Email writing is one of the important topics under Writing Skills in the Class X English syllabus. It tests a student’s ability to communicate ideas clearly, formally, and effectively using digital correspondence. Unlike personal chats or informal messages, an email in exams follows a structured, polite, and professional format.
What is Email Writing?
An email (electronic mail) is a form of written communication sent through the internet. In exams, students are usually asked to draft a formal email based on given verbal or visual input.
The purpose is to:
- Convey information clearly
- Maintain proper etiquette
- Follow the prescribed email format
Types of Emails in Exams
In Class 10 CBSE exams, the focus is usually on formal emails, such as:
- Emails of Enquiry – asking for information about a course, product, service, etc.
- Emails of Complaint – reporting issues with goods, services, or facilities.
- Emails of Application – applying for a job, internship, or course.
- Emails of Order/Request – placing an order or requesting permission.
Format of an Email
The email format (as per CBSE standards) is simple and must be followed carefully:
To: (Receiver’s email ID)
Cc: (Optional – not required in exams)
Bcc: (Optional – not required in exams)
Subject: (The main purpose of the email in one line)
Salutation (e.g., Dear Sir/Madam, Respected Principal, etc.)
Body of the Email
- Introduction (state purpose directly)
- Main content (details, explanation, enquiry, complaint, etc.)
- Conclusion (request, thanks, or closing note)
Closing line (Yours sincerely, Yours faithfully, etc.)
Name (Sender’s name)
Designation/Details (if required)
Key Points to Remember
- Keep the subject line short and specific.
- Use formal and polite language.
- Do not use SMS-style words (e.g., “u”, “gr8”, “pls”).
- Stick to the word limit given in exams (usually 120–150 words).
- Organise content into short paragraphs for clarity.
Sample Emails
1. Email of Enquiry
Question: You are Neha Sharma of Class 10, Delhi Public School. Write an email to the Director of ABC Institute enquiring about their summer computer course.
Answer:
To: [email protected]
Subject: Enquiry about Summer Computer Course
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am a student of Class 10 at Delhi Public School and wish to join your summer computer course. I would like to know the details regarding duration, timings, fees, and course content.
Kindly provide me with the information at the earliest so that I may register in time.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
Neha Sharma
Class 10, Delhi Public School
2. Email of Complaint
Question: You are Rohan Kumar, a resident of 25, Green Park, New Delhi. Write an email to the Customer Care Manager of XYZ Electronics regarding a faulty refrigerator delivered to you.
Answer:
To: [email protected]
Subject: Complaint Regarding Faulty Refrigerator Delivery
Dear Sir/Madam,
This is to bring to your notice that I recently purchased a refrigerator (Invoice No. 4567, dated 10 July 2025) from your showroom. However, the appliance delivered to my residence is defective, as it is not cooling properly.
I request you to kindly arrange for immediate replacement or repair at the earliest.
Looking forward to your prompt action.
Yours faithfully,
Rohan Kumar
25, Green Park
New Delhi
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Writing incomplete or vague subject lines.
❌ Using casual language like “Hi” or “Regards buddy.”
❌ Ignoring format – missing subject, salutation, or closing.
❌ Writing too long emails beyond word limit.
Quick Recap
- Always follow the email format given.
- Write in clear, formal, and polite tone.
- Keep subject lines short but meaningful.
- Organise ideas logically in introduction – details – conclusion.
Practice Questions
- You are Rahul of Class X, Bright Public School. Write an email to M/s Sports World, New Delhi, asking for details of cricket kits available at their store.
- You are Priya, a resident of 56, Sector 10, Agra. Write an email to the Electricity Board complaining about frequent power cuts in your area.
- You are Amit of Class X, Modern School. Write an email to the librarian of your school requesting additional books for preparation of the board exams.
By practising regularly, students can master email writing and score full marks in this section of the CBSE board exam.
Malik Mohd. Arshad is a Senior English Teacher at STS High School, Aligarh Muslim University, with 21+ years of experience in English Language Teaching (ELT). An M.A. in English and Linguistics, he combines traditional academic values with modern digital learning methods. He is also a certified alumnus of the Texas Intensive English Program (USA).