Structure

Structure of a Letter (CBSE Order)

What you'll learn

The complete structure of letters in CBSE order — from sender details to signature.
Differences between informal and formal structural requirements on one checklist.
Where subject line appears (formal only) and where address blocks go.
To proofread layout before submitting Class 5 exams — presentation marks matter.

Key concepts

Level 1 — Universal parts

Verbal: Every letter needs a way to identify writer, reader, time, message, and polite ending.

Symbolic: Heading → Greeting → Body → Closing → Signature.

Part	Informal	Formal
Sender address	Optional / top	Required top-left
Date	Yes	Yes
Receiver address	Rare	Required
Subject	No	Yes (under receiver)
Salutation	Dear Name	Respected Sir/Madam
Body	2–3 paragraphs	2–3 paragraphs
Subscription	Yours lovingly	Yours faithfully
Signature + name	Yes	Yes + class/roll optional

Level 2 — CBSE presentation rules

Verbal: Neat margin; indent first line of each paragraph; comma after Dear name; colon after Respected Sir optional (school convention).

Real-life: Exam answer sheet — draw margin; avoid cuttings; one line gap after date.

Check before submit	✓
Date complete
Greeting comma	Dear Maya,
Body paragraphs
Closing comma	Yours faithfully,
Name under signature

Worked example

Label parts in order for formal letter (list only).

1 — Sender's address
2 — Date
3 — Receiver's designation & address
4 — Subject
5 — Salutation
6 — Body (paragraphs)
7 — Complimentary close
8 — Signature & name
Answer: CBSE formal sequence above.

What is missing? "Dear Amit, … Yours lovingly, Sara" (no date)

Step 1 — Informal letter needs date for exam format.
Answer: Add date (top right typical).

Common mistakes

Mistake	Why it happens	Fix
Subject in informal letter	Template confusion	Subject formal only
Receiver before sender	Order mix-up	Your address first
Body without paragraphs	Single block	Indent new paragraphs
Name only, no closing	Rush at end	Closing line above signature

Quick check

List six parts of a formal letter in order.
Which part is extra in informal vs formal?
Where does date usually go?
Stretch: Sketch a blank template with labelled boxes for both letter types side by side.

Revision tip: Trace one formal and one informal sample from your textbook onto blank paper from memory — compare and fix gaps.

Open the Practice tab for graded questions on Letter Structure.

Structure

Structure

Structure of a Letter (CBSE Order)

What you'll learn

Key concepts

Level 1 — Universal parts

Level 2 — CBSE presentation rules

Worked example

Common mistakes

Quick check

Key Takeaways (TL;DR)

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