Letters Based on Verbal/Visual Input – A Complete Guide for Class XII Students

Learn how to write formal letters based on verbal and visual input for Class 12 English. Includes format, rules, solved examples, and practice questions to help you score full marks in CBSE exams.

Letter writing remains one of the most important components of English Writing Skills for Class XII. Among different types, CBSE specifically includes letters based on verbal or visual input.

This type of question is designed to test a student’s ability to:

• Interpret given verbal or visual data,
• Organise it logically, and
• Present it in the correct format of a formal letter.

What Are Letters Based on Verbal/Visual Input?

In the examination, students are often provided with:

• Verbal input (a short paragraph, dialogue, or set of points), or
• Visual input (a picture, graph, advertisement, or poster).

Using this input, students are required to write a letter in the correct format.

The letter must:

• Convey the information given in the input,
• Maintain clarity and coherence,
• Follow the conventions of a formal letter.

Features of Letters Based on Verbal/Visual Input

• Written in a formal style.
• Must include all points given in the input.
• Information should be logically arranged in paragraphs.
• No new or irrelevant points should be added.
• Word limit: 120–150 words (as prescribed by CBSE).

Format of a Formal Letter (as per CBSE Guidelines)

1. Sender’s Address  
2. Date  
3. Receiver’s Address  
4. Subject (one line, precise)  
5. Salutation (Sir/Madam)  
6. Body of the Letter  
   - Introduction (purpose of writing)  
   - Main Content (details based on input)  
   - Conclusion (closing remarks/request)  
7. Complimentary Close (Yours sincerely/faithfully)  
8. Name and Designation (if applicable)

Sample Question 1 – Based on Verbal Input

Question: You are the Secretary of the Environment Club of your school. Using the hints given below, write a letter to the Editor of a national daily about the need to create awareness of water conservation.

Hints: rapid urbanisation – wasteful use of water – depleting water table – need to save water – awareness campaigns

Answer:

12, Lake View Apartments  
New Delhi – 110025  
10th August 2025  

The Editor  
The Times of India  
New Delhi  

Subject: Need for Awareness on Water Conservation  

Sir,  

Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to highlight the urgent need for water conservation in our country. With rapid urbanisation, the wasteful use of water has become a common practice. The water table is fast depleting, and soon many cities may face severe shortages.  

It is time that awareness campaigns are launched on a wide scale. Citizens must be educated about methods such as rainwater harvesting, recycling wastewater, and using water judiciously in households. The government and schools should also take initiatives to spread awareness.  

I request you to publish this concern widely to draw the attention of the public and authorities.  

Yours faithfully,  
Ritika Sharma  
Secretary, Environment Club

Sample Question 2 – Based on Visual Input

Question: The given advertisement promotes a campaign on “Say No to Junk Food.” Write a letter to the Principal of your school suggesting that such a campaign be organised in your school.

Visual Input: A poster showing burgers, cold drinks, fries crossed with a red X; slogan: “Say No to Junk Food – Yes to Health.”

Answer:

45, Green Park Colony  
Mumbai – 400052  
5th September 2025  

The Principal  
Bright Future School  
Mumbai  

Subject: Proposal to Organise a Campaign Against Junk Food  

Respected Madam,  

I wish to bring to your notice the importance of creating awareness among students about the harmful effects of junk food. Recently, I came across a campaign poster that carried the message “Say No to Junk Food – Yes to Health.”  

Since many students in our school are attracted to fast food, I suggest we organise a campaign on this theme. Activities such as poster-making, health talks by nutritionists, and healthy food stalls can be included to encourage healthy eating habits.  

Such an initiative will definitely help our students adopt a healthier lifestyle.  

Yours sincerely,  
Aditya Rao  
Class XII – B

Tips for Writing Letters Based on Verbal/Visual Input

1. Read the input carefully and underline the key points.
2. Organise the points logically into an introduction, main content, and conclusion.
3. Do not omit any important information given in the input.
4. Use formal language and avoid contractions (write do not instead of don’t).
5. Keep the subject line short and relevant.
6. Follow the word limit of 120–150 words.

Quick Recap

• These letters test your ability to interpret given input and write formally.
• Inputs can be verbal (paragraphs, dialogues, hints) or visual (charts, posters, ads).
• Follow the standard format of a formal letter.
• Cover all the points provided without adding unnecessary details.
• Maintain clarity, coherence, and a polite tone.

Practice Questions – Letters Based on Verbal/Visual Input

Question 1 – Based on Verbal Input

You are Neha/Neeraj, a student of Class XII, R.K. Senior Secondary School. You are concerned about the rising cases of cyberbullying among teenagers. Using the hints given below, write a letter to the Editor of a national daily expressing your views and suggesting measures to curb it.

Hints: misuse of social media – anonymous threats – online harassment – need for strict cyber laws – parental guidance – school awareness workshops

Question 2 – Based on Visual Input

The chart below shows the alarming rise in cases of air pollution in major Indian cities. As Ramesh/Radhika, a resident of Delhi, write a letter to the Municipal Commissioner suggesting measures to tackle the problem.

Visual Input (imaginary description for practice): A bar chart comparing pollution levels in Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata over 5 years, showing steep increase in Delhi.

Question 3 – Based on Verbal Input

You are the Secretary of the Cultural Society of your school. Write a letter to the Principal requesting permission to organise an Inter-School Debate Competition in your school auditorium.

Hints: topic – “Technology: A Boon or a Bane?” – date and time – participation from 10 schools – need for judges and prizes – student involvement

Question 4 – Based on Visual Input

You came across the following advertisement in a local newspaper. Write a letter to the Manager of Skill Development Institute, enquiring about the short-term computer courses they offer.

Visual Input (imaginary description): An advertisement showing “Learn Computers – Short Term Courses Available: Web Designing, MS Office, Data Entry. Contact Skill Development Institute, Delhi.”

Question 5 – Based on Verbal Input

As a concerned citizen, write a letter to the Commissioner of Police complaining about the problem of reckless driving by youngsters in your city.

Hints: overspeeding – racing on roads – frequent accidents – noise pollution – need for traffic awareness campaigns – stricter enforcement of traffic rules

Question 6 – Based on Visual Input

You saw a poster issued by the Government of India on “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao.” Using the information, write a letter to the Editor of a newspaper urging society to support this initiative.

Visual Input (imaginary description): A poster with the slogan “Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child” with pictures of school-going girls.

Malik Mohd. Arshad

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).