Bihar Board Class 11 English – Letters and Applications

Bihar Board Class 11 English Letters and Applications is an important topic in the English Grammar and Writing section. Letter writing teaches students how to communicate information, requests, opinions and personal messages in a clear and appropriate format.

In the examination, students may be asked to write different types of letters, including formal letters, applications and informal or personal letters. Understanding the correct format, tone and purpose of each type is essential for writing a good answer.

Bihar Board Class 11 English Letters and Applications – Overview

What Is Letter Writing?

A letter is a written form of communication used to share information, feelings, requests, opinions or messages with another person or organisation.

Letters can broadly be divided into two categories:

1. Formal Letters
2. Informal Letters

What Is an Application?

An application is a formal written request made to an authority or responsible person for a particular purpose.

Students commonly write applications to the Principal or Head of an institution for leave, fee-related matters, certificates, permissions or other school-related requirements.

Types of Letters

1. Formal Letters

Formal letters are written to people or organisations in an official or professional context.

Examples include:

• Letter to the Editor
• Complaint letter
• Letter requesting information
• Letter to an authority
• Application for a service or facility
• Business or official communication

2. Informal Letters

Informal letters are written to friends, relatives or other people with whom the writer has a personal relationship.

Examples include:

• Letter to a friend
• Letter to parents
• Letter to a brother or sister
• Letter congratulating someone
• Letter describing a personal experience
• Letter inviting someone

Format of a Formal Letter

A formal letter generally follows this structure:

1. Sender’s Address
2. Date
3. Receiver’s Address
4. Subject
5. Salutation
6. Body of the Letter
7. Complimentary Close
8. Name / Signature

1. Sender’s Address

The sender’s address is written at the beginning of the letter.

Example:

25 Gandhi Nagar,
Patna, Bihar

2. Date

The date is written below the sender’s address.

Example:

15 August 2026

3. Receiver’s Address

The receiver’s address identifies the person or authority to whom the letter is being sent.

Example:

The Editor,
The Times of India,
Patna

4. Subject

The subject briefly explains the purpose of the letter.

Example:

Subject: Poor condition of roads in our locality

5. Salutation

The salutation depends on the person receiving the letter.

Common formal salutations include:

• Sir/Madam,
• Respected Sir,
• Respected Madam,

6. Body of the Letter

The body contains the main message. It should generally be divided into clear paragraphs.

Opening paragraph: Introduce the purpose of the letter.

Middle paragraph: Explain the relevant facts, reasons or problems.

Final paragraph: State the request, suggestion or expected action.

7. Complimentary Close

Common formal closings include:

• Yours faithfully,
• Yours sincerely,

8. Name and Signature

The letter should end with the name of the writer. If the examination specifies a particular identity, use the name given in the question.

Format of an Informal Letter

An informal letter generally includes:

1. Sender’s Address
2. Date
3. Salutation
4. Body of the Letter
5. Informal Closing
6. Name

Common informal salutations include Dear Friend, Dear Brother, Dear Mother, Dear Rohan and similar expressions.

Common informal closings include Yours lovingly, Yours affectionately, With love and similar expressions.

Format of an Application

A formal application generally contains:

1. Receiver’s designation and address
2. Date, where appropriate
3. Subject
4. Salutation
5. Request and explanation
6. Closing
7. Name, class and roll number where required

How to Write a Good Application

1. Clearly state the reason for writing.
2. Provide the necessary details.
3. Keep the language polite and formal.
4. Make the request clear.
5. Avoid unnecessary information.
6. End by politely requesting the authority to consider the matter.

Application Example 1 – Leave Due to Illness

To,
The Principal,
ABC Senior Secondary School,
Patna

Subject: Application for leave due to illness

Respected Sir/Madam,

I am a student of Class XI of your school. I am suffering from fever and have been advised to take rest for a few days. Therefore, I am unable to attend school from 15 August to 17 August 2026.

I kindly request you to grant me leave for the above-mentioned period.

Yours obediently,
Rahul Kumar
Class XI-A

Application Example 2 – Leave for Family Function

To,
The Principal,
ABC Senior Secondary School,
Patna

Subject: Application for leave to attend a family function

Respected Sir/Madam,

I am a student of Class XI-B. I have to attend an important family function in my native village. Therefore, I will not be able to attend school from 20 September to 22 September 2026.

I request you to kindly grant me leave for three days.

Yours obediently,
Aman Kumar
Class XI-B

Application Example 3 – Fee Concession

To,
The Principal,
ABC Senior Secondary School,
Patna

Subject: Application for fee concession

Respected Sir/Madam,

I am a student of Class XI and have been studying in your school. My family is currently facing financial difficulties, making it difficult to pay the full school fee.

I therefore request you to kindly consider my situation and grant me a suitable fee concession.

Yours obediently,
Ravi Kumar
Class XI

Application Example 4 – School Leaving Certificate

To,
The Principal,
ABC Senior Secondary School,
Patna

Subject: Application for School Leaving Certificate

Respected Sir/Madam,

I have completed my studies at your school and need a School Leaving Certificate for further admission. I have cleared all the necessary school requirements.

I request you to kindly issue my School Leaving Certificate at the earliest.

Yours obediently,
Neha Kumari
Class XI

Application Example 5 – Character Certificate

To,
The Principal,
ABC Senior Secondary School,
Patna

Subject: Application for Character Certificate

Respected Sir/Madam,

I am a student of Class XI of your school. I require a Character Certificate for an academic purpose.

I kindly request you to issue the certificate at your convenience.

Yours obediently,
Priya Kumari
Class XI-A

Application Example 6 – Permission for Educational Excursion

To,
The Principal,
ABC Senior Secondary School,
Patna

Subject: Request for permission to organise an educational excursion

Respected Sir/Madam,

We, the students of Class XI, would like to organise an educational visit to a nearby historical site. Such a visit would help us learn more about the historical and cultural importance of the place.

We request you to kindly grant permission for the proposed educational excursion.

Yours obediently,
Class XI Students

Formal Letter Example 1 – Letter to the Editor About Road Problems

25 Gandhi Nagar,
Patna, Bihar

15 August 2026

The Editor,
The Times of India,
Patna

Subject: Poor condition of roads in our locality

Sir/Madam,

Through the columns of your newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the concerned authorities towards the poor condition of roads in our locality.

Several roads have developed large potholes and become difficult to use, particularly during the rainy season. The poor condition of the roads causes inconvenience to pedestrians, cyclists and motorists and may also increase the risk of accidents.

I request the concerned authorities to take immediate steps to repair the damaged roads.

Yours faithfully,
Rahul Kumar

Formal Letter Example 2 – Letter to the Editor About Pollution

25 Gandhi Nagar,
Patna, Bihar

20 August 2026

The Editor,
The Hindu,
Patna

Subject: Need to control air pollution

Sir/Madam,

Through your newspaper, I wish to draw attention to the increasing problem of air pollution in our city.

Vehicle emissions, construction activities, industrial pollution and the burning of waste contribute to poor air quality. Pollution affects public health and the environment.

The authorities should strengthen pollution-control measures and encourage cleaner transport and responsible waste management. Public awareness is also necessary.

Yours faithfully,
Aman Kumar

Formal Letter Example 3 – Complaint About Irregular Water Supply

25 Gandhi Nagar,
Patna, Bihar

5 September 2026

The Municipal Commissioner,
Patna Municipal Corporation,
Patna

Subject: Irregular water supply in our locality

Sir/Madam,

I am writing to bring to your notice the irregular water supply in our locality. Residents have been facing considerable difficulty because water is not supplied regularly.

The problem has affected households, students and elderly residents. We request the concerned department to investigate the matter and restore a regular water supply as soon as possible.

I hope necessary action will be taken promptly.

Yours faithfully,
Ravi Kumar

Informal Letter Example 1 – Letter to a Friend About Examination Preparation

25 Gandhi Nagar,
Patna, Bihar

15 March 2026

Dear Rohan,

I hope you are fine. I am writing to tell you about my preparation for the upcoming examination.

I have prepared a study timetable and am giving extra time to subjects in which I need more practice. I am also solving previous questions and revising important topics regularly.

You should also prepare a practical timetable and take proper breaks while studying. I am sure that regular practice will help us perform well.

With best wishes,
Rahul

Informal Letter Example 2 – Invitation to a Friend

25 Gandhi Nagar,
Patna, Bihar

10 April 2026

Dear Amit,

I am happy to tell you that my family is organising a small celebration at our home next Sunday. I would be delighted if you could come and spend the day with us.

The programme will begin in the evening. Some of our close relatives and friends will also be present.

Please try your best to come. I am looking forward to meeting you.

Yours affectionately,
Ravi

Informal Letter Example 3 – Congratulating a Friend

25 Gandhi Nagar,
Patna, Bihar

5 May 2026

Dear Priya,

I was very happy to hear that you secured an excellent position in your examination. Please accept my warm congratulations on your achievement.

Your success is the result of your hard work, discipline and regular study. I am sure you will continue to perform well in your future studies.

Once again, congratulations and best wishes for your future.

Yours affectionately,
Neha

Important Letters and Applications Topics

• Application for sick leave
• Application for leave due to a family function
• Application for fee concession
• Application for Character Certificate
• Application for School Leaving Certificate
• Application for permission for an educational excursion
• Letter to the Editor about pollution
• Letter to the Editor about poor roads
• Letter about irregular water supply
• Letter about traffic problems
• Letter requesting information
• Letter to a friend about examination preparation
• Letter inviting a friend
• Letter congratulating a friend
• Letter describing a personal experience

Formal and Informal Letters – Difference

Common Mistakes in Letters and Applications

• Using the wrong format.
• Forgetting the subject in a formal letter.
• Using informal language in an official application.
• Writing unnecessary information.
• Failing to state the purpose clearly.
• Using an inappropriate salutation or closing.
• Making mistakes in the address or date.
• Writing excessively long paragraphs.
• Making spelling and grammatical errors.
• Ignoring the instructions given in the examination question.

How to Score Better in Letters and Applications

1. Identify whether the question requires a formal or informal letter.
2. Understand the exact purpose of the letter.
3. Follow the appropriate format.
4. Use a suitable subject for formal letters.
5. Keep the body organised into clear paragraphs.
6. Use polite and appropriate language.
7. Make the request or message clear.
8. Use a suitable closing.
9. Check the address, date, spelling and grammar.
10. Follow the prescribed word limit when one is given.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is letter writing?

Letter writing is a form of written communication used to share information, requests, opinions, feelings or messages with another person or organisation.

What is an application?

An application is a formal written request made to an authority for a particular purpose.

What are the main types of letters?

The two broad categories are formal letters and informal letters.

What language should be used in a formal letter?

A formal letter should use clear, polite, respectful and formal language.

Should a formal letter have a subject?

Yes. A short and specific subject helps the receiver immediately understand the purpose of the letter.

How should an application end?

An application should end with a polite request followed by an appropriate formal closing and the applicant’s name and relevant details.

Quick Revision

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Bihar Board Class 11 English Notice Writing

Conclusion

Bihar Board Class 11 English Letters and Applications requires students to understand the purpose, format and appropriate language of different types of written communication.

For formal letters and applications, students should pay special attention to the address, date, subject, salutation, body, closing and signature. Informal letters should maintain a friendly and personal tone while still being clear and well organised.

Regular practice of applications, formal letters and informal letters can help students improve their writing skills and perform confidently in the English examination.