How to Write a Letter: Formal vs. Informal Format

• Formal Letter: Written to a Principal, a business manager, a newspaper editor, or a government official. The language must be strict, highly respectful, and directly to the point. No slang or emotional language is allowed.
• Informal Letter: Written to a friend, mother, brother, or cousin. The language is casual, friendly, emotional, and conversational.

A formal letter is strictly structured into 7 specific parts on the left side of the page:

1. Sender's Address: (Your address, 2-3 lines)
2. Date: (e.g., 15th October 2023)
3. Receiver's Address: (e.g., To, The Editor, The Times of India, New Delhi)
4. Subject: (A very short, 1-line summary of why you are writing. e.g., Subject: Complaint regarding bad roads)
5. Salutation: (Respected Sir/Madam, or Dear Sir)
6. Body of the Letter: (Divided into 3 paragraphs: Introduction, Main Problem, and Suggested Solution/Request).
7. Closing: (Yours faithfully, or Yours sincerely, followed by your full signature and name).

An informal letter is much simpler and more relaxed. It does NOT need a subject line or the receiver's address.

1. Sender's Address: (Your address)
2. Date: (e.g., 15th October 2023)
3. Salutation: (e.g., Dear Mom, or Dearest Rahul,)
4. Body of the Letter: (Ask about their health, chat about your life, and convey your message casually).
5. Closing: (Yours lovingly, or With lots of love, followed by your first name).