Letter Writing

You have just returned from a holiday at a hill station. This Informal Letter was asked in ICSE 2001 board exam. You can find Previous Year Informal Letter Writing asked in ICSE board exams.

Informal Letter Writing ICSE 2001

1/153, Vijay Khand,
Gomti Nagar,
Lucknow – 226010.
15th May 2001

My dear Arun,

It has been quite some time since I last wrote to you. The last month was very hectic, for our first term examination was in full swing, after which our summer vacation commenced. I along with my friend Rohit, decided to go to Mussoorie, for a short vacation. I have just returned from there yesterday, and am still to recover from the invigorating experience.

Mussoorie also known as the ‘Queen of the hills’ is in the Garhwal mountains of Uttarakhand. It is near Dehradun, the capital of this state, which is located on the foothill of the Himalayas. The two hour taxi drive from Dehradun to Mussoorie has many sharp and steep turns, which made us sway from one side to the other. Looking down the deep gorges, sent a chill down my spine, making me desperately cling to the seat.

The first thing that struck me as I stepped out of the taxi, was the cool refreshing breeze. This was a welcome change, from the hot 100 we had just left behind. Scampering with our baggage, we set forth to the tourist lodge, which was a distance away from ‘The Mall’.

During our stay we visited the Gun Hill top, which is the highest mountain peak, by trolley. The trolley ride was exhilarating for the green mountains, flowers and colourful roofed houses took my breath away. Once atop the hill, we set about exploring the place, which was a tourist delight. There were tastefully done up stalls of eatables and novelty items. The spirit of merrymaking and laughter filled the air. We also joined in the fun and got ourselves photographed as Gabbar Singh, the legendary tinsel dacoit.

The next day we set out for Kempty Fall, which is half an hour drive from Mussoorie. Small droplets of water struck us on the face, even though we were standing a distance away from the waterfall. The place was swarming with tourists, the children were having a whale of a time, in little pools of water beside the waterfall. Their merriment was so infectious, that we also went under the silver stream of water and got drenched. Luckily we had brought our clothes, so after a quick change we sat down for a sumptuous lunch at one of the tastefully done up restaurants. The next day we visited Dhanaulti, that is 30 kilometers from Mussoorie. This place is famous, for its mountains covered with pine trees and the virgin natural beauty.

Mussoorie is an ideal place for a vacation, because firstly it has a salubrious climate, especially in summer. Secondly the tree capped mountains and the natural beauty makes it a tourist’s delight. The picturesque surroundings, gives one a feeling of being in the lap of nature. The experience is rejuvenating and a welcome change to the humdrum of daily chores.

You must also plan a visit to this place and I am sure you will enjoy it. Give my love to Anil and regards to uncle and auntie.

Your friend,
Sam

Assignments

• You have just returned from the holiday away from home. Write a letter to your mother mentioning what you found most interesting about the place.
• Write a letter to your friend describing an amusing article you have read in the newspaper. State what you found amusing and Why.

You were held up in the countryside one night due to a railway accident. This Informal Letter was asked in ICSE 2002 board exam. You can find Previous Year Informal Letter Writing asked in ICSE board exams.

Informal Letter Writing ICSE 2002

1/153, Vijay Khand,
Gomti Nagar,
Lucknow – 226010.
30th June 2002

Dear Mohan,

It has been a long time since I last wrote to you. I could not reply to your letter as I was busy preparing for my AIIMS examinations, for which I had to go to Delhi.

Last week while going to Delhi by the Lucknow Mail, somewhere between Lucknow and Kanpur there was a loud bang. The impact was so great that I was knocked down from my berth. There was pitch darkness in the coach and people were screaming and shouting. I was relieved to find myself in one piece. Collecting my bag I crept slowly towards the exit. It was difficult getting out because of the stampede for everyone was trying to rush out. Once out of the compartment, I walked up toward the engine. What I saw sent a chill down my spine. Two bogies had derailed and were completely smashed. People trapped in the compartments were crying in pain. We began to rescue people with the help of a few villagers from the countryside, After about an hour the rescue team, police and the ambulances arrived, The injured were rushed to the nearest hospital in Unnao.

The railway officials requested us to wait till daybreak, for a relief train to continue our onward journey. Having no option I spent the night in the countryside. Nevertheless it was a unique experience, which I shall never forget. There is much truth in the saying ‘Adversity brings strange bedfellows’. I found absolute strangers helping and showing concern for each other. The farmers from the nearby villages brought us food and milk. Soon we had a small kitchen running just next to the tracks, serving hot tea and biscuits. I was moved by their social consciousness and generosity for absolute strangers. At daybreak the relief train arrived and I was able to continue my onward journey.

It was indeed a nightmarish experience, that I shall never forget. The only silver lining was the kind gesture of the villagers, who even today uphold the noble tradition of hospitality ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, for which India is so well known. I am now eagerly waiting for the results that are expected next month. Give my regards to uncle and auntie.

Your loving friend,
Siddharth

Assignment

While returning home you met with an accident. Write a letter to your friend describing what happened and what you learnt from that experience.

You wish to become a journalist while your parents want you to become a doctor. This Informal Letter was asked in ICSE 2003 board exam. You can find Previous Year Informal Letter Writing asked in ICSE board exams.

Informal Letter Writing ICSE 2003

1/153, Vijay Khand,
Gomti Nagar,
Lucknow – 226010.
20th May 2003

My dear Mummy,

I was overjoyed to receive your long awaited letter yesterday. Reading it brought forth pleasant memories and made me homesick for a while. My studies are going on at an even pace. Next year, as you rightly pointed out in your letter, I would have to choose from the elective subjects of Mathematics, Biology or Arts.

I sincerely value your advice, for taking up Biology for pursuing a career in medicine. There is indeed no doubt that a doctor’s profession is very noble, but I somehow do not have any inclination or aptitude for Biology. I find it boring, especially the dissection part is quite nauseating. Moreover, I do not score good marks in this subject.

On the other hand, I score good marks in English language and literature. I got the highest marks in English language, because of which I have been made the editor of the school magazine, which is to come out shortly. Besides this, a number of my articles have been published in the local edition of the ‘Times of India’. This has encouraged me to pursue a career in journalism, which I find very interesting and challenging.

Journalism as a profession is also very noble and respectable. The press is the fourth state in a democracy. It serves as a watchdog, safeguarding our freedom. By becoming a journalist, I would get an opportunity to serve the nation, by highlighting important social and national issues. I would also be able to protect the common men, from exploitation and injustice.

There is ample scope for growth in this profession, with tremendous potential in the print and electronic media. There is good opportunity to show one’s creativity, and hence offers great job satisfaction. Moreover, journalists have easy access to the high and mighty bureaucrats and politicians. They are respected for their views and make a valuable contribution to the society. Many great men including Mahatma Gandhi and Dr Radhakrishnan, began their career as a journalist.

I would therefore seek your blessing to pursue this career, for which I have a natural liking. Please give my regards to Daddy, and love to my dear brother Rohit.

Your affectionate son,
Siddhant

Assignments

• You have been selected to participate in the National Youth Festival to be held in another city. The dates however clash with your final school exams you are however keen on going. Write a letter to your parents stating the pros, the cons and seek their advise.
• You borrowed a book from a friend and lost it in a bus. Write a letter to your friend telling him /her about the loss and how you will make amends for it.

Your mother has won the National Award for ‘Meritorious Teachers’. This Informal Letter was asked in ICSE 2004 board exam. You can find Previous Year Informal Letter Writing asked in ICSE board exams.

Informal Letter Writing ICSE 2004

3/268, Alambagh
Lucknow – 226005.
15th May 2004.

Dear Rohan,

I hope this letter finds you the best of health and spirits. I could not reply to your letter earlier, for I had gone to Delhi for a week. I had accompanied my mother who has won this year’s National Award for ‘Meritorious Teachers’. The award was bestowed on her, because of the excellent performance of her students in the secondary examination.

The ceremony was held in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. It is a majestic complex which has a huge auditorium, surrounded with plush green lawns, having innumerable water fountains. The auditorium has plush interiors, with wood panelled walls, thick carpeted floors, and brightly upholstered push back seats. The aesthetically designed, dais has huge chandeliers and spotlights. There were many press photographers and TV cameramen facing the dais, to record the historic event. The recipients of the awards were seated to the left the dais, while the VIP’s were seated to the right. The honorable Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh was seated in the front row, with members of his cabinet and other dignitaries.

At precisely 11 AM the President Shri A. P. J. Kalam arrived in grand style, escorted by his body guards. The spectators rose with respect, as he was led to the dais by the honourable Prime Minister. The Minister of Human Resources Shri Aijun Singh read out his welcome speech. This was followed by a cultural program of dance and music. Thereafter the actual award ceremony commenced. Each teacher was called to the dais, to receive the award from the President. The award comprised of a shawl, a gold plated memento, and a certificate. It was indeed a great moment for my mother, when her name was called out. She received the award, amidst thunderous applause from the audience. It was a proud moment for all of us, for she was the lone recipient of this honour from Lucknow.

The award ceremony was followed by a sumptuous lunch, hosted in the sprawling lawns of the complex. I met great personalities, and got myself photographed with them. I shall show you the photographs when you visit Lucknow.

It was indeed a great event, which I shall never forget for a long time to come. I wish you had been there to share this experience. How are your studies going on? Please give my regards to uncle and aunty, and reply to my letter at the earliest.

Your friend,
Ankit

Assignments

• Write a letter to your friend who is discouraged by his /her failure in the board examination.
• You have been selected for the best student award in your school. Write a letter to a friend, giving details of the award, the award ceremony and the celebrations that followed.

Recently you went to a restaurant for dinner and there you saw your favourite sports star. This Informal Letter was asked in ICSE 2006 board exam. You can find Previous Year Informal Letter Writing asked in ICSE board exams.

Informal Letter Writing ICSE 2006

90, Aliganj,
Lucknow – 226024.
1st May 2006

Dear Arjit,

It has been quite some time since I last wrote to you. This was for I was busy in preparing for my exams, which ended last week. To celebrate the occasion, my parents took me to Oudhyana Restaurant, in the Taj Residency Hotel.

While savouring the delicacies served before me, I noticed an unusual flurry of activity in the table just next to me. To my surprise, I saw Sachin Tendulkar and his wife being escorted to a table by the hotel staff. My heart leaped with joy, as I saw him settle on the chair facing me. After the waiters had taken his order, I caught his attention and excusing myself, walked up to him in a trance. It was like a dream come true and made me speechless for a second. However gaining composure, I wished him and his wife good evening, and introduced myself. I told him how I adored him, and loved his game. He blushed modestly, and invited me to be seated. For the next couple of minutes we spoke of mundane things about cricket. He encouraged me to work hard, and practice regularly, for this can only improve my game. He wanted to know the places of tourist interest in and around Lucknow, which I readily provided.

The waiters in the mean time had started serving the dishes. Realising that the dream opportunity was about to end, I took out a ten rupee note from my pocket, and asked him to autograph it. He smiled and with a flourish penned ‘To Alankrit with love Sachin’.

I have framed this note, and hung it in my study room. It reminds me of the few precious moments I shared with Sachin, the great cricket maestro. I shall show you the same when you come to Lucknow.

Rest is all fine. Give my regards to Uncle and Aunty and love to Ronnie.

Your friend,
Alankrit

Assignment

Recently you went to a restaurant for dinner and there you saw your favourite movie star. You had an opportunity of spending some moments with him or her. In a letter to your friend, give a brief account of your memorable meeting with the movie star.

One of your grandparents has completed one hundred 10 years of age. This Informal Letter was asked in ICSE 2007 board exam. You can find Previous Year Informal Letter Writing asked in ICSE board exams.

Informal Letter Writing ICSE 2007

10, Sector D,
Aliganj,
Lucknow – 226024.
10th April 2007

Dear Grandpa,

I would like to congratulate you on your centenary birthday. This is a very important occasion for all of us and I have informed all my friends about it.

I am very proud of you, for at your age, while others look for crutches, you are hale and hearty. This is because of regular exercise, and eating good and healthy food. I am grateful for your advice of adopting healthy habits. You would be pleased to know that 1 daily go for a morning walk, and do regular exercises in the morning and evening.

Your life has indeed been a great struggle, from which you emerged victorious. I draw inspiration from the countless incidents narrated by you, while serving in the British army, during the Second World War.

I look forward to meeting you very soon and pray to God for your good health and long life.

Your loving Granddaughter,
Anna

Assignment

Your uncle is coming from America. He has asked you to let him know if he could get anything for you. Write a letter telling him what you want and why.

Write a letter to a friend who was absent from school on a day when a really comical incident took place. This Informal Letter was asked in ICSE 2008 board exam. You can find Previous Year Informal Letter Writing asked in ICSE board exams.

Informal Letter Writing ICSE 2008

19, Park Road,
Lucknow – 226 001.
10th April 2008

Dear Rohan,

I was surprised not to see you in school yesterday. Hope you are hale and hearty. We had a really comical incident yesterday. Mr Johnson, our Chemistry teacher had given us a salt for identification, in the Chemistry practical period. While I was busy setting up the apparatus, Mohit began heating the salt in a test tube to observe the reaction. While heating his pen slipped from the table and fell on the floor. He bent to pick it up and in the process brought his head close to the burner.

Before I could react, his hair above his forehead caught fire. I rushed to his rescue, and doused the small flame with my handkerchief. He looked stunned and bewildered, but thankfully was unharmed. In the commotion that followed, Mr. Johnson rushed to my table and asked me to take Mohit to the dispensary. I escorted him to the dispensary, where after applying a cream on his forehead he was discharged.

On returning to the classroom, the boys burst out laughing, on seeing the vacant space on Mohit’s head. He indeed looked funny but sportingly bore the embarrassment with a grin.

He was indeed lucky to have escaped unscathed from the incident, which happened because of his carelessness. It however highlighted the importance of taking precautions during Chemistry practicals, which Mr. Johnson frequently emphasises. Henceforth, I have resolved to be careful and observe all precautions doing practicals. This would not only save me from embarrassment, but also from bodily harm.

Your loving friend,
Akshay

Assignment

A friend of yours has failed in the IX class examination. Write a letter to him /her sympathising with him /her and encouraging him /her to cheer up and try again.

You have recently read a book which has greatly impressed you. This Informal Letter was asked in ICSE 2009 board exam. You can find Previous Year Informal Letter Writing asked in ICSE board exams.

Informal Letter Writing ICSE 2009

19, Park Road,
Lucknow – 226001
11th April 2009

Dear Mohit,

It has been quite some time since I last wrote to you. I was busy with my exams last month and hence could not reply to your letter. Last week I read a book ‘Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.’ by Mark Twain, which I had brought from the school library. It is an adventure story of a young boy named Huck Finn, who at the age of fourteen, is tom between what he is taught to do by the upright town people, and what he wants to do. He is tormented by his abusive father, and therefore after much deliberation leaves Hannibal, Missouri, an American city on the banks of the river Mississippi to see life on his own. Jim, a runaway slave who is his man Friday accompanies him in this adventurous escapade.

Huck helps Jim to escape from the clutches of his cruel master. In those days a slave was treated more like an animal, and had no rights whatsoever. A deadly fate awaited them if they were caught. Huck took pity on Jim, and agreed to help him to go to Ohio, away from the charge of his evil owner. They escaped on a homespun raft and sailed down the river Mississippi. On their journey they meet a variety of people, some good and considerate, while others bad, narrow – minded and selfish.

The author in his typical lucid yet humourous style tells the behaviour of people of that era, through the eyes and words of a teenager. He pokes fun of the religious folks, show the stupidity of feuds, ridicules lawyers, show’s the true colours of conmen, picks on doctors, and generally mocks almost everyone, including fourteen – year – old boys.
It is a classic like his other famous novels of Sawyer and is worth reading. The story line is so real, that you get hooked on to it and will not rest till you have finished it. I suggest you should also read this book for it enhances your ability to see the humourous side of life, by observing the actions and behaviour of ordinary people around us.

Give my love to uncle and aunty and love to your little sister Asha.

Your friend,
Rohan

Assignment

You have recently seen a film which has greatly impressed you. Write a letter to your cousin telling him/her why you were impressed. Advise him/her to see the film.

Your class was taken to visit an old age home where you spent half a day with the inmates. This Informal Letter was asked in ICSE 2010 board exam. You can find Previous Year Informal Letter Writing asked in ICSE board exams.

Informal Letter Writing ICSE 2010

3, Anand Vihar,
Lucknow – 226001.
22nd March, 2010.

Dear Siddhant,

Last Saturday my class teacher took us to ‘Cheshire Homes’ an old age home located in the outskirts of Lucknow. We were initially quite apprehensive about visiting such a place, instead of the zoo or going on a picnic, which could be great fun. However, since nothing could be done, I packed some magazines and books to escape boredom and set off to school.

The ‘home’ was about half an hour’s drive from school on the Rai Bareilly National Highway. A dusty driveway led to a moderate size whitewashed building with a porch. On one side of the driveway was an immaculately maintained lawn with green grass and flowerbed.

We were greeted by the warden, who offered to take us around informed that there were 25 inmates in the home, most of them over 80 years old. Some were from very good families,where they were not looked after.

On entering the common room the sombre silence was broken by the excited voices of about a dozen seniors, who greeted us warmly. They were playing cards around a table with total disinterest. On seeing us, they threw down the cards and called out to us. One elderly lady bent with age, clutching a stick came up to me, wanting to know my name and interests. Seeing the book and magazine in my hand she was overjoyed. I immediately decided to give them to her. She called out to her husband, who thanked me profusely, kissed my forehead and showered blessings. Their warmth and affection moved me to tears.

We then went around to the cafeteria and the lawn, talking to some seniors on the way. Their face lighted up on seeing us. Some of them gave us chocolates, while others shook our hand warmly and patted us lovingly. Few of them even thanked us for coming, so great was their feeling of isolation and neglect.

I returned from the visit with an indelible impression in my mind. How could anyone be so cruel, to keep parents away from the family, they so lovingly nurtured? The thought troubles me no end. I now have a new found respect for my grandparents and try to make them happy and comfortable. This is the least I can do for them, in their sunset years.

Your friend,
Rohan

Assignment

Your class was taken to visit an orphanage where you spent some time with the inmates. Write a letter to a friend telling him/ her what you saw, how you felt and in what way you have changed since the visit.

You have just acquired an unusual pet. This Informal Letter was asked in ICSE 2011 board exam. You can find Previous Year Informal Letter Writing asked in ICSE board exams.

Informal Letter Writing ICSE 2011

3, Anand Vihar,
Lucknow – 226001
22nd March 2011

Dear Seema,

Thanks for the wonderful birthday card you sent me. It was indeed very thoughtful of you to remember and send it. This year I celebrated my birthday with a difference. Instead of the usual party and cake cutting, I went with my friends for a picnic to Shaheed Smarak, which is on the banks of the River Gomti. After the boat ride, we sat down on the river bank savouring the scenic beauty. Just then I noticed a brown coloured tortoise, the size of a small plate crawling towards me. We crowded around it, but unmindful of our glare, it painstakingly made its way toward the crumbs of leftover sandwiches.

Scooping the creature in the empty paper bag, I decided to bring it home as a pet. The idea initially did not appeal to my parents, but seeing my enthusiasm, they finally acceded to my request. I made a small shelter of twigs and leaves for it, in one comer of the kitchen garden.

‘Sandy’ (as I call it) made himself comfortable in his new surroundings. To escape the summer heat it crawls into a shallow pool of water near its new abode.

It is great fun playing with Sandy in the evening. It crawls out of the pit on seeing me wave a loaf of bread. After finishing it, it hides himself under its shell. The sight of a leafy shoot only makes it stick its neck out. It is amusing to play this game of hide and seek, after which I guide it back to its shelter.

I am sure you will also like it when you visit us this summer vacation. Give my regards to Uncle and Auntie.

Your friend,
Rani

Assignment

Write a letter to a friend telling him /her what you intend to after your examination.