Message Writing

Introduction

Message refers to a brief piece of information written or left for a person when you cannot contact them directly. Message writing is an essential part of everyday communication. It allows us to convey important information quickly and clearly. A message may be written or oral, but in school English the focus is usually on short written messages that can be read and acted upon easily.

For school students, message writing practise helps in retrieving and interpreting information from a short conversation or phone call and then recording the key points in a neat format. A good message is concise, complete and easy to understand.

Format of a Message

Key Elements

1. Heading: Write the word MESSAGE in capitals. It is usually centred at the top of the page.
2. Date: Write the date at the top left corner of the message.
3. Time: Write the time below the date or near it so the recipient knows when the message was received.
4. Salutation: Use an appropriate greeting such as Dear, Hello or Hi followed by the addressee's name where necessary.
5. Body: This is the main part of the message. Mention only the essential information. Keep sentences short and precise. For school exercises, do not exceed the given word limit for the task.
6. Closing: Use a simple closing such as Regards, Love, Yours sincerely or Take care, depending on whether the message is formal or personal.
7. Sender: Write the sender's name at the end of the message on the left side (or as instructed).
8. Signature: If required, sign with your name or initials beneath the sender's name.

Word Limit

It is important to stick to the word limit given in the question to gain full marks. The standard word limit often set by CBSE for short message-writing tasks is 50 words. Ensure all essential points are covered clearly within the limit.

Tips for Writing an Effective Message

• Keep it short and simple: Give only the necessary facts; avoid extra details that are not needed.
• Use appropriate language: Use formal language for official messages and informal language for family or friend messages.
• Be clear and specific: State the purpose of the message and include any relevant details (time, place, action required).
• Use correct grammar and punctuation: This helps the reader understand the message quickly.
• Proofread: Quickly check for spelling, punctuation and clarity before finalising the message.

Examples of Message Writing

Sample 1
 Imagine that you have received a phone call from your friend's mother, who wants to convey a message to your friend. Write the message in about 50 words.

Date: 12th July
Time: 4:00 PM
Rohit,
Your mom called. She said she will be late today and asked you to complete your homework. She also wants you to take your brother to the park at 5 PM. Please don't forget to lock the door when you leave.
Your friend,
Amit

Sample 2
 Imagine that your mother has left a message for your sister before going to work. Write the message in about 50 words.

Date: 5th August
Time: 7:30 AM
Anjali,
Mom left this message for you. She has kept your lunch in the fridge. Please warm it up before eating. She also said to collect your new books from the bookstore after school. Call her if you need any help.
Love,
Rahul

Sample 3
 Your father called and left a message for your brother while he was out playing. Write the message in about 50 words.

Date: 3rd June
Time: 3:00 PM
Arjun,
Dad called. He asked you to visit the grocery store and buy some vegetables and fruits on your way back home. He also said to finish your science project before dinner. Don't forget to call grandma tonight.
Your sister,
Ananya

Sample 4
 Your aunt called and left a message for your mother. Write the message in about 50 words.

Date: 15th October
Time: 6:00 PM
Mom,
Aunt Meena called. She said that they will visit us tomorrow at around 4 PM. She asked if you could make her favorite pasta for dinner. She also wanted to remind you about the family picnic on Sunday.
Love,
Sanya

Sample 5
 Your music teacher called and left a message for your parents. Write the message in about 50 words.

Date: 22nd September
Time: 5:00 PM
Mom and Dad,
My music teacher called. She informed that my piano recital has been rescheduled to next Saturday at 6 PM. She requested your presence at the event. Please mark your calendar accordingly.
Your son,
Vikas

Sample 6
 Your friend's father called and left a message for you. Write the message in about 50 words.

Date: 18th November
Time: 8:00 PM
Kavya,
Sneha's father called. He informed that Sneha has won the essay competition and they are celebrating her victory tomorrow at 5 PM. He invited you to join them at their house. Please be there on time.
Your friend,
Riya

Sample 7
 Your cousin called and left a message for you. Write the message in about 50 words.

Date: 30th January
Time: 11:00 AM
Akash,
Suraj called. He said he had received the birthday gift you sent and thanked you. He also said he will call you tomorrow to discuss the details of his upcoming visit.
Cousin,
Neha

Sample 8
 Your neighbor called and left a message for your family. Write the message in about 50 words.

Date: 25th March
Time: 2:00 PM
Dear Family,
Mrs. Sharma called. She informed that they are organizing a neighborhood cleaning drive on Sunday at 9 AM. She requested our participation and to bring gloves and garbage bags.
Regards,
Sonali

Sample 9
 Your sports coach called and left a message for you. Write the message in about 50 words.

Date: 9th May
Time: 4:30 PM
Raghav,
Coach Sharma called. He said that our football practice has been shifted from 5 PM to 6 PM starting tomorrow. Please inform the other team members and be there on time.
Your friend,
Aditya

Sample 10
 Your class teacher called and left a message for your parents. Write the message in about 50 words.

Date: 2nd February
Time: 10:00 AM
Mom and Dad,
Mrs. Gupta called. She informed that the parent-teacher meeting has been scheduled for this Saturday at 9 AM. She requested you to attend and discuss my academic progress.
Your daughter,
Preeti