A formal letter

A formal letter has fixed parts, always in the same order. Learn the list once, and you can write any of them:

• sender's address
• date
• receiver's address
• subject
• salutation (greeting)
• introduction
• expression of interest (why you're writing)
• statement of request (what you want)
• complimentary close
• signature line

The book's letter, part by part. At the top: sender's address and date. Then the receiver's address: the school. Then the subject: "Request to join Adventure Club". One line, so the reader knows what it's about before reading the body.

Salutation: "Madam/Sir,". Formal, not by name, because you're writing to an office, not a friend.

Introduction: "I am Sreelakshmi, a student of Grade 7-C." Who's writing, and how to place you. In a school letter, always give your class.

Expression of interest: "I am interested in adventure activities like trekking, hiking, rope climbing, and exploring places of natural beauty. I would love to be part of the school's Adventure Club." This is why you're writing.

Statement of request: "I request you to grant me permission to join the club." One clear sentence saying what you want. A letter that never actually asks is the commonest mistake!

Complimentary close: "Yours sincerely,". Signature line: "Sreelakshmi". And notice what's not there: no chatty greeting, no small talk, no apology for writing. A formal letter says who, why and what, and stops.