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Letter to the editor about rubbish in the streets

Written by Sara Ahmed (English)

A model letter to the editor of a newspaper about a problem in the locality, with the layout, the points that earn marks and useful phrases.

The task

Rubbish is not collected regularly in your locality and it is harming the health of the residents. Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper about this problem.

Points that earn marks

  • Use the correct layout: To, the Editor, the name of the newspaper and the city.
  • Write a subject line that states the problem clearly.
  • Open with Sir, and say in one sentence what the letter is about and where the problem is.
  • Give two or three specific facts about the problem, with its effects on people.
  • Suggest practical solutions and say who should act on each one.
  • Close politely, thank the editor, and end with Yours truly, your name, address and the date.

Model letter

To

The Editor

Daily Jang, Multan

Subject: Rubbish in the streets of our locality

Sir,

Through the columns of your newspaper I would like to draw the attention of the city council to the growing problem of rubbish in Block C, Shah Rukn-e-Alam Colony.

The rubbish is collected only once a week. By the third day, the bins near the market are full and bags of waste are left on the road. The smell is very bad, stray animals tear the bags open, and the waste blocks the drain in front of the school. Last month several children fell ill with stomach infections, and the doctor said that dirty surroundings were a likely cause.

I request the council to collect the rubbish at least three times a week and to place larger bins near the market and the school. The council should also clean the drain and fine shopkeepers who throw waste on the road. Residents, too, must put their waste in the bins and not on the street.

I hope that the authorities will act soon. I thank you for giving space to this letter.

Yours truly,

Hamza Tariq

Block C, Shah Rukn-e-Alam Colony, Multan

Date: 4 November 2026

About 171 words.

Useful phrases

  • I would like to draw the attention of the authorities to
  • Through the columns of your newspaper
  • I request the council to
  • I hope that the authorities will act soon
  • I thank you for giving space to this letter

Common mistakes

  • Writing a complaint without any specific facts or examples.
  • Using angry or rude language about the officials.
  • Giving the problem but no suggestions for a solution.
  • Leaving out the name, address or date at the end.