Types of Directed Writing - 3 | ICSE Class 12 English Language – Chapter 4: Directed Writing | ICSE Class 12 English Language & Literature
K12 Students

Academics

AI-Powered learning for Grades 8–12, aligned with major Indian and international curricula.

Academics
Professionals

Professional Courses

Industry-relevant training in Business, Technology, and Design to help professionals and graduates upskill for real-world careers.

Professional Courses
Games

Interactive Games

Fun, engaging games to boost memory, math fluency, typing speed, and English skills—perfect for learners of all ages.

games

Interactive Audio Lesson

Listen to a student-teacher conversation explaining the topic in a relatable way.

Report Writing

Unlock Audio Lesson

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Lesson

0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Today, we are going to learn about report writing. Who can tell me the main purpose of a report?

Student 1
Student 1

To give information about an event?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Report writing provides a factual account about an event. Can anyone tell me the basic structure of a report?

Student 2
Student 2

It should have a title, body, and conclusion.

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! It also includes a byline, an introduction, and often uses past tense and objective language. Remember our acronym 'BIC' — B for Byline, I for Introduction, C for Conclusion.

Student 3
Student 3

What should be in the body?

Teacher
Teacher

Good question! The body contains details such as how, why, and sometimes includes quotes or statistics. The key is to be concise and factual.

Teacher
Teacher

So, what is the style of report writing?

Student 4
Student 4

It's objective and uses third person.

Teacher
Teacher

Well done! Remember, we aim for clarity and factual accuracy when writing reports.

Article Writing

Unlock Audio Lesson

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Lesson

0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Next, let’s talk about article writing. Who can define the primary purpose of an article?

Student 1
Student 1

To inform or express opinions.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Article writing is about informing or persuading readers. What about the format?

Student 2
Student 2

It starts with a title, then there's the body and conclusion?

Teacher
Teacher

That's right! You also need an engaging introduction that grabs attention. Here’s a trick: remember 'EIM' — E for Engage, I for Inform, M for Motivate.

Student 3
Student 3

What kind of style should we use?

Teacher
Teacher

Articles can be formal or semi-formal. We often employ rhetorical devices like questions to engage the reader.

Student 4
Student 4

Can we use personal views?

Teacher
Teacher

Yes, especially in opinion pieces! Make sure to back them with facts.

Teacher
Teacher

In summary, an article's strength lies in its structure and ability to engage the audience!

Speech Writing

Unlock Audio Lesson

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Lesson

0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Let's move on to speech writing. What is the main goal of a speech?

Student 1
Student 1

To persuade or inform an audience.

Teacher
Teacher

Perfect! Now, what do we need in our speech structure?

Student 2
Student 2

We need a salutation, body, and conclusion.

Teacher
Teacher

Right! Remember 'SEC': S for Salutation, E for Engage, C for Closing. The introduction should grab the audience's attention.

Student 3
Student 3

Should we use personal pronouns like 'I' and 'we'?

Teacher
Teacher

Absolutely! It's about connecting with the audience. Additionally, employing rhetorical devices can enhance persuasion.

Teacher
Teacher

In conclusion, to write effective speeches, focus on engagement and clarity.

Formal Letter Writing

Unlock Audio Lesson

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Lesson

0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Next on our list is formal letter writing! Why do we write formal letters?

Student 1
Student 1

To communicate with authorities or organizations.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Now, what are the essential parts of a formal letter?

Student 2
Student 2

It should have the sender's address, the receiver's address, a subject line, and a salutation!

Teacher
Teacher

Great! We can remember by using 'SALVOS': S for Sender's address, A for Address to receiver, L for Line of subject, V for Valediction, O for 'Opening', and S for Salutation.

Student 3
Student 3

What tone should we use?

Teacher
Teacher

Maintain a precise and polite tone. Avoid slang or contractions. Remember, formal letters demand respect!

Teacher
Teacher

So, to summarize, each part must be clear and structured to maintain a professional standard.

Notice Writing

Unlock Audio Lesson

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Lesson

0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Finally, let's talk about notice writing. What is a notice primarily used for?

Student 1
Student 1

To announce events or important information?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Notices must be clear and concise. What do we include in a notice?

Student 2
Student 2

The organization's name, the word 'NOTICE', date, heading, and the details.

Teacher
Teacher

Right! You can remember 'ONENT' from the structure: O for Organization, N for Notice, D for Date, H for Heading, E for Event details, N for Notice taken.

Student 3
Student 3

Should we use bullet points?

Teacher
Teacher

Yes, bullet points help in clarity! Now, to conclude, notice writing demands brevity and clarity to convey message effectively.

Introduction & Overview

Read a summary of the section's main ideas. Choose from Basic, Medium, or Detailed.

Quick Overview

This section covers the various types of directed writing tasks in the ICSE Class 12 English curriculum, including reports, articles, speeches, formal letters, and notices.

Standard

The section elaborates on the different formats of directed writing, highlighting the unique purpose, structure, style, and key features of each type, such as report writing, article writing, speech writing, formal letters, and notice writing.

Detailed

Types of Directed Writing

Directed writing is a crucial skill for effective communication in various contexts, particularly in academics and real-world applications. This section focuses on five major types of directed writing:

  1. Report Writing: Aimed at giving a factual account of events. The structure includes a headline, byline, introduction providing key facts, a detailed body with cited evidence, and a conclusion. The style is objective, often in past tense, using third-person passive voice.
  2. Article Writing: Designed to express opinions or inform audiences on specific topics. It consists of a compelling title, an introductory section, a main body with arguments and examples, and a conclusion. The tone can be formal or semi-formal, incorporating rhetorical devices for engagement.
  3. Speech Writing: This format focuses on delivering persuasive or informative speeches. It includes salutations, an engaging introduction, a logical body of arguments and appeals, and a concluding statement. The style encourages personal pronouns, rhetorical flair, and transitional elements to maintain flow.
  4. Formal Letter: Used for official communication, it follows a precise format with sender and receiver details, a subject line, and courteous language. The structure includes clear paragraphs outlining the purpose and requests, ensuring a professional tone.
  5. Notice Writing: A concise announcement addressed to a specific group about an event or information. The structure features the organization's name, 'NOTICE' label, date, title, and clear body instructions, often utilizing bullet points for clarity.

Key Importance

Understanding these types and their unique characteristics enhances a student's ability to communicate effectively in varied contexts, preparing them not just for exams but for future professional and public scenarios.

Audio Book

Dive deep into the subject with an immersive audiobook experience.

Report Writing

Unlock Audio Book

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book

Report Writing

Purpose: To provide a factual and concise account of an event or situation.
Types:
- Newspaper Report (for public readership)
- Report to the Principal/Editor (for institutional or formal purposes)
Format:
- Headline / Title
- Byline (for newspaper reports)
- Introduction (What happened, where, when)
- Body (Details like how, why, quotes, statistics)
- Conclusion (Current status or future outlook)
Style:
- Objective and factual
- Past tense (for events)
- Use of third person
- Passive voice often used

Detailed Explanation

Report writing is where you condense an event or situation into a structured format. The main purpose is to inform the audience in a factual way. You start with a clear headline that captures the essence of the report, followed by an introduction detailing the event’s basic facts. In the body, you provide deeper insights - explain how the event unfolded, include any relevant quotes or statistics, and wrap it up with a conclusion that outlines the current situation or what might happen next. The writing style is objective; you use past tense since you are recounting something that has already occurred.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a report as a news article in a newspaper. For example, if a school hosts a sports day, a report would detail the day’s events, describe the competitions, list the winners, and summarize the school's efforts in organizing the event, similar to how a news reporter presents facts to the public.

Article Writing

Unlock Audio Book

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book

Article Writing

Purpose: To express an opinion or inform readers about a topic.
Format:
- Title
- By [Name]
- Introduction (Grab attention, introduce topic)
- Main Body (Arguments, facts, examples)
- Conclusion (Opinion or call to action)
Style:
- Formal or semi-formal
- Logical flow of ideas
- Use of rhetorical devices (questions, exclamations) permitted

Detailed Explanation

Article writing allows you to express your thoughts or provide information on a particular subject. You start with an eye-catching title, followed by your name. The introduction should not just greet the readers but also pique their interest in the topic. In the main body, you present your arguments, supported by facts and examples. Finally, wrap up with a conclusion that summarizes your viewpoint or encourages readers to take action. The style can vary from formal to semi-formal and should maintain a logical progression of ideas throughout.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine writing for a magazine about climate change. Your article would start with a compelling title like 'Facing the Climate Crisis'. The introduction would outline what climate change is, the body would dive into specific issues like rising sea levels and their effects, and the conclusion could suggest steps individuals can take to help counteract this crisis. It’s like crafting an engaging blog post or opinion piece that invites readers to connect with your message.

Speech Writing

Unlock Audio Book

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book

Speech Writing

Purpose: To deliver a persuasive or informative talk on a given occasion.
Format:
- Salutation (e.g., Good morning respected Principal, teachers and dear friends)
- Introduction (Engage audience, introduce topic)
- Body (Arguments, emotional appeal, examples)
- Conclusion (Thank the audience)
Style:
- Persuasive tone
- Use of personal pronouns (I, we)
- Rhetorical devices and repetition for emphasis
- Use of transition words and pauses

Detailed Explanation

Speech writing is about creating a spoken message intended to persuade or inform. You begin with a salutation to greet your audience warmly. The introduction needs to capture the audience's attention while clearly stating your topic. The body contains your key points, bolstered by emotional appeals and examples to strengthen your case. Conclude with a thank-you note to the audience for their attention. The tone is generally persuasive, using personal pronouns to make a connection and incorporating rhetorical devices for effect.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a graduation speech. You would start with a respectful greeting ('Good morning to our esteemed faculty and graduates'), then share an inspiring story about overcoming challenges in school. The body might focus on lessons learned, and you would finish with a motivational quote or a thank-you, leaving your classmates feeling proud and inspired to take the next step in their journeys.

Formal Letter Writing

Unlock Audio Book

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book

Formal Letter

Purpose: For official communication to an authority, editor, or company.
Format:
- Sender’s Address
- Date
- Receiver’s Designation and Address
- Subject Line
- Salutation (Sir/Madam)
- Body:
- Para 1: Reason for writing
- Para 2: Details and arguments
- Para 3: Request or conclusion
- Subscription: Yours faithfully
- Signature and Name
Style:
- Precise, formal, and polite
- Avoid contractions and slang

Detailed Explanation

Formal letter writing is essential for communication that requires professionalism. The letter begins with your address and the date, followed by the recipient's address. The subject line outlines the letter's purpose succinctly. After using an appropriate salutation (like 'Dear Sir/Madam'), the body of the letter is divided into three paragraphs. The first states the reason for writing, the second provides further details or arguments, and the third concludes with a request or a summary. The letter should be polite, precise, and free of any informal language.

Examples & Analogies

Picture writing a letter to a local company about a faulty product. You would start by explaining who you are and the product issue, use a detailed paragraph to describe your experience, and finally request a resolution like a refund or replacement. This process is similar to framing a formal request in a business setting.

Notice Writing

Unlock Audio Book

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book

Notice Writing

Purpose: To announce an event or information to a specific group.
Format:
- Name of the Organisation / Institution
- NOTICE
- Date
- Heading / Title
- Body: What, when, where, who, instructions
- Signature with name and designation
Style:
- Clear and to-the-point
- Use of bullet points (if required)
- Boxed format is often used

Detailed Explanation

Notice writing serves to convey important information to a defined audience, such as students or staff. It begins with the name of the organization at the top, followed by the word 'NOTICE' and the date. The heading should be attention-grabbing. The body explains the details of the notice: what the event is, when and where it will occur, and any special instructions. A clear style that is direct ensures that the information is easily digestible. Sometimes, bullet points are used for clarity, and notices are often presented in a boxed format to stand out.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a school notice about an upcoming sports day. It includes the school’s name at the top, clearly states 'NOTICE', provides the date, lists the event details like types of games, timing, and location, and ends with a designated authority's signature. This helps ensure that all students are aware and can participate.

Definitions & Key Concepts

Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.

Key Concepts

  • Factual Accuracy: The importance of presenting clear and verifiable information in reports.

  • Engagement: In articles, engaging the reader is key through various writing styles and devices.

  • Structure: Each writing type has a specific structure that needs to be adhered to for effectiveness.

  • Tone: The tone used in formal writing must remain professional and respectful.

  • Brevity: Notices must convey information concisely to ensure clarity.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.

Examples

  • A report on a community event detailing the objectives, results, and feedback from participants.

  • An article discussing the impact of climate change, providing statistics and personal opinions.

  • A persuasive speech advocating for environmental protection initiatives in schools.

  • A formal letter requesting permission for a school trip, outlining all necessary details.

  • A notice for an upcoming school event, clearly stating the date, time, and venue.

Memory Aids

Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • For reports that shine bright, keep facts in your sight, with BIC tight!

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a school hosting a science fair. The report details who participated, what they displayed, how students reacted, and what was learned — all factual and clear!

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • For writing articles, remember EIM: Engage, Inform, Motivate!

🎯 Super Acronyms

In speeches, use SEC for Salutation, Engage the audience, Close with a strong conclusion.

Flash Cards

Review key concepts with flashcards.

Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: Report Writing

    Definition:

    A structured format to present factual information about an event or situation.

  • Term: Article Writing

    Definition:

    A form of writing to express opinions or inform on a topic.

  • Term: Speech Writing

    Definition:

    The process of creating dialogue to be delivered to an audience.

  • Term: Formal Letter

    Definition:

    An official form of communication, typically requiring a structured format.

  • Term: Notice Writing

    Definition:

    A concise way to announce events or information to a specific group.