Complete Summary and Solutions for Letter-writing – NCERT Class XI English Hornbill, Chapter 5 – Writing Skill, Explanation, Questions, Answers
Detailed summary and explanation of Chapter 5 'Letter-writing' from the Hornbill English textbook for Class XI, covering the types of letters (formal and informal), structure and format of letters, essential points to keep in mind, examples of formal and informal letters, job application writing, resume preparation, and various writing exercises along with NCERT questions and answers.
Letter-Writing - Hornbill Writing Skills Study Guide 2025
Letter-Writing
Hornbill Writing Skills - Ultimate Study Guide 2025
Introduction to Letter-Writing
Letter-writing is an important channel of communication between people who are geographically distant from one another. In earlier times when the telephone and e-mail were not available, the only means of communication between people was through letters.
Letter-writing is a skill that has to be developed. In general there are two types of letters: formal, that are written to convey official business and information and informal, which are personal letters to communicate with friends and family. Formal letters are sent out when we need to write to various public bodies or agencies for our requirements in civic life. For example, we might have to ask for a certificate or to inform a change in our address. A letter is usually one in a series of exchanges between two people or parties.
Key Points to Remember
Purpose: Clear and concise objective.
Audience: Tailor tone to formal/informal.
Structure: Introduction, body, conclusion.
Tone: Polite, professional for formal; warm for informal.
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Formal Letters
Formal letters are structured communications for official purposes. Key steps include:
Introducing oneself if first time; referring to prior letter if responding.
Stating the purpose.
Requesting action/information or providing it.
Urging action or offering future help.
Keep in mind: Purpose, addressee, tone, completeness, required action, conciseness.
Ritu Patel
Manager, Customer Services
Vijayanagar Gas Company
121, Ameerpet
Hyderabad 500 016
12 November 2005
Mr Shagun Thomas
801, Vijay Apartments
Begumpet
Hyderabad 500 016
Sub: Your application No. F323 for a new gas connection
Dear Mr Thomas,
[Content]
With regards,
Yours sincerely,
Ritu Patel
Informal Letter Format
[City]
[Date]
Dear [Name],
[Body]
Bye,
[Signature]
Sample Informal (Seeking Info)
179 NCERT Campus
Sri Aurobindo Marg
New Delhi 110 016
9 September 2005
The Manager
Himachal Tourism
Mall Road
Shimla
Dear Sir,
We are planning to spend our vacation in Dharamsala... [Content]
Thank you.
Yours faithfully,
(Suryadhan Kumar)
Job Covering Letter Sample
[Your Address]
[Date]
The Manager
Human Resource Division
Wonderland Communications
South Street, Salem
Tamil Nadu
Dear Sir,
I would like to apply for the post of Customer Support Executive... [Content]
Regards,
Yours truly,
[Signature]
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Activities & Practice Exercises
1. You have not received your Roll Number card for the Class XII examination. Write a letter to the Registrar, Examination Branch, CBSE asking for it.
Model Answer:
[Your Address]
[Date]
The Registrar
Examination Branch
CBSE
[Address]
Subject: Request for Roll Number Card
Dear Sir,
I am a student of Class XII... [Details of issue]. Kindly issue the card at the earliest.
Yours faithfully,
[Name]
2. Write a letter to the President, Residents’ Welfare Association of your locality suggesting some measures that could be taken for solving the problem of water scarcity and conserving water.
Model Answer:
[Format as Informal/Semi-formal]
Suggest: Rainwater harvesting, fixing leaks, awareness campaigns.
3. Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper expressing your views on the deteriorating law and order situation in your city.
