Writing: Letter to the Editor & Formal E-mail — Class 9 MCQs with Answers

Key concepts: Writing: Letter to the Editor & Formal E-mail (Class 9 English)

Two formal formats that share one register. A letter to the editor argues a public issue in 120-150 words for 5 marks; a formal e-mail addresses one named reader. Most of the marks here sit in conventions that can be memorised exactly — above all the salutation and sign-off pairing.

Salutation and sign-off must match

If you do not know the reader's name: 'Dear Sir/Madam' with 'Yours faithfully'. If you do: 'Dear Mr Sharma' with 'Yours sincerely'. This pairing is the most-tested single fact in the chapter.

The parts of a formal letter, in order

Sender's address at the top left, date below it, receiver's address, salutation, subject line, body, closing. 'To, The Principal, … School' is the receiver's address.

The subject line

It is the element unique to a formal letter — informal letters do not have one. It briefly states the purpose of the letter.

Who a letter to the editor is addressed to

The Editor, followed by the newspaper's name and city. Naming the designation directs the letter to the correct office.

Length and marks

120-150 words for 5 marks. Exceeding the limit is penalised regardless of quality.

Views AND suggestions

The question asks for both. Describing the problem alone loses marks, and four paragraphs of complaint with one line of remedy gets the balance wrong — suggestions carry as much weight.

Paragraph order

The problem, its effects, suggestions, then an appeal for action. The argument moves from fact to consequence to remedy.

Stock phrases worth memorising

'Through the columns of your esteemed daily' names the channel; an unsigned published letter is conventionally signed 'A Concerned Citizen'.

What makes a suggestion count

It names an action and who should take it — 'a pedestrian crossing with a speed-breaker before the school gate would slow traffic at dispersal time'. Evidence, not adjectives, moves an authority.

Register

Polite but firm. 'You people never do anything' fails because the register is accusatory; a formal letter argues rather than attacks.

Why the newspaper and not the office

A letter to the editor reaches the public and so puts pressure on those who can act; an e-mail is meant for one named reader.

E-mail fields

The recipient goes in To. Cc sends a visible copy to someone who should be kept informed. Bcc is invisible — the other recipients cannot see a Bcc address.

The e-mail subject line

Short, specific and purpose-first: 'Application for Two Days' Leave', 'Request to Repair the Water Cooler on the Second Floor'. It is the only part read before the decision to open.

E-mail body rules

The first sentence states why you are writing. Paragraphs stay short because it is read on a screen. Any attachment must be mentioned in the body or it will be missed.

E-mail register

No emojis, no 'plz', no ALL CAPS — capitals read as shouting. Use a plain address built from your own name, and close 'Yours sincerely' or 'Regards' with your full name and class.

Word-limit ladder

Notice/Invitation 50 words · Letter to the Editor 120-150 (5 marks) · Factual Description or Article 120-150 (5 marks) · Descriptive/Narrative Essay 200-250 (7 marks). Exceeding the limit costs marks however good the content.