CH 16 - ACTIVITY WORK - WRITING SKILLS

CHAPTER 16: ACTIVITY WORK - WRITING SKILLS

16.1 WRITING A PARAGRAPH: BUILDING WITH WORDS

A paragraph is a group of sentences that work together to talk about one main idea. Think of it like a burger:

• Top Bun = Topic Sentence: Introduces the main idea. (First sentence)
• Fillings = Supporting Sentences: Give details, reasons, or examples. (Middle sentences)
• Bottom Bun = Concluding Sentence: Wraps it up neatly. (Last sentence)

Steps to Write a Good Paragraph:

1. Choose Your Main Idea: What is this paragraph about? (e.g., My Pet Dog).
2. Write a Strong Topic Sentence: Clearly state your main idea.
• Weak: "I have a dog."
• Strong: "My pet dog, Tommy, is my best friend."
3. Add Supporting Details (3-5 sentences): Use the 5W's & 1H (Who, What, Where, When, Why, How).
• What does he look like? (He is brown and white.)
• What does he do? (He plays fetch with me.)
• Why do you like him? (He is always happy to see me.)
4. Use Linking Words: Connect your sentences smoothly.
• To add: and, also, too, furthermore
• To sequence: first, next, then, finally
• To show cause/effect: because, so, therefore
5. Write a Concluding Sentence: Restate the main idea in a new way.
• "That is why Tommy is so special to me."

Practice Topic for Grade 4/5: Write a paragraph on "My Favourite Festival." (Lohri, Diwali, Eid, Baisakhi, etc.)

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16.2 DIFFERENT FORMS OF WRITING: LETTERS

Letters are written messages. We write different letters for different situations.

A. INFORMAL LETTERS (To family, friends)

• Tone: Friendly, personal, like a conversation.
• Layout:
• Sender's Address (Top left)
• Date
• Salutation: Dear Uncle, Dear Priya,
• Body: Share news, ask questions, express feelings.
• Closing: Yours lovingly, Your friend, With love
• Signature / Name

Activity: Write a letter to your cousin inviting them to your birthday party.

B. FORMAL LETTERS (To principals, officials, for applications)

• Tone: Respectful, clear, and to the point.
• Layout:
• Sender's Address
• Date
• Receiver's Address (The Principal, The Manager)
• Subject: One line stating the purpose. (Subject: Application for two days' sick leave)
• Salutation: Respected Sir/Madam,
• Body:
• Paragraph 1: State your purpose clearly.
• Paragraph 2: Give details/reasons.
• Paragraph 3: State what you hope will happen.
• Closing: Yours faithfully, (if you don't know the name) / Yours sincerely, (if you know the name)
• Signature
• Your Full Name (Printed)

Types of Formal Letters with Examples:

1. Application Letter (For Leave/Permission)
• Purpose: To formally ask for something.
• Key Phrases: "I request you to kindly grant me..." "I would be grateful if you could..."
• Example (Simple):

To,
The Class Teacher,
Grade 5-A,
XYZ School, Ludhiana.
Subject: Application for one day's leave.
Respected Ma'am,
I am Rohan of Grade 5-A. I have a fever and cannot come to school today. I request you to kindly grant me leave for one day. I will complete all the homework.
Thank you.
Yours obediently,
Rohan Singh

2. Complaint Letter
• Purpose: To report a problem and ask for a solution.
• Key Phrases: "I wish to bring to your notice..." "This has caused great inconvenience..."
• Example Context: Writing to the Municipal Corporation about garbage not being collected in your lane.
3. Invitation Letter (Formal)
• Purpose: To formally invite someone to an event.
• Key Phrases: "You are cordially invited to..." "We request the pleasure of your company..."
• Example Context: Inviting the Principal to your class Annual Day function.

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16.3 MESSAGE WRITING

A message is a short, clear note you write for someone who is not available at that moment.

Format Rules:

1. Write "MESSAGE" at the top.
2. Date and Time.
3. Salutation (e.g., Mom, Rahul).
4. Body: Only the most important points.
• Who called/came?
• What did they want?
• What should the receiver do? (Call back, meet, etc.)
5. Sender's Name.

Activity:

Your friend Ankit called for your brother, Arjun. He said: "Tell Arjun that our football practice tomorrow is at 4 PM, not 5. He should bring his new football. Ask him to call me back tonight."

Your Message:
MESSAGE
25 March, 6:00 PM
Dear Arjun,
Your friend Ankit called. Tomorrow's football practice is at 4 PM, not 5. Bring your new football. Call him back tonight.
—Ravi

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16.4 NOTICE WRITING

A notice is a formal announcement for a group of people (like the whole school or class).

Format Rules:

1. Write "NOTICE" at the top centre.
2. Name of the issuing organization (e.g., ABC School, Sports Club).
3. Date.
4. Heading/Subject (What is the notice about?).
5. Body: Clear details—What, When, Where, Who.
6. Closing: Name and designation (e.g., Sports Secretary).

Example:

NOTICE
PSEB Model Primary School, Jalandhar
26 March 2024
ANNUAL SPORTS DAY
This is to inform all students of Grades 3-5 that our Annual Sports Day will be held on 5th April 2024 at the school playground from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. All participants must report to their class teachers by 8:30 AM.
Rohan Singh
(Sports Captain, Grade 5)

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16.5 POSTER MAKING

A poster is a visual announcement to attract attention and give information quickly.

How to Make a Good Poster:

1. Catchy Title/Heading: Large, bold letters.
2. Visuals: Draw or use pictures related to the topic.
3. Key Information: Use short phrases or slogans. Include important details (Date, Time, Place, Who).
4. Organisation: Arrange information neatly. Use boxes, arrows, or borders.
5. Colours: Use bright colours to make it attractive.

Activity: Make a "SAVE WATER" Poster.

• Heading: SAVE WATER, SAVE LIFE!
• Visual: A big drop of water with a smiling face.
• Slogans: "Every Drop Counts." "Don't Let the Tap Run."
• Info: "Fix leaking taps. Use a bucket for bathing. Be a Water Hero!"

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EXERCISE: ANSWERS

1. What are the essential parts of a paragraph?

• Introduction: A well-structured paragraph is a coherent unit of thought, not just a random group of sentences. Its effectiveness depends on the presence of three essential structural parts that work in harmony.
• Essential Parts:
1. Topic Sentence: This is the foundation of the paragraph, usually the first sentence. It clearly states the main idea or central theme that the entire paragraph will discuss. It tells the reader what to expect.
2. Supporting Sentences: These form the body of the paragraph. They provide evidence, details, examples, explanations, or facts that develop, prove, or explain the main idea presented in the topic sentence. They maintain unity by staying focused on that single idea.
3. Concluding Sentence: This is the closure of the paragraph. It summarises the main point, reinforces the topic sentence (in different words), or provides a final thought or implication. It gives the paragraph a sense of completeness and prepares the reader for the next idea.
• Additional Element: Cohesion is achieved through the use of linking words (e.g., furthermore, however, for example, therefore) and logical order, which bind these parts together smoothly.
• Conclusion: Thus, a paragraph is like a mini-essay with a clear beginning (introduction of idea), middle (development of idea), and end (conclusion of idea). Mastering these parts is the first step towards clear and effective written communication.

2. Write the format of a formal letter.

• Introduction: A formal letter follows a standardized format to ensure clarity, professionalism, and respect. This format is used for official communication with authorities, institutions, or people you do not know personally.
• Standard Format:
1. Sender’s Address: The writer's full address is placed at the top left corner of the page.
2. Date: Written below the sender's address (e.g., 26 March 2024).
3. Receiver’s Address: The name, designation, and address of the person/organization being written to, aligned to the left below the date.
4. Subject: A brief line that states the purpose of the letter. It is centred or aligned to the left, often preceded by the word 'Subject:'.
5. Salutation: A formal greeting.
• If the person's name is known: Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
• If the name is unknown: Respected Sir/Madam,
6. Body of the Letter: Divided into clear paragraphs.
• Paragraph 1: State the purpose of writing clearly and directly.
• Paragraph 2: Elaborate on the details, providing necessary facts, reasons, or background information.
• Paragraph 3: Conclude by stating the expected action or response (e.g., "I hope for a favourable consideration," "I look forward to your reply.").
7. Complimentary Close: A polite ending.
• If salutation was 'Sir/Madam': Yours faithfully,
• If salutation used the person's name: Yours sincerely,
8. Sender’s Signature: Handwritten signature above the typed name.
9. Sender’s Name (Printed/ Typed): Full name written clearly below the signature. Designation may be added if relevant.
• Conclusion: Adherence to this format is non-negotiable in formal communication as it reflects the writer's seriousness and respect for protocol, ensuring the message is received and processed appropriately.

3. How is message writing different from notice writing?

• Introduction: While both messages and notices are forms of written communication, they differ fundamentally in their scope, audience, purpose, and formality.
• Key Differences:

Aspect	Message Writing	Notice Writing
Nature & Audience	Personal & Private. For one specific person who is absent.	Public & Official. For a defined group (class, school, club).
Purpose	To convey a specific piece of information (a phone call, an instruction) from one individual to another.	To announce, inform, or notify a group about an event, rule, or important information.
Format	Informal format. Includes Date, Time, Salutation, Body (brief points), Sender's Name. Often written in a box.	Highly formalized format. Includes NOTICE heading, issuing authority, date, headline, detailed body, and designation of issuer. Always boxed.
Tone & Language	Casual, concise, and conversational. Can use abbreviations.	Formal, impersonal, and precise. Uses complete sentences and official language.
Placement/Channel	Left for the recipient on a table, fridge, etc.	Displayed on a public notice board for all to see.
Example	A note to your mother: "Mom, I've gone to tuition. Back by 6."	A school notice: "All students are informed about the Parent-Teacher Meeting..."

• Conclusion: In essence, a message is a personal memo, while a notice is a public announcement. A message is a substitute for a direct conversation, whereas a notice is a tool for mass communication within an organization or community.

4. What are the key features of a good poster?

• Introduction: A poster is a visual communication tool designed to attract, inform, and persuade a viewer quickly, often from a distance. Its effectiveness relies on a blend of visual and textual elements.
• Key Features of a Good Poster:
1. Catchy and Clear Title/Heading: The main heading must be in large, bold, and eye-catching fonts to grab immediate attention from afar. It should clearly state the subject or theme.
2. Visual Appeal and Layout: It should use striking designs, borders, and relevant images or drawings to create an impact. The overall layout must be neat, balanced, and uncluttered, guiding the viewer's eye logically through the information.
3. Concise and Powerful Content: The message must be conveyed through brief slogans, catchy phrases, and bullet points rather than long paragraphs. Only the most essential information (What, When, Where, Who) should be included.
4. Effective Use of Colour: Strategic use of bright, contrasting colours enhances visual appeal and helps differentiate between pieces of information. Colours should align with the theme (e.g., green for an environment poster).
5. Target-Oriented Language: The language should be simple, persuasive, and suitable for the target audience (e.g., motivational for a sports event, urgent for a social cause). It often includes a call-to-action (e.g., "Participate!", "Join Us!", "Donate Now!").
• Conclusion: A successful poster is, therefore, a work of strategic design. It prioritizes visual impact over textual density, ensuring that its core message is understood instantly and remembered by a diverse, on-the-move audience. It is not just read; it is seen and felt.