Letter writing is one of the most straightforward sections of SSC exams. It’s formulaic. You follow a template, you get marks. Yet students lose points by skipping details.
मराठीत समजून घ्या: पत्रलेखन (Letter Writing)
पत्रलेखन हा सर्वात सोपा विभाग आहे, कारण त्याचा ठरलेला नमुना असतो. नमुना पाळला की गुण मिळतात.
- औपचारिक पत्र (Formal): तक्रार, अर्ज, विनंती. सुरुवात “Dear Sir/Madam”, शेवट “Yours faithfully”. I’m ऐवजी I am लिहा.
- अनौपचारिक पत्र (Informal): मित्र, नातेवाईक. सुरुवात “Dear [नाव]”, शेवट “With love”. भाषा मोकळी चालते.
रचना: तुमचा पत्ता → दिनांक → (औपचारिक असल्यास) प्राप्तकर्त्याचा पत्ता → संबोधन → मुख्य मजकूर (पहिल्या परिच्छेदात उद्देश, मधल्या परिच्छेदांत तपशील, शेवटी विनंती किंवा निरोप) → समारोप → नाव.
गुण कापले जातात जेव्हा: पत्ता किंवा दिनांक विसरता, संबोधन आणि समारोप जुळत नाहीत, किंवा व्याकरणाच्या चुका राहतात.
Two Types: Formal and Informal
Most exams ask for: Formal Letters (complaint, application, request to authorities/companies) or Informal Letters (to friends, family). Layout is almost the same. The tone differs.
The Standard Format
[Your Address] City, Postal Code. [Date: Day Month Year]. [Recipient’s Address] (formal letters only). Salutation: Formal “Dear Sir/Madam”, Informal “Dear [Name]”. Body (3-4 paragraphs). Closing: Formal “Yours faithfully”, Informal “With love”. Signature: [Your Name].
The Body Structure
Paragraph 1: Opening State why you’re writing. Be direct. “I am writing to lodge a complaint regarding…” Paragraphs 2-3: Details Expand on your complaint or news. Be specific. Include dates, names, amounts. Final Paragraph: Closing Request action (formal) or warm goodbye (informal).
Tone Differences
Formal: Polite, respectful. No contractions (“I am” not “I’m”). Passive voice sometimes. Complete sentences. Professional vocabulary. Informal: Friendly, personal. Contractions okay. Active voice, conversational. Casual phrases acceptable.
Exam Tips for Full Marks
Space your letter neatly. Check grammar and spelling. Stick to the format (no address = mark deduction). Keep to the point. Use the right salutation and closing. Reread before submitting.
Model Formal Letter: Complaint About Water Supply
12, Shivaji Nagar,
Latur 413512.
12 November 2026
To,
The Municipal Commissioner,
Latur Municipal Corporation,
Latur 413512.
Subject: Irregular water supply in Shivaji Nagar
Respected Sir,
I am a resident of Shivaji Nagar, and I am writing to bring to your notice the irregular water supply in our area for the past three weeks.
Water now comes only once in four days, and even then for less than an hour. The pressure is so low that the upper floors receive almost no water. Families have to buy water from tankers, and students lose study time fetching water.
I request you to look into the matter and restore a regular supply as early as possible. I shall be grateful for your prompt action.
Yours faithfully,
Anil Patil
Model Informal Letter: Congratulating a Friend
45, Station Road,
Beed 431122.
12 November 2026
Dear Sneha,
I was thrilled to hear that you won first prize in the district-level debate competition. Many congratulations! Everyone at home was proud when your mother told us the news.
I know how hard you practised, speaking in front of the mirror every evening. Your hard work has truly paid off. I hope you will go on to win at the state level too.
Do write and tell me all about the competition. Please give my regards to your parents.
With love,
Priya
Useful Phrases
| Part | Formal | Informal |
|---|---|---|
| Opening line | I am writing to bring to your notice… | I was so happy to receive your letter… |
| Making a request | I request you to kindly… | Could you please… |
| Closing line | I shall be grateful for your prompt action. | Do write back soon. |
| Sign-off | Yours faithfully / Yours sincerely | With love / Your loving friend |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yours faithfully or Yours sincerely?
Use “Yours faithfully” when you start with “Sir” or “Madam”. Use “Yours sincerely” when you address the person by name, for example “Dear Mr Deshmukh”.
Is a subject line needed?
Yes, in formal letters. Write it after the receiver’s address and before the salutation. Informal letters do not need one.
पत्रात दिनांक कुठे लिहावा?
तुमच्या (पाठवणाऱ्याच्या) पत्त्याच्या खाली दिनांक लिहा. उदा. 12 November 2026.
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