Class Notes

Class: XII Topic: Invitations/Replies

Subject: English Core Date- 04.01.2021

Purpose
A document written or printed to
invite someone or people to join an
event.

Invitations

Card Type Letter Type

Formal Formal

Informal Informal
 Replies
Acceptance
Formal/Informal
Refusal

Important points to include-

It should answer to the 5Ws:

• WHAT- The occasion

• WHEN- Date and time
• WHERE- Venue
• WHO- Name of the host
• WHOM- Name of the person being invited

❖ Name(s) of the host(s)

❖ Name(s) of the invitee(s)

❖ Occasion

❖ Date, time and venue.

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

Characteristics of Formal Invitations-

➢ Written in the third person

➢ In case a VIP is invited as the chief guest, the name of the VIP must appear
prominently.
 ➢ 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 silvers plait) i.e. ‘Please reply’ is
written below on the left side with name(s), address and phone number of the
host(s).
➢ Put the invitation into a box.
➢ Do not exceed 50 words.

➢ Formal phrases of invitation, for example:

Request the pleasure your benign presence/company Seek your auspicious
presence/ Solicit your gracious presence on the auspicious occasion.

Informal Invitations -
❖ Written in the first person.

❖ Use of different tenses to suit the sense.

❖ No mention of RSVP

❖ Informal Language

Formal Replies Accepting or Declining

❖ Formal words: ‘kind invitation’, ‘great pleasure’, ‘regret’, etc.

❖ Use of third person (‘they’) instead of first person (I, ‘We’)

❖ Conveying gratitude is necessary

❖ Phrases like ‘due to prior engagement’ can be used to express inability to attend

Informal replies Accepting or Declining

▪ Do not use any formal expressions, but use informal words and expressions

▪ Use of first person (‘I’, ‘We’)

▪ Any personal reason can be written for declining

Sample Questions & Solutions:

Sunrise Global School, Agra is going to organize a one-act play competition in the school
auditorium. You have decided to invite noted stage artiste, Nalini to grace the occasion. Draft a
formal invitation for her in about 50 words. You are Karuna/Karan, Cultural Secretary.
 The Principal, Staff And Teachers
Of
Sunrise Public School
take pleasure in inviting
noted stage artist
MS. NALINI
to grace the one-act play competition
in the School Auditorium
on Tuesday, 1st April, 20xx
From 8:30 am to 11:00 am RSVP
Awaiting a favourable response from your end.

RSVP
Karuna, Cultural Secretary
987xxxxx00

Some more samples:

 ❖ Sample-Formal- Letter type Invitation:

Questions for practice:

Q.1 You are the President, Literary Society of Sunshine International School. Draft an invitation
to the author, Ms. Manjul Bajaj requesting her to conduct a workshop on creative writing in your
school. You are Romi/Rohit.

Q.2 You have been invited as a judge for a debate competition by New Era Public School. Draft
a formal refusal in about 50 words.

Content absolutely prepared from home.