READING MATERIAL

INVITATIONS AND REPLIES Class XII

English
Invitations are written to invite people to any special occasions like
birthdays,engagements,marriages,inauguration of shops etc.
( 301)
Man is social by nature. Hence interaction and communication between human beings is quite
natural. In fact, it has become unavoidable. We may share views either orally or in writing.
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 are formal letters. They
can be printed on cards or can be drafted in the form of social letters.
Formal invitations can be of two types:
Printed invitation cards invite guests to be present on a particular occasion. Such invitations do
not include the name of the addressee.
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. 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.
FORMAT OF A FORMAL INVITATION
The format of invitation in printed or card form shall include-
• Name of the host
• Standard expression (E.g., request the pleasure of your company, solicit your gracious
presence)
• Purpose of the invitation
• Day, date and time of the event.
• Name of the place, location with complete address- Enter the address, the venue of the
party or event
• RSVP (Respond if it pleases you)- Include an RSVP - this elegant abbreviation comes
from the French phrase "Répondez, s'il vous plait"; which in English means "Please
respond". An RSVP is essential at parties where you need to know exactly who will
come, so you can organize things accordingly on the basis of their convenience.
• Telephone or mobile number or address of the host.
EXAMPLES
Question 1:
M/s Shyam Lal & Sons are opening a new general store ‘Galaxy Novelties’ in Geetanjali
Enclave, Dwarika, Delhi. The inauguration ceremony is fixed for Sunday, the 19th of October
20XX at 11 a.m. Prepare a draft of formal invitation letter for the purpose.
Question 2:
Draft an invitation on behalf of Mr & Mrs Raj Karan of 38, Kamal Kunj, Varanasi, which they
may use to invite their friends and relatives on the 5th birth anniversary of their son Nikhil at
their residence on 28 December 20XX.

The format of formal invitation in letter form

• Sender’s address
• Date
• Receiver’s address
 • Content
• Complimentary close
• Sender’s name
EXAMPLES
Question 1
You are the Director of Apex Orientations, a leading name in postal coaching for competitive
examinations including IIT-JEE and CBSE-PMT. Write invitations 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.
Answer:
APEX ORIENTATION
38-A, Old Rohtak Road
Karol Bagh
New Delhi-110005
25th March, 20XX
The Principal
ABC School
Delhi
Sub: Free Counselling Session
Sir/Madam,
Apex Orientation is a leading name in postal coaching for competitive examinations. We regard
your school as one of the prestigious institutions of Delhi. We shall deem it a personal favour 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 10th April, 20XX. The participation will be free of cost.
Kindly send your recommendations by the 7th April.
Yours faithfully,
Ritu Nanda
Director
Question 2:
You are Sachin Bansal, the Head Boy of Springdales Public School, Gurgaon. Your school is
holding an inter-school T-20 cricket championship from 2 Oct. to 8 Oct., 20XX. Write a formal
invitation to Sh. B.S. Bedi, the legendary cricketer, to inaugurate the championship on 2 Oct.
20XX at 10 a.m. at your school grounds.
Answer:
Springdales Public School
Gurgaon
25 Sept. 20XX
Sh. B.S. Bedi
2/27 Jorbagh
New Delhi
Sub: Inauguration of Cricket Championship
Sir,
Our school is holding an inter-school T-20 cricket championship from 2 Oct. to 8 Oct. 20XX.
All the schools of the area are likely to participate. Your presence in our midst will act as a
catalyst and inspire us. You are requested to inaugurate the championship on 2 Oct. 20XX at 10
a.m. in our school grounds.
Kindly confirm your availability by 30 Sept.
Yours faithfully,
Sachin Bansal
Head Boy
FORMAL REPLIES
A formal reply is usually very short. It is brief and to the point. The quality of a good reply is
that it must always be pleasant. Even while declining the invitation or expressing inability to
attend one must be polite and courteous. Formal replies demand a formal tone and treatment.
There is no room for unnecessary details or superfluous matter in them.
Characteristics of Formal Replies
• Acknowledge the invitation.
• Express thanks in third person.
• Mention acceptance/regret.
• Specify the reason for refusal.
• Be brief and specific.
• Be formal in tone and treatment.
Do not exceed the word limit (usually 50 words).
EXAMPLES:
LETTER FORM
Question 1
You are Akshya / Aakriti. You have been invited to participate in a seminar on ‘Fundamental
Rights of Children’, organised by the Lions Club of your district. Respond to the invitation by
writing a letter to the Secretary of the club.
Answer:
25, Aram Bagh Road
Meerut
5 May, 20XX
The Secretary
Lions Club, Meerut
Sub: Acceptance of Invitation
Sir,
Thanks for your invitation for a seminar on ‘Fundamental Rights of Children’, and your
concern for the under-privileged children. I would like to utilise this opportunity to share my
experiences with other like-minded enthusiasts and experts.
1 hereby confirm my participation in the seminar.
Yours sincerely,
Akshya / Aakriti
CARD FORM
Question 2
Draft a formal reply accepting an invitation to be present on the occasion of the wedding of
Ankush S/o Mr & Mrs Shankar of 24, Green Park Road, Kanpur. You are Vikram Gaur of Raja
Ki Mandi, Agra.
Answer:

Mr and Mrs Vikram Gaur thank Mr And Mrs Shankar for inviting them on the
occasion of the wedding of their son Ankush at 24, Green Park Road, Kanpur on
15 May, 20XX and assure them that they will be present on the occasion to wish
the newly weds a very happy married life. Mr and Mrs Gaur will reach Kanpur
by the Agra Mail which leaves Agra at 8.00 a.m.
Vikram Gaur

INFORMAL INVITATIONS
Main Characteristics:
Informal invitations follow the pattern of ordinary personal letters. These letters are written to
relatives, friends and acquaintances.
These letters are first/second person presentations.
• Personal feelings and emotions find an expression.
• The writer’s address is given in the usual place.
• The salutation is usually “Dear’ plus “Name’.
• The date of writing is given
• The style and tone are relaxed and informal.
• Different tenses are used as the sense demands.
• The complimentary close is: ‘Yours sincerely’.
EXAMPLES
Question 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.
Answer:
33/427 Priya Vihar
New Delhi
15 July 20XX
Dear Varan,
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 old Mends at a dinner in the Hotel Kanishka at 9.00
p.m. on 23 July, 20XX.
Please join the celebrations and merry-making.
Yours sincerely,
Rohit

Question 2:
You are Leena Sen. The wedding of your elder sister Reena Sen is going to be held on 15th
May, 20XX at Hotel Lake View, Udaipur. Write out an informal invitation to your friend
Vinnie requesting her to attend the function.
Answer:
4357, Vasant Kunj
Raj Nagar
1 May, 20XX
Dear Vinnie,
You will be pleased to know that the wedding of my elder sister Reena Sen is going to be held
on the 15th May, 20XX 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 in the evening.
I do hope you will join us on the auspicious occasion.
Yours sincerely,
Leena
Question 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.
Answer:
315/2 Raja Gardens
New Delhi
25 October, 20XX
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

INFORMAL REPLIES
• Acknowledge the invitation in first person.
• Use second person for the sender of invitation.
• Mention acceptance/regret.
• Specify the reason in case of refusal.
• Use warm and simple language.
• Do not exceed the word limit (usually 50 words).
Question 1:
You are Aakash/Varsha. You have been invited to attend the wedding of your friend’s sister
during summer vacation. Respond to the invitation, regretting your inability to attend it.
Answer:
205, Vasant Kunj
New Delhi
4 March, 20XX
Dear Neha,
Thank you for your cordial invitation on the occasion of your sister’s wedding. I, however,
regret my inability to be with you on this happy occasion as we shall be leaving for Shimla for
summer holidays on 1 May, 20XX. Please excuse my absence. Do convey my regards and best
wishes to the couple.
Yours sincerely,
Varsha/Aakash

Question 2:
You are Manoj /Mini. You have been invited to attend a birthday party of your closest friend.
Respond to this invitation.
Answer:
217 MIG Flats
Surya Vihar, New Delhi
15 March, 20XX
Dear Shuchi,
I have received your invitation for your birthday party on 25 March, 20XX at 5 p.m. at Hotel
Janpath. I am extremely happy to know that all our old friends are likely to be there.
I would like to confirm my participation.
Looking forward to the momentous occasion.
With love,
Manoj/Mini