A formal letter follows a specific structure and sequence of elements. Understanding the correct order is essential for proper letter writing.
Correct Sequence at the Beginning of a Formal Letter:
1. Sender's Address:
The sender's address is always written first at the top left corner of the page.
It includes the house number, street name, city, and PIN code.
This allows the recipient to identify where the letter has come from and respond if necessary.
2. Date:
After the sender's address, the date is written (usually below the address with a one-line gap).
The date is important for record-keeping and future reference.
3. Receiver's Address:
The address of the person or organization being written to comes next.
It is written after the date and may begin with "To," or simply as the address.
4. Subject Line:
A brief subject indicating the purpose of the letter is written after the receiver's address.
5. Salutation:
The greeting, such as "Sir," "Madam," or "Dear Sir/Madam," follows the subject line.
Why Sender's Address Comes First:
The sender's address is placed at the beginning because it establishes who is writing the letter. In the absence of a pre-printed letterhead, this is the first piece of information the reader sees, allowing immediate identification of the source.
Analysis of Other Options:
(A) Date: Important but written after the sender's address.
(B) To: The receiver's address comes after the date, not at the very beginning.
(D) Salutation: Appears much later in the format, after the receiver's address and subject line.
Final Answer: Sender's address