Formal Letters, Notices and Comprehension: Class 6 Study Guide
Different jobs need different formats. Knowing them makes writing clear and professional.
A formal letter is written to someone you do not know well, such as a principal or editor. It has the sender's address, date, receiver's address, subject line, salutation (Respected Sir/Madam), body, closing (Yours faithfully) and signature. The language is polite and to the point.
A notice is a short message for many people. It has a heading (NOTICE), the name of the school or organisation, the date, a title, a few lines of information (what, when, where, who to contact) and the writer's name and position.
Formal letter layout
| Part | What goes there |
|---|---|
| Sender's address and date | top right or left |
| Receiver | name, designation, address |
| Subject | one line: 'Request for leave of absence' |
| Salutation | Respected Madam |
| Body | reason, details, request |
| Closing | Yours faithfully, name |
Writing a notice
Keep a notice brief, usually under 50 words. Include the 5 Ws: what is happening, when, where, who can take part and whom to contact. Example: NOTICE — Science Exhibition. Our school will hold a science exhibition on Friday, 15 November, at 10 a.m. in the main hall. Students of Classes 6 to 8 may register with Ms Rao by 8 November. — Anita Joshi, School Captain.
NOTICE.
Clear and specific.
What, when, where, who.
Sign off.
Comprehension strategies
Read the passage once for the idea, then again carefully. Read the questions. Underline the lines that answer them. For 'why' questions, look for because or so. For vocabulary, use context clues. For 'true or false', find the exact sentence. Write answers in complete sentences in your own words and avoid copying more than is needed.
Worked example and common mistakes
Example: Q: Why did Asha stay home? A: Asha stayed home because she had a fever. Common mistakes: using a casual tone in a formal letter, forgetting the subject line, leaving out the date in a notice and answering from memory instead of the passage. Proofread for spelling and punctuation.
Check your understanding: model answers
1. Yours faithfully (or Yours sincerely). 2. For example, the date and the event details. 3. It tells the reader in one line what the letter is about.
✨ Key Takeaways
- A formal letter has a set layout.
- A notice is brief and has the 5 Ws.
- Use polite, clear language.
- Answer comprehension from the passage.
💬 Questions for Discussion & Reflection
- What closing goes with 'Respected Sir'?
- Name two things every notice needs.
- What does a subject line do?
Print lined paper for writing →