Sunil has moved into Ashiana Apartments, Lucknow. He writes to the Secretary of the Residents’ Welfare Association for a parking space for his car. He does not know who the Secretary is. Choose the correct salutation for his letter:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Sir/Madam
The letter goes to an office-bearer of the association, so it is formal. Sunil does not know whether the Secretary is a man or a woman. So “Sir/Madam” is the right formal salutation (greeting).
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: Dear Mr Sharma — Incorrect. Sunil does not know who the Secretary is, so he cannot greet him or her by name.
Option 2: Hello Secretary — Incorrect. “Hello” is a casual greeting and does not suit a formal letter.
Option 4: Dear neighbour — Incorrect. It is a friendly greeting, not a formal one.