In short: CBSE Class 12 English Writing Section carries 20 marks. This guide covers all writing formats — Article, Report, Speech, Letter to Editor, Job Application — with proper structure, examples, and marking scheme.
Writing Section Overview (20 Marks)
| Question | Type | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Notice/Advertisement | 3 |
| Q2 | Letter (Formal) | 5 |
| Q3 | Article/Report/Speech | 5 |
| Q4 | Letter (Job Application/Complaint) | 5 |
1. Article Writing (5 Marks)
Format
[CATCHY HEADLINE]
By: [Your Name]
Introduction (Para 1):
Hook the reader, introduce the topic, thesis statement
Body (Para 2-3):
Main arguments, examples, statistics, expert opinions
Conclusion (Para 4):
Summary, call to action, thought-provoking ending
Example: Article on Mental Health Awareness
BREAKING THE SILENCE: WHY MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
By: Kavya Sharma
In a country where academic pressure starts from kindergarten
and success is measured by marks, mental health often takes
a backseat. Yet, according to WHO, India has one of the
highest rates of depression among youth. It's time we
address this silent epidemic.
The stigma around mental health prevents millions from
seeking help. Students fear being labeled "weak" or "crazy."
Parents dismiss anxiety as "exam stress." Teachers overlook
warning signs. This culture of silence has devastating
consequences — India loses over 200,000 people to suicide
annually, with students forming a significant percentage.
Schools must integrate mental health education into
curricula. Counselors should be accessible, not just
available on paper. Parents need to create safe spaces
for conversations. Most importantly, we must normalize
seeking help — visiting a therapist should be as normal
as visiting a doctor.
Mental health is not a luxury; it's a necessity. Let's
break the silence before it breaks us. Remember, it's
okay to not be okay — but it's not okay to suffer alone.
Marking Scheme
| Criteria | Marks |
|---|---|
| Format (title, byline) | 1 |
| Content (relevant, well-researched) | 2 |
| Expression (grammar, vocabulary, coherence) | 2 |
| Total | 5 |
2. Report Writing (5 Marks)
Types of Reports
- Newspaper Report — Third person, past tense
- Magazine Report — Can be first person, descriptive
Newspaper Report Format
[HEADLINE IN CAPS]
By: [Reporter Name], Staff Reporter
[City], [Date]: Lead paragraph answering What, When, Where
Body paragraphs: Who, How, Why — details, quotes, statistics
Conclusion: Impact, future plans, official statements
Example: Newspaper Report on Road Accident
FIVE INJURED IN MULTI-VEHICLE COLLISION ON NH-48
By: Rohan Verma, Staff Reporter
Gurugram, 22 October 2027: Five people were injured in a
multi-vehicle collision on National Highway 48 near Rajiv
Chowk on Sunday evening. The accident occurred around 6:30 PM
during rush hour traffic.
According to eyewitnesses, a speeding truck lost control
and rammed into three cars waiting at the traffic signal.
The impact caused a chain reaction, involving two more
vehicles. "It happened so fast. The truck driver seemed
to have no control," said Amit Kumar, a witness.
The injured were rushed to Medanta Hospital, where two
are reported to be in critical condition. The truck driver
fled the scene but was later apprehended by police from
his residence in Manesar.
Inspector Rajesh Singh stated, "We have registered an FIR
under sections 279 and 338 of IPC. The driver was found
to be under the influence of alcohol." Traffic on NH-48
was disrupted for over three hours.
This is the fourth major accident on this stretch in the
past month, raising concerns about road safety measures.
Magazine Report Format
[CREATIVE HEADLINE]
By: [Your Name]
Introduction: Set the scene, create interest
Body: Detailed description, personal observations, quotes
Conclusion: Overall impression, significance
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3. Speech Writing (5 Marks)
Format
Salutation: "Respected Principal, teachers, and dear friends..."
Introduction: Greet, introduce topic, state purpose
Body:
- Main points with examples
- Rhetorical questions to engage
- Statistics/quotes for impact
Conclusion:
- Summary
- Call to action
- Thank the audience
Example: Speech on Environmental Conservation
Respected Principal, teachers, and my dear friends,
Good morning to all. Today, I stand before you to speak
about a topic that concerns every living being on this
planet — Environmental Conservation.
Have you ever wondered what kind of world we are leaving
for future generations? A world where clean air is a
luxury? Where children learn about tigers only from
pictures? This is not a distant dystopia — it's our
reality if we don't act now.
Every minute, we lose 40 football fields of forest. Every
year, 8 million tons of plastic enter our oceans. Every
decade, we witness more extreme weather events than the
previous century combined. These aren't just statistics —
they're warning signs.
But here's the good news: we have the power to change
this. Simple actions matter. Carry a reusable bottle.
Say no to single-use plastic. Plant a tree on your
birthday. Use public transport once a week. These small
steps, multiplied by millions, create revolutions.
As students, we are not just the leaders of tomorrow —
we are the activists of today. Let's make environmental
consciousness a lifestyle, not just a lesson.
Remember, we don't inherit the Earth from our ancestors;
we borrow it from our children. Let's return it in
better condition than we found it.
Thank you.
Key Elements
- Engaging opening
- Rhetorical questions
- Statistics and examples
- Emotional appeal
- Strong conclusion with call to action
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4. Letter to Editor (5 Marks)
Format
Sender's Address
________________
________________
Date: DD Month YYYY
The Editor
[Newspaper Name]
[City]
Subject: [Clear, specific subject line]
Sir/Madam,
Para 1: Purpose of writing, introduce the issue
Para 2: Details, causes, effects, examples
Para 3: Suggestions, expected action
Para 4: Conclusion, hope for publication
Yours faithfully,
[Signature]
[Name]
Example: Letter on Water Crisis
45-B, Vasant Vihar
New Delhi - 110057
25 October 2027
The Editor
The Hindu
New Delhi
Subject: Urgent Need to Address Water Crisis in South Delhi
Sir/Madam,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to
highlight the severe water crisis affecting residents of
South Delhi, particularly Vasant Vihar and Vasant Kunj areas.
For the past three weeks, water supply has been erratic,
with taps running dry for 8-10 hours daily. Residents are
forced to depend on expensive water tankers, costing
₹2,000-3,000 per month. The elderly and economically weaker
sections are worst affected. Despite multiple complaints
to the Delhi Jal Board, no concrete action has been taken.
I urge the authorities to repair the aging pipeline
infrastructure, increase water supply during summer months,
and implement rainwater harvesting mandatorily in all
residential complexes. A long-term solution involving
water recycling and conservation must be prioritized.
I hope this letter brings the issue to public attention
and prompts immediate action from concerned authorities.
Yours faithfully,
Priya Malhotra
5. Job Application Letter (5 Marks)
Format
Sender's Address
________________
________________
Date: DD Month YYYY
The HR Manager / Designation
Company Name
Address
________________
Subject: Application for the post of [Position]
Sir/Madam,
Para 1: Source of information, position applying for
Para 2: Qualifications, skills, experience
Para 3: Why you're suitable, what you can contribute
Para 4: Request for interview, availability
Yours faithfully,
[Signature]
[Name]
Enclosures: Resume, Certificates
Example: Job Application
B-12, Sector 62
Noida, UP - 201301
28 October 2027
The HR Manager
Infosys Limited
Electronics City
Bangalore - 560100
Subject: Application for the post of Software Developer
Sir/Madam,
With reference to your advertisement in The Times of India
dated 25 October 2027, I wish to apply for the position of
Software Developer at your esteemed organization.
I have recently completed my B.Tech in Computer Science
from Delhi Technological University with a CGPA of 8.5.
During my academic years, I developed proficiency in Java,
Python, and web development technologies. I completed a
6-month internship at TCS, where I worked on developing
REST APIs and gained hands-on experience in agile
methodologies.
I am particularly drawn to Infosys's commitment to
innovation and its work in AI and cloud computing. I
believe my technical skills, combined with my ability
to work in teams and meet deadlines, make me a suitable
candidate for this role.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can
contribute to your team. I am available for an interview
at your convenience.
Yours faithfully,
Aditya Kumar
Enclosures:
1. Resume
2. B.Tech Marksheets
3. Internship Certificate
6. Notice Writing (3 Marks)
Format
NOTICE
[Organization Name]
Date: DD Month YYYY
[HEADING IN CAPS]
Body (50-60 words):
What, When, Where, Who, Why
[Signature]
[Name]
[Designation]
Example: Notice for Workshop
NOTICE
Kendriya Vidyalaya, Dwarka
Date: 20 October 2027
CAREER COUNSELING WORKSHOP
A Career Counseling Workshop will be held on 28 October
2027 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the school auditorium.
Experts from IITs and IIMs will guide students on career
options after Class 12. All students of Classes 11 and 12
are required to attend. Parents are also welcome.
Neha Gupta
Career Counselor
7. Advertisement Writing (3 Marks)
Classified Ad Format
- Heading in caps
- Brief, telegraphic language
- Contact details
- Box the content
Example: Property for Sale
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│ FLAT FOR SALE │
│ │
│ 3 BHK, 1500 sq ft, Sector 50, │
│ Noida. East-facing, 2nd floor, │
│ modular kitchen, 2 balconies. │
│ Near Metro station and schools. │
│ Price: ₹85 lakhs (negotiable). │
│ │
│ Contact: 98765-43210 │
└─────────────────────────────────────┘
Quick Tips for Full Marks
Do's ✅
- Follow exact format
- Use formal language
- Include relevant examples/statistics
- Maintain logical flow
- Proofread for errors
Don'ts ❌
- Don't exceed word limit (120-150 words)
- Don't use informal/SMS language
- Don't skip format elements
- Don't write one long paragraph
- Don't leave conclusion incomplete
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the ideal word limit for Class 12 writing?
- Notice/Advertisement: 50-60 words
- Letter: 120-150 words
- Article/Report/Speech: 150-200 words
How to score full marks in writing section?
- Perfect the format (1 mark guaranteed)
- Include relevant content with examples
- Use varied vocabulary
- Maintain coherence between paragraphs
- Proofread for grammatical errors
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