An ICSE formal letter is Question 2 of the ICSE Class 10 English Language paper (Paper 1). You choose one of two letters, one formal and one friendly, for 10 marks, and the paper tells you to spend no more than 20 minutes on it. This page gives the ICSE formal letter format, the mistakes examiners mark down, and 16 sample formal letters.
ICSE formal letter format, part by part
The CISCE syllabus says the format of the letter, “with address, introduction, conclusion, etc.”, is part of the assessment. It also asks for tone and vocabulary that suit the situation. So the layout is not decoration. It earns marks.
Write every part against the left margin. Leave one blank line between parts. Use this order in every formal letter.
| Part | What to write | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Sender’s address | Your full address: house number, street, area, city and PIN code | 14, Lake View Road Salt Lake, Sector II Kolkata 700091 |
| 2. Date | Day, month in full, year | 12 February 2027 |
| 3. Receiver’s address | Designation first, then office, then city | The Municipal Commissioner Municipal Corporation Kolkata |
| 4. Subject | One line that names the exact issue | Subject: Repair of the drainage system in Salt Lake, Sector II |
| 5. Salutation | Sir, Madam, or Dear Sir/Madam | Sir, |
| 6. Body | Three short paragraphs: why you are writing, the details, what you want done | I am writing to draw your attention to… |
| 7. Closing (subscription) | Yours faithfully | Yours faithfully, |
| 8. Name | Your name, written in full | Riya Sen |
Printable PDF: download the ICSE formal letter format and all 16 sample letters (PDF, 6 pages), with the mistakes list, useful phrases and practice topics.
A memory trick for the order: “Some Days Rain, Some Stay Bright, Clear Nights”. That is Sender, Date, Receiver, Subject, Salutation, Body, Closing, Name.
How examiners mark the letter
CISCE’s marking scheme for the 2024 letter question checks three things: format, content and expression. Content means the points the question asks for. Expression means language, syntax (sentence structure) and vocabulary.
Read the question twice and underline every task in it. In 2024 the formal letter asked a student to request permission, give the requirements and explain the benefits. Examiners reported that many students wrote only about the benefits and mentioned only “space” as a requirement. Each task you skip is content you cannot get marks for.
Mistakes that cost marks
These come from the CISCE examiners’ comments on the 2024 ICSE English Language paper. They are the errors examiners saw again and again.
- “Respected Sir” as the salutation. Write “Sir,” or “Dear Sir/Madam,”.
- “Yours sincerely” to close a formal letter. Use “Yours faithfully,”.
- ABC or XYZ in place of a name. Write a proper name.
- An incomplete sender’s address. Give the street, city and PIN code.
- A missing receiver’s name. In 2024 many students left out the name of the shopping mall they were writing to.
- Date errors. “February” was often misspelt, and some dates had no year.
- Informal language, such as “we are kids”, contractions (can’t, won’t) and short forms.
The examiners also told teachers to explain the difference between formal and informal language. In a formal letter, write “I would be grateful if”, not “please do this fast”.
Useful phrases for formal letters
| Purpose | Phrases you can use |
|---|---|
| Opening line | I am writing to draw your attention to… / I wish to bring to your notice… |
| Complaint | I regret to inform you that… / Residents have faced great difficulty because… |
| Request | I would be grateful if you could… / Kindly grant us permission to… |
| Suggestion | It would help if… / One possible solution is… |
| Closing line | I hope you will take prompt action. / Thank you for considering this request. |
16 sample formal letters for ICSE
Each sample below follows the same format. The addresses and names are made up. Change them to suit the question you get, but keep every part in place.
1. To the Municipal Commissioner about a broken drainage system
This was the formal letter in the 2026 ICSE paper: the drainage in your locality needs repair, so state the problems and suggest solutions.
14, Lake View Road
Salt Lake, Sector II
Kolkata 700091
12 February 2027
The Municipal Commissioner
Municipal Corporation
Kolkata
Subject: Repair of the drainage system in Salt Lake, Sector II
Sir,
I am writing to draw your attention to the broken drainage system in our locality. The drains along Lake View Road have been blocked for over a month.
After every shower, dirty water floods the road and enters the ground floors of several houses. The stagnant water breeds mosquitoes, and three cases of dengue have been reported in our lane. Children walking to school have to wade through filthy water, and the smell is unbearable.
I request you to send a team to clear the blocked drains and repair the broken covers. Regular cleaning before the monsoon and a helpline number for complaints would prevent this in future.
I hope you will take prompt action.
Yours faithfully,
Riya Sen
2. To a shopping mall manager asking to stage an awareness play
This was the formal letter in the 2024 paper. Note the three tasks: request permission, give requirements, explain benefits.
B-22, Green Park
Andheri East
Mumbai 400069
8 January 2027
The Manager
Sunrise Shopping Mall
Andheri East
Mumbai 400069
Subject: Permission to stage a play on saving electricity
Sir/Madam,
I am a Class 10 student of St. Mary’s School. Our Eco Club has prepared a fifteen-minute play on saving electricity, and we would like to stage it in the open space in front of your mall.
We wish to perform on Sunday, 24 January, at 5 p.m. We would need a space of about ten metres by six, two microphones, a power point for our speakers, and about twenty chairs for the audience. Our teachers will supervise the event, and we will leave the area clean.
Shoppers will learn simple ways to cut their electricity bills, such as switching off appliances at the plug. The event will also show your mall as a place that cares about the environment.
Kindly grant us permission.
Yours faithfully,
Aarav Mehta
3. To the editor about loudspeakers during examinations
45, Civil Lines
Jaipur 302006
3 February 2027
The Editor
The Daily Herald
Jaipur
Subject: Noise from loudspeakers during board examinations
Sir,
Through the columns of your newspaper, I wish to bring to the notice of the authorities the noise caused by loudspeakers in our city.
Board examinations begin this month, yet loudspeakers play at weddings and functions until well past midnight. Students cannot concentrate, and many lose sleep before their papers. Elderly people and patients suffer as well.
The law already limits loudspeakers at night, but it is rarely enforced. I request the police to check permits and act on complaints quickly. Organisers, too, should keep the volume low during the examination season.
Yours faithfully,
Kavya Sharma
4. To the Principal asking permission for a class trip
Class 10 B
St. Joseph’s School
Lucknow
15 November 2026
The Principal
St. Joseph’s School
Lucknow
Subject: Permission for a class visit to the Regional Science Centre
Madam,
On behalf of the students of Class 10 B, I request your permission to visit the Regional Science Centre on Saturday, 28 November.
The centre has a new gallery on electricity and magnetism, which matches our Physics syllabus. Seeing the working models would help us understand the chapters far better than diagrams alone.
Our class teacher, Mrs. Das, has agreed to accompany us. We will travel by the school bus, leave at 9 a.m. and return by 2 p.m. Each student will bring a consent form signed by a parent.
I would be grateful if you could grant us permission.
Yours faithfully,
Ishaan Verma
Class Monitor, Class 10 B
5. To the Station House Officer reporting a stolen bicycle
7, Rose Garden Colony
Bhopal 462016
20 January 2027
The Station House Officer
Habibganj Police Station
Bhopal
Subject: Theft of my bicycle from the public library parking area
Sir,
I wish to report the theft of my bicycle on 19 January, between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., from the parking area of the City Public Library.
It is a blue Hero Sprint bicycle with a black seat and a silver bell. Its frame number is HS4581273, and it had a red sticker of my school on the rear mudguard. I had locked it, but the lock was cut and left on the ground.
I use the bicycle to go to school and tuition every day. I request you to register my complaint and help me recover it. I have attached a copy of the purchase bill.
Yours faithfully,
Sneha Patil
6. To the electricity department about frequent power cuts
32, Gandhi Nagar
Patna 800020
10 February 2027
The Executive Engineer
Electricity Supply Division
Patna
Subject: Frequent power cuts in Gandhi Nagar
Sir,
I regret to inform you that our area has faced power cuts of three to four hours every evening for the past two weeks. No notice is given, and the helpline does not respond.
The cuts usually happen between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., when students study for their board examinations. Water pumps stop working, and shopkeepers lose business. The sudden return of power has also damaged several fans and refrigerators.
I request you to find the cause and repair the faulty transformer near the market, which residents believe is to blame. If cuts are unavoidable, a fixed schedule should be announced in advance.
Yours faithfully,
Aditya Kumar
7. To a bank manager asking about a student savings account
18, MG Road
Bengaluru 560001
5 December 2026
The Branch Manager
City Co-operative Bank
MG Road Branch
Bengaluru
Subject: Information about opening a savings account for a minor
Sir/Madam,
I am a fifteen-year-old student, and I would like to open a savings account at your branch. I have saved some money from prizes and gifts, and I want to learn to manage it myself.
I would be grateful if you could tell me which documents I need, whether a parent must open the account with me, and the minimum balance required. I would also like to know if the account comes with a debit card for students.
I can visit the branch with my father on any Saturday. Thank you for your help.
Yours faithfully,
Meera Nair
8. To an online bookstore about damaged books
66, Model Town
Ludhiana 141002
14 January 2027
The Customer Care Manager
ReadMore Books Pvt. Ltd.
Delhi
Subject: Complaint about damaged books in order number RM50417
Sir/Madam,
I ordered five reference books from your website on 5 January, and they reached me on 12 January. I regret to inform you that two of them are damaged.
The cover of the Physics book is torn, and twenty pages of the Mathematics book are printed upside down. The packing was thin, with no cardboard to protect the books. I need these books for my preliminary examinations, which begin next week.
I request you to replace both books at the earliest and arrange to collect the damaged copies. I have attached photographs of the damage and a copy of the invoice.
Yours faithfully,
Harpreet Gill
9. To the Principal requesting repair of the basketball court
Class 9 A
Carmel Convent School
Chandigarh
2 September 2026
The Principal
Carmel Convent School
Chandigarh
Subject: Repair of the basketball court and new equipment
Madam,
I am writing on behalf of the school basketball team to request repairs to our court before the inter-school tournament in October.
The surface has deep cracks near both baskets, and two players twisted their ankles last week. One backboard is loose, and the nets are torn. We also have only three balls for thirty players.
We request you to have the court resurfaced and the backboard fixed. Six new balls and a set of nets would allow everyone to practise. The team is ready to help raise funds through a sports day stall if needed.
Thank you for considering this request.
Yours faithfully,
Tanya Malhotra
Captain, Basketball Team
10. To the editor about the cutting of trees for a road
9, Banjara Hills
Hyderabad 500034
22 November 2026
The Editor
The City Times
Hyderabad
Subject: Cutting of old trees for road widening
Sir,
Through your newspaper, I wish to express concern about the cutting of more than forty old trees along Road No. 2 for a road-widening project.
These trees gave shade to walkers and homes to birds. They also cooled the area and reduced dust. Once they are gone, it will take decades for new saplings to replace them.
I request the authorities to change the design wherever possible so that healthy trees are saved. Where cutting cannot be avoided, trees could be transplanted, and ten saplings planted for every tree removed. Residents would gladly help look after them.
Yours faithfully,
Rohan Reddy
11. To the Traffic Police asking for a speed breaker near a school
21, Park Street
Pune 411001
11 December 2026
The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic)
Pune
Subject: Need for a speed breaker and zebra crossing outside Holy Cross School
Sir,
I wish to bring to your notice the danger faced by students outside Holy Cross School on Park Street.
Vehicles speed down this road, and there is no zebra crossing or speed breaker near the school gate. Last week a Class 6 student was hit by a motorcycle while crossing. Parents now stand in the middle of the road to stop traffic.
I request you to build a speed breaker, paint a zebra crossing and post a traffic warden at school opening and closing times. A “School Ahead” sign would also warn drivers.
I hope you will act before another accident happens.
Yours faithfully,
Neha Kulkarni
12. To the transport manager asking for more buses on a route
3, Sector 15
Noida 201301
18 October 2026
The Regional Manager
City Bus Services
Noida
Subject: More buses on Route 34 during school hours
Sir,
I am a student who travels by Route 34 every day. I am writing to request more buses on this route between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
At present, only one bus runs every forty minutes. It is so crowded that students hang at the door, and many are left behind and reach school late. Office workers face the same problem.
Two extra buses during these hours would solve the problem. A bus stop shelter near Sector 15 market would also protect waiting passengers from rain and heat.
Thank you for considering this request.
Yours faithfully,
Kabir Singh
13. To an animal shelter asking to volunteer in the holidays
12, Hill Road
Dehradun 248001
25 April 2027
The Director
Friends of Animals Shelter
Dehradun
Subject: Request to volunteer during the summer vacation
Sir/Madam,
I am a Class 10 student at Doon Public School, and I would like to volunteer at your shelter during my summer vacation, from 15 May to 30 June.
I have two dogs at home and know how to feed, bathe and walk them. I am also good at drawing and could make posters for your adoption drives. I can work from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays.
My parents have agreed and will sign any form you need. I would be grateful for a chance to learn from your staff and to help the animals in your care.
Yours faithfully,
Ananya Joshi
14. To the health officer about unhygienic food stalls
40, Anna Nagar
Chennai 600040
9 January 2027
The Health Officer
Greater Chennai Corporation
Chennai
Subject: Unhygienic food stalls outside schools in Anna Nagar
Sir,
I wish to draw your attention to the unhygienic food stalls outside the schools on Second Avenue, Anna Nagar.
The food is left uncovered beside an open drain, and flies sit on it. Vendors handle money and food with the same hands, and the water they use looks dirty. Several students have fallen ill with stomach infections this month.
I request you to inspect these stalls and make them follow basic rules: covered food, clean water and gloves. Vendors who meet the rules could be given licences and a cleaner place to set up.
I hope you will take prompt action.
Yours faithfully,
Divya Iyer
15. To the librarian asking for membership of the city library
28, College Road
Nashik 422005
6 July 2026
The Librarian
Nashik City Library
Nashik
Subject: Application for student membership
Sir/Madam,
I am a Class 9 student at Vidya Mandir School, and I would like to become a member of your library.
Our school library is small, and I want to read more novels and reference books for my English and History projects. I have heard that your library has a separate reading room for students.
Kindly let me know the membership fee, the documents required and the number of books I may borrow at a time. I would also like to know the library timings on Sundays. I can bring a letter from my Principal if needed.
Thank you for your help.
Yours faithfully,
Sameer Khan
16. To a fire station officer giving thanks for a safety drill
Delhi Public School
Sector 12, R.K. Puram
New Delhi 110022
30 August 2026
The Station Officer
R.K. Puram Fire Station
New Delhi
Subject: Thanks for the fire safety drill at our school
Sir,
On behalf of the students of Delhi Public School, I thank you and your team for the fire safety drill held at our school on 27 August.
Your demonstration of the fire extinguisher was clear and easy to follow. We learnt to crawl low under smoke, never to use the lift during a fire, and to gather at the assembly point. Many of us did not know that water must never be used on an electrical fire.
The drill has made us more careful at school and at home. We hope you will visit us again next year.
Yours faithfully,
Pooja Bansal
Head Girl
Past ICSE letter questions
Both recent papers below gave one friendly and one formal letter. The formal topics asked for more than one task, so plan a paragraph for each.
| Year | Formal letter | Friendly letter |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | To the Municipal Commissioner: problems caused by the broken drainage, with solutions | To a classmate: invitation to join a study group |
| 2024 | To a mall manager: permission to stage a play on saving electricity, requirements, benefits | To a friend: an incident at school for which you were blamed |
Practice topics
Write one of these in 20 minutes, then check it against the format table and the list of mistakes.
- Write to the Principal asking for a water cooler on each floor of the school.
- Write to the editor of a newspaper about the lack of parks for children in your area.
- Write to the manager of a cinema hall complaining about rude staff and a dirty hall.
- Write to the Municipal Commissioner about stray cattle on the roads.
- Write to the organiser of a quiz competition asking for details of the rules and dates.
Related ICSE guides
For the other writing tasks and your Class 9 and 10 literature texts, see:
- Newspaper report writing format with examples
- With the Photographer: ICSE Class 10 questions and answers
- The Model Millionaire: ICSE Class 9 summary and questions
The official paper pattern is in the CISCE ICSE English syllabus for 2027.
All ICSE English Class 9 and 10 guides, in syllabus order: ICSE English Class 9 and 10 study guides.
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