Letter to Editor Format with 8 Examples (Class 10 and 12)
Updated
The letter to editor format explained for CBSE Class 10 and 12, with 8 solved examples on common civic topics and exam tips.
The letter to editor format is the layout you use to write to a newspaper editor about a public issue, such as pollution, traffic, stray animals or civic amenities. It is a formal letter with the sender’s address, date, “The Editor” with the newspaper’s name and city, a subject, “Sir/Madam”, three short paragraphs and “Yours faithfully”.
This guide explains the format, the word limits for CBSE Class 10 and Class 12, and 8 solved examples on topics that appear often in exams.
Key Takeaways
- Address it to “The Editor”, followed by the newspaper’s name and city.
- Open with a line such as “Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the authorities to…”
- CBSE Class 10 English expects a formal letter of 100–120 words; CBSE Class 12 letters run to 120–150 words.
- Describe the problem, its effects and practical solutions in three paragraphs.
- Sign as a concerned citizen, often with “Examination Hall, ABC City” as the address.
What Is a Letter to the Editor?
A letter to the editor is a formal letter sent to a newspaper so that a public issue reaches a wide audience and the authorities. Unlike a complaint to one office, it asks the newspaper to publish your views. Therefore, it speaks for the community and suggests solutions, not just complaints.
Letter to Editor Format: Step by Step
| Part | What to write | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Sender’s address | Your address or “Examination Hall” | Examination Hall, ABC City |
| Date | Full date | 7 October 2026 |
| Receiver | The Editor, newspaper, city | The Editor, Hindustan Times, New Delhi |
| Subject | The issue in one line | Subject: Rising air pollution in Delhi |
| Salutation | Formal greeting | Sir/Madam, |
| Paragraph 1 | Purpose and the issue | Through your esteemed newspaper… |
| Paragraph 2 | Details and effects | Facts, examples, who is affected |
| Paragraph 3 | Solutions and request | Suggestions for authorities |
| Closing | Formal close and name | Yours faithfully, Ananya |
Useful opening and closing lines
- “Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to express my concern about…”
- “I would be grateful if you could publish this letter in your newspaper.”
- “I hope the concerned authorities will take immediate action.”
- “Citizens also need to cooperate by…”
Board Exam Requirements
| Class | Letter types | Word limit |
|---|---|---|
| CBSE Class 10 English | Formal letter (letter to editor is a common topic) | 100–120 words |
| CBSE Class 12 English Core | Letter to editor; job application with resume | 120–150 words |
Letter to Editor Format: Class 10 vs Class 12
The letter to editor format is the same in both classes. However, the word limit and the depth of ideas differ. Class 12 answers need a sharper analysis of causes and more specific solutions.
| Point | Class 10 | Class 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Word limit | 100–120 words | 120–150 words |
| Paragraphs | Three short paragraphs | Three paragraphs with more detail |
| Focus | Describe the issue and suggest a fix | Analyse causes, effects and practical solutions |
| Layout | Same letter to editor format | Same letter to editor format |
In both classes, marks go to format, content, organisation and accuracy. Therefore, learn the letter to editor format until you can write it without thinking, and spend your exam time on ideas and language.
8 Letter to Editor Examples
Example 1: Letter to editor on air pollution
Examination Hall
ABC City
7 October 2026
To,
The Editor,
Hindustan Times,
New Delhi
Subject: Rising air pollution in the city
Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw attention to the worsening air quality in our city every winter.
Stubble burning, vehicle smoke and construction dust push pollution to hazardous levels. Consequently, children and elderly people suffer from breathing problems.
The authorities should enforce dust control at construction sites, improve public transport and penalise polluters. Citizens, too, can use public transport and avoid burning waste.
Yours faithfully,
Ananya
Example 2: Letter to editor on noise pollution due to loudspeakers
Examination Hall
ABC City
8 October 2026
To,
The Editor,
The Tribune,
Chandigarh
Subject: Noise pollution caused by loudspeakers
Sir,
I wish to highlight the nuisance of loudspeakers played late at night during functions in residential areas.
The noise disturbs students preparing for exams, patients and the elderly. Moreover, it continues well beyond permitted hours.
The police must enforce the rules on loudspeaker timings strictly, and organisers should seek permission and keep the volume low.
Yours faithfully,
Karan
Example 3: Letter to editor on parking problems in residential colonies
Examination Hall
ABC City
9 October 2026
To,
The Editor,
The Times of India,
Pune
Subject: Parking problems in residential colonies
Sir,
Through your newspaper, I want to raise the issue of haphazard parking in our residential colonies.
Cars parked on both sides of narrow lanes block ambulances and school buses. Additionally, quarrels between neighbours have become common.
The municipal corporation should mark parking zones, and resident welfare associations should build multi-level parking where possible.
Yours faithfully,
Meera
Example 4: Letter to editor on increasing dependence on technology
Examination Hall
ABC City
10 October 2026
To,
The Editor,
The Hindu,
Chennai
Subject: Our growing dependence on technology
Sir,
I wish to share my concern about our increasing dependence on smartphones and gadgets, especially among children.
Excessive screen time is reducing physical activity, sleep and face-to-face conversation. Furthermore, students rely on devices even for simple calculations.
Schools and parents should set screen-time limits and encourage outdoor games and reading. Technology should serve us, not control us.
Yours faithfully,
Arjun
Example 5: Letter to editor on stray dogs
Examination Hall
ABC City
11 October 2026
To,
The Editor,
Deccan Herald,
Bengaluru
Subject: Menace of stray dogs
Sir,
Through your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw attention to the growing number of stray dogs in our locality.
Children and morning walkers have been bitten in recent weeks, and people fear going out after dark.
The civic body should run sterilisation and vaccination drives and set up shelters. Residents should also avoid leaving food waste in the open.
Yours faithfully,
Divya
Example 6: Letter to editor on poor condition of roads
Examination Hall
ABC City
12 October 2026
To,
The Editor,
Dainik Bhaskar,
Bhopal
Subject: Poor condition of roads after the monsoon
Sir,
The roads in our city are full of potholes after the monsoon. As a result, accidents and traffic jams have increased.
The authorities should repair the roads before the festival season and use better material so that repairs last.
Yours faithfully,
Rahul
Example 7: Letter to editor on water shortage
Examination Hall
ABC City
13 October 2026
To,
The Editor,
Rajasthan Patrika,
Jaipur
Subject: Acute water shortage in summer
Sir,
Many localities in our city receive water for only half an hour every alternate day. Meanwhile, leaking pipelines waste thousands of litres.
The water department should repair leaks, supply water by tankers where needed and promote rainwater harvesting.
Yours faithfully,
Pooja
Example 8: Letter to editor on plastic waste
Examination Hall
ABC City
14 October 2026
To,
The Editor,
The Statesman,
Kolkata
Subject: Rising plastic waste in markets
Sir,
Despite the ban on single-use plastic, shops continue to use thin plastic bags. These bags choke drains and harm animals.
The authorities must enforce the ban, and shoppers should carry cloth bags. Awareness drives in schools can also help.
Yours faithfully,
Sameer
Write Your Letter to the Editor
Examination Hall
ABC City
To,
The Editor,
[Newspaper name],
[City]
Subject: [The issue in one line]
Sir/Madam,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the authorities to [the issue].
[Describe the problem and its effects in two or three sentences].
I hope the concerned authorities will take prompt action.
Yours faithfully,
[your name]
Mistakes to Avoid
- Addressing a person by name. Write “The Editor”, not the editor’s name.
- No solutions. Always suggest practical steps.
- Personal complaints. Choose issues that affect the public.
- Wrong closing. Use “Yours faithfully”.
Check your answer against the letter to editor format table above before you move on. Revise the basics with our formal letter writing guide and the notice writing format. Hindi learners can read our patra lekhan guide. Browse all school letters for more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the letter to editor format?
Sender’s address, date, “The Editor” with the newspaper and city, subject, “Sir/Madam”, three paragraphs on the issue, its effects and solutions, and “Yours faithfully” with your name.
What is the word limit for a letter to the editor in Class 12?
The CBSE Class 12 English Core syllabus sets 120–150 words for letters, including letters to the editor.
What is the word limit in Class 10?
CBSE Class 10 English asks for a formal letter of 100–120 words.
How do I start a letter to the editor?
A common opening is “Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the authorities to…”
Should I write the editor’s name?
No. Address the letter to “The Editor” followed by the newspaper’s name and city.
Which closing is correct for a letter to the editor?
“Yours faithfully” is correct, because the letter begins with “Sir/Madam”.
Score Full Marks with the Right Format
The letter to editor format rewards structure: a clear subject, three focused paragraphs and practical solutions. Practise two topics a week from this page, and time yourself to stay within the word limit. More writing formats are on the Local Letter homepage.
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