FORMATS FOR ALL WRITING SKILLS
A. Message Writing B. Diary Writing C. Dialogue Writing
D. Notice Writing E. Report Writing F. Story Writing
G. Advertisement H. Poster Making I. Letter Writing
A. Message writing
1. Start by drawing a box.
2. Write the word ‘MESSAGE’ in capital letters at the center of the first line.
3. Mention the time and date while framing the message.
4. There is NO NEED to write the subject or address.
5. Write a brief salutation.
6. Add the information about who called and when, and the message that the person
wanted to convey.
7. Write your name at the end of the message.
8. Be brief; add only the most essential information.
9. The word limit for a message is usually fifty.
MESSAGE
Date (13 December)
Time (3 pm)
Salutation
BODY
(Name)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
B. Diary writing
1. Diary entry is always written in the first person.
2. The style is informal and the composition is short.
3. Sometimes, the writer may start the entry with a salutation ‘Dear Diary’. The writer
may give a personal name to his/her diary.
4. A diary entry begins with the day, date and time.
5. Mention the place where you are when writing the diary.
6. When finished, one may conclude by signing with the first name.
7. Mostly in simple past, present perfect or simple future.
8. It is about 200 words in length.
9. It is nothing but the personal record of one’s own feelings.
Place (Mumbai) (Optional)
Date (28 August, 2025)
Day (Sunday)
Time (8 pm)
Dear Diary
Body
Name (Optional)
C. Dialogue writing (8 dialogues)
1. Use different kinds of sentences like
(Assertive/Exclamatory/Imperative/Interrogative)
2. The character must speak in short phrases or short sentences. It helps in avoiding
a monologue.
3. Avoid rude replies.
4. Begin a new dialogue on the next line.
5. It is always advisable to write a prologue before starting the dialogue.
6. It is not necessary that the dialogues are between only two people. It can be
between more than two people also. For example, it may be a family discussion too.
7. End the dialogue in a manner in which the conversation gets completed.
Mention the prologue. Introduce the characters, including you. Mention the topic of
the dialogue to be conversed.]
Character 1: Let us revise the topics of grammar today. (Full
stop/exclamation/question mark is necessary)
Character 2: Yes, of course. Our exams are approaching.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
D. Notice writing
1. Should be written in a box.
2. Short and precise. Should not exceed 50 words.
3. The tone of a notice should be objective, impartial and formal.
4. Must be written in passive voice and in third person. But, sometimes may be
written using the first person plural, we.
ISSUING AUTHORITY (In Capital Letters only)
NOTICE (In capital letters)
Date (6 December 20XX)
Heading or Subject
Content
1. Event
2. Whom it is aimed at
3. When and Where
4. Whom to contact
(Sign) [Not Compulsory]
Name
(Designation)
B/O – On Behalf of (If required)
E. Report writing
1. The report should be written mostly in passive voice.
2. Short and simple sentences.
3. Make sure only past tenses are used - Simple past, continuous past, perfect past or
perfect continuous past.
4. Do not include your opinions or suggestions.
5. The report should include only what has happened.
6. May include quotations of eyewitnesses or experts. (They may be mentioned in
direct speech)
7. Include a by-line where the name of the reporter should be mentioned.
8. The Heading should be interesting. Use alliteration or pun to grab the reader’s
attention.
9. Do not box the report.
10. First para - Very important, all details about the incident or event. Answer what,
why, how, who and when.
11. Second para - Details about what is reported in first para. Must add reactions of
the people.
12. Last para - Least important details, mention what would happen next.
13. Write the report in assertive form.
HEADING
(By-line - Reporter’s name)
Date/Place
CONTENT
(First para)
(Second Para)
(Third Para)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
F. Story writing
Elements of a story
A. Character (Who)
B. Setting (when and where)
C. Plot (series of event)
D. Conflict (What went wrong)
E. Theme (moral/message)
G. Advertisement
The essentials are:
Heading: (For e.g. For Sale, Situation Vacant, Situation Wanted, Matrimonial, Lost &
Found)
Details: (e.g. description, contact, information)
Closing line, such as ‘Contact immediately’ or ‘Hurry, Limited Offer!’
Example 1
*For Sale*
Brand new, high-quality study desk with ergonomic design.
Perfect for students and professionals. Made from premium
wood and includes spacious drawers.
*Price:* ₹5,000 (Negotiable).
*Contact:* Kalpna Parekh, 9876543210.
*Location:* Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
*Act fast! Limited availability.*
Example 2
To Let
Spacious 2 BHK apartment available for rent in Shakti Society, Gandhinagar. Fully
furnished, excellent ventilation, and close to markets, schools, and public transport.
Ideal for families or working professionals.
*Rent:* ₹18,000 per month.
*Contact:* Kalpna Parekh at 9876543210.
Hurry — Do not miss out on this great opportunity!
_____________________________________________________________________________________
H. Poster making
1. To put up in a public place to advertise an event, or to educate or create awareness
among people about something.
2. Written in simple language and short sentences.
3, Includes a catchy slogan.
Two types of poster:
1. Event poster 2. Awareness Poster
(name of the organizer)
(event)
(purpose) (issue)
(date/time/venue) (facts)
(highlights) (causes/effects)
(special attractions) (solution/appeal)
(entry/tickets) (issuing agency/organization)
(sponsors)
Examples:
The Reader’s Club SAVE WATER TO SAVE LIFE
Organizes
Storytelling Competition Water is scarce
Age group: 10 to 13 years Underground water is fast drying up.
Date: 16 May 2018; Time: 4:30 pm
Venue: Arcade, Gurgaon Here’s how you can help:
* Reduce your use.
Choose your favourite story to narrate in * Reuse chemical-free water for
10 minutes. plants.
* Start harvesting rainwater
Register for free at the venue by 3 pm * Fix all leaking taps.
Sponsors
EyeCare Optician LearnWell Press Issued in public interest by
Council for Water Resource
Management
I. Letter writing
Types of Letters
A. Formal Letters
1. Letter of Inquiry 2. Letter to the editor 3. Letter to place an order 4. Letter of Complaint
5. Order cancellation
B. Informal Letters
* Letters written to family and friends.
* Informal language is used to express the emotions.
Format for Formal Letters
1. Sender’s Address: (Write your address at the top left corner. Avoid using
punctuation marks.
Example:
12, Green Park Society
Sector 1, Gandhinagar
(LEAVE A LINE)
2. Date: Write the date below the sender’s address in the format - DD/MM/YYYY
Example: 26 March 2025
(LEAVE A LINE)
3. Receiver’s Address: (Write the recipient’s designation and address.
Example:
‘The Editor’,
The Times of India
(LEAVE A LINE)
4. Subject: Write a brief and clear subject line starting with ‘Subject’.
Example:
Subject: Request for Transfer Certificate
(LEAVE A LINE)
5. Salutation: Use formal greeting like ‘Respected Sir/Madam’
(LEAVE A LINE)
6. Body of the Letter: Divide the content into three paragraphs:
Introduction: Clearly mention the issue/topic you are addressing.
Main Content: Provide detailed information or explanation.
Conclusion: End with a call to action, suggestion, or a request for further attention.
7. Complimentary Close: Use phrases like ‘Yours faithfully’ or ‘Yours sincerely’.
8. Signature: Sign your name and mention your full name below it.
9. Enclosures: If you are attaching documents, mention them under ‘Enclosures’.
Format for Informal Letters:
1. Sender’s address: Write your address at the top left corner.
(Leave a Line)
2. Date: Mention the date below the sender’s address.
(Leave a Line)
3. Salutation: Begin with a casual greeting like ‘Dear [Name]’ or ‘Dearest [Name]
4. Body of the letter:
Introduction: Start by greeting the recipient and setting a warm tone. (e.g. asking
about their wellbeing.)
Main Content: Share the purpose of the letter. Write in a conversational tone; include
personal thoughts, experiences or news.
Conclusion: End with friendly remarks, future plans, or good wishes.
5. Closing: Use informal phrases like ‘Yours lovingly’, ‘With Love’, or ‘Best Wishes,’
followed by your first name.
