Composition & Letter Writing (Lesson 8–9) MCQs Quiz | Class 10

Understanding Composition and Letter Writing

Effective composition and letter writing are fundamental communication skills. They enable us to convey information, requests, complaints, or invitations clearly and professionally. Mastering these skills is crucial for both academic and real-world interactions.

Key Aspects of Effective Writing

• Clarity: Your message should be easy to understand without ambiguity.
• Conciseness: Be direct and to the point, avoiding unnecessary words.
• Correctness: Ensure grammar, spelling, and punctuation are flawless.
• Coherence: Ideas should flow logically and be well-organized.
• Appropriate Tone: Adjust your language to suit the audience and purpose.

Types of Letters and Their Formats

1. Purchasing Letter Format

A purchasing letter is a formal document used to order goods or services. It should be clear, precise, and include all necessary details for a smooth transaction.

• Sender’s Address: Your full address.
• Date: The date the letter is written.
• Receiver’s Address: The supplier’s full address.
• Salutation: Formal, e.g., “Dear Sir/Madam,” or “To the Sales Manager,”.
• Subject Line: Clear and concise, e.g., “Order for Stationery Supplies”.
• Body:
  • Reference to previous inquiry/quotation (if any).
  • List of items with quantity, item code, and description.
  • Requested delivery date and address.
  • Payment method.
  • Any specific instructions or terms.
• Closing: Formal, e.g., “Yours faithfully,” or “Sincerely,”.
• Signature: Your name and designation.

2. Invitation Letter Format

Invitation letters are used to formally request someone’s presence at an event or occasion. They can be formal or informal, but for CBSE context, a formal tone is usually expected for official events.

• Sender’s Address: (Optional for printed invitations, but standard for formal letters).
• Date: The date the invitation is sent.
• Receiver’s Address: The invitee’s full address.
• Salutation: Formal, e.g., “Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],” or “Dear Members,”.
• Subject Line: Clearly state the purpose, e.g., “Invitation to Annual School Function”.
• Body:
  • Purpose of the invitation.
  • Date, time, and venue of the event.
  • Brief agenda or highlights of the event.
  • Request for RSVP (Répondez s’il vous plaît) by a specific date, with contact details.
• Closing: “Sincerely,” or “Yours faithfully,”.
• Signature: Your name and designation (e.g., Secretary, Event Coordinator).

3. Letter to Newspaper Editor Format

These letters are written to express opinions, draw attention to social issues, or comment on recent news. They must be concise, impactful, and adhere to a formal structure.

• Sender’s Address: Your full address.
• Date: The date.
• Receiver’s Address: “The Editor,” [Newspaper Name], [Newspaper Address].
• Salutation: “Sir/Madam,”.
• Subject Line: Clear and brief, stating the issue, e.g., “Concern Regarding Road Safety in Our Locality”.
• Body:
  • Introduction: State the purpose of the letter and the issue you wish to highlight.
  • Details: Elaborate on the issue, providing facts or examples.
  • Suggestion/Call to Action: Offer solutions or request the editor to publish your letter to raise awareness.
• Closing: “Yours truly,” or “Yours faithfully,”.
• Signature: Your name.

Purpose-Based Writing

Understanding the purpose dictates the tone and content:

• Complaint: Formal, objective, state facts clearly, suggest resolution.
• Request: Polite, clear, provide justification, specify desired action.
• Invite: Clear event details, warm but formal tone, RSVP information.

Formal Tone Control

In formal writing, avoid contractions, slang, colloquialisms, and overly emotional language. Use precise vocabulary, full sentences, and maintain a respectful and objective tone.

Layout, Date, and Address Conventions

Standard formal letter layout involves:

Ensure correct punctuation (commas after salutation/closing are common).

Common Phrases

• Opening: “With reference to…”, “I am writing to…”, “This is to inform you…”
• Requesting: “I would be grateful if…”, “Kindly provide…”, “May I request…”
• Complaining: “I wish to express my dissatisfaction…”, “I am writing to report…”
• Closing: “Thanking you,” “Looking forward to your prompt action,” “Yours sincerely,”

Coherence and Brevity

Ensure logical flow between paragraphs using transition words (e.g., ‘furthermore’, ‘however’, ‘therefore’). Each paragraph should focus on a single idea. Keep sentences concise and avoid redundancy. Brevity means conveying maximum information with minimum words.

Editing Questions

Before finalizing any written piece, rigorous editing is crucial. Check for:

• Grammar and syntax errors.
• Spelling mistakes.
• Punctuation errors (commas, periods, apostrophes).
• Clarity and flow of ideas.
• Appropriateness of tone.
• Completeness of information.
• Consistency in formatting.

Quick Revision Checklist

• Purpose: Is the purpose clear?
• Audience: Is the tone appropriate for the receiver?
• Format: Have I followed the correct layout?
• Content: Is all necessary information included?
• Language: Is it clear, concise, and formal (where required)?
• Accuracy: Are there any errors in grammar, spelling, or facts?

Practice Questions

1. Draft a subject line for a letter requesting a leave of absence for a family event.
2. Identify three elements crucial for the receiver’s address in a formal letter.
3. What is the primary difference in tone between a letter of complaint and a letter of request?
4. Write an opening sentence for a letter to the editor regarding increasing traffic congestion.
5. List two common formal closing phrases for a business letter.