How to write a Formal Letter in ICSE 9th and 10th English Language Paper | Mistakes to Avoid | SWS

Summary

In this video, Sudhir provides a comprehensive guide to writing formal letters for ICSE Class 10 students. He highlights common mistakes, such as incorrect salutations ('Respected Sir/Ma’am') and improper date formats. The video emphasizes the importance of understanding the question, following prescribed formats, and structuring the letter effectively. Sudhir walks through the process of addressing the issue, presenting problems, offering solutions, and closing with polite requests. He stresses the need for regular practice and suggests joining courses like the Ashwin course for further improvement. This guide aims to help students score better in formal letter writing.

Takeaways

• 😀 Formal letter writing is important in the ICSC Class 10 exams and may yield slightly higher marks than informal letters.
• 😀 A common mistake in formal letter writing is using salutations like 'respected sir' or 'respected ma'am.' It should be 'Dear Sir' or 'Dear Ma'am.'
• 😀 The date in the letter should be written as '25th February 2023,' not '25 to 2023.'
• 😀 Students should write their address clearly with the flat number, locality, city name, and pin code.
• 😀 Follow either format 1 or format 2 prescribed by ICSC for writing formal letters.
• 😀 Before writing, read the question carefully to understand what is being asked. Clarity leads to better answers.
• 😀 Effective letter writing involves drafting your ideas in your mind and rewriting them for better clarity and expression.
• 😀 In the letter, introduce the problem, mention the issues, provide two suggestions, and then close with a formal ending.
• 😀 Common problems that can be mentioned in the letter about open taps include water wastage, mosquito breeding, and water scarcity.
• 😀 Always be formal in your tone when writing a letter to authorities like the municipal commissioner. They are not personal contacts.
• 😀 The letter should be signed off as 'Yours Faithfully,' with 'Faithfully' in lowercase, not 'Yours Truly' or 'Faithfully' in uppercase.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video focuses on how to write a formal letter for the ICSC Class 10 exam, highlighting common mistakes to avoid and providing tips on how to structure the letter effectively.

Why is formal letter writing considered a safer option than informal letter writing in exams?

Formal letter writing is often considered safer because it has a defined format, which helps students avoid errors. Moreover, marks are more likely to be awarded for following the correct format and structure.

What is a common mistake students make in the salutation of a formal letter?

A common mistake is using 'Respected Sir' or 'Respected Ma'am.' The correct salutation should be 'Dear Sir' or 'Dear Ma'am,' depending on the gender of the recipient.

How should the date be written in a formal letter?

The date should be written as '25th February 2023' (or another appropriate date), with the day, month, and year clearly stated. Shortened forms like '25/02/2023' or '25 to 2023' are incorrect.

What should be included in the address section of a formal letter?

The address should include the flat number, locality name, city name, and pin code. It should be written clearly in 3 or 4 lines and must sound realistic.

What is the recommended approach for understanding and answering the question in a formal letter exam?

The key is to read the question carefully and understand the problem being addressed. Then, structure the letter to address the problem, suggest solutions, and conclude with a polite note, ensuring clarity and conciseness.

Can you explain the typical structure of a formal letter?

A formal letter typically includes the following structure: 1) Introduction of the problem, 2) Two problems mentioned in the second paragraph, 3) Two suggestions in the third paragraph, 4) Closing statement expressing expectations of a positive response, and ending with 'Yours Faithfully.'

What are some examples of problems that should be included in a formal letter regarding water wastage?

Examples of problems include water wastage, the area becoming slippery and dangerous, the potential for mosquito breeding, and the overall unsanitary condition caused by open taps.

How should students close their formal letter?

Students should close the letter with 'Yours Faithfully' (with no apostrophe), ensuring that 'Faithfully' is capitalized correctly.

What additional resources are mentioned in the video for students seeking help with letter writing?

The video mentions the 'Ashwin course for English language' for Class 10 students, which includes daily live grammar quizzes and essay writing practice. It also highlights the 'language test series' with various exercises like essays, formal letters, and grammar tests.