Welcome back. In our last lesson, we solidified the fundamental format of a notice. Now, we'll build on that by focusing on what goes inside the format, specifically how to avoid the common mistakes that can cost you marks.
This lesson is all about precision. Your goal is to learn how to write content that is clear, concise, and complete, all while staying within the strict 50-word limit. We'll identify the most frequent errors students make so you can consciously avoid them in your exam tomorrow.
The Foundation: Content and Accuracy
In the previous lesson, we established the six key parts of the format. Now, let's focus on the two areas that determine the quality of your notice: Content (2 marks) and Accuracy (1 mark). Missing key details or making grammatical errors can cut your score in half, even if the format is perfect.
Let's begin by understanding the examiner's perspective on what makes a notice effective and what common pitfalls to avoid.
Notice Writing - Creative Writing Skills | CBSE Class 12 English | Explained with Example
This video from the channel CBSE with Sudhir explains the expectations for notice writing, focusing on the word limit, marking scheme, and essential details.
Watch the following segments to understand the key principles and common errors: First, understand why the 50-word limit is so strict. Next, see the breakdown of the 4 marks and how accuracy in spelling and grammar is scored. Pay close attention to the importance of a formal, factual tone and the instruction to never express personal opinions. Finally, review the checklist of crucial details you must include.
The Checklist of Common Mistakes
Based on the video and official CBSE guidelines, here are the most common errors to avoid.
1. Missing Essential Details (The "5 Ws")
This is the most critical content error. A notice fails its purpose if it doesn't give all the necessary information. Your body must always answer:
- What? What is the event or purpose? (e.g., a debate competition, a lost item)
- When? What is the date and time?
- Where? What is the venue?
- Who? Who is the notice for? (e.g., students of classes X-XII, all residents)
- Whom? Whom should one contact for more information? (e.g., the undersigned, the class teacher)
The official CBSE marking scheme (LINK) lists these as "Value Points". If you miss any, you lose marks from the 'Content' section.
2. Exceeding the Word Limit
As the video explained, a notice is meant to be read quickly. The 50-word limit is strict. Writing too much not only wastes time but also suggests you can't distinguish essential information from unnecessary detail, which can lead to a penalty.
3. Inconsistent Dates
This is a surprisingly common and easily avoidable error. The date of the event must always be after the date the notice is issued.
- Issue Date (top left): 21 March 2025
- Event Date (in body): 28 March 2025 (Correct)
- Event Date (in body): 20 March 2025 (Incorrect!)
Let's watch a short clip where the instructor catches and corrects this exact mistake. This will help you remember to double-check your dates.
Notice|Notice writing class 12|Notice writing class 12 cbse 2025-26|Notice format class 12
In this segment, the instructor Simran Sahni works through a 'Lost and Found' example and points out a date inconsistency.
Watch from the start of the example. Notice how she pauses at the end of the body to correct the date, ensuring it logically follows the timeline of the notice.
4. Using Incorrect Tone or Details
- Formal Tone: A notice is a formal document. Avoid informal language, slang, or expressing personal opinions ("It's going to be a super fun event!").
- Incorrect Name/Designation: Always use the name and designation provided in the question. If the question says you are "Kruthika Reddy, House Captain," you must sign off as such, not with your own name.
Spot the Error: A Practical Example
Now, let's put your knowledge to the test. The resource below shows a "poorly written" notice and a "correctly written" one for the same prompt.
Common Mistakes in Notice Writing
This webpage from SuccessCDs provides a direct comparison of a weak notice and a strong one.
First, scroll to the heading "Common Mistakes in Notice Writing" and look only at the image titled "Example of poorly written Notice." Before you read on, analyse it. Ask yourself: Does it clearly state what, where, when, and for whom? Is the word count likely over 50 words? Is any information vague? Now, look at the second image titled "The notice must be correctly written as follows-". Compare it with the first one and note how the errors have been fixed.
Analysis of the "Poorly Written" Notice:
- Missing "Where": It doesn't mention the venue of the book fair.
- Missing "When": It gives the date but not the time.
- Vague "Who": It just says "students." The corrected version specifies "all the students from classes VI to XII."
- Wordy and Informal: Phrases like "You will all be glad to know" are unnecessary and informal. The corrected version is direct: "This is to inform..."
- Exceeds Word Limit: The first version is clearly longer than the concise, 50-word corrected version.
Key Takeaways
To ensure you don't lose marks on your notice, always run through this mental checklist before you finish:
- Is it in a box?
- Is the format correct? (Authority, NOTICE, Date, Heading, Body, Signatory)
- Does the body answer the 5 Ws? (What, When, Where, Who, Whom to contact?)
- Is it under 50 words?
- Are the dates logical? (Event date is after the issue date)
- Is the tone formal and factual?
- Did I use the name and designation from the question?
In our next lesson, we will combine everything we've learned about format and content to analyse a complete board-exam level notice and its model answer. This will prepare you to confidently write one on your own.