CBSE Class 12 English Invitations And Replies Notes

Invitations and Replies: (50 Words 5 Marks)

No man is an island. Man is a social animal. We need to be with people. This is the reason why solitary confinement is the worst form of punishment one can experience. So, we celebrate many occasions together. To invite someone for an occasion we use the written form-INVITATION.

Invitations are generally printed cards through which we invite our guests on some auspicious occasion like wedding, birthday, wedding anniversary, house warming, inauguration of a shop/factory etc. 

Invitations are of two types: (a) Formal (b) Informal. They can be printed on cards or can be drafted in the form of letters.

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS

An invitation is complete information. It answers the questions: who, whom, when, where, what time and for what. The important components of an invitation therefore are:-

o The occasion

o Name(s) of the invitee(s)

o Name(s) of the host(s)

o Date, time and venue

o Name(s) of the chief guest or special invitees , in case of an official invitation

FORMAT OF FORMAL INVITATIONS

In case of formal invitations, each of the following is written in a separate line with fonts of varying sizes.

• Names of the hosts

• Names of the invitee (in case of a formal letter of invitation))

• Formal phrase of invitation , for example :-

Request the pleasure of your benign presence/company.

Seek your auspicious presence.

Solicit your gracious presence on the auspicious occasion

• The date, time and venue of the event.

• The occasion/reason of the invitation.

A-CHARACTERISTICS OF FORMAL INVITATIONS

1- Meant for a lot of invitees

• These are written in the third person.

• In case a VIP is invited as the chief guest the name of the VIP must appear prominently.

• Name of the invitee is not to be included. The addressee’s address is to be written only on the envelope.

• Simple Present Tense is to be used.

• The date of writing is not to be given.

• There is no signature of the host.

• The abbreviation RSVP (French : repondez s’il vous plait ) i.e. ‘please reply’ is written below on the left with name(s) , address and phone number of the host(s)

• Put the invitation into a box

• Do not exceed 50 words

2- Meant for an individual (a formal letter of invitation)

• Include the name of the invitee 
• These are to be written on run-on lines. The sentence is not broken into different words/phrases.
• Other details are similar to the mass-scale invitations

EXAMPLES OF FORMAL INVITATIONS
1. Your father, Mr. Raj Kumar Gupta , residing at K-18 ,13th Cross Malleswaram, Bangalore wants to celebrate the success of your brother Rohith’s clearing the IIT-JEE Entrance Examination and securing admission in IIT Powai ,Mumbai. He wants you to draft a formal invitation for him on his behalf. Draft the invitation for him in not more than 50 words.

2. Your school, Bal Peeth, Bellary is planning to organize the Annual Sports Day in the school premises. Draft an invitation in not more than 50 words giving all the essential details.

FORMAL INVITATION-LETTER FORMAT

(Formal and Informal)
We hold many social functions such as celebrations of birthday, engagement, wedding, marriage anniversary; appointment, promotion. Invitations form an important part of social dealings. An invitation is a request to an individual to come or go somewhere, or to do something.
Invitations can be both formal as well as informal. Formal invitations can be printed on cards or can be drafted in the form of social letters.

Formal invitations can be of two types:
(i) Printed invitation cards inviting guests to be present on a particular occasion. Such invitations do not include the name of the addressee.
(ii) Formal typed (handwritten) letter addressed to a VIP invited to preside over a social, cultural and educational function. In these invitations to VIPs the name of the addressee appears prominently. Formal invitations are formal and polite, pleasant and courteous.
Informal invitations generally take the shape and form of personal letters. However, a printed card can also be sent. We use these to invite our friends, relatives and dear ones with whom we have intimate, personal and friendly relations.
In informal invitations the tone and treatment is relaxed, informal and friendly.

A. FORMAL INVITATIONS
Main Characteristics:
1. A formal invitation is normally a single sentence presentation in third person.
2. Formal invitations are generally printed invitation cards. We use them to invite guests on some auspicious occasions like birthdays, weddings, inauguration of shops, houses, etc.
3. The invitation answers the questions who, whom, when, where, what time and for what, i.e.,
— the occasion — name(s) of the invitee
— name(s) of the host — date, time and venue
4. The other details include name, designation and address of the organiser, sponsor or host or the name(s)
of the chief guest or special invitees, in case of an official invitation.
5. Printed formal invitations don’t include the name of the addressee.
6. Invitations to VIP to preside over a function do carry the name of VIP prominently.
7. Length as per CBSE guidelines is limited to 50 words.

I. PRINTED FORMAL INVITATIONS
Solved Questions
1. M/s Shyam Lal & Sons are opening a new general store ‘Galaxy Novelties’ in Geetanjali Enclave, Dwarka,
Delhi. The inauguration ceremony is fixed for Sunday, the 19 October 20×× at 11 a.m. Prepare a draft of formal invitation letter for the purpose.
Ans.

M/S SHYAM LAL & SONS

announce the opening of
GALAXY NOVELTIES
a general store
in
Geetanjali Enclave, Dwarka, Delhi
INAUGURATION
on
SUNDAY, 19th OCTOBER 20××
at
11 a.m.
All are cordially invited
Visit for all kinds of Grocery & Domestic items
AVAIL INAUGURAL DISCOUNT OF 10% ON ALL GOODS

RSVP
Galaxy Novelties
Phone: 011-2754××××

2. Your father, Mr Raj Kumar Gupta , residing at K-18, 13th Cross, Malleswaram, Bangalore wants to celebrate the success of your brother Rohith’s clearing the IIT-JEE Entrance Examination and securing admission in IIT Powai, Mumbai. He wants you to draft a formal invitation for him on his behalf. Draft the invitation for him in not more than 50 words.
Ans.

MRS & MR RAJ KUMAR GUPTA
seek your auspicious presence at the Grand Celebration Party
of
their son Rohit’s successfully passing the
IIT-JEE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION
at
UTSAV BANQUET HALL
Raj Kumar Road, Rajaji Nagar, Bangalore-55
at
8:00 p.m.
on
1 October 20××

RSVP Compliments from Friends and Relatives
K-18, 13th Cross, Malleswaram
Bangalore
Phone: 97××××××××

3. Your sister Nivedita is going to marry Akhilesh (S/o Mr & Mrs S.M. Joshi, Nainital) Your father Mr K.S. Bhardwaj has planned to hold the wedding at Hotel Kunal, New Delhi on 25 May 20×× at 8 p.m. Write a formal invitation on behalf of Mr & Mrs K.S. Bhardwaj inviting guests to the auspicious occasion.Give other details. Do not exceed 50 words.

Ans.

MR & MRS K.S. BHARDWAJ
request the pleasure of your company
on the auspicious occasion of the
MARRIAGE
of
their daughter
NIVEDITA
with
AKHILESH
(S/o Mr & Mrs S.M. Joshi of Nainital)
on
FRIDAY, 25 MAY 20××
at
HOTEL KUNAL, NEW DELHI
PROGRAMME
FRIDAY, 25 MAY 20××
Reception of Barat     8.00 p.m.
 Dinner                     9.00 p.m.
Wedding Ceremony     11.00 p.m.
SATURDAY, 26 MAY 20××
Doli 5.00 a.m.

RSVP With best compliments from
Bhardwaj Chemicals, Faridabad All Relatives & Friends
Nive Cosmetics, New Delhi
Phone: 2475××××

4. You are a student of Newton Public School, Nagpur. The school is holding its annual function on Saturday, 15 November 20×× at 11 a.m. The HRD Minister, Dr M.M. Joshi has consented to be the chief guest. Design an invitation card to be sent to the parents and other invitees. Do not exceed 50 words.
Ans.

The Principal, Staff and Students
of
NEWTON PUBLIC SCHOOL, NAGPUR
solicit the pleasure of your company
on
the auspicious occasion
of
THE ANNUAL FUNCTION
of their school
at
11.00 a.m. on Saturday, 15 November 20××
Dr M.M. Joshi, HRD Minister, Govt. of India
will be the Chief Guest and give away the prizes to the students.

RSVP
Principal
Newton Public School, Nagpur
Phone: 32545×××

5. You are the Principal of Zodiac Senior Secondary School, Ooty. The school has completed 25 years of its meritorious services to the society. The Silver Jubilee Celebrations are to be held on Sunday, 26 October 20××. Mrs M. Kamath, the founder and Principal will preside. Draft a suitable invitation to be sent to important dignitaries of the city and the parents of students.
Ans.

The Principal, Staff and Students
of
ZODIAC SR. SEC. SCHOOL, OOTY
invite you on the
SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS
of their school
on
Sunday, 26 October 20××
at
10:00 a.m.
in
THE SCHOOL AUDITORIUM
MRS M. KAMATH
FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL OF THE SCHOOL
has kindly consented to preside over the function
and give away prizes/mementos.

RSVP
Principal
Phone: 0421-45××; 0421-34××××

6. Your school, Bal Peeth Residential School, Bellary is planning to organize the Annual Sports Day in the school premises. Draft an invitation in not more than 50 words giving all the essential details.
Ans.

The Principal, Staff and Students
of
BAL PEETH RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL, BELLARY
request the pleasure of your company on their
ANNUAL SPORTS DAY
on Monday, 14 April 20××
at
5:00 p.m.
in the School ground
Air Marshal S.K. Sinha, AVSM
has kindly consented to be the Chief Guest
&
Smt. Radha Sinha
has graciously consented to give away the prizes.

You are requested to be seated by 4:30 p.m

RSVP
Principal
Phone: +9199100xxxxx

7. The Literary Club of your school is putting up the play ‘Waiting for Godot’. As secretary of the club, draft an invitation inviting the famous writer Sudeesh Gupta to be the guest of honour at the function.
Write the invitation in not more than 50 words. You are Govind/Gauri. [All India 2014]
Ans.

THE LITERARY CLUB
of
RAMJAS PUBLIC SCHOOL, NEW DELHI
solicits the pleasure of your company
to the presentation of the Play
WAITING FOR GODOT
at
5:00 p.m. on Sunday, 18 December 20××
Mr Sudeesh Gupta, the famous writer
will be the Guest of Honour.

RSVP
Govind/Gauri
Ramjas Public School, New Delhi
Phone: 011-3275××××

II. FORMAL INVITATIONS (NOT PRINTED)

Solved Questions
1. You are the Director of Apex Orientations, a leading name in postal coaching for competitive examinations including IIT-JEE and CBSE-PMT. Write a letter to the principals of some prestigious schools inviting the names of two brilliant students from each institution to attend their Counselling Session free of cost.
Ans. Apex Orientations
38-A, Old Rohtak Road
Karol Bagh
New Delhi-110005
Ph: 2538××××
25 March, 20××
The Principal
ABC School
New Delhi
Sir/Madam
Sub: Free Counselling Session

Apex Orientations is a leading name in postal coaching for competitive examinations. We regard your school as one of the prestigious institutions of Delhi. We will be honoured if you recommend any two of your brilliant students to attend our Career Counselling Session for IIT-JEE and CBSE-PMT to be held on 10 April 20××.
The participation will be free of cost.
Kindly send your recommendations by 7 April 20××.
Ritu Nanda
Director

2. You are the Secretary of the Old Students’ Association, Mayo School, Ajmer. The 20th Alumni Meet will be held on Sunday, 28 September 20×× at 8.00 p.m. at Palace Hotel. Write invitation letters to all the old students of the school to attend the meet.
Ans. Old Students’ Association
Mayo School
Ajmer
1 September 20××
Dear Alumna/Alumnus
Sub: 20th Alumni Meet

The 20th Alumni Meet of Mayo School, Ajmer will be held on Sunday, 28 September 20×× at 8:00 p.m. at The Palace Hotel, Ajmer. Old students, along with their spouses will be our guests of honour.Kindly assemble at 8.00 p.m. in the banquet hall for a get-together, dance and dinner party.Please confirm your seats by sending ` 500 to the undersigned.
Ayush K. Joshi
Secretary

3. You are Sachin Bansal, the Head Boy of IML Public School, Gurugram. Your school is holding an Inter-School T-20 Cricket Championship from 2 October to 8 October 20××. Write a formal invitation to Sh. B.S. Bedi, the legendary cricketer, to inaugurate the championship on 2 October 20×× at 10 a.m. in your school ground.
Ans. IML Public School
Gurugram
25 September 20××
Sh. B.S. Bedi
2/27 Jorbagh
New Delhi
Sir
Sub: Inauguration of Cricket Championship

The school is holding an Inter-School T-20 Cricket Championship from 2 October to 8 October 20××.All the schools of the area are likely to participate. Your presence will act as a catalyst and inspire us. You are requested to inaugurate the championship on 2 October 20×× at 10 a.m. in the school grounds.
Kindly confirm your availability by 30 Sept.
Yours faithfully
Sachin Bansal
Head Boy

4. You are Navin/Neha, the Secretary of the Youth Club of your locality. You are organising an Inter-School Group-Song Competition. Invite a prominent musician to act as one of the judges.
Ans. Youth Club
Nainital
5 December 20××

Dear Mr Khanna
Kindly spare some time from your busy schedule and consent to act as one of the judges for an interschool
group-song competition to be held on 24th December 20×× at 2.00 p.m. in the Community Centre,
Dehradun Road.
Kindly confirm your acceptance by 10 December 20××.
Yours sincerely
Navin/Neha
Secretary

B. INFORMAL INVITATIONS
Main Characteristics:
Informal invitations follow the pattern of ordinary personal letters. These letters are written to relatives, friends and acquaintances.
(i) These letters are first/second person presentations.
(ii) Personal feelings and emotions find an expression.
(iii) The writer’s address is given in the usual place.
(iv) The salutation is usually ‘Dear’ followed by the ‘name’.
(v) The date of writing is given, but the year is generally omitted.
(vi) The style and tone are relaxed and informal.
(vii) Different tenses are used as the sense demands.
(viii) The complimentary closing is: ‘Yours sincerely’.

Solved Questions

1. Rohit has got success in CBSE-PMT. He wants to celebrate his admission to Shivaji Medical College,Nagpur by throwing a party to his friends. Write an informal invitation giving details of venue, time and date. Do not exceed 50 words.
Ans. 33/427 Priya Vihar
New Delhi
15 July 20××
Dear Varun
You will be glad to learn that I have secured 80th rank in the CBSE-PMT competition. I have got admission in a prestigious institution – Shivaji College, Nagpur. I want to share a few happy moments of my life in the company of my friends at a dinner in the Hotel Kanishka at 9.00 p.m. on 23 July 20××. Please join the celebrations and merry-making.
Yours sincerely
Rohit

2. You are Leena Sen. The wedding of your elder sister Reena Sen is going to be held on 1 May 20×× at Hotel Lake View, Udaipur. Write out an informal invitation to your friend Vinnie requesting her to attend the function.
Ans. 4357, Vasant Kunj
Raj Nagar
1 May 20××
Dear Vinnie
You will be pleased to know that the wedding of my elder sister Reena Sen is going to be held on 15 May 20×× at Hotel Lake View, Udaipur. The whole family will move there in the morning. I invite you to join us at lunch in the hotel on the 15th. The wedding ceremony will take place at 8:00 p.m. in the evening.
I do hope you will join us on the auspicious occasion.
Yours sincerely
Leena

3. You are Ankit Verma. Your friend from Malaysia is staying in the hostel. Invite him to join Diwali celebrations with you at your residence.
Ans. 315/2 Raja Gardens
New Delhi
25 October 20××
Dear Surunayak
You know that Diwali, the festival of lights, is approaching. It gives me great pleasure to invite you to Diwali celebrations at my residence. We shall have great fun.
Do join us for the ‘Puja’ and Diwali celebrations.
Yours sincerely
Ankit Verma

4. Write a letter to your friend inviting him on the housewarming ceremony of your newly constructed house.
Ans. 27, Urban Estate
Sector 15
Karnal
25 July 20××
Dear Vineet
I invite you at the housewarming ceremony of our newly constructed house in Urban Estate. The ‘hawan’ ceremony is at 10:00 a.m. It will be followed by lunch at 1.00 p.m.
Kindly join us on this auspicious day. I’ll introduce you to my parents and close relatives.
Yours sincerely
Arun Gulati

5. Your parents have completed 25 years of their marriage. Invite your aunt, living in Hyderabad, to join you in the Silver Jubilee celebration of their marriage at your residence.
Ans. 245 Rose Gardens
Mangalore
25 March 20××
Dear Aunt
My parents Sh. R.S. Swaminathan and Smt. Parvathi Devi will be completing 25 years of their happy,prosperous and eventful married life next month. We are going to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of their married life on 5 May 20××. It will be a simple ceremony. Only family members and close friends are invited.
Do join us on this auspicious day.
Yours sincerely
S.R. Parthasarthy

6. You are Roshan Khera, a resident of Haryana. Invite your friend Hrishit Arora who lives in old Delhi to spend a part of his summer vacation with you at your farmhouse near Pinjore.
Ans. Shivalik Farms
Raj Pura Village
Near Pinjore
25 April 20××
Dear Hrishit
I will be returning to my farmhouse after the examination. I invite you to spend at least a fortnight with me at my farmhouse. It is a pollution free place with lots of trees and greenery all around. The sylvan surroundings will have a refreshing effect on your heart and mind. We shall also visit Pinjore gardens and Kalka hills.
Looking forward to your arrival.
Yours sincerely
Roshan Khera

7. You are Manoj. You are going on a picnic with a group of your classmates to Karna Lake, near Karnal.Write an informal invitation to your friend Mohit to join you on that day.
Ans. 2436 Urban Estate
Sector-15
Karnal
25 Aug 20××
Dear Mohit
You will be pleased to learn that we have devised a way to beat the heat. I, along with five of my classmates, have decided to go on a picnic to Karna Lake this Sunday, i.e., 30 August 20××. We’ll assemble at my house at 8:00 a.m.
Do join us and have fun.
Yours sincerely
Manoj

Questions for Self-Evaluation

1. You are going on a picnic to Suraj Kund, near Haryana-Delhi border with a group of your classmates. Send an informal invitation to your close friend Vipin to join you.

2. Send a formal invitation to Sh. K.B. Vaid, noted novelist and educationist, to speak on ‘The importance of devotion, dedication and discipline’ in Value Education Club of your school.

3. You are Vijay Ahuja, proprietor of kids planet, a showroom of children’s goods. Draft a formal printed invitation to be sent to your patrons, friends and relatives. Give details such as date, time and venue.

4. On behalf of Mr and Mrs V.K. Mehra, draft a printed invitation card for the marriage of their daughter Prabha with Mayank (S/o Mr & Mrs L.K. Dhingra of Faridabad). Give other details such as date, time and venue.

5. Your school, Modern School, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi is organising its Annual Sports Day. Draft an invitation to be sent to the parents.

6. Your school, St. Thomas Public School, Meerut, is organising an Inter-School One-Act Play Competition. Draft an invitation to the famous playwright Vijay Kumar to act as one of the judges.

7. Agarwal Education Society, Alwar has obtained franchise of Delhi Public School and intend to start construction of the school building immediately. Draft an invitation of ‘Bhoomi Pujan’ to be held on 25 August 20××.

8. You are the Principal of K.M. School, Bhiwani. Write an invitation to the parents and other important persons of the city to grace the annual function of the school. Sh. K.L. Ahuja, Education Commissioner has agreed to be the chief guest.

9. Write out a suitable invitation to be sent to the parents of all students inviting them on the Parents’ Day. You are Principal of ABN School, Bhopal.

10. You are the sports secretary of the Sports Club of Hindu School, Sonipat. Invite the famous cricketer Kapil Dev to inaugurate the new cricket complex recently built by the school.

11. M/s Spic and Span are opening a new showroom of ‘space saving furniture’ at Nehru Place, New Delhi. The inauguration is to be held on Sunday, 23 November 20×× at 9.00 a.m. Write a formal letter on their behalf inviting their friends and relatives to the function.

12. You are Shirish. You have been selected as pilot officer in IAF. You want to celebrate the occasion by hosting a grand party to your selected friends. Send an informal invitation to your friend Madhu to join you on this occasion.

13. You are the President, Students’ Council of your school. Send a proper letter of invitation to your local MLA to preside over the oathtaking ceremony of the newly elected members of the council on 17 September 20××.

14. Your grandparents have completed 50 years of their wedded life. Send an informal invitation to your uncle, residing at Mysore to join you in the Golden Jubilee celebrations of their marriage at your house.

15. You have opened a boutique in Paschim Vihar. Draft an invitation for the inauguration of the same, specifying the chief guest and other important details like date, time and venue. The invitation should not exceed 50 words.

16. The Residents’ Welfare Society of your area is organising a ‘Bal Mela’ on Children’s Day. There will be food-stalls, games and rides along with many attractive prizes. Extend an invitation to the residents to participate in the same in about 50 words.

17. The Literacy Club of your school is organising an inter-school caricature contest in your school. Draft an invitation inviting the famous cartoonist Satish Acharya to be the special guest of honour during the contest.

18. You are Raj, S/o Sh. Dharmaraj of Greater Kailash, New Delhi. Your father wants you to draft a formal invitation to be sent on the occasion of your sister, Ritika’s marriage. Prepare the invitation.

POSTERS FOR PRACTICE

1- Recent rains have caused havoc in some parts of our country. You are Surya, a member of the social service organization, SEVA MANDIR, Bangalore. Draft a poster requesting people to help the rain and flood affected families physically and economically.

2- A ‘Check Vehicular Pollution’ campaign is being organized in your city. Draft a poster to be used in the campaign.

3- Water is precious and each one of us must stop wastage. Prepare a poster in not more than 50 words, for creating that awareness.

4- Draft a poster announcing a ‘Book Week’ being organized by the Cultural Society, Ahmedabad.

5- Your school is planning a campaign in support of eye donation to mobilize the students and society. Design a poster to be displayed in different areas of the locality surrounding your school highlighting the need for eye donation and eye banks.

6- Prepare a poster to bring about awareness against the hazards of reckless use of plastics.

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