Class 11 English Hornbill (Writing Skills) Chapter 5 Letter-writing

Key Concept: Formal Letters

a) Requesting a certificate from a government office

[Solution Description]

Formal letters are used to convey official business or information, such as writing to public bodies or agencies for civic requirements. A scenario that involves official communication, like requesting a certificate, would require a formal letter.

Key Concept: Complimentary Close

c) Yours sincerely

[Solution Description]

In formal letters, the appropriate complimentary closes are ‘Yours sincerely’ or ‘Yours truly’. These phrases are professional and widely accepted in formal correspondence. Other options like ‘Thanking you’ or ‘Hope to see you soon’ are either grammatically incorrect or too informal for formal letters.

Key Concept: Curriculum Vitae Format

c) Favorite Foods

[Solution Description]

A curriculum vitae includes sections such as name, address, telephone number, e-mail ID, date of birth, academic qualifications, experience, skills, languages known, hobbies and interests, achievements, and references. “Favorite Foods” is not a standard section.

Key Concept: Formal Letter Format

a) Sender’s name and address, Date, Addressee’s name and address, Salutation, Subject line, Body of the letter, Complimentary close, Signature

[Solution Description]

The correct order of elements in a formal letter is as follows: Sender’s name and address, Date, Addressee’s name and address, Salutation, Subject line, Body of the letter, Complimentary close, and Signature.

Key Concept: Salutation in Formal Letters

d) Dear Sir/Madam

[Solution Description]

In formal letters, the correct salutation for someone you do not know personally is “Dear Sir/Madam”. This is because it maintains a respectful and professional tone.

Key Concept: Curriculum Vitae Format

a) Blood Group

[Solution Description]

A curriculum vitae (CV) includes personal details such as name, address, telephone number, email ID, and date of birth. It also includes academic qualifications, experience, skills, languages known, hobbies and interests, achievements, and references. However, a CV does not usually include unrelated personal information such as blood group.

Key Concept: Cover Letter Content

b) The position you are applying for

[Solution Description] The opening paragraph of a cover letter typically includes the position you are applying for and how you found out about it. This sets the context for the rest of the letter.

Key Concept: Writing Etiquette

b) Including slang words

[Solution Description]

In professional or formal communication, it is important to avoid using slang, informal language, or irrelevant personal details. This ensures the letter remains respectful and appropriate for the context.

Key Concept: Job Application Components

d) Personal Photograph

[Solution Description]

A job application package usually includes a cover letter, resume, and sometimes additional documents like references or a photograph. Personal photographs are not always required unless specified in the job advertisement.

The correct answer is the one that does not belong to these standard components.

Key Concept: Historical Letter Writing

b) To provide insight into the thoughts and experiences of the historical figure

[Solution Description]

The primary purpose of writing a letter from the perspective of a historical figure is to provide insight into the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of that person during a specific historical period. It helps in understanding the context and motivations behind their actions.

Key Concept: Letter Writing

b) Non-Receipt of Roll Number Card for Class XII Examination

[Solution Description] The subject line of a formal letter should clearly and concisely state the purpose of the letter. In this case, the purpose is to request the Roll Number card for the Class XII examination. Therefore, the most appropriate subject line would directly address this issue.

Key Concept: Error Detection and Correction

b) Position 2

[Solution Description]

To detect the error, we calculate the parity bits:

Parity bit $P_1$ covers positions 1, 3, 5, 7: $1 \oplus 1 \oplus 0 \oplus 0 = 0$

Parity bit $P_2$ covers positions 2, 3, 6, 7: $1 \oplus 1 \oplus 1 \oplus 0 = 1$

Parity bit $P_4$ covers positions 4, 5, 6, 7: $1 \oplus 0 \oplus 1 \oplus 0 = 0$

The error is at position $P_2$, which corresponds to bit position 2.

Key Concept: Informal Letter Format

c) Yours affectionately,

[Solution Description]

The closing of an informal letter should be warm and personal, reflecting the relationship between the writer and the recipient. Common phrases include “Yours affectionately,” “With love,” “All the best,” or “Take care.” These phrases are suitable for ending informal letters.

Key Concept: Complimentary Close

b) Yours sincerely

[Solution Description]

In a formal letter, the appropriate complimentary close includes phrases like “Yours sincerely” or “Yours truly”, followed by the writer’s signature. These phrases are polite and professional, suitable for formal communication.

Key Concept: Date in Formal Letters

c) Below the sender’s address

[Solution Description]

In a formal letter, the date should be placed below the sender’s address, aligned to the left in the Full-Block style.

Key Concept: Complimentary Close

b) Yours sincerely

[Solution Description]

A formal letter should end with a polite and professional complimentary close such as “Yours sincerely” or “Yours truly”. “Cheers” is too informal, while “Best wishes” can be semi-formal. “Lots of love” is entirely inappropriate for a formal letter.

Key Concept: Letter-writing Purpose

c) To communicate with geographically distant people

[Solution Description]

The primary purpose of letter-writing in earlier times was to facilitate communication between people who were geographically distant from one another. This was especially important when more immediate forms of communication, such as telephones and emails, were not available. Letters served as the main means of conveying messages, information, and maintaining relationships over long distances.

Key Concept: Purpose of Letter

b) To convey official business or information

[Solution Description] The primary purpose of a formal letter is to convey official business or information. It is used to communicate with public bodies, agencies, or individuals in a professional context.

Key Concept: Informal Letter Tone

c) All the best

[Solution Description]

Informal letters allow for more personal and flexible closings such as ‘Yours affectionately’, ‘With love’, ‘All the best’, or ‘Take care’. These closings reflect the personal nature of the letter.

Key Concept: Basic Concept

c) Single-blind peer review

[Solution Description]

One of the most common types of peer review is single-blind peer review, where the reviewers know the identity of the authors, but the authors do not know the identity of the reviewers.

Key Concept: Informal Letter Format

c) Sender’s name in the sender’s address

[Solution Description]

An informal letter typically includes the sender’s address, date, salutation, body, closing phrase, and signature. The sender’s name is not included in the sender’s address. Therefore, the incorrect component is the inclusion of the sender’s name in the sender’s address.

Key Concept: Formal Letter Structure

b) Sender’s name and address, Date, Receiver’s name and address, Salutation, Subject line, Content of the letter, Complimentary close, Signature

[Solution Description]

The correct order of elements in a formal letter is: 1. Sender’s name and address, 2. Date, 3. Receiver’s name and address, 4. Salutation, 5. Subject line, 6. Content of the letter, 7. Complimentary close, 8. Signature.

Key Concept: Purpose of Letter of Inquiry

c) To seek specific information

[Solution Description]

The primary purpose of a letter of inquiry is to seek specific information or details from the concerned authority or organization.

Key Concept: Basic Concept

b) To summarize the main points

[Solution Description]

The purpose of a conclusion in an essay is to summarize the main points and restate the thesis in a way that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Key Concept: Informal Letter Salutation

c) Dear Sujata

[Solution Description]

In informal letters, especially when addressing friends or family, common salutations include “Dear [Name].” This is a warm and friendly way to start the letter.

Key Concept: Letter-Writing

c) Formal and respectful

[Solution Description] A letter to a newspaper editor should maintain a formal and respectful tone while expressing opinions or concerns.

Key Concept: Structure of a Formal Letter

a) Name and address of sender, Date, Addressee’s name and address, Salutation, Subject line, Content of letter, Complimentary close and signature

[Solution Description]

The correct sequence for the parts of a formal letter starts with the sender’s name and address, followed by the date. Then comes the addressee’s name and address, followed by the salutation. After that, the subject line is written, followed by the content of the letter. Finally, the letter ends with a complimentary close and the sender’s signature. This sequence ensures clarity and follows standard formal letter-writing conventions.

Key Concept: Salutation

c) Dear Sir/Madam

[Solution Description]

When writing to a total stranger in a formal letter, the appropriate salutation is “Dear Sir/Madam.” This form of address is used when the writer does not know the person at all and maintains a formal tone.

Key Concept: Letter Formatting

c) Left-aligned

[Solution Description]

In the full-block style of letter formatting, all parts of the letter, including the sender’s address, date, salutation, body, complimentary close, and signature, are aligned on the left margin. This is a standard practice in modern letter formatting.

Key Concept: Curriculum Vitae

b) E-mail ID

[Solution Description] A curriculum vitae must include essential details such as name, address, telephone number, and email ID. These are mandatory components to ensure proper identification and contact.

Key Concept: Resume Format

c) Your communication skills

[Solution Description]

The “Skills” section of a resume includes specific abilities relevant to the job, such as communication skills, technical skills, language proficiency, or any other competencies that are pertinent to the position being applied for.

Key Concept: Professional Tone

b) I was glad to receive your letter of 10 January

[Solution Description]

The syllabus suggests avoiding hackneyed expressions like ‘With reference to your letter dated 10 January’ and instead using personalised variations such as ‘I was glad to receive your letter of 10 January…’. Therefore, the correct option should reflect this professional tone.

Key Concept: Purpose of Formal Letters

b) Asking for a certificate

[Solution Description]

A common purpose for writing a formal letter in civic life is to request a certificate or inform about a change in address. Formal letters are used to communicate with public bodies or agencies for various civic requirements.

Key Concept: Complimentary Close

c) Thanking you

[Solution Description]

In formal letters, it is inappropriate to use hanging participles like ‘Thanking you’ or ‘Awaiting your reply’ as they are grammatically incorrect and unprofessional. Instead, complete phrases like ‘Thank you’ or ‘We/I await/look forward to your reply’ should be used.

Key Concept: Job Application Letter

b) Your academic qualifications and skills

[Solution Description]

A job application covering letter should include your name and address, the date, the recipient’s details (e.g., The Manager, Human Resource Division), a salutation (e.g., Dear Sir/Madam), a statement of intent (e.g., applying for the advertised position), relevant qualifications and skills, and a closing remark (e.g., Yours truly). It should also mention the enclosure of a resume or CV.

Key Concept: Salutation

d) Dear Sir/Madam

[Solution Description]

In a formal job application letter, when addressing someone you do not know personally, the appropriate salutation is “Dear Sir/Madam”.

Key Concept: Complimentary Close

c) Yours sincerely

[Solution Description]

If you have addressed the person by their name in a formal letter, the correct complimentary close is “Yours sincerely”. This is the standard practice in formal correspondence when the recipient’s name is known.

Key Concept: Job Application Closing

c) Using “Yours truly” followed by a signature

[Solution Description] A job application letter should be formally closed with phrases like “Yours sincerely” or “Yours truly,” followed by the sender’s signature and name.

Key Concept: Educational Qualifications

b) Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)

[Solution Description]

Teaching at the primary level usually requires a certification such as a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) or a Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed.), which equips individuals with the pedagogical skills needed for this role.

Key Concept: Curriculum Vitae Format

a) Examination, Board/University, Subjects, Year, Division

[Solution Description]

The “Academic Qualifications” section of a Curriculum Vitae typically includes details about the examinations taken, the board/university, subjects studied, year of passing, and the division obtained. This section provides a summary of the candidate’s educational background.

Key Concept: Letter-Writing Purpose

c) As the only means of communication between distant people

[Solution Description] Before the advent of telephones and e-mails, letter-writing was the primary means of communication between people who were geographically distant from each other. It served as an important channel for exchanging information and maintaining relationships.

Key Concept: Job Application Format

c) At the top of the letter

[Solution Description] In a job application letter, the applicant’s name and address are typically placed at the top of the letter, followed by the date, the recipient’s details, and then the salutation. This is a standard format for formal letters.

Key Concept: Objective Statement

b) 300

[Solution Description]

To determine the number of units required to achieve a profit of at least \$10,000, we set up the inequality $P(x) \geq 10000$:

$40x – 2000 \geq 10000$

Add 2000 to both sides:

$40x \geq 12000$

Divide both sides by 40:

$x \geq \frac{12000}{40} = 300$

Therefore, the business must sell at least 300 units to meet the objective.

Key Concept: Structure of an Informal Letter

c) Dear + First Name

[Solution Description]

In an informal letter, when writing to a close friend, the salutation should be personal and friendly. Using “Dear [Friend’s Name]” is a common and appropriate way to begin such a letter.

Key Concept: Letter Content Structure

b) Recipient’s phone number

[Solution Description]

The components of a formal letter include the sender’s name and address, the date, the salutation, the content, and the complimentary close. However, the recipient’s phone number is not a standard component of a formal letter’s content structure.

Key Concept: Informal Letters

c) The format is flexible and can include personal greetings

[Solution Description] Informal letters are personal in nature and have a flexible format. They typically include the sender’s address, date, salutation, body, and closing. The format does not require strict adherence to formalities like job titles or official addresses. The correct answer is the option that highlights the flexibility of the format.

Key Concept: Formal Letter Structure

c) Referring to an earlier letter if responding to it

[Solution Description]

In formal letters, one must introduce oneself if it is the first time writing to the addressee, refer to an earlier letter if responding to it, state the purpose of the letter, and urge action to be taken or offer assistance in the future. These steps ensure clarity and professionalism in communication.