As the CBSE Class 12 board exams approach, students are amping up their preparations for this crucial academic milestone. With the first exam slated for February 15, 2025, these tests go beyond assessing academic knowledge—they play a pivotal role in shaping career aspirations and higher education opportunities. English stands out among the core subjects for its role in cultivating critical thinking, effective communication, and creative expression—essential skills in today’s interconnected world. Scheduled for March 11, 2025, the Class 12 English exam will evaluate students’ language proficiency and analytical skills through three sections: Reading Comprehension (20 marks), Creative Writing Skills (20 marks), and Literature (40 marks). A significant part of the Creative Writing Skills section is letter writing, worth 5 marks, which tests the ability to convey ideas clearly and formally.
To help students excel in this section, Ritu Sharma, PGT at ITL Public School, Delhi, has provided a list of expected questions for practice. It is advised that students attempt these questions under timed conditions to simulate the exam environment and improve their writing efficiency. Additionally, organizing responses clearly and seeking feedback from teachers, parents, or peers can further sharpen letter-writing skills, ensuring a strong performance in this important segment of the exam.
- Exercising beyond 60 minutes didn’t provide extra mental health benefits. Strength-training, such as Pilates and lifting weights, does count toward your daily exercise goals (and is essential for strong bones). And research shows that increasing the intensity of resistance workouts by just 10 per cent will yield a greater anti-depressant effect.“It is amazing to consider how moving our bodies can heal our minds,” says Heisz. To get the biggest overall health boost, the key is to zero in on sports and activities you enjoy, so you’ll keep going back to them. Each time you work up a sweat, your body releases feel-good neuro-transmitters, or ‘happy hormones’, including endorphins, dopamine, and endocannabinoids, the latter being responsible for the so-called runner’s high. Now researchers are also pointing to myokines—dubbed ‘hope molecules’—as an important contributor to the mental health benefits of exercise. You are Ananda Swami, the school coordinator at Good Hope High School, Hyderabad.
- Draft an open letter to your students on the importance of hope & optimism in life. Interconnect the role of exercise & other practices in your letter.
- Your friend, Mohika Shivakumar is looking for a job after completing her qualifications for a Yoga Teacher. Draft a prototype of a job application.
- We live in a world of emojis where smile is only restricted to emojis. While we may be prompt to send this emoji on social media portals, we lack that laughter and mirth in our lives. You as Gita Mohan, an awakened citizen draft a letter to the editor stating the innate need of happiness in our lives. ( 120-150 words)
- Today morning while going through Times of India, you saw an advertisement for the vacancy of a Computer Data Analyst at Hewlett Packard, Bangalore. You are Sarika Agarwal an aspirant with an experience of 3 years in the field. Draft an application to the Human Resource Manager, Mr Abhinav Sahu. Invent the necessary details.
- You are Ishita living in Pune. You have just completed your studies and are looking for a job. While browsing through the Times of India of 5.12.2022, you come across the following advertisement.: Rainbow Public School urgently needs to appoint receptionists with good speaking skills, an amicable personality, and a good working knowledge of computers. Interested candidates to walk in for an interview within 7 working days between 10 AM to 2 PM. All candidates should carry a cover letter and a complete resume. As per the advertisement requirements, draft a job application.
- As one of the top jobs for artistic people, graphic designers leverage graphic design skills to create web, television, and film content with animation and visual effects. You saw the given advertisement in the newspaper and wish to apply for the position advertised. Write a letter to TIE Johar Arts, along with your bio-data, expressing your interest in the advertised post.
- Recently cases of damaging school property have been rampant. Schools as a hub for holistic learning and intellectual development have taken a back seat. School is the Temple of Knowledge. Every student is expected to behave with reverence to this Temple of Knowledge. Hence, it’s our duty to keep the school, premises, and properties neat and clean without any damage. But incidentally, students don’t take ownership of it. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily, sharing your concern, and examining the reasons for such behaviour. Provide suggestions for spreading awareness of rules and etiquettes involved and ways to ensure adherence. You are Dr. Raj / Rajashri, Principal of Geetanjali Vidyalaya.
- The newspaper today has full-page advertisements promoting luxury items. With increases in consumerism, people find it difficult to resist and soon find themselves trapped in a world of materialistic pursuits. Write a letter to the editor expressing your views on how to control this habit. You are Renu / Rajan. Use the given cues along with your own ideas, to compose this letter.
CBSE Class 12 English Exam: Preparation Tips for Letter Writing
Students can check these effective tips for letter writing. Incorporating these tips unique tips to be able to craft well-structured, professional, and engaging letters.
Personalize the Salutation
While the salutation may seem like a formality, it plays an important role in setting the tone of the letter. For formal letters, always use appropriate titles (e.g., Dear Sir/Madam) and for informal ones, use the recipient’s name if it’s someone you’re familiar with. A personalised salutation reflects respect and attention to detail.
Maintain Consistent Formatting
Pay careful attention to the alignment of your text. For formal letters, ensure that the date, sender’s address, and recipient’s address follow the correct format. Align the body of the letter to the left, as this is the standard format for both types of letters in CBSE exams. Consistency in formatting reflects professionalism.
Start with a Strong Opening Sentence
The opening line of your letter should immediately convey the purpose, setting the context for the reader. Instead of beginning with generic phrases like “I am writing this letter to…,” be more specific: “I am writing to formally address…” or “I am writing to request…” This makes your intent clear right from the beginning.
Use Paragraph Breaks Wisely
In letter writing, the organization of ideas is key. Break your letter into clear paragraphs to make it easier to read. Each paragraph should address a single idea or point. For example, in a formal letter, the first paragraph introduces the issue, the second elaborates on it, and the final one concludes with a request or solution.
Focus on a Clear Conclusion
Ending your letter with a decisive and respectful conclusion is important. A vague or open-ended ending can leave the reader unsure of the purpose. For formal letters, phrases like “I look forward to your prompt response” or “I await your kind consideration” signal a clear intent for follow-up.
Be Aware of the Word Choice
In formal letters, word choice should be polite, direct, and formal. Avoid colloquial terms or casual language. In contrast, for informal letters, while maintaining a friendly tone, don’t overdo the informality. Use simple yet effective language that can express your feelings or requests clearly.
Create a Strong Link Between Introduction and Conclusion
Make sure your conclusion ties back to the introduction smoothly. For example, if you start by stating a concern or request, your closing statement should reflect the need for action or a resolution, creating a sense of closure.
Proofread for Conciseness and Relevance
After writing the letter, read it over and remove any unnecessary words or repetitions. Ensure that each sentence adds value and is aligned with the purpose of the letter. Being concise without omitting critical details ensures clarity and effectiveness.
Avoid Overly Complex Vocabulary
While it’s essential to use formal language in letters, overusing complex or rare vocabulary can confuse the reader. Stick to clear and precise language. Use sophisticated words when necessary, but prioritize clarity over complexity.
