FORMAT OF WRITING PIECES

1. PARAGRAPH WRITING
Paragraph writing is the base of all forms of writing. Whether it is expository, narrative, persuasive
or creative writings, it should be written in short paragraphs. Writing any topic in paragraphs
makes the content understandable for readers.

How to write a paragraph is always a matter of concern for students. Students are required to
understand the rules that they should adhere to while writing a paragraph.

It is ideal to start the first sentence with a topic and other sentences should explain the ideas, facts,
reasons, etc. A paragraph should end with a concluding sentence along with an opinion. Generally,
a paragraph comprises of a set of sentences that are properly arranged around the main topic. There
are four important steps that a writer should consider in paragraph writing. Rules for writing a
paragraph are mentioned below.

a) A paragraph should begin with a topic sentence. The sentence should explain the main idea in
a clear and concise manner to readers. It is ideal to integrate every supporting sentence with the
main topic in order to make it comprehensible for readers..

b) Writing sentences in a proper order is imperative in paragraph writing. A proper arrangement

of sentences will not only make the entire content logical, but also help a reader to understand the
theme and meaning aptly.

c) Maintaining unity in a paragraph is essential. Each sentence in a paragraph should be coherently

described and should be connected to each other. It is a true fact that words create bridges of
sentences. Hence, it is important to use those words in a sentence that maintain consistency in the
entire paragraph.

d) If every sentence is significant and supports the key idea, then a paragraph is considered as a
complete paragraph. Three to four sentences are enough to complete a paragraph. Further, a
concluding sentence should be used to make the paragraph meaningful and clear for readers. It is
advisable to summarize the main topic as it will give clear idea about the whole content of the
paragraph.
2. NARRATIVE WRITING
Narrative writing is basically about narrating a story. In this style of writing, the writer usually
narrates a real life incident or a real life experience in a written form.

a) To start a narrative, one needs to think of an experience or incident or good old memories, which
he or she wants to share with others. It is ideal to narrate stories in paragraphs as it will stimulate
reader’s interest in understanding the entire story. While writing even a small incident or
experience, a writer should ensure that it should be written in an interesting manner and connect
to readers’ emotion.

b) It is advisable for a writer to use those words that illustrate the story in a better way and give
readers an opportunity to imagine that incident. It has been observed that stories based on personal
experience mostly connect with readers as these are naturally written. Hence, it is ideal to write
personal stories in a creative manner.

c) In all types of narrative writings, you will find story telling that narrates a theme in a creative
and interesting manner. Non-fictional stories, poems, autobiographies and essays all come under
narrative writing.

The best way to write narrative paragraph is to describe the main character then narrate the scenes
and settings and after that move through a plot, which will describe the beginning, middle and end
part of a story in a detailed manner
3. DIARY ENTRY
Diary is a kind of personal document. It records an individual’s account of a day of his/her life.
Format
Top-left- date &day; Time – on the right
Tense most frequently used – Simple past, present perfect and future
First person application
Steps
➢ Begin the entry with a general sentence describing the day or momentary feelings. Do not
write ‘Dear diary’, etc.
➢ Then, you may move on to discussing an event and your feelings towards it. You may
perhaps talk about how it is likely to affect your future.
➢ Conclude with a final remark/ future course of action.
➢ Do not put in your name or signature.

Date Time
Day
Content of the diary entry

4. FORMAL LETTER
Format

Sender’s address

Date

Receiver’s address

Subject line

Salutation
Body (3 paragraphs) – Introduction

Main content

Conclusion

Complimentary close

Sender’s name
5. STORY WRITING
A story is a narration of a set of events, incorporated to form a good plot. A story must have a
theme, well-defined characters and appropriate setting(s). Dialogues/ conversation can be used to
an advantage.
6. POSTERS
Posters are part notices and part advertisements. There is a lot of emphasis on visual appeal and
layout.
A good poster has a catchy title, relevant slogans or small verses and a visual appropriate to the
theme.
Important information like venue, date, time, etc. is clearly mentioned in the case of an event. Size
of the letters can be made small or bold, light or dark according to their importance. A simple
cartoon/ drawing/ symbol could add to its visual appeal.
7. NOTICE WRITING
A notice conveys information in a brief but comprehensive manner.
A notice should have -
• A proper heading
• Date of issue
• Name and designation of issuing authority
• Relevant content which answers questions like what, when, where
• Accurate expression
• Do not write Complimentary close in notices.
 NAME OF THE INSTITUTION / ORGANISATION
Notice
Date
Topic of the notice

(Content of the notice)

Name of issuing authority

Designation

8. DIALOGUE WRITING
Dialogue writing enables students to elaborate upon the given inputs in a grammatically correct
and meaningful conversation. Students must remember to use
 Proper punctuation
 Tense
 Subject verb agreement
 Declarative/ interrogative/ imperative/ Exclamatory sentences
 Contractions
 Question tags

9. MESSAGE WRITING
Format –

Message
Date
Name of person to whom it is meant / the word by which that person is addressed usually (dad,
mom, uncle, aunty)
Body of the message with details like from whom, message to be conveyed and follow up if
required. (Reported speech)
Name of the person writing the message
Content
10. REPORT OR FACTUAL DESCRIPTION

Format Name of the issuing authority

Designation
 • Heading/Title
• Name of the Reporter/Writer
• Place

Content

• Para 1 Introductory para giving day, date, place, event, timings.

• Para II Brief detail of the place/cause/consequence/effects/guests/
• Para III Main steps/activities/people involved
• Para IV Concluding Para – Reactions/Promises by authorities/statement of people.

Expression

1. Grammatical accuracy

• Past tense for report

• Present or past tense for factual description
• Appropriate words and spellings

2. Coherence and relevance of ideas and style

3. Be clear, concrete, specific, precise and direct

TITLE OF THE REPORT

-By line

Date
Place

Content of the report in 3 – 4 paragraphs

11. WRITING A BOOK REVIEW

(Note: You do not have to answer every question, these are only suggestions to guide your
writing.)

a) Write at least 3-4 sentences about the plot

• What was the story about?

• Who were the main characters?

• What did the main characters do in the story?

• Did the main characters run into any problems?

• Did the main characters have any adventures?

• Who was your favorite character? Why?

b) Your personal experiences

• Could you relate to any of the characters in the story?

• Have you ever done some of the things or felt some of the same things that the

characters did?

c) Your opinion

• Did you like the book?

• What was your favorite part of the book?

• Do you have a least favorite part of the book?

• If you could change something in the book, what would it be?

(If you wish you could change the ending, remember not to tell the ending to the
story you read!)

d) Your recommendation

• Would you recommend this book to another person?

• What type of persons would like this book?

12. ARTICLE WRITING

Format-
Heading – must be catchy and sharp
By line
Body (3 paragraphs)
e) Introductory – Start with a slogan, an amazing fact, figure or statement
f) Main content – dealing with causes, effects, present state of affairs, etc.
 g) Concluding – Offer solutions/ sum up effectively
Remember to -
o Read the question carefully
o Plan, organize and present ideas coherently
o Be creative
o Avoid grammatical errors

TITLE OF THE ARTICLE

- By line
Content of the article in 3-4 paragraphs

13. SPEECH WRITING

Format –
− Salutation
− Disclosure of topic
− Narration of facts, presentation of data, relevant examples, etc.
− Draw conclusion in an innovative and imaginative way
− At the end write ‘Thank you’ at extreme end on the left.

14. DEBATE WRITING

Format –
− Salutation
− Introduction – views for or against the topic
− Body – facts, contradiction of opponent’s argument, rebutting the statement, questions,
etc.
− Conclusion – clarification of the stand made
 TOPIC OF THE SPEECH/ DEBATE
Salutation
Introduction – State the motion
Content of the speech in 2-3 paragraphs
Conclusion – reinforce your position
Thank you

15. INFORMAL INVITATIONS

Format-

▪ Begin with sender’s address, date, receiver’s address

▪ Salutation of your choice
▪ Write the content loosely but be precise. Invitation is shorter than a letter.
▪ Do not fail to provide specific details of the function, venue and date.

16. FORMAL INVITATIONS

Format-
▪ Write as if it is written by a third person.
▪ Follow the letter format with from address and date but no need to write salutation such
as, dear sir, etc.
▪ Begin with the host’s name, such as, “Mr. Peter is glad to invite Mr. Alexander…”
▪ For invitations inviting dignitaries as judges or chief guests, it is just a single paragraph.
▪ Write inside a box

17. PROVERB EXPANSION

We have 5 Steps on ‘How to do expansion of an idea or expansion of a proverb’:

Step 1: Understand the symbol of the words in the proverb

Step 2: Substitute the meaning in the idea or the proverb
Step 3: Look for a story or anecdote or example or illustration
Step 4: Look for similar proverbs or ideas
Step 5: Sum up the paragraph
18. BIOGRAPHY WRITING
Tips –
❖ Written in third person
❖ Be descriptive
❖ Significant and important points to be included
❖ Mention special awards or recognitions
Main points –
❖ Name and age
❖ Main personality traits
❖ Special interests
❖ Education and training
❖ Special contribution/ research
❖ Why people like him/ her

19. BROCHURE
Steps for writing a brochure -

1. Determine the audience for your message. Your brochure may be directed towards
specific groups, such as potential clients, the media, or a broad audience.
2. Decide on the purpose of your brochure: persuading, informing, entertaining, etc.
3. Think about the message you want to convey to your readers. Since a brochure format
sets a strict limit to the amount of printed information, you must choose carefully among
the facts, pictures, and other data you want to include.
4. Write the text for your brochure. Try to be concise and accurate. The text should be
written in short sentences with positive language and active voice.
5. Decide on what graphics you are going to use to enhance the brochure. Take care not to
use too many pictures or colors as it can distract your readers from perceiving your
message, or make the brochure look too flashy.
6. Add a call to action at the end of your brochure. You can ask your readers to make a
phone call, visit a website for more details, or purchase a sample of your product.
7. Proofread and edit the brochure. Check to see if you can supersede some elements with
others, or where you can use more precise words or more expressive pictures.

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