Unit 5: Writing Skills

Unit 5: Writing Skills — At a Glance

Writing is thinking made visible. This unit gives you the complete toolkit: paragraph writing (structure + descriptive and narrative samples + coherence linkers), letter writing (formal format with two full samples — application to the Principal and a complaint letter; informal format with one sample), emails (format + sample), notices (format + 3 samples), posters (layout tips + sample), and report writing (format + 2 full samples — an event report and an incident report). It closes with a common mistakes table. Almost every item here is a direct exam question — learn the formats by heart.

1. Paragraph Writing

1.1 Structure of a Good Paragraph

Topic sentence: The first sentence — states the main idea of the paragraph.
Supporting sentences: 4–6 sentences that explain, describe or prove the main idea with details and examples.
Concluding sentence: The last sentence — rounds off the paragraph, restates the idea or gives a final thought.
Unity: One paragraph = one main idea. Length: 100–150 words for exams.

1.2 Descriptive Paragraph — Full Sample

Topic: "A Morning in Bikaner"

A winter morning in Bikaner has a charm of its own. As the first rays of the sun touch the golden sandstone havelis, the whole city glows like a painting. The air is cool and carries the smell of fresh kachoris from the corner shops. In the narrow lanes, pigeons flutter around the old temples while shopkeepers wash their doorsteps and light incense sticks. Camel carts rattle past on their way to the market, their bells tinkling softly in the quiet streets. By eight o'clock, the bazaars come alive with colour and noise, and the peaceful spell of the morning slowly gives way to the busy rhythm of the day.

1.3 Narrative Paragraph — Full Sample

Topic: "The Day I Missed the Train"

Last month I learned the value of punctuality in the hardest way — I missed my train to Jaipur. I had planned to reach the station by 6 a.m., but I woke up late and rushed through my morning routine. The auto-rickshaw got stuck in traffic near the overbridge, and by the time I sprinted onto the platform, the train was already pulling away. I stood there helplessly, watching my confirmed berth disappear. After an hour of disappointment, I bought a ticket for the next train and reached Jaipur four hours late, missing the first session of the seminar. That day taught me that five minutes of carelessness can cost you an entire day.

Hinglish samjhaya: Descriptive paragraph = tasveer shabdon me (kya dikha, kya mehsoos hua — morning in Bikaner). Narrative paragraph = kahani (kya hua, kab, kaise — missed the train). Dono me structure same: pehli line main idea, beech me detail, aakhri line samapan. Exam me 100-150 words ka ek paragraph likhne ko aata hai — topic sentence underline karne ki aadat dalo.

1.4 Coherence and Cohesion — Linkers

Linkers (connecting words) join sentences smoothly. Learn these groups:

Purpose	Linkers
Adding ideas	and, moreover, furthermore, in addition, besides
Contrasting	but, however, although, on the other hand, nevertheless
Cause / reason	because, since, as, due to, owing to
Result	therefore, so, consequently, as a result, hence
Sequence	firstly, then, next, after that, finally
Example	for example, for instance, such as, namely

Exam tip: Examiners reward paragraphs that use 3–4 linkers naturally. Never write "and and and" — vary with moreover, however, therefore, for example.

2. Letter Writing — Formal Letters

2.1 Formal Letter Format (learn by heart)

1. Sender's address (top left) — your address, no name.
2. Date — below the address (e.g. 14 October 2026).
3. Receiver's address — designation + office address.
4. Subject — one line summarising the purpose.
5. Salutation — Dear Sir / Dear Madam.
6. Body — 3 paragraphs: (a) purpose of writing, (b) details/reasons, (c) request + thank you.
7. Complimentary close — Yours faithfully (unknown person) / Yours sincerely (known person).
8. Signature + name below the close.

2.2 Sample 1 — Application to the Principal (for leave / fee concession)

45, Murlidhar Vyas Colony
Bikaner — 334001
14 October 2026

The Principal
Dungar College
Bikaner

Subject: Application for three days' leave

Dear Sir,

With due respect, I wish to state that I am a student of B.A. II year (Roll No. 214) in your college. My elder sister's wedding is scheduled for 18 October 2026 at our native village, and my presence there is necessary for the family functions.

I therefore request you to kindly grant me leave from 16 October to 18 October 2026. I will cover the missed syllabus with the help of my classmates and ensure my attendance does not suffer.

I shall be grateful for your kind consideration.

Yours faithfully
Rohit Sharma

2.3 Sample 2 — Complaint Letter (to the Electricity Department)

12, Jai Narayan Vyas Colony
Bikaner — 334003
14 October 2026

The Assistant Engineer
Bikaner Electricity Supply Ltd.
Sub-division II, Bikaner

Subject: Complaint regarding frequent power cuts in our area

Dear Sir,

I am writing to bring to your notice the frequent and unscheduled power cuts in Jai Narayan Vyas Colony for the past two weeks. Electricity goes off four to five times a day, sometimes for two hours at a stretch.

This is causing great hardship. Students cannot study in the evenings, and the examination season is approaching. Shopkeepers are also suffering losses as their work comes to a standstill. We have complained to the local office twice, but no action has been taken so far.

I request you to look into the matter urgently and restore regular supply. We shall be thankful for prompt action.

Yours faithfully
Sunita Agarwal

Hinglish samjhaya: Formal letter ka order yaad rakho: apna pata → date → saamne wale ka pata → subject → Dear Sir → 3 paragraph body (kaam / detail / request) → Yours faithfully → naam. Subject ek line me poora maksad bata de. Body ke pehle paragraph me seedha mudde par aao, ghoomao mat.

Exam tip: Formal letter = 8–10 marks ka fixed question. Format ke liye alag marks milte hain — sender address, date, subject line aur close miss mat karo. Complaint letter me problem + effect + request — ye teen points zaroor likho.

3. Informal Letters — Format + Sample

Format: Sender's address + date (top left) → Salutation: Dear Rohit / Dear Mother → Body in 3–4 friendly paragraphs (news, feelings, plans) → Close: Yours lovingly / Your loving son → Name. No subject line, no receiver's address.

Sample — Letter to a Friend (describing college life)

Room 12, Boys Hostel
Dungar College, Bikaner
14 October 2026

Dear Amit,

It has been two months since I joined college, and I miss our school days badly. College life is very different — there are no fixed classrooms, and we move from one lecture hall to another. I have made some good friends in the hostel, and the mess food is actually better than I expected!

The best part is the library. It stays open till 8 p.m., and I have already finished two novels from there. Our communication skills classes are very interesting — we do role-plays and group discussions every week.

Do write back and tell me all about your college. When are you coming to Bikaner? We must meet during Diwali.

Yours lovingly
Rohit

4. Email Writing — Format + Sample

To: receiver's email address | Cc: others who should know | Subject: short, clear (e.g. "Request for Leave — 16 Oct")
Salutation: Dear Sir/Ma'am (formal) / Hi Rahul (informal)
Body: short paragraphs — purpose first, details next, action requested last.
Close: Regards / Best regards + your name + designation/contact.
Etiquette: meaningful subject line; no ALL CAPS; check spelling; attach files before sending; reply within 24 hours.

Sample — Email to a Professor (requesting guidance)

To: verma.english@dungarcollege.ac.in
Subject: Request for Guidance on Seminar Topic

Dear Ma'am,

I am Priya Sharma, a student of B.A. II year (Roll No. 118). I am preparing a seminar on "The Role of Body Language in Communication" scheduled for next month.

I would be grateful if you could suggest two or three reference books on the topic and spare ten minutes next week to discuss my outline. I am free on Tuesday and Thursday after 2 p.m.

Thank you for your time.

Best regards
Priya Sharma
B.A. II Year, Roll No. 118
Mobile: 98XXX XXXXX

Hinglish samjhaya: Email me subject line sabse important hai — "Request for Leave — 16 Oct" jaisi clear line likho, "Hello" ya blank subject kabhi nahi. Body chhota rakho: pehli line me kaam batao, phir detail, aakhir me kya chahiye. Bhejne se pehle attachment check karo — aadhe emails me "PFA" likha hota hai aur file lagi hi nahi hoti!

5. Notices — Format + 3 Samples

Format: Name of institution (top, centred) → NOTICE (centred) → Date → Heading/Title → Body (what, when, where, who should attend, contact) → Signature + Name + Designation. Word limit: 50 words. Box it.

Sample 1 — Lost and Found

DUNGAR COLLEGE, BIKANER
NOTICE
12 October 2026

Lost: Library Card

A library card in the name of Rohit Sharma (B.A. II Year, Roll No. 214) was lost in the college campus on 10 October. Whoever finds it is requested to return it to the library counter. A small reward will be given.

Sd/—
Rohit Sharma

Sample 2 — Meeting / Event Announcement

DUNGAR COLLEGE, BIKANER
NOTICE
12 October 2026

Inter-College Debate Competition

An inter-college debate competition on "Social Media and Youth" will be held on 25 October 2026 at 11 a.m. in the seminar hall. Interested students should give their names to the undersigned by 20 October.

Sd/—
Priya Sharma
Cultural Secretary

Sample 3 — General Instruction

DUNGAR COLLEGE, BIKANER
NOTICE
12 October 2026

Change in Library Timings

All students are informed that the college library will now remain open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on all working days with immediate effect. Students are advised to maintain silence in the reading room.

Sd/—
Dr. R. K. Verma
Librarian

Exam tip: Notice = 50 words, box me likho. 5 cheezein pakki: institution ka naam, NOTICE, date, heading, signature. Body me what-when-where zaroor ho. Ye 5-mark ka pakka question hai.

6. Posters — Layout Tips + Sample

Layout tips: Big, catchy headline at the top → one striking visual idea (described) → key details in short lines (date, time, venue) → slogan or call to action → contact/organiser at the bottom. Use short phrases, not sentences. Keep it visual and scannable.

Sample — Poster Description (Blood Donation Camp)

Headline (big, bold, red): "DONATE BLOOD — SAVE A LIFE!"
Visual: A large red drop of blood with smiling faces inside it.
Details: Date: 2 November 2026 | Time: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Venue: College Auditorium
Slogan: "One donation can save three lives. Be a hero today!"
Bottom line: Organised by NSS Unit, Dungar College | Contact: 98XXX XXXXX

Hinglish samjhaya: Poster me lambi lines nahi chalti — headline bada, details chhoti lines me, aur ek catchy slogan. Exam me "design a poster" aaye to pehle layout describe karo (headline kahan, picture kya, details kya), phir content likho.

7. Report Writing

7.1 Format

Title (catchy, centred) → Byline (By: Name, Class) → Place, Date → Content answering: What happened, When, Where, Who was involved, How/Why → Conclusion (result/reaction). Past tense. 100–150 words.

7.2 Sample 1 — Event Report (College Annual Function)

Annual Function Celebrated with Great Enthusiasm
By Priya Sharma, B.A. II Year — Bikaner, 12 October 2026

Dungar College celebrated its annual function on 10 October 2026 in the college auditorium with great enthusiasm. The District Collector graced the occasion as the chief guest. The programme began with Saraswati Vandana, followed by the Principal's annual report highlighting the college's achievements in academics and sports. Students presented colourful cultural items — folk dances, a Hindi play and a musical medley — which kept the audience spellbound for three hours. Meritorious students were awarded prizes by the chief guest, who praised the college's discipline and talent in his address. The function concluded with the national anthem and a vote of thanks by the cultural secretary. It was a memorable day for all.

7.3 Sample 2 — Incident Report (Fire in the Market)

Fire Breaks Out in Station Road Market
By Rohit Sharma, B.A. II Year — Bikaner, 12 October 2026

A major fire broke out in a cloth shop on Station Road, Bikaner, at around 2 p.m. on 11 October 2026. According to eyewitnesses, the fire started due to a short circuit and spread quickly to two neighbouring shops. Three fire tenders reached the spot within half an hour and brought the blaze under control by 4 p.m. Goods worth several lakhs were destroyed, but fortunately no casualty was reported. The police have cordoned off the area and ordered an inquiry into the incident. Shopkeepers have demanded compensation from the administration.

Hinglish samjhaya: Report me 5 sawaalon ke jawab hone chahiye: kya hua, kab, kahan, kaun, kaise/kyon. Event report me karyakram ka flow (shuruaat → mukhya aakarshan → samapan); incident report me kaaran → nuksaan → action. Dono past tense me, 100-150 words. Title catchy rakho, byline mat bhoolo.

Exam tip: Report writing = 8–10 marks. Format marks: title + byline + place/date. Content marks: all 5W covered, logical sequence, past tense. Notice (50 words) vs Report (100–150 words) ka difference exam me confuse na ho.

8. Common Mistakes in Writing — Master Table

Mistake	Wrong	Correct
Subject-verb agreement	He go to college.	He goes to college.
Wrong tense	Yesterday I go to market.	Yesterday I went to market.
Missing articles	He is honest man.	He is an honest man.
Wrong preposition	He is married with her.	He is married to her.
Double negative	I don't know nothing.	I don't know anything.
Capitalisation	i live in bikaner.	I live in Bikaner.
Punctuation	Lets go	Let's go.
Word order	He yesterday came.	He came yesterday.
Repetition	and and and, very very	Use linkers: moreover, however, therefore
Spelling (common)	recieve, occassion	receive, occasion (i before e except after c)

Exam tip: Har answer likhne ke baad 1 minute proofreading ke liye rakho: tense, subject-verb agreement, capital letters, full stop. Ye 4 cheezein theek ho to aadhe marks pakke.