Letter to a Friend Apologizing for Losing a Borrowed Book (Solved)
Are you preparing for the TN Board Class 10 or Class 12 English Exam? In the Writing Skills section, writing an apology letter is a test of your tone and vocabulary. Today, we are covering the tenth and final highly expected topic from our Top 10 list: a Letter to a friend apologizing for misplacing a valuable book you borrowed from them. Below is a cleanly formatted and fully solved example to help you practice and score full marks!
Exam Tip: An apology letter should have three clear steps: 1) Admit the mistake sincerely, 2) Briefly explain how it happened without making too many excuses, and 3) Offer a solution or compensation (like buying a replacement). This logical flow fetches maximum marks!
Question: Letter of Apology for Losing a Borrowed Book
Write a letter to your friend sincerely apologizing for misplacing a valuable book that you had borrowed from them for your exam preparation.
Sample Solution:
12, West Masi Street,
Madurai - 625001.
November 6, 2026.
Dear Harish,
I hope you and your family are doing well. I am writing this letter with a very heavy heart to share some bad news and to sincerely apologize to you.
You generously lent me your imported reference book for Physics last month to help with my board exam preparation. I know how valuable it was to you, as your uncle brought it all the way from the UK. Unfortunately, while returning from my tuition classes yesterday evening in a crowded town bus, my bag's zipper broke, and the book slipped out. I searched everywhere and even checked with the bus depot this morning, but I could not find it. I am extremely sorry for being so careless with your prized possession.
I know a simple apology cannot bring the book back, but I want to make it right. I have already searched online and ordered the exact same edition of the book. It should be delivered to my house in three days, and I will personally come and hand it over to you. Please forgive me for my negligence; I promise to be much more responsible in the future.
Convey my respects to your parents. Hoping you will understand and forgive my mistake.
Yours lovingly,
Praveen
Examiner's Marking Scheme Breakdown:
- Sender's Address & Date: 1 Mark
- Salutation (e.g., Dear Harish,): ½ Mark
- Body of the Letter: 2.5 Marks (Must include a sincere apology, a brief reason for the loss, and an offer to replace it)
- Subscription & Signature (e.g., Yours lovingly,): 1 Mark