Complete Letter Writing Guide for Students (A to Z) | 20+ Examples, Format & Free PDF

Complete Letter Writing Guide for Students (A to Z) | 20+ Examples
Student Resource Guide

Complete Letter Writing Guide
for Students — A to Z

Master formal and informal letters with full formats, expert tips, and 20+ ready-to-use examples for every occasion. Perfect for CBSE, ICSE & State Board exams (Class 6–12).

20+
Examples
2
Letter Types
A–Z
Full Format
PDF
Download
How to use this guide: Read the format sections first, then click any example below to read the full letter. Use the Download PDF button at the bottom to save a printable copy.
01 What is Letter Writing?

Letter writing is the art of communicating a message in a structured, written format addressed to a specific person or organization. It is one of the oldest and most important forms of communication — used in education, business, government, and personal life.

For students, letter writing is an essential skill tested in school exams (Class 6–12, CBSE, ICSE, and competitive exams) and required in real-life situations — applying for leave, writing to a principal, complaining to an authority, or staying in touch with family and friends.

Why learn letter writing? A well-written letter demonstrates clarity of thought, proper language use, and professionalism — skills that serve students throughout their academic and professional life. Examiners award high marks to letters that follow the correct format, have a clear purpose, and use appropriate language.

02 Types of Letters

Formal Letters

Official / Professional
  • Application for leave
  • Letter to principal / headmaster
  • Complaint to authority
  • Job application letter
  • Letter to the editor
  • Order / inquiry letters
  • Government official letters
  • School fee concession request
  • Character certificate request
  • Transfer certificate request

Informal Letters

Personal / Friendly
  • Letter to a friend
  • Letter to parents / relatives
  • Invitation letter
  • Congratulation letter
  • Thank-you letter
  • Condolence letter
  • Letter describing holidays
  • Letter seeking advice
  • Letter about school life
  • Letter about a new place
03 Full Format (A to Z)
Sender's Address
Your full postal address (do not write your name here)
12, Nehru Nagar, New Delhi – 110001
Date
Full date, one line below sender's address
26 April 2026
Receiver's Address
Name, designation, organization, and address of the recipient
The Principal, Delhi Public School, New Delhi – 110003
Subject Line
Brief one-line statement of the letter's purpose
Sub: Application for Medical Leave
Salutation
Respectful greeting followed by a comma
Respected Sir / Respected Madam,
Body (3 Paras)
Para 1: State purpose | Para 2: Explain in detail | Para 3: Request & thanks
Keep formal, polite, and to the point
Complimentary Close
Polite formal closing phrase
Yours faithfully, / Yours obediently,
Signature
Full name, class, and roll number
Rahul Sharma, Class X-B, Roll No. 22
Sender's Address
Your address (no name required)
45, Park Street, Kolkata – 700016
Date
Date below address
26th April, 2026
Salutation
Warm, personal greeting
Dear Priya, / My dear Rahul,
Body
Natural, conversational paragraphs — opening → main topic → closing
No subject line needed. Tone is warm and friendly.
Complimentary Close
Warm, affectionate closing
Yours lovingly, / With love, / Your friend,
Signature
First name only (no roll number)
Ananya
P.S. (Optional)
A short note after signing — adds a personal touch
P.S. Do reply soon!
Sample Formal Letter — Application for Leave (Medical)
12, Subhash Nagar, Durgapur – 713205 West Bengal 26 April 2026 The Principal D.A.V. Public School Durgapur – 713205 Sub: Application for Medical Leave (3 Days) Respected Madam, I am Priya Sharma, a student of Class IX-A (Roll No. 14). I am writing to request a leave of absence for three days, from 27th to 29th April 2026. I have been suffering from a severe throat infection and high fever since yesterday. My doctor has advised complete bed rest for the said period. I have attached a medical certificate for your reference. I request you to kindly grant me leave for the mentioned days. I assure you that I will complete all missed classwork promptly upon my return. Thanking you, Yours obediently, Priya Sharma Class IX-A | Roll No. 14
Sample Informal Letter — Letter to a Friend About New School
45, Rose Garden Colony, Jaipur – 302001 26th April, 2026 Dear Arjun, How are you? I hope you and your family are doing well. I have been meaning to write to you since we moved cities last month — it finally feels real now! I have joined St. Mary's School here in Jaipur, and honestly, it took me a few weeks to settle in. The classrooms are huge and the library is amazing — I could spend hours there! I have made a couple of friends, Sneha and Tanvi, who have been very helpful in showing me around. However, I really miss our old school and our gang. Do you remember how we used to sit under the big banyan tree during lunch? I wish I could teleport back sometimes! Please write back soon and tell me all the news. How are your football practice sessions going? I miss cheering for you! With warm regards, Rohan P.S. Sneha says Jaipur's kachoris are the best — she might be right!
04 20+ Letter Examples

Click any letter card below to read the complete example. Use these as models for your exam preparation.

Letter
05 Expert Tips & Common Mistakes
Use the correct salutation
Formal: "Respected Sir/Madam," — Informal: "Dear [Name]," — Never mix the two styles in the same letter.
Write a clear subject line
In formal letters, the subject must be specific. Avoid vague lines like "Regarding the matter." Be precise.
Use 3 paragraphs in the body
Always structure: (1) Introduction & purpose, (2) Details & explanation, (3) Polite request or closing remark.
Match tone to letter type
Formal = polished and respectful. Informal = warm and natural. Slang and contractions are inappropriate in formal letters.
Avoid these common mistakes
Starting the first sentence with "I". Forgetting date or address. No subject line in formal letters. Using incorrect closing phrases.
Word limit in exams
Most boards expect 120–150 words. Stay within the limit — examiners penalize for excessive length. Quality over quantity.
06 Download PDF

Download the complete Letter Writing Guide as a printable PDF — includes all 20+ examples, formats for formal and informal letters, and expert exam tips. Ideal for last-minute revision.

Complete Letter Writing Guide — PDF

All formats, 22 examples, tips & exam checklist — ready to print

↓  Download Free PDF

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