The SBI PO Descriptive English section is an integral part of the Mains examination, assessing candidates’ ability to express ideas coherently and concisely in written form. This section consists of two parts—Essay Writing and Letter Writing, with the letter writing component carrying 20 marks to be completed within 10 minutes.
In this article, we will delve into the essential aspects of letter writing for the SBI PO exam, including common formats, types of letters, important tips, and examples to help you ace this section.
1. SBI PO Descriptive English: Letter Writing Syllabus Overview
In the Descriptive English section of SBI PO, letter writing has the following weightage:
- Letter Writing: 20 marks, 10 minutes
The letter could either be formal or informal, based on a prompt. Formal letters are usually addressed to an authority, organization, or official, while informal letters are personal, meant for family or friends. Understanding the format, tone, and content for each type is key to performing well in this section.
2. Types of Letters in SBI PO Descriptive English
The two primary types of letters in SBI PO are Formal and Informal. Each type has unique requirements:
A. Formal Letters
Formal letters are written for official purposes, addressed to persons in authority or an organization. These include:
- Letter to Bank Manager: Request for service, complaint about service, or clarification of bank policies.
- Letter to Editor of a Newspaper: Opinions on social issues, suggestions on current affairs, or concerns about a local issue.
- Letter to Government Official: Addressing civic problems, infrastructure issues, or requests for reforms.
B. Informal Letters
Informal letters are personal and meant for close acquaintances like family and friends. Common topics include:
- Letter to a Friend: Congratulating them on an achievement, sharing personal experiences, or inviting them for an event.
- Letter to a Family Member: Inquiring about health, discussing future plans, or providing updates about one’s own life.
3. Structure and Format of Formal and Informal Letters
Both formal and informal letters follow specific formats, and adhering to these is crucial for scoring well.
A. Formal Letter Format
A formal letter follows a structured format to maintain professionalism. Here is a breakdown:
- Sender’s Address: Mention your address at the top-left corner of the page.
- Date: Place the date directly below the sender’s address in the format (DD/MM/YYYY).
- Recipient’s Address: Write the recipient’s designation and address below the date.
- Subject: Include a concise subject line summarizing the purpose of the letter.
- Salutation: Use “Dear Sir/Madam” if the recipient’s name is unknown, or address them by title and surname (e.g., “Dear Mr. Gupta”).
- Body: Divide the content into three parts:
- Introduction: Briefly state the purpose of the letter.
- Main Content: Provide details supporting the purpose.
- Conclusion: Close with a polite, action-oriented statement.
- Closing: Use a formal closing phrase like “Yours sincerely” or “Yours faithfully.”
- Signature: Sign your name and write your designation if relevant.
B. Informal Letter Format
An informal letter follows a more relaxed format but should still be organized. Here is a typical format:
- Sender’s Address: Start with your address on the top-left side.
- Date: Mention the date below the address.
- Salutation: Use an informal greeting such as “Dear [Name]” or simply the recipient’s name if it’s a very close friend or family member.
- Body: The body is conversational. Divide it into:
- Opening Paragraph: Begin with a warm greeting.
- Main Content: Share your news, thoughts, or experiences.
- Closing Paragraph: End with a thoughtful, personal note.
- Closing: Use “Yours lovingly,” “Warm regards,” or simply “Love.”
- Signature: Sign your name without a formal designation.
4. Important Tips for Letter Writing in SBI PO
With only 10 minutes to complete the letter writing task, efficiency is key. Here are tips to help you write effectively within the time limit:
A. Understand the Prompt and Identify the Letter Type
Before starting, read the prompt carefully to determine whether it’s a formal or informal letter. This will help you set the correct tone and structure right from the beginning.
B. Plan Briefly
Take 1-2 minutes to outline the points you’ll cover. Jot down the main idea, a few supporting points, and a closing thought. This plan will keep your writing organized and help you avoid wandering off-topic.
C. Keep It Concise
Avoid excessive elaboration. Stick to the required information to maintain clarity and stay within the word limit. Use short, clear sentences that communicate your point directly.
D. Mind Your Tone
In formal letters, keep a respectful and polite tone. Avoid contractions (like “I’m” or “can’t”) and colloquial language. For informal letters, adopt a friendly, conversational tone suitable for family or friends.
E. Follow the Format Closely
Maintaining the correct format is essential in both formal and informal letters. Ensure that addresses, dates, salutations, and closings are placed correctly, as this demonstrates attention to detail.
F. Use Simple Language
Simple, straightforward language is easier to read and understand. Avoid complex vocabulary that may detract from clarity.
5. Sample Letter Examples
Sample Formal Letter
Prompt: Write a formal letter to the Bank Manager requesting an increase in your credit card limit due to increased expenses.
[Your Address]
[Date]
The Manager
[Bank’s Name]
[Bank’s Address]
Subject: Request for Increase in Credit Card Limit
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to request an increase in the credit limit of my credit card associated with my account (Account No.: XXXXXXXX) at your bank. Due to recent unforeseen expenses and a change in my financial obligations, I find my current credit limit insufficient to meet my needs.
I have been a responsible customer of your bank for the past four years and have consistently maintained an excellent repayment history. I assure you that I will continue to manage my account responsibly and make timely payments.
I kindly request that you consider my application and increase my credit limit to a suitable amount. Please let me know if any further documentation is required for this process.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Informal Letter
Prompt: Write an informal letter to your friend congratulating them on their recent promotion.
[Your Address]
[Date]
Dear [Friend’s Name],
I just heard the fantastic news about your promotion, and I couldn’t be happier for you! Congratulations on achieving this well-deserved milestone. I know how hard you’ve worked, putting in long hours and taking on extra projects, so this recognition is truly well-earned.
It feels like just yesterday we were chatting about your career goals, and now you’re already moving up the ladder! I’m so proud of you and can’t wait to celebrate your success together soon. Let’s plan a time to catch up—I’d love to hear all about your new role and responsibilities.
Congratulations once again, my friend. Wishing you all the best in this exciting new phase of your career!
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
6. Practice Topics for SBI PO Letter Writing
Here are some practice topics to help you get comfortable with both formal and informal letters:
Formal Letter Topics
- Write a letter to the editor about increasing pollution in your city.
- Write a letter to your bank manager for activating net banking services.
- Write a letter to the local authorities about poor road conditions.
Informal Letter Topics
- Write a letter to a cousin inviting them to your upcoming wedding.
- Write a letter to a friend describing your recent trip.
- Write a letter to a family member sharing your future career plans.
7. Final Tips to Excel in SBI PO Letter Writing
- Stay Updated: Practice writing on current topics or issues, as the SBI PO prompts often reflect real-world scenarios.
- Practice Timed Writing: Writing under timed conditions is crucial for getting accustomed to completing letters within the 10-minute timeframe.
- Seek Feedback: If possible, get feedback from mentors or peers on your letters to understand areas needing improvement.
- Revise Grammar and Vocabulary: Correct grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary usage are fundamental to scoring well in this section.
Conclusion
Letter writing in the SBI PO Descriptive English exam is a valuable opportunity to showcase your communication skills and your ability to address varied audiences. By following the structured formats, practicing consistently, and adhering to the tips shared here, you can enhance your letter-writing skills and boost your chances of success in the SBI PO exam. Good luck with your preparation!