Study Guides/Literature/Your Friend Has Developed the Hobby of Snapping Selfies
Study Guide · Literature

Your Friend Has Developed the Hobby of Snapping Selfies — Letter & Guide

Summary

"Your friend has developed the hobby of snapping selfies" is a popular CBSE and ICSE informal letter writing exercise. The prompt asks students to write a letter to a friend who has developed the hobby of snapping selfies obsessively — expressing concern about the time wasted, distraction from studies, privacy risks, and the dangers of attempting selfies in unsafe locations. Students are expected to advise their friend kindly but firmly, suggesting healthier ways to spend time.

Question (Click to Flip)

What is the format of an informal letter for this prompt?

Answer

An informal letter follows this format: (1) Sender's address (top right), (2) Date, (3) Salutation: "Dear [Name]," (4) Opening paragraph — ask how they are and mention why you're writing. (5) Body paragraphs — express concern, give reasons why the habit is harmful, suggest alternatives. (6) Closing paragraph — wish them well and hope they take your advice. (7) Closing: "Yours lovingly," or "Your friend," (8) Your name.

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Characters

The Writer (You)

The student writing the letter — a concerned friend who has noticed the selfie obsession and wants to help. The tone should be warm and friendly, not preachy or judgmental.

The Friend (Recipient)

The friend who has become obsessed with taking and posting selfies on social media. The letter should address them by name and use informal, friendly language throughout.

Questions and Answers

What is the format of an informal letter for this prompt?+

An informal letter follows this format: (1) Sender's address (top right), (2) Date, (3) Salutation: "Dear [Name]," (4) Opening paragraph — ask how they are and mention why you're writing. (5) Body paragraphs — express concern, give reasons why the habit is harmful, suggest alternatives. (6) Closing paragraph — wish them well and hope they take your advice. (7) Closing: "Yours lovingly," or "Your friend," (8) Your name.

What points should be included in this letter?+

Include: (1) Concern about time wasted on selfies instead of studying or hobbies. (2) Physical danger — clicking selfies at heights, near water, or on roads has caused accidents. (3) Privacy risks — photos shared publicly can be misused. (4) Social media addiction and its effect on mental health and self-esteem (constant need for likes). (5) Suggestion to pursue meaningful hobbies like reading, sports, art, or learning new skills. (6) Reassurance that you are saying this out of care, not criticism.

What is a sample opening paragraph for this letter?+

Dear Priya, I hope this letter finds you in the best of health and spirits. I am doing well here and eagerly looking forward to our summer vacation together. However, there is something I have been meaning to write to you about — something I noticed during your last visit and from your social media feed. I am a little concerned about your growing habit of clicking selfies, and I feel it is important to share my thoughts as your friend.

What is a sample body paragraph about the dangers of selfies?+

I am sure you have read about the selfie-related accidents that have been making news recently. People have fallen off cliffs, been hit by trains, and drowned while trying to capture the perfect shot. No photograph is worth risking your life over. I urge you to be mindful of your surroundings when you click selfies and never do so near roads, heights, or water without proper safety.

What alternatives can be suggested in the letter?+

Suggest: taking up photography as a proper hobby (learning composition, lighting, and technique), joining a sports team or fitness class, reading, learning a musical instrument, or pursuing a creative skill like painting or writing. Show that you want your friend to channel their energy into something fulfilling rather than just criticising the selfie habit.

What is a good closing paragraph for this letter?+

I hope you take my words in the spirit they are intended — as a friend who genuinely cares about your well-being. I know how talented and intelligent you are, and I would hate to see that potential go to waste chasing likes on social media. Looking forward to seeing you soon. Do write back. Yours lovingly, [Your Name].

What tone should the letter have?+

The tone should be warm, friendly, and concerned — not preachy, judgmental, or superior. Use phrases like "I have noticed," "I am a little worried," "as your friend," and "I hope you take this in the right spirit." The letter should feel like genuine advice from someone who cares, not a scolding from an authority figure.

Notable Quotes

No photograph is worth risking your life over. Be mindful of your surroundings when you click selfies.

I hope you take my words in the spirit they are intended — as a friend who genuinely cares about your well-being.

Channel your energy into something that will help you grow as a person, not just something that earns you likes on social media.

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