Business / Official Letters

Business / Official Letters

A business or official letter is a formal letter written for a practical, transactional purpose — making an enquiry, placing an order, lodging a complaint, or replying to any of these. CBSE Class 11 expects you to know the full block format and to keep the tone polite, precise, and professional, however serious the matter.

Exact format expected (block format, everything left-aligned).

1. Sender's address (top left).
2. Date.
3. Receiver's designation and address (e.g. The Manager, ABC Electronics, Mumbai).
4. Subject line — a short phrase stating the purpose.
5. Salutation — "Dear Sir/Madam,".
6. Body in three parts: (a) opening — why you are writing; (b) middle — full details (item specifications, order quantities, the exact complaint with dates/bill numbers, etc.); (c) closing — the action you expect and a courteous ending.
7. Complimentary close — "Yours faithfully," (used when you don't name the person).
8. Signature, name, and designation.

CBSE marking scheme (typically 5 marks). Roughly: Format (all components in correct block order) – about 1 mark; Content (complete, relevant, well-organised details) – about 2 marks; Expression (formal tone, grammar, coherence) – about 2 marks.

Model example (Letter of Complaint).

45, Rose Avenue

Pune - 411001

14 August 2026

The Customer Care Manager

HomeStyle Appliances Ltd.

Pune

Subject: Complaint regarding a defective microwave oven

Dear Sir/Madam,

I purchased a HomeStyle 25-litre microwave oven (Model HS-250, Invoice No. 7842) from your showroom on 2 August 2026. Within a week, the appliance stopped heating and its display flickers continuously, despite correct installation.

As the oven is well within its warranty period, I request you to repair or replace it at the earliest. Kindly arrange for a technician to inspect it at my residence this week. I enclose a copy of the invoice and warranty card for your reference.

I hope for a prompt resolution.

Yours faithfully,

Rahul Mehta

Rahul Mehta

Common mistakes to avoid. …