Sanjay Kulkarni of Nagpur writes to the Editor, Hindustan Times, about the lack of shade and drinking water at city bus stops in summer. Choose the most appropriate salutation and complimentary close for his letter:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Sir ... Yours faithfully
A letter to the editor of a newspaper is a formal letter. It begins with the formal salutation (greeting) “Sir”. A letter that begins without the reader’s name ends with the complimentary close “Yours faithfully”.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: Sir ... Your well-wisher — Incorrect. The greeting is right, but “Your well-wisher” is a personal close. It is not used in a formal letter.
Option 3: My dear Editor ... Yours faithfully — Incorrect. The close is right, but “My dear Editor” is too personal for a letter to a newspaper.
Option 4: Sir ... Yours affectionately — Incorrect. The greeting is right, but “Yours affectionately” is used for family and close friends.