A letter to the editor is a formal letter in which the writer gives suggestions and creates awareness on an issue of public interest or an issue already raised in an article/write-up/published letter.
Format
- Name, designation and address of the Editor / News Paper.
- Date of writing the letter.
- Subject: 4–5 words in title case
- Salutation: Sir/Madam, (Do not forget the comma).
Body of the letter: In at least three paragraphs.
- Paragraph 1: Statement of problem: Raise the issue by citing some latest news items, survey report or personal experience, etc.
- Sample Sentence: This is with reference to the article about _______________ dated _______________ in your newspaper.
- Sample Sentence: A s a concerned citizen I would like to draw your attention towards…
Paragraph 2: Analyze the issue in terms of its causes and consequences.
- The issue at hand affects a large section of society and…
- It is imperative that…
- It would be beneficial if…
- Such initiatives nurture a sense of…
- By engaging in these programmes students…
Paragraph 3: Offer suggestions/solutions. Request the relevant authorities to take the action and request the editor to publish your
views.
- A possible solution to this issue could be…
- One effective way to address this might be…
- A uthorities could consider implementing…
- I trust this matter will be considered seriously for the benefit of all.
- I am hopeful that necessary steps will be taken to…
- I hope this letter gets published in the columns of your esteemed daily.
Complimentary close: Yours truly,
Language
- Formal, clear, and specific…
- Short and to the point sentences…
- Purpose stated clearly and concisely…
- Relevant details to be given…