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EnglishUnit 209 min read

Writing Skills: News, Summaries & Notices – Formats, Tips & Practice

Unit 20 of English teaches how to write news stories (inverted pyramid style), summaries (condensing texts), and notices (formal announcements) with correct structure, tone, and language for NEB exams.

· Based on the official syllabus and past papers
Updated

TAKEAWAYS:

  • News stories follow the inverted pyramid (most important info first), use active voice, and avoid bias.
  • Summaries must condense key points (who, what, when, where, why) while keeping the original meaning.
  • Notices are clear, concise, and formal, often using imperative mood (e.g., "All students are requested...").
  • Headlines in news stories are short, punchy, and use present tense.
  • Summaries should be 1/3 to 1/4 of the original length, excluding direct quotes.
  • Notices always include date, event details, and contact info (if needed).

1. News Stories: Structure and Style

News stories report factual events in a clear, objective, and structured way. The inverted pyramid format ensures the most important information comes first.

Key Features of a News Story

Feature Description
Headline Short, direct, and attention-grabbing (e.g., "Earthquake Strikes Kathmandu, 50 Injured").
Byline Writer’s name and date (e.g., "By Jane Doe, June 10, 2024").
Lead (Introduction) Answers 5W1H (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How) in the first paragraph.
Body Supports the lead with details, quotes, and background info.
Conclusion Summarizes key points or gives a final thought (optional).

How to Write a News Story

  1. Gather facts – Only include verified information.
  2. Write the lead – Start with the most important fact.
  3. Add supporting details – Use quotes from sources (e.g., "The principal said, 'We are safe now.'").
  4. Keep it unbiased – Avoid opinions (e.g., "The government failed" → "The government said relief efforts are ongoing.").
  5. Use short sentences – Easy to read.

Example: News Story (Inverted Pyramid Style)

Headline: "New School Building Inaugurated in Pokhara" Byline: By Ramesh Adhikari, May 15, 2024

Lead: A new Rs. 50 million school building was inaugurated in Pokhara today by the Minister of Education. The three-story structure will accommodate 1,000 students from grades 6 to 12.

Body: The ceremony was attended by local officials, parents, and students. Minister Sharma said, "This is a milestone for education in the region." The school, built by Pokhara Construction Ltd, includes science labs, a library, and a computer room.

Conclusion: The new building is expected to improve learning conditions for students in the area.

Why This Works: ✅ Lead gives all key details first. ✅ Quotes add authenticity. ✅ No opinions – just facts.

2. Summaries: Condensing Texts Effectively

A summary is a short version of a longer text, keeping only the main ideas. It should be clear, accurate, and concise.

How to Write a Summary

  1. Read carefully – Identify main points (who, what, when, where, why).
  2. Note key details – Avoid examples, opinions, or extra details.
  3. Write in your own words – Do not copy sentences.
  4. Keep it short – Usually 1/3 to 1/4 of the original length.
  5. Use past tense (for reports) or present tense (for general truths).

Example: Original Text vs. Summary

Original Text (News Report): "The government has announced a new policy to reduce plastic waste. Starting next month, all shops will charge Rs. 5 for plastic bags. Environment Minister Ram Prasad said, 'This will encourage people to use cloth bags.' The policy follows a recent study showing that Nepal produces 300 tons of plastic waste daily."

Summary (60 words): The government has introduced a new policy to reduce plastic waste by charging Rs. 5 for plastic bags from next month. Environment Minister Ram Prasad stated that this aims to promote cloth bags. The decision comes after a study revealed that Nepal generates 300 tons of plastic waste daily.

Why This Works: ✅ Only key facts are included. ✅ No extra details (e.g., exact study name). ✅ Short and direct.

3. Notices: Formal Announcements

A notice is a short, formal message to inform people about an event, rule, or request. It is usually displayed in public places (school boards, newspapers, websites).

Key Features of a Notice

Feature Description
Date When the notice was written.
Heading Clear and direct (e.g., "Notice for Annual Sports Day").
Body Who? (Audience), What? (Event), When? (Date/Time), Where? (Venue).
Signature Name and designation (if formal).

Example 1: School Notice (Formal)

NOTICE Date: 2024-05-20

Annual Sports Day – 2024 All students are requested to participate in the Annual Sports Day on June 10, 2024, at Tribhuvan International School Ground. Events include 100m race, long jump, and relay races. Report to the playground by 8:00 AM.

Principal Tribhuvan International School


#### **Example 2: College Notice (Request for Donations)**

NOTICE Date: 2024-05-22

Blood Donation Camp – May 25 A blood donation camp will be held on May 25, 2024, from 10 AM to 4 PM at Kathmandu Medical College. All healthy individuals aged 18-60 are requested to participate. Contact: Dr. Sharma (9800012345).

Organizing Committee Kathmandu Medical College

Why These Work: ✅ Clear and direct – No unnecessary words. ✅ All key details (who, what, when, where). ✅ Formal tone (suitable for schools/colleges).

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake Correction
Using opinions in news ❌ "The government is corrupt." → ✅ "The government said relief efforts are ongoing."
Too long summary ❌ (50% of original) → ✅ (25% max).
Missing details in notice ❌ "Sports Day" → ✅ "Sports Day on June 10, 8 AM, School Ground."
Passive voice in news ❌ "The prize was given by the principal." → ✅ "The principal gave the prize."

5. NEB Exam Practice Questions

Section A: News Story (Write in 150 words)

Question: Write a news story based on the following headline: "New Metro Line Opens in Kathmandu" Given:

  • The Kathmandu Metro opened today.
  • It connects Koteshwor to Teku.
  • 10,000 passengers used it on the first day.
  • Prime Minister inaugurated it.

Answer: Headline: "Kathmandu Metro Opens, Eases Traffic Woes" Byline: By Sita KC, June 5, 2024

Lead: The Kathmandu Metro, a new rapid transit system, was inaugurated today by Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. The 12-km line, connecting Koteshwor to Teku, aims to reduce traffic congestion.

Body: The metro, built at a cost of Rs. 20 billion, has three stations and can carry 50,000 passengers daily. On its first day, over 10,000 people used the service. Transport Minister Ram Kumar said, "This is a major step toward modernizing Kathmandu’s transport."

Conclusion: The metro is expected to improve mobility and reduce pollution in the city.

Section B: Summary (Write in 80 words)

Question: Summarize the following paragraph: "The government has launched a new campaign to promote digital payments. Finance Minister Bishal Sharma said that cashless transactions will reduce corruption and improve economic growth. Banks have been instructed to offer cashback on digital payments. The campaign will start next month and will include awareness programs in schools and markets."

Answer: The government has introduced a new campaign to encourage digital payments. Finance Minister Bishal Sharma stated that this move aims to reduce corruption and boost economic growth. Banks will provide cashback incentives, and the campaign will begin next month with awareness programs in schools and markets.

Section C: Notice (Write in 100 words)

Question: Write a notice for your school announcing a tree-planting drive on June 20, 2024.

Answer: NOTICE Date: 2024-06-10

Tree-Planting Drive – June 20, 2024 All students and teachers are requested to participate in the school’s annual tree-planting drive on June 20, 2024, at 9:00 AM in the school garden. Each participant should bring one sapling. This event aims to promote environmental awareness.

Principal Green Valley School

Exam Tip: How to Score Full Marks

  1. For News Stories:

    • Follow the inverted pyramid strictly.
    • Use active voice and short sentences.
    • Avoid opinions – stick to facts and quotes.

  2. For Summaries:

    • Do not exceed 1/3 of the original length.
    • Paraphrase (do not copy sentences).
    • Include all key points (who, what, when, where, why).

  3. For Notices:

    • Be formal – use imperative mood ("All students are requested...").
    • Include all details (date, event, venue, contact if needed).
    • Keep it short and clear.

  4. General Tips:

    • Proofread for spelling and grammar.
    • Use simple, clear language – avoid complex words.
    • Practice writing different types (news, summary, notice) before exams.

Final Reminder:

  • News = Facts + Inverted Pyramid
  • Summary = Short + Key Points Only
  • Notice = Formal + Clear Instructions

Keep practicing, and you’ll master these formats for your NEB exams! 🚀

Based on the NEB +2 Humanities syllabus for English (Eng), unit 20.

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