Q.1 Which of the following is the correct salutation for a formal letter to the Principal of a school?
Dear Sir/Madam
Hey Principal!
To My Friend
Hello Sir
Explanation - In formal letters, a respectful salutation like 'Dear Sir/Madam' is appropriate when addressing the Principal.
Correct answer is: Dear Sir/Madam
Q.2 What is the main purpose of the subject line in a formal letter?
To greet the recipient
To summarize the purpose of the letter
To provide the sender's address
To sign off politely
Explanation - The subject line in a formal letter briefly indicates the topic or purpose, helping the reader understand the letter at a glance.
Correct answer is: To summarize the purpose of the letter
Q.3 Which closing phrase is most appropriate for a formal letter to a government official?
Yours sincerely
Best wishes
Lots of love
See you soon
Explanation - 'Yours sincerely' is a polite and professional closing suitable for formal correspondence.
Correct answer is: Yours sincerely
Q.4 If you do not know the name of the recipient in a formal letter, which salutation is correct?
Dear Mr. Smith
Dear Sir/Madam
Hi there
To whom it may concern
Explanation - When the recipient's name is unknown, 'To whom it may concern' is the standard formal salutation.
Correct answer is: To whom it may concern
Q.5 Which of the following is NOT a feature of a formal letter?
Professional tone
Clear purpose
Use of slang
Proper formatting
Explanation - Formal letters avoid slang and informal language; they maintain a professional tone.
Correct answer is: Use of slang
Q.6 In a formal letter, where should the sender’s address appear?
At the end of the letter
At the top left or top right of the letter
In the middle of the letter
Nowhere, it is optional
Explanation - The sender’s address is placed at the top (left or right) so the recipient knows where to send a reply.
Correct answer is: At the top left or top right of the letter
Q.7 Which of these is suitable for an official letter requesting leave from an employer?
Hey boss, need a break
Kindly grant me leave from 10th to 15th October due to personal reasons
I am off for a vacation
Will be absent, don’t worry
Explanation - A formal leave request should be polite, specify dates, and state a reason succinctly.
Correct answer is: Kindly grant me leave from 10th to 15th October due to personal reasons
Q.8 When writing to a bank manager for a loan, which tone is most suitable?
Casual and humorous
Respectful and professional
Aggressive and demanding
Friendly and chatty
Explanation - Letters to bank officials should maintain a respectful and professional tone to be taken seriously.
Correct answer is: Respectful and professional
Q.9 Which of the following is an appropriate closing for a letter to a government office?
Yours faithfully
Cheers
Take care
See you
Explanation - 'Yours faithfully' is used when the recipient’s name is unknown; it is formal and polite.
Correct answer is: Yours faithfully
Q.10 What should be the first paragraph of a formal letter?
A detailed explanation of your life story
A brief introduction and reason for writing
A thank you note
An anecdote
Explanation - The first paragraph should clearly introduce the sender and state the purpose of the letter.
Correct answer is: A brief introduction and reason for writing
Q.11 Which of these is most suitable for a letter complaining about a defective product?
The product is trash, fix it!
I am dissatisfied with the product and request a replacement or refund
This product is useless, please check
Hey, send me a new one!
Explanation - Complaints should be polite, state the issue clearly, and request a solution.
Correct answer is: I am dissatisfied with the product and request a replacement or refund
Q.12 Which punctuation is correct after the salutation 'Dear Sir' in a formal letter?
Comma (,)
Exclamation (!)
Period (.)
Colon (:)
Explanation - A comma is used after the salutation in standard formal letter writing.
Correct answer is: Comma (,)
Q.13 Which of the following is a feature of informal letters but not formal letters?
Personal tone
Structured paragraphs
Formal salutations
Professional closing
Explanation - Informal letters often have a personal, friendly tone, unlike formal letters which are professional.
Correct answer is: Personal tone
Q.14 Which is the best way to start a formal letter to a company CEO?
Hey there, CEO!
Dear Mr. Sharma,
Yo boss!
Hi sir,
Explanation - Addressing the CEO respectfully with 'Dear [Name],' is the standard formal approach.
Correct answer is: Dear Mr. Sharma,
Q.15 When writing a letter of appreciation, what should the focus be?
Criticizing mistakes
Expressing gratitude and acknowledgment
Requesting favors
Describing unrelated topics
Explanation - Letters of appreciation focus on expressing thanks and acknowledging efforts or achievements.
Correct answer is: Expressing gratitude and acknowledgment
Q.16 Which is the correct format to mention the date in a formal letter in India?
4th October 2025
October 4, 2025
10/04/2025
All of the above depending on preference
Explanation - The conventional format in Indian formal letters is '4th October 2025'.
Correct answer is: 4th October 2025
Q.17 If you are applying for a job via a formal letter, which paragraph is essential?
Introduction with purpose and qualifications
List of hobbies
Family history
Weather in your city
Explanation - A job application letter must clearly state the purpose and relevant qualifications in the introduction.
Correct answer is: Introduction with purpose and qualifications
Q.18 Which phrase is appropriate when requesting information formally?
Can you tell me?
Please provide the information regarding...
Give me the details ASAP
I wanna know
Explanation - A polite, formal request phrase maintains professionalism in correspondence.
Correct answer is: Please provide the information regarding...
Q.19 For formal letters, the tone should be:
Respectful and concise
Casual and long-winded
Funny and sarcastic
Aggressive and demanding
Explanation - Formal letters are professional and to-the-point, avoiding humor or sarcasm.
Correct answer is: Respectful and concise
Q.20 Which is the correct order of sections in a formal letter?
Sender’s address, date, recipient’s address, salutation, body, closing, signature
Date, signature, body, salutation
Body, date, closing, sender’s address
Salutation, body, sender’s address, date
Explanation - Formal letters follow this standard sequence for clarity and professionalism.
Correct answer is: Sender’s address, date, recipient’s address, salutation, body, closing, signature
Q.21 Which of the following is suitable for ending an informal letter to a friend?
Yours lovingly
Yours faithfully
Regards
Yours sincerely
Explanation - Informal letters may end with friendly closings like 'Yours lovingly', unlike formal letters.
Correct answer is: Yours lovingly
Q.22 When addressing a letter to a female recipient whose name is unknown, which salutation is correct?
Dear Madam
Dear Miss
Dear Mrs. Smith
Hello there
Explanation - 'Dear Madam' is the standard formal salutation for unknown female recipients.
Correct answer is: Dear Madam
Q.23 Which phrase is suitable to politely follow up on a previously sent letter?
I am writing to follow up on my previous letter regarding...
Where is my reply?
Answer me immediately
Hey, any updates?
Explanation - Formal follow-ups are polite and reference the prior correspondence.
Correct answer is: I am writing to follow up on my previous letter regarding...
Q.24 In a formal letter, which pronouns are preferred?
I, we, you (polite)
Slang pronouns
Casual nicknames
None of the above
Explanation - Polite pronouns maintain professionalism, avoiding slang or casual nicknames.
Correct answer is: I, we, you (polite)