Email Writing and Letter Writing

Why Email Writing and Letter Writing Matter for CBSE Students

Every year when the writing skills unit begins, I notice the same quiet worry on many faces. Students feel confident with grammar and comprehension, but the moment we start Email Writing and Letter Writing for CBSE Students, the room shifts. A few children look unsure, and some even look nervous before attempting the first example. Last year, a boy named Kunal kept tapping his pencil until he finally whispered, Ma’am, what if I forget the exact format. His concern was honest and familiar, something I have seen in many classrooms.

Email writing and letter writing look difficult only because children imagine they must fill the page with perfect sentences. In reality, CBSE expects the opposite. The goal is clarity. A short, neat structure. A steady tone. A clean presentation. Once students understand this, their fear fades and these questions become the easiest source of sure marks.

Emails and letters teach real communication skills. A clear email helps students write to teachers, apply for events or share information politely. A well shaped letter teaches them how to organise thoughts respectfully. These are life skills that shape confidence long after exams are over.

What Email Writing Really Means for CBSE Students

Whenever I begin email writing, I start with a simple exercise. I ask a student to imagine writing a short message to a teacher about an absence. When students speak their message aloud, it is always clear and short. But once they begin writing on paper, the tone suddenly changes. They write longer sentences. They add extra details. It becomes heavier than necessary.

So the first reminder is always the same. Write the way you speak, but keep it respectful.

Here is the simple CBSE structure for emails.

Sender’s email

Receiver’s email

Subject

Salutation

Body in two or three small paragraphs

Closing line

Name

Class

The purpose should appear in the first paragraph. Any small detail can appear in the second. A short, polite line completes the email. When students see how little is required, their confidence rises immediately.

Understanding Letter Writing for CBSE Students

Letter writing still holds a thoughtful space in the CBSE curriculum because it teaches tone, structure and clarity. There are two types. Formal letters and informal letters. Both have different purposes and different tones.

A formal letter feels calm, respectful and organised. It is used when writing to the principal, an official or any authority. CBSE checks whether the student uses the correct structure and stays factual throughout.

Here is the CBSE structure for formal letters.

Sender’s address

Date

Receiver’s address

Subject

Salutation

Body in three paragraphs

Closing phrase Signature

Name

Designation if given

• The three paragraphs are steady to follow.

• The first paragraph shares the purpose.

• The second carries the details.

• The last gives the closing request or expectation.

Informal letters feel personal and warm. Students write to their friends or relatives. They describe simple experiences or ask about recent events. The structure still stays neat with address, date, greeting, body and closing phrase.

Handwritten letters

How Many Words Should CBSE Emails and Letters Contain

Students often ask how long their answers should be. CBSE does not expect long writing. It expects clear organisation and steady flow.

For Email Writing, the ideal length is around 50 to 70 words and 2 or 3 short paragraphs.A clear purpose and a polite closing.

For Formal Letters, the usual length is around 100 to 120 words.Three paragraph structure makes this simple.Each paragraph focuses on one idea.

For Informal Letters, the length may reach 120 to 140 words.Students naturally write more because the tone is personal and relaxed

Knowing these word ranges helps children stay calm and avoid unnecessary lines.

Classroom Moments that Build Confidence

Teaching writing is never only about formats. It is about helping children feel comfortable. When students hesitate, I slow down the pace. I choose one example and we write it together. Then they rewrite it in their own words. Some children shorten it. Some expand it. Some find a clearer sentence. These small differences make them feel confident because they learn that they do not need to copy a model word by word.

Kunal, who was nervous at the start, eventually wrote the cleanest letter in the class. When I asked him what helped, he said, I stopped trying to sound formal on purpose. I just wrote clearly. That one simple line captures the heart of Email Writing and Letter Writing for CBSE Students better than any notes ever could.

Ready Formats for Students to Practise

Here are two simple formats your students can follow confidently.

Sample Email Format for CBSE Students

To: classcoordinator@wisdompoint.com

Subject: Request for Leave

Respected Ma’am,

I would like to request leave for one day as I am unwell and need rest. I will complete the classwork given today and submit it tomorrow.

Kindly allow me leave for the day.

Thank you.

Yours sincerely

Riya Sen

Class 7 C

Sample Formal Letter Format for CBSE Students

15 September 2025

The Principal

Sunrise Public School

Kolkata

Subject-Request for Permission to Participate in Debate Competition

Respected Sir

I am writing to request permission to participate in the inter school debate competition scheduled for 20 September at Lake Auditorium. Our English teacher informed us that the topic will relate to current issues, and I have already started preparing my ideas and collecting information. This competition will help me learn how to express my thoughts clearly and speak with confidence on stage.

I will be participating with two classmates, and we have planned short practice sessions after school. I assure you that all classwork and homework for that day will be completed on time. I understand the importance of balancing studies with activities and will manage both responsibilities carefully.

I kindly request you to grant me permission for this event. I will follow all instructions given by the teachers in charge.

Yours faithfully,

Arjun Mehta

Class 9 A

How Wisdom Point Supports Children in Writing

At Wisdom Point, we help children understand writing in a natural and steady way. Students read the question with us. They underline the key parts. We practise tone and the first line together. Slowly, the blank page becomes far less intimidating. Children learn to trust their own clarity.

Along with writing, our classes support English, Math, Science and exam preparation for CBSE, ICSE, IGCSE, IB, SAT, PSAT, AP, Common Core, CogAT, KBIT, SSAT, AMC and Science Olympiad. Our focus remains the same. Children should feel supported, confident and ready for every challenge.

FAQs on Email Writing and Letter Writing

1. What is the main difference between an email and a letter?

Emails are short and direct. Letters follow a longer structure with addresses and paragraphs.

2. How many paragraphs should a formal letter have?

Three short and clear paragraphs.

3. Do students lose marks for tone?

Yes. A casual tone in a formal answer reduces marks.

4. Is memorising required?

Understanding the structure is more effective than memorising sentences.

5. What is the best way to practise?

Write one email and one letter every week.

If your child needs gentle guidance in writing, our team would be happy to help. Call or WhatsApp +91 8240556421