Letter Writing for TNPSC
This guide covers Letter Writing from Unit III (General English – TNPSC Group 2/2A syllabus).
You don’t need to write full letters in the exam — only understand formats, parts, and types to answer multiple-choice questions.
(இந்தத் தலைப்பில் கடிதத்தின் வடிவம், பாகங்கள், வகைகள் பற்றிய புரிதல் போதும். முழுக் கடிதம் எழுத தேவையில்லை).
Learning Strategies
- Check PYQs: See how letters were asked in past TNPSC papers. (முந்தைய வினாத்தாள்களைப் பாருங்கள்).
- Remember Formats: Focus on Formal Letter format — this is often tested.
- Differentiate Types: Know how to identify Complaint, Inquiry, Order, Job Application, Editor Letters, etc.
- Bilingual Practice: Learn key parts (Subject, Salutation, Closing) in English and Tamil for easy recall.
Formal vs. Informal Letters
| Feature | Formal Letter (முறைசார் கடிதம்) | Informal Letter (முறைசாரா கடிதம்) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Official, Business, Requests, Complaints | Personal (நண்பர்கள், குடும்பத்தினர்) |
| Tone | Polite, Professional | Friendly, Emotional |
| Audience | Officials, Editors, Employers | Friends, Relatives |
| Format | Strict rules | Flexible |
| Key Parts | From, To, Subject, Salutation, Body, Closing, Signature | From, Date, Greeting, Body, Closing |
Format of a Formal Letter
Memorize this structure. (TNPSC mostly asks from this format).
- Sender’s Address (From): உங்கள் முகவரி
- Date: e.g., 21 August 2025
- Receiver’s Address (To): யாருக்கு எழுதுகிறோம் அவர்களின் முகவரி
- Subject: Purpose in one line (கடிதத்தின் நோக்கம்)
- Salutation:
Respected Sir/Madam, - Body of the Letter:
- Intro: State reason
- Details: Information / Complaint / Request
- Conclusion: Thanking / Request for action
- Complimentary Close:
Yours faithfully,/Yours sincerely, - Signature: Name + Signature
Types of Letters (TNPSC Exam Focus)
| Type | Purpose | Example Scenario |
|---|---|---|
| Complaint Letter | Report a problem | About poor road condition |
| Inquiry Letter | To get information | Asking college about a course |
| Placing Order | Requesting goods/services | School ordering books |
| Job Application | Applying for a job | Sending resume to a company |
| Letter to the Editor | Express opinion | Traffic issues in your city |
Examples of Letter Types (மாதிரிக் கடிதங்கள்)
Here are simple examples for each major letter type. Pay close attention to the structure and phrasing.
1. Complaint Letter (புகார் கடிதம்)
Scenario: Complaining about the poor condition of roads in your area.
From K. Ram, 12, Gandhi Street, Anna Nagar, Chennai - 600040.
Date 21 August 2025
To The Municipal Commissioner, Corporation of Chennai, Chennai - 600003.
Subject: Complaint regarding the poor condition of roads in Anna Nagar.
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am writing to bring to your attention the pathetic condition of the roads in our locality, Anna Nagar. The roads are full of potholes and have not been repaired for over a year.
During the monsoon, these potholes get filled with water, causing a major hazard for pedestrians and vehicles. This has led to several minor accidents recently. It also causes severe traffic congestion during peak hours.
I kindly request you to take immediate action and repair the roads at the earliest. We would be very grateful for your prompt attention to this matter.
Yours faithfully, (Signature) K. Ram
2. Inquiry Letter (விசாரணைக் கடிதம்)
Scenario: Inquiring about a diploma course in a computer education center.
From S. Priya, 5B, V.O.C. Street, Madurai - 625001.
Date 21 August 2025
To The Director, Aptech Computer Education, Anna Salai, Madurai - 625002.
Subject: Inquiry regarding Diploma in Web Designing course.
Respected Sir/Madam,
With reference to your advertisement in "The Hindu" dated 20th August 2025, I would like to know more details about the Diploma in Web Designing course offered by your institution.
Could you please provide me with the following information:
- The duration of the course.
- The fee structure and installment options.
- The timing of the batches (weekday and weekend).
- The eligibility criteria for admission.
I have completed my Higher Secondary Education and am eager to join the course. Kindly send me the prospectus and application form at your earliest convenience.
Yours faithfully, (Signature) S. Priya
3. Placing an Order Letter (ஆர்டர் கடிதம்)
Scenario: A school librarian ordering books from a publisher.
From The Librarian, Government Boys Hr. Sec. School, Salem - 636007.
Date 21 August 2025
To The Manager, Bharathi Pathippagam, 123, T. Nagar, Chennai - 600017.
Subject: Order for school library books.
Respected Sir/Madam,
This is with reference to your latest catalogue. We would like to place an order for the following books for our school library.
| S.No. | Book Title | Author | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | History of Modern India | Bipan Chandra | 10 |
| 2. | A Brief History of Time | Stephen Hawking | 5 |
| 3. | General English for Exams | R.S. Aggarwal | 15 |
Kindly deliver the books by the end of this month. Please ensure they are in good condition. The payment will be made via cheque upon receipt of the books and the bill.
Yours faithfully, (Signature) Librarian
4. Letter to the Editor (ஆசிரியருக்குக் கடிதம்)
Scenario: Highlighting the issue of frequent power cuts in your locality.
From R. Kumar, 25, Bharathi Street, Coimbatore - 641001.
Date 21 August 2025
To The Editor, The Times of India, Coimbatore - 641018.
Subject: Frequent power cuts in Gandhipuram area.
Respected Sir/Madam,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the concerned authorities to the problem of frequent power cuts in the Gandhipuram area.
For the past two months, we have been experiencing unscheduled power cuts that last for hours. This has severely disrupted daily life. Students are unable to study for their exams, and household chores are affected. The situation is worse for elderly residents.
I hope the electricity board will look into this matter urgently and take necessary steps to ensure an uninterrupted power supply.
Yours faithfully, (Signature) R. Kumar
Informal Letters (முறைசாரா கடிதம்)
Very simple structure:
- From Address & Date
- Greeting (Dear Friend/Uncle, etc.)
- Body – Personal content (நண்பர்கள், உறவினர்களுக்கு)
- Closing –
Yours lovingly,/With love, - Name
TNPSC rarely asks full informal letters. Usually, they test the difference between Formal & Informal. E.g., "Which part is not required in informal letters?" → Answer: Subject/Receiver’s Address.
Informal Letter Example
Scenario: Writing to a friend, inviting them to your housewarming ceremony.
4/55, Nehru Nagar, Tiruchirappalli - 620020. 21 August 2025
My dear Vimal,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am very happy to inform you that our new house is finally ready!
The housewarming ceremony is on the 31st of August 2025. I am writing to invite you and your family to attend the function and bless us. The ceremony will start at 10:00 AM, followed by lunch.
I am eagerly waiting for your arrival. It would be great to celebrate this special day with you.
With love, Arun
How Questions are Asked
TNPSC will give a scenario and ask:
- "What is the correct subject for this letter?"
- "Which is the formal closing?"
- "Identify the type of letter: Complaint, Inquiry, Order."
- "Which part is not needed in informal letters?"
📝 Questions & Answers
1) Who according to Gandhi, can fight against evil and how?
Ans: According to Gandhi, a person who follows nonviolent methods can fight against evil.
2) What is Gandhiji's ideal?
Ans: Gandhiji's ideal is against the cowardliness of hidden revenge and the cowed submissiveness of the terror-stricken.
3) According to Tagore, when will India get the opportunity to win the gift of freedom?
Ans: India will get the opportunity to win the gift of freedom when she can prove that she is morally superior to the people who rule her by their right of conquest.
4) How does Tagore acknowledge Gandhi’s noble work?
Ans: Tagore acknowledges Gandhiji's noble work by offering or dedicating a poem to him.
5) Find words from the passage which mean the same as the following:
a) a malevolent desire for revenge (para 1) – Vengefulness
b) tactful (para 2) – Diplomatic
c) despise (para 3) – Disdain
6) Find words from the passage which are antonyms of the following:
a) artificially (para 1) – Naturally
b) strength (para 2) – Weaken
🎯 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1) Which of these is not a part of a letter?
Ans: a) Photo
Explanation: Any letter must have seven parts: writer's address, date, greeting/salutation, contents, leave-taking, signature, and envelope info.
2) Social letters include ____ letters.
Ans: a) Friendly
Explanation: Social letters include friendly letters and invitation letters.
3) Which of the following statements is incorrect?
Ans: c) A letter must be written in one single paragraph.
Explanation: A letter should be divided into paragraphs.
4) Which of these is used as a form of greeting for business people?
Ans: c) Dear Mr. Patel
Explanation: For business people: Dear Sir, Dear Mr. Patel, etc. For friends/family: Dear Father, Dear Nitin.
5) Which of these is an example of courteous leave-taking?
Ans: a) Yours sincerely,
Explanation: Always written below the last line, right-aligned, with first letter capitalized.
6) What is the information endorsed on the envelope?
Ans: a) Name and address
Explanation: The name and address of the receiver are written on the envelope.
9) Where should the signature of the writer be placed?
Ans: a) Below the courteous leave taking
Example:
Yours sincerely,
Nitin Sharma
10) Which of these details is not required in a letter of enquiry?
Ans: a) Age of owner
Explanation: Relevant details include mode of payment, transport, packing, delivery — but not the owner’s age.
11) The salutation is placed at the extreme left hand of the first page.
Ans: b) True
12) The writer's address is placed at the top left corner.
Ans: b) False
Explanation: It is placed at the top right corner.
13) Which of these is not a mode of address for any letter?
Ans: b) To a child
14) The space to be left from the top is:
Ans: b) 5 cms
15) Which of these should not be present in a business letter?
Ans: d) Business jargon
16) Where are the details of enclosures mentioned?
Ans: d) Below the signature column
17) Which of these must not be mentioned in a business letter?
Ans: a) With regards
18) Where should the name of the firm be mentioned?
Ans: b) Above the address of the writer
19) Business letters should be concise.
Ans: a) True
20) The mode of payment must be stated in business letters.
Ans: a) True
21) Which of these is not used to conclude a business letter?
Ans: c) Yours sincerely
22) Which of these must be avoided in business letters?
Ans: a) Abbreviations
23) Where should the name and address of the firm writing the letter be mentioned in a letter of enquiry?
Ans: b) Top right corner
24) Where should the courteous leave-taking be mentioned on a letter of enquiry?
Ans: d) Bottom right corner
25) Which of these details is not required in a letter of enquiry?
Ans: a) Age of owner
26) General enquiry letters do not result in any business return.
Ans: b) True
27) Which of these is not a letter of enquiry?
Ans: a) Friendly enquiry
28) Which of these seek information regarding purchase of a product?
Ans: b) Sales related enquiry
29) Which of these are the most common type of business letters?
Ans: a) Letters of enquiry
30) What is the best way to seek information regarding finance?
Ans: b) Banks
31) Which of these is not a type of letters of enquiry?
Ans: d) Personal enquiries
32) Sales related enquiries seek information regarding the business practice of enterprises.
Ans: b) False
Explanation: Sales enquiries seek information regarding purchase of a product; status enquiries seek business practice info.