Formal Letter and Email Writing — Format and Model

Formal letter — the order

1. Sender's address
2. Date
3. Receiver's address / designation
4. Subject line (one line, to the point)
5. Salutation — Dear Sir / Madam,
6. Body — para 1 purpose, para 2 details, para 3 polite close
7. Complimentary close — Yours faithfully, + name

Model body (complaint about streetlights)

I wish to draw your attention to the non-functioning streetlights in our colony. For the past two weeks, the entire lane has remained dark after sunset, causing safety concerns for residents. I request you to arrange a repair at the earliest. Thank you.

Formal email

Same tone, shorter. Needs: a clear subject, a greeting, 2–3 crisp sentences, and a sign-off with your name. Skip addresses.

Exam tip: marks are split between format and content — never skip the subject line or the sign-off.