Practice: Message Writing- 2

Table of Contents
1. What is a Message?
2. Essential Parts of a Short Message
3. Guidelines for Writing Messages within a Word Limit (≤ 50 words)
4. Common Useful Phrases for Message Writing
5. Why the Given Model Answer Works
6. Alternative Concise Message (within 50 words)
7. Checklist Before Submitting Your Message
8. Common Errors to Avoid
9. Final Notes
View more

Q. You are Muskan. Your father is on tour. Today morning he called upon your mother. As your mother was not at home, you received the call and had the following conversation with him:

Father: Hello! Who is speaking?
Yourself: Muskan here.
Father: Well Muskan, I am now in Bengaluru. Where is your Mom?
Yourself: Papa, she has gone to the market and will be back in an hour. Have you any message for her?
Father: Oh, yes! Please tell her that my meeting may prolong for two more days. In that case I may be back on the 12th. Otherwise I'll return as per scheduled programme. After coming back we will go to Manali. So be ready for that.
Yourself: Thank you Papa. I'll convey it to Mom.

As you are leaving for your dance class, leave a message for your mother in not more than 50 words.

Ans.

What is a Message?

In everyday English, a message is a short written note that conveys essential information when the intended person is absent. School-level message writing focuses on clarity, brevity and correct format so that the receiver understands the purpose, the action required (if any) and the identity of the caller/sender.

Essential Parts of a Short Message

A clear message normally contains these key items in the given order: date and time, salutation or recipient, the body containing the message, and the sender's name. Each item helps the receiver understand when the message was left, who left it, what it is about and what needs to be done.

Format (simple and standard)

1. Date and time: Top-left or top-right; gives context when the message was recorded.
2. Recipient: Who the message is for (e.g., Dear Mom).
3. Body: Brief statement of who called and the essential points of the message.
4. Signature: Name of the person who took the message (e.g., Muskan).

Guidelines for Writing Messages within a Word Limit (≤ 50 words)

When a message must be short (as in the exercise), follow these practical rules to remain within the limit while keeping meaning:

1. Include only important facts: who called, the key instruction or information, any date/time that matters, and any action needed.
2. Use clear, simple sentences; omit unnecessary details or polite fillers.
3. Prefer active voice and short nouns: "Papa called" rather than "A telephone call was received from Papa".
4. Use standard abbreviations only if common and clear (e.g., "pm").
5. Sign with your name so the receiver knows who passed on the message.

Common Useful Phrases for Message Writing

These expressions help you form concise messages:

• called / phoned / rang
• left a message
• may be delayed / may be extended
• will be back on / otherwise as scheduled
• please be ready / please note

Why the Given Model Answer Works

The preserved answer includes date and time, addresses the recipient ("Dear mom"), records who called ("Father had called"), states the main information (meeting may be extended and possible return on the 12th), and adds an additional plan (trip to Manali), ending with the sender's name. These elements make the message complete and actionable for the mother.

Alternative Concise Message (within 50 words)

The following is a shorter version that keeps all essential facts and fits typical 50-word limits:

Checklist Before Submitting Your Message

Always verify the following:

1. The date and time are present and correct.
2. The caller is identified.
3. The main point (change of plan, new date, or action) is clear.
4. Any required action by the recipient is stated (e.g., "be ready").
5. The message is signed with your name.
6. Word limit has been observed (if specified).

Common Errors to Avoid

Avoid these mistakes when writing short messages:

• Leaving out the caller's name or the main instruction.
• Using long, complex sentences that waste words.
• Forgetting to sign the message.
• Including irrelevant information that confuses the recipient.

Final Notes

Message writing tests your ability to present essential information clearly and economically. Follow the standard format, include only what is necessary, and check word limit and signature. Practise by converting short telephone conversations into neat messages like the model above.