Ms Kavita Joshi teaches at a school in Varanasi. She writes to the Medical Superintendent, District Hospital, Varanasi, to request a first-aid training session for her Class IX students. She does not know the officer’s name. Choose the most appropriate salutation for her letter:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Dear Sir/Madam
A letter to the Medical Superintendent of a hospital is a formal letter. When the writer does not know the officer’s name, the salutation (greeting) is “Dear Sir/Madam”. It is polite and suits a man or a woman.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: Hello Sir/Madam — Incorrect. “Hello” is a casual greeting used in speech and with friends. It does not suit a formal letter.
Option 2: Dearest Sir/Madam — Incorrect. “Dearest” shows deep affection. It is used only for people very close to the writer.
Option 3: Hi Doctor — Incorrect. “Hi” is a casual greeting for friends. It is far too informal for a letter to an officer.