Letter to the Editor

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Letter to the Editor

A Letter to the Editor is a formal comprehensive letter, addressed to the Editor of a certain publication/magazine/newspaper with the intent of complementing, critiquing, informing, or communicating a certain piece of information. These letters are a part of the standard curriculum of written English, taught to middle and high school students. This is a particularly useful short composition in the form of written applications that are always appreciated in an organisation. It reflects the writer’s personality and mannerisms, as well as written vocabulary. This letter is generally short, with a citizen raising some concern in front of the Editor of a big organization, hoping it gets highlighted in the papers. 

Know everything about Letter Writing: Stepwise Guide, Format & Examples

How to Write a Letter to Editor?

Here are all the elements of the Letter to Editor format:

  • Address of the Sender: This segment includes the address of the person sending the letter addressed to the Editor. It can be an office or residential address, as the question specifies.
  • Date of Letter: The date on which the letter was addressed to the Editor. This data must be accurate as it serves as a point of reference at many points.
  • Designation: The designation of the person receiving the letter. In the case of a Letter to the Editor, this is generally filled in as “The Editor”.
  • Address of the Receiving Editor: This must include the office address of the Editor, as well as the name of the organization to which he or she belongs.
  • Letter Subject: The letter subject must reflect the objective of writing the letter in very few words. It must be concise, as written in a way as to cover everything the sender deems necessary.
  • Salutation: This part reflects the courtesy of an individual, hence is extremely important. The writer should use words like Madam, Sir, Miss, or a salutation of both sexes in case of information ambiguity.
  • Body: The body of a letter is the main point of all its contents. It is generally divided into three sub-sections, namely- Introduction, Content and Conclusion.
  • Introduction: Gives a brief abstract of the content to follow.
    Content- Includes the main details and subject matter of the letter.
    Conclusion- This part concludes the information to provide a summary and give fluidity to the whole content.
    A letter appears better structured if the writer adheres to this sequence of writing. 
  • Complimentary Conclusion: This part should add a kind reminder for the Editor to take the appropriate action if any needs to be taken or give an appropriate conclusion to the main content.
  • Name of the Sender: The name or signature of the person who addressed the letter is required to add reliability to the letter and the information provided.
  • Sender’s Designation: If the sender belongs to any organization, he or she may choose to add their designation right below their name or signature.

Know the Format of a Formal Letter as well!

Editorial Letter Format

Formal letters format do not vary much in general, be it a Letter to the Editor, Principal or Internship request letter. Here is the format of the Letter to the Editor for Class 8, Class 9 , Class 10 , Class 11 and Class 12.

Sender’s Address

Date 

Receiver’s Designation 
Address

Subject: ______________________________________________

Respected Ma’am/ Sir

Body of the Letter

Introduction- Gives a brief abstract of the content to follow.
Content- Includes the main details and subject matter of the letter.
Conclusion- This part concludes the information to provide a summary and give fluidity to the whole content.
A letter appears better structured if the writer adheres to this sequence of writing. 

Yours Sincerely, 
Sender’s Name
Sender’s Designation (Optional)
Sender’s Signature

Letter to the Editor Samples

Here are some samples of the Letter to the Editor.

Letter to the Editor Sample #1

Sample Letter to the Editor
J.P Road
Andheri (West)
Mumbai

23rd January 2022

The Editor
India Today
Mumbai

Subject: Why was India Ranked 139 out of 149 countries in the World Happiness Report?

Respected Editor,
According to the  World Happiness Report 2022 released by UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network on Friday, India stood at the 139th position among 149 countries. These respondents were assessed based on three indicators: life evaluations, positive emotions, and negative emotions. 
What made India rank so low? The following points could be potential factors responsible for lesser happiness scores among Indian citizens.
Deteriorating Health Facilities
Lower Public Trust
Corruption
Through your reliable and trusted media coverage, I would like to request you to highlight the above-mentioned concerns for the benefit of the people.

Thank you.

Yours Sincerely
XYZ

Letter to the Editor Sample #2

Write a letter to the Editor of The Times Newspaper, highlighting increasing technological addiction among the youth.

24D, Block 4
Defence Society
New Delhi

24th June 20xx

The Editor
The Times
New Delhi

Subject: An appeal against rising tech addiction among the youth

Sir,

With great admiration and belief in the columns of your newspaper, I seek to bring to your kind notice the fast-growing menace of tech addiction and resultant health scares among the youth of our country. 

Today, we are able to enjoy some of the most convenient gadgets to have ever existed, which offer far more information and sources of entertainment than any other. As a result, the upcoming generation has been becoming increasingly information-heavy. The number of hours an average person spends in gaining new information, whether wanted or unwanted, is fast increasing, with a screen in front of our eyes showing us new wonders every minute. And on top of that, the wonders are as per choice and preferences. All this temptation often leads young children to spend much more time on these gadgets than what’s healthy. And even though we may not realise it instantly, it levies a huge load of tiredness on our brains and eyes, often leading to inexplicable stress and irritability. 

Hence, through the pages of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to appeal to the youth worldwide to maintain a balance of all spheres of life to fully enjoy it.

Thanking you in anticipation
Yours Sincerely
ABC

Learn how to write a resignation letter for higher studies with our exclusive blog!

Letter to the Editor Sample #3

Write a letter to the editor of a daily newspaper to aware people of how stray animals can be COVID-19 carriers and hence they must avoid direct contact.

22/A
D.L. Roy Street
Kolkata
8th September 2020

The Editor
The Times
New Delhi

Subject: An appeal to not neglect stray animals during the Covid19 pandemic

Sir/Madam,
With great admiration and belief in the columns of your newspaper, I seek to bring to your kind notice that in the current pandemic situation in the country and the world, stray animals, especially dogs and cats which stay in the streets around us are suffering due to lack of people who feed them.

Today, we are amidst a terrible pandemic, where many of us are without jobs or working from home and going out seems like a taboo. Due to this, many of us who would usually feed stray animals in our neighbourhood have stopped doing so, especially due to the spread of fake news that covid can spread through animals. As a result, many of these strays are dying from a lack of food, and the continuing pandemic may witness more such deaths if we do not do anything about it.

Hence, through the pages of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to appeal to the people of our country and the world, to help these animals survive this unfavourable situation by stepping up to make sure that they are fed.

Thanking you in anticipation
Yours Sincerely
ABC

Letter to the Editor Sample #4

Given the recent increase in road accidents and miss happenings, you are concerned about road safety. Write a letter to the editor of a popular magazine to showcase the same.

New Mehrauli Road
Munirka
New Delhi

11th September 2020

The Editor
The Times
New Delhi

Subject: An appeal to raise a concern about reckless driving

Sir/Madam,
With great admiration and belief in the columns of your newspaper, I seek to bring to your kind notice that road accidents have become an everyday occurrence in our city, as also in cities all over the country.

Reckless driving is a serious issue, which takes away many innocent lives in the country every year. A large number of accidents are caused by people driving recklessly after being drunk, as also by people who fail to follow traffic rules, either deliberately or otherwise. I was a witness to one such accident a few weeks ago, where a lady crossing the road was hit by a car. Although she survived the accident, she was grievously injured. Unfortunately, such episodes happen every day.

Hence, through the pages of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to appeal to the people of our country to refrain from engaging in reckless driving and urge them to diligently follow traffic rules. This can help save a lot of innocent lives.

Thanking you in anticipation!

Yours Sincerely
ABC

Letter to the Editor Sample #5

People have adapted to wearing face masks as a ‘new normal. But most of them do not know how to dispose of them properly. Spread awareness regarding the disposal of protective masks by writing a letter to an editor of a popular newspaper.

New Mehrauli Road
Munirka
New Delhi

26th September 2020

The Editor
The Times
New Delhi

Subject: An appeal to raise a concern about the improper disposal of protective masks

Sir/Madam,

With great admiration and belief in the columns of your newspaper, I seek to bring to your kind notice that face masks, which are used extensively for individual protection against Covid-19, are being disposed of in improper places by a section of people.

With the concerns surrounding the spread of Covid-19 along with the extensive efforts of the government to create awareness about the necessity of protective measures, face masks are being used by more and more people to protect themselves from the disease. While this is a good thing, the problem arises with the careless throwing of these masks in places such as roadsides, water bodies etc. by people ignorant of the harm it can cause.

Hence, through the pages of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to appeal to the people of our country to refrain from carelessly throwing their used masks since it increases the chances of people being infected by unintentionally coming into contact with it. Instead, masks should be disposed of in designated places with proper safety measures.

Thanking You
Yours Sincerely
ABC

How to Write an Email?

Letter to the Editor Sample #6

As a responsible citizen, you are concerned about the condition of Marine Lines. People have littered the entire place with plastic, masks and garbage. Write a letter to the editor of a leading daily to spread awareness on the matter.

New Link Road
Andheri
Mumbai

23rd January 2022

The Editor
The Times of India
Mumbai

Subject: An appeal to raise a concern about the litter at Marine Lines

Sir,/Madam,
I’m XYZ, a resident of Mumbai, and have seen the unfortunate condition of Marine Lines. People have littered the place with plastic and masks which has caused waves of garbage scattered on the shore. 

It would be beneficial if you lent a column to highlight this issue and ask people to join campaigns that work towards cleaning the sea. People must also be appealed to refrain from throwing any waste on the benches and use the bins provided at several intervals. 

Hope you will inscribe the above.

Thank you, 
Yours Sincerely
XYZ.

Letter to the Editor Sample #7

Your university is not providing proper curriculum and guidance to the students because of which students are unable to learn. Write a letter to the editor of a student magazine to highlight this issue.

S.V. Road
Santacruz
Mumbai

23rd January 2022

The Editor
India Today
Mumbai

Subject: To highlight the problems faced by students at XYZ university

Sir/Madam,
I’m a resident of Mumbai, studying at XYZ university. The past few months have caused a lot of ruckus between the department and students due to a lack of clarity about our curriculum.  Students aren’t informed about various important dates which increase pressure on them.

It would be great if you acknowledged this issue in one of your columns to increase efficiency in the staff and the department. It would also help students in the future who want to study at XYZ university.

Hope you will inscribe the above.

Thank you, 
Yours Sincerely
ABC.

Letter to the Editor Sample #8 

You are Kritika. Your school’s Yoga Club hosted a workshop called “Art of Living for Students.” Write a letter to the editor of the local daily newspaper in roughly 100-120 words giving your thoughts on the matter. 

82 Civil Lines

New Delhi

9th November 20xx

The Editor 

The Times of India

New Delhi

Subject: Art of Living for Students

Sir, 

I’d want to share my thoughts on the benefits of “Art of Living for Students” in your prestigious newspaper’s columns. Students will benefit greatly from this programme. I was able to attend one of the yoga club’s programmes, which was organized by the school. I realized that it teaches time management strategies. Additionally, learners were taught how to cope with academic pressure.

In a nutshell, every student, in my opinion, should attend this course. Students should be informed about such programmes, and the authorities should offer information. I trust you will act in the best interests of the children. 

Thanking you

Yours Truly

Kritika

Letter to the Editor Sample #9 

You are Bharat/Bharti of Safdarjung Development Area, New Delhi. You are deeply saddened by the attacks on elderly persons who live alone. Write a letter to the editor of ‘The New India News’ with 100-120 words making people aware of the authorities to guarantee that such attacks do not occur.

13, Safdarjung Development Area

New Delhi 

2 April, 20xx

The Editor

New India News 

New Delhi

Subject: Attacks on Old People

Sir, 

Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I’d like to raise awareness regarding attacks on the elderly. Physically, the elderly are often frail. As a result, they can’t defeat the rogues in the muscle battle, who usually come to pillage them.

Any pushback from the elderly can be dangerous to their health. Many incidences of theft, snatching, and horrific attacks on the elderly have already occurred in the Safdarganj Area.

It is the government’s responsibility to safeguard the lives of senior persons. As a result, all safety measures should be taken to save the elderly. Despite numerous inquiries to the appropriate authorities, no progress has been made. Perhaps the phrases in your illustrious publication will awaken the authorities from their slumber. 

Thanking you 

Yours Truly 

Bharat

Letter to the Editor Sample #10

While riding the Metro, you may have seen that, despite increased surveillance, people attempt to deface Metro trains and stations. Write a letter to the editor of an evening newspaper urging DMRC, Delhi, to begin school-based awareness programmes in collaboration with the Directorate of Education, describing how such programmes could assist to improve people’s attitudes. You are Sudhir/Sweety of 3-B DDA Flats, Punjabi Bagh, New Delhi.

3-B DDA Flats, 

Punjabi Bagh, 

New Delhi 

29 November 20xx

The Editor

i-Next

Delhi, 

Subject: Awareness to Keep Metro Clean

Sir, 

First and foremost, I would want to express my gratitude to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for making commuting so convenient for Delhi residents. I use the Metro frequently and find it to be quite convenient. During my travels, I’ve noted that despite increased surveillance, people continue to deface Metro trains and stations. I believe that if the Delhi DMRC partners with the Directorate of Education and performs awareness programmes in schools, we will be able to reach a wider audience and propagate the message. This has worked in the past, such as with the pollution-free Diwali campaign. If you handle this issue on a routine basis, you may do a great service to the city. 

Thanking you

Yours Truly

Sweety

Sample Letter to the Editor of a Newspaper

You are Rishi, the president of the Aakash society, Pitampura. As the Covid-19 lockdown is announced in Delhi, you want to convey to your local newspaper about people still roaming around, especially without masks or social distancing in your locality. Write a letter to the editor raising concerns about the same and asking to bring more strict rules about lockdown by highlighting this issue in their column.

Pitampura
New Delhi
2nd February 2022

The Editor
The Hindu
New Delhi

Subject: An appeal to raise awareness around the lack of rules during lockdown

Respected Editor,

Over the past few months, the cases of the novel coronavirus have increased dramatically. This is a direct result of the lack of strict rules regarding the pandemic. A set of people in my own locality have consistently failed to adhere to the rules and instructions to curtail the spread of this deadly disease in our city and country. I am writing this letter to you in hopes that you can help spread awareness about the lack of rules and restrictions in heavily populated localities like Pitampura.  

Hopefully, you will address this grave issue in your next column and people will understand how important it is to wear masks and follow the rules set by the government to combat this ongoing virus.

Thank you
Yours Sincerely
Rishi

Useful Tips for Writing a Letter to the Editor

Here are a bunch of tips that would be useful in writing a formal letter, more specifically a letter to the Editor:

  • Try to keep formal compositions precise and to the point.
  • Be respectful in the language and salutation you choose to use.
  • Do not make extremely polarised, discriminant or biased personal comments.
  • Giving recognition to the organisation is a feature of a good formal letter.
  • Never write very long sentences while composing a letter. It may get confusing and increases the chances of errors.

Letter to the Editor PDFs

Now that you know the format of the Letter to the Editor, you may also want to learn how to write a joining letter!

Letter to the Editor Practice Questions

Letter writing is an integral part of written English papers. This skill is taught in schools, clearing up many aspects of letter writing like informal and formal letter format, their structure and intent of use. It is also crucial when students brush up their English for Competitive Exams like IELTS and TOEFL. Among various topics that are a part of formal letter writing, a letter to the Editor is one of the most important and popular topics of all time. Here are some of the most common Letter to the Editor topics you must practice:

MUST READ: How to Become an Editor in India

  1. You are Radhika, a member of NGO Rahat which mainly works in spreading environmental awareness about conservation and clean water resources. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper raising awareness about cleaning the Yamuna river.
  2. Write a letter to the editor about the open garbage area situated in your locality and how it’s harmful to everyone including stray animals, the greener parks as well as schools and residential societies situated around it.
  3. You are Harry, the president of Samaj Society, Rishi Nagar. There is a shortage of water and infrequent availability of water for the last three weeks which is causing issues for the residents. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper voicing the problems and issues faced by the residents of your society.
  4. You are Christy, a resident of Palm Hill Society. Due to the breakdown of a mobile tower in your area, the internet connection has been impacted. Most of the residents in your society are working from home and children are studying online due to the lockdown in Delhi the infrequent internet connection is causing many issues. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper asking him/her to raise this issue in their daily newspaper.
  5. You are Lakshmi, a student of P.D Public School, Delhi. You are concerned about the red-listing of India by popular countries and how this could affect your study-abroad plans. Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper highlighting the need to enforce a comprehensive plan for Indian students aspiring to go abroad for higher studies.
  6. You are Amit, a student of Modern Public School, Mumbai. You are concerned about the lack of awareness around animal rights. Write a letter to the editor about the need to raise awareness about animal rights in schools and colleges in India. 
  7. You are Rahul, a student from Kendriya Vidyalaya. You are concerned about the large political rallies carried by popular parties for elections. Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper raising concern about the grave impact of large gatherings amidst the pandemic.  
  8. Every day you are late for school by fifteen minutes. Your school bus is stuck in a traffic jam near the Chintpumi Temple crossing. Along with your own ideas, write a letter to the editor of a newspaper highlighting this problem and suggesting some remedy for it.
  9. You recently visited a significant historical site. You were astounded to discover it in such a condition of disrepair. Using the clues from the unit ‘Travel and Tourism,’ as well as your own thoughts, compose a letter to the editor of a major newspaper noting the terrible condition of significant archaeological and historical sites. Highlight the lack of vital services, the poor condition of upkeep, and people’s abuse of it. Make suggestions about how to improve the issue.
  10. You are Rishi/Rishita of C–105, Janak Puri, New Delhi. You are extremely disturbed by reading about attacks on old people living alone. Write a letter to the Editor of “The New Indian Express” sensitizing people and drawing attention to this problem.

FAQs

How do you write a letter to the editor?

A letter to the editor is a basic letter addressing core issues that the sender wishes to highlight. It contains some basic details such as the address of the sender, date of the letter, designation, address of the receiving editor, subject line, body, conclusion, name and designation of the sender.

What is a formal letter to the editor?

A Letter to the Editor is a formal comprehensive letter, addressed to the Editor of a certain publication/magazine/newspaper with the intent of complementing, critiquing, informing, or communicating a certain piece of information

What are the reasons for writing a letter to the editor?

Writing a letter to the editor is a way to connect with the audience and allow them to express their opinions, concerns and issues with respect to the published column or general happenings in the city or country.

Hope this covers all your requirements regarding how to compose a Letter to the Editor. In case you have any more queries and doubts, regarding the topics covered in language proficiency tests, get in touch with Leverage Edu experts. You can also sign in for test prep at our exclusive online platform Leverage Live!

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7 comments
  1. I found these so helpful, but I think the content should be a bit more crisp, otherwise this blog is a PERFECTION!