Marks Division
Format: 1
Content: 3
Expression: 2
Word Limit: 150 words
VALUE POINTS
In writing a letter to the Editor, keep in mind the following points:
- Be polite and formal.
- Start by introducing yourself and describing the purpose of writing.
- Briefly describe the problem/Give details of what you would like the concerned official to do.
- Give your comments/feedback on it.
- Conclude with a hope, an appeal or a suggestion as required.
- Be straight forward and to the point.
- Be brief and relevant.
FORMAT
……………… (date)
The Editor
The ……………… (name of the newspaper)
……………… (address)
SUBJECT: …………………………………………………………………
Sir (salutation)
Recently I came across…………… (write the issue). I wish to express my concern / to draw the attention of the concerned authorities towards the ………….. (problem/issue) …… (quote the recent news, incident etc…/ write a data/ survey finding).
PARA 2: Define the problem, give some evidence to show how big the issue is.
PARA 3: Write 3-4 problems people are facing because of the issue.
PARA 4: Write 2-3 suggestions /solutions for the problem.
CONCLUSION: Request the concerned authorities to take immediate action.
Yours truly
Name
|
NOTE: Do not ask the editor to solve the problem as s/he is not the concerned authority; s/he is only publishing your letter.
EXAMPLE 1
You are Varun Srivastava, Preet Vihaar, Delhi. You feel concerned to see the plight of the people because of the water logging in whole Delhi after the first rain of monsoon. Write a letter to the Editor of a national daily highlighting the problem and giving some suggestions.
D2, Preet Vihaar
New Delhi
12 August 2019
The Editor
The Times of India
New Delhi
Subject: Water Logging Problems in Delhi During Monsoon SeasonSir
Through your esteemed newspaper I want to draw the attention of concern authorities towards the problem of water logging in Delhi during every monsoon season.
As being of a capital of India, it is incongruous to see flooded roads after a few hours spell of intermittent rain fall last night. Delhi receives a little heavy rain like this during monsoon season only but that is enough to reveal the planning done for the season. This shows a major problem with the drainage system in the city.
The situation is especially bad on the roads below some flyovers. Many drivers had to abandon their cars after being stranded in pools of water. The streets in low-lying areas have got inundated which causes road accidents and traffic jams. Pedestrians have to wade through flooded streets. The stagnated water will take days to recede itself. By then I will be breeding ground for mosquitos and other insects. Not only that the foul smell coming out of it will make people sick.
In spite of newspaper’s warning about heavy rain during this monsoon, concerned authorities have failed to manage the situation. I request our MCD to clean the choked drains and canals so that water level should recede soon. The garbage dumping should be completely cleaned up to stop further blockage in drains and sewerage pipes. There should be regular DDT spray and fumigation of the affected areas for mosquito control.
Expecting a quick action in response to the situation as any delay may put health of the common people under threat.
Yours sincerely
Varun Srivastava
EXAMPLE 2
1. You are Keshav / Karuna, living at A- 32, MG Road, Bangalore. You are very much concerned about the bad state of roads in the city. Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper expressing your concern over the problems faced by the commuters and giving suitable suggestions to solve the problem.
A-32 MG Road
Bangalore
15th November, 2022
The Editor
The Times of India
Indira Nagar Bangalore
Subject: Bad State of Roads in Bangalore
Sir / Madam
Through the columns of your prestigious newspaper, I would like to draw the attention of the concerned authorities towards the bad state of roads in Bangalore. I also want to throw light on the problems and inconveniences faced by the people of Bangalore due to the deplorable condition of roads in the city.
Bangalore is no more a pleasant city to live in now. Most of its roads are riddled with Potholes and craters despite crores of rupees spent every year. The recent monsoons exposed all the tall claims of authorities to provide trouble-free and convenient road drives on the roads of Bangalore.
Potholes and craters have added to the woes of thousands of commuters. The students of the city are the worst sufferers. Bad state of roads in the city causes frequent delays and traffic jams. Uneven surfaces, potholes and craters cause frequent road accidents. Bad planning and compromises made in specifications result in substandard work. The absence of shoulder-drains to carry rainwater obviously damages the roads. More than anything else the politician- contractor nexus has to be blamed for the pathetic condition of roads.
The situation is grave but not beyond redemption. It demands immediate attention and prompt and effective measures. Only contractors of proven integrity and credentials should be shortlisted for building roads. Proper planning or design and use of good material can help in keeping the roads of the city in a good state.
I hope my letter will get due space in your esteemed newspaper and the concerned authorities would take necessary and speedy action.
Thanks
Yours truly
Keshav/ Karuna
EXAMPLE 3
F-135, Preet Vihaar
Phase II, Delhi
16 August 2022
The Editor
The Hindustan Times
New Delhi
Subject: Rampant Chain-snatching IncidentsDear Sir
I am writing this letter to express my deep concern over the nuisance of increasing crime rate in our locality, Raghpura, and the failure of the police to understand the gravity of the situation.
The incidents of jewellery and purse snatching, mobile snatching, eve-teasing are on the increase. There is an atmosphere of insecurity and fear in the entire locality. No resident dares to go alone even during the broad daylight. Not only outside and alone, but people are also not safe even at home or even in the company of someone.
Recently, a old couple has been robbed in her home and a lady going to market with husband was attacked by two bikers to snatch her gold chain. These bikers are reported to have a whole gang, roaming about the whole locality and pounce on their prey whenever they find any. Girls and young women of the locality cannot go out alone for the fear of being molested by a group of idle young men sitting at the corner of streets.
We have reported the matter to the police station, but no concrete action has been taken so far. Through your newspaper I request the concern authorities to depute constables at vulnerable places. There should be more frequent patrolling of the area. CCTV cameras should be installed at lonesome places. Any suspect should be arrested and interrogated without delay.
I hope a quick action on the request as any delay could result in dire consequences for the people.
Thanking you
Yours truly
xyz
EXAMPLE 4
Write a letter to the Editor of National Herald, New Delhi about water scarcity in your locality suggesting ways to improve the water supply. You are Ramnath/ Reema of Ghaziabad.
H.No. A-24, Kavi Nagar
Ghaziabad
April 2, 20XX
The Editor
National Herald
New Delhi-110001
Subject: WATER CRISIS IN KAVI NAGAR Sir/Madam
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the concerned authorities towards the problem of water scarcity in our locality.
It is still early summer, and the residents are already facing acute water shortage in the area. The supply is cut off at 8.30 a.m. in the morning and is restored only for half an hour in the evening between 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Since the timings are erratic, many people, especially the working couples are unable to store water. Frequent complaints to the Jal Board has not yielded any result as the authorities express their helplessness saying that one of the tanks of the Haiderpur Water Treatment Plant is under repair and has been shut down for a month or so thereby affecting the water supply in the area. But it is nearly one and a half months since the problem began, yet there is no respite to the residents.
The Jal Board should, in the meantime, make provisions for water tankers at different hours of the day. Also, measures must be taken to expedite the repair work.
Yours sincerely
Ramnath /Reema
EXAMPLE 5
You are Varun Srivastava, Preet Vihaar, Delhi. You feel concerned to see the danger caused by mosquitos in your area during the monsoon season. Write a letter to the Editor of a national daily highlighting the problem and giving some suggestions.
Varun Srivastava
Preet Vihar
Delhi
Date: July 19, 2024
The Editor
The Times of India
New Delhi
Subject: Rising Mosquito Menace in Preet Vihar During Monsoon
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my grave concern over the increasing mosquito menace in Preet Vihar, Delhi, especially during the monsoon season. The stagnant water in various parts of our locality has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, leading to a surge in cases of dengue and malaria. Despite repeated complaints, the civic authorities have failed to take adequate measures to address this issue.
I urge the concerned authorities to initiate immediate fumigation drives and ensure regular cleaning of drains and waterlogged areas. Public awareness campaigns should be conducted to educate residents on preventing mosquito breeding in and around their homes. Additionally, installing mosquito traps in public areas and distributing mosquito nets and repellents in affected zones could greatly mitigate this health hazard.
Addressing this issue promptly is crucial to safeguarding the health of our community. I hope you will highlight this pressing concern in your esteemed newspaper to prompt swift action from the authorities.
Yours sincerely,
Varun Srivastava
Preet Vihar, Delhi
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
- Write a letter to the Editor, The Times of India, Mumbai expressing your views on how the standard of performance in sports can be improved in India.
- Write a letter to the Editor, The Hindustan Times, Delhi, giving your views on frequent breakdown of electricity in your locality.
- You are Ramesh/Reema of 20, Sarvodaya Colony, Lucknow. Write a letter to the Editor, Nagrik Times, to draw the attention of Traffic Police Department to the lawlessness among bus drivers and conductors.
- The problem of corruption is increasing in India with a rise in consumerism and inflation. As Mr. S.K. Singh, a lecturer in Physics, write a letter to the editor of ‘Our India’, expressing these views on the steady decline in moral values of Indians. His address is Save India Forum, Patna.
- Repeated strike of doctors leaves patients at the mercy of God. Mr. Kaushal who had a bitter experience recently when he fell sick and had to be admitted to a hospital writes a letter to the Editor of ‘The Patriot’, narrating his tale of woe and generating public opinion on why essential services should not be banned from going on strike.
