
| 6. Body — Para 1 | Introduce yourself (if needed) and state the purpose directly. |
| 7. Body — Para 2 | Details: facts, dates, bill/receipt numbers, causes, consequences. |
| 8. Body — Para 3 | Expected action/solution and a polite closing request. |
| 9. Complimentary close | Yours faithfully (unknown person) / Yours sincerely (known person), then name below. Use the name given in the question (e.g., Arun/Aruna). |
Tone and Content Tips
- Be polite but firm — never rude, even in a complaint. Avoid slang, contractions (don't, can't) and emotional outbursts.
- Use passive and formal expressions: I regret to inform you…, I would be grateful if…, kindly look into the matter…
- Include specific details: date of purchase, bill number, model, location of the problem — examiners reward precision.
- In a letter to the editor, remember you are writing to be published — highlight a public issue, its effects, and suggest solutions; request the editor to publish the letter so authorities take note.
- Stay within 100–120 words for the body; the format lines are not counted.
Sample 1: Letter of Complaint
15, Station Road
Madhubani, Bihar4 August 20XX
The Manager
Speed Electronics
Main Market, DarbhangaSubject: Complaint regarding defective washing machine (Bill No. 4521)
Sir
I purchased a Whirlwind 7 kg washing machine from your showroom on 20 July 20XX vide Bill No. 4521. I regret to inform you that the machine has developed serious defects within a fortnight of purchase.
The machine stops mid-cycle, makes a loud rattling noise and leaks water from the base. I reported the matter to your service centre on 28 July, but no technician has visited so far despite repeated reminders. As the product is under a two-year warranty, this delay is unjustified.
I request you to arrange immediate repair or replacement of the machine. If no action is taken within a week, I shall be compelled to approach the consumer forum.
Yours faithfully
Arun Kumar
Sample 2: Letter to the Editor
22, Gandhi Nagar
Patna, Bihar4 August 20XX
The Editor
The National Herald
Fraser Road, PatnaSubject: Poor condition of roads causing accidents in Gandhi Nagar
Madam
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the municipal authorities to the deplorable condition of roads in Gandhi Nagar.
The roads are riddled with potholes that turn into dangerous puddles during the monsoon. Two-wheeler riders skid frequently, and last week an elderly resident was seriously injured. Streetlights near the main crossing have not worked for a month, making the stretch unsafe after dark. Repeated complaints to the municipal office have gone unheard.
I request the authorities, through your paper, to repair the roads and restore the streetlights immediately. Public safety must not be neglected any longer.
Yours sincerely
Aruna Singh