Writing Skills: News, Summaries & Notices – Formats & Techniques

TAKEAWAYS:

• News stories follow the inverted pyramid (most important info first) and answer 5W1H (who, what, when, where, why, how).
• Summaries must condense the original text while keeping main ideas (avoid opinions or extra details).
• Notices are short, formal announcements for school/college events, with a clear call to action.
• Tone matters: news is objective; notices are polite but direct; summaries are neutral.
• NEB exams test accuracy, structure, and word limit—practice writing within 100–150 words.

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1. News Stories: The Inverted Pyramid

What is a news story?

A news story is a brief report of recent events, written in a clear, objective style. It answers who, what, when, where, why, and how (5W1H). Newspapers, websites, and TV scripts use this format.

How to write a news story?

News stories follow the inverted pyramid:

1. Headline (short, catchy, summarizes the main point).
2. Byline (writer’s name, often with a title like "Staff Reporter").
3. Dateline (place and date of the event).
4. Lead paragraph (most important info—answers 5W1H).
5. Body paragraphs (supporting details, less important).
6. Conclusion (optional, may include quotes or future implications).

Key features of a news story:

Example: News Story (School Sports Day)

**Headline:** *School Sports Day: Students Shine in Athletic Events*

**Byline:** *By Jane Doe, Staff Reporter*
**Dateline:** *Kathmandu, 15 October 2023*

**Lead:** Over 500 students participated in the annual **St. Xavier’s School Sports Day** today, breaking three school records in track and field events. The event, held at the school ground, saw fierce competition among 12 houses.

**Body:**
The **100-meter dash** was won by **Rohan Nepal** of House Red in a record time of **11.2 seconds**, beating the previous record by 0.5 seconds. In the **long jump**, **Priya Thapa** (House Blue) jumped **4.8 meters**, surpassing the old record by 30 cm. The **relay race** was won by **House Green**, securing their third consecutive victory.

Principal **Mr. Sharma** praised the participants, saying, *"Sports build discipline and team spirit. Today’s event was a great success."*

**Conclusion:**
The school plans to organize a **inter-school sports meet** next year to encourage more students to participate in athletics.

Why use the inverted pyramid?

• Readers get key info first (even if they don’t read the full story).
• Easy to edit (editors can cut from the bottom if space is limited).
• Clear and direct (no confusion about the main event).

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2. Summaries: Condensing Texts

What is a summary?

A summary is a short version of a longer text (article, story, speech) that keeps the main ideas but removes extra details. It should be concise, accurate, and in your own words.

How to write a summary?

1. Read carefully – Identify the main points (who, what, when, where, why).
2. Note key details – Avoid opinions, examples, or minor details.
3. Write in your own words – Do not copy sentences directly.
4. Keep it short – Usually 100–150 words (for NEB exams).
5. Maintain order – Follow the original text’s sequence unless specified otherwise.

Key features of a summary:

Example: Summary of a Speech

Original Text (Speech by a Teacher on "Importance of Reading") "Ladies and gentlemen, reading is the foundation of knowledge. It opens doors to new ideas, cultures, and skills. Many successful people, like Nelson Mandela and Malala Yousafzai, credit reading for their achievements. Schools should encourage students to read daily, even for just 30 minutes. Reading improves memory, vocabulary, and critical thinking. Let us make reading a habit for a better future."

Summary (100 words): Reading is essential for knowledge and personal growth, as stated by a teacher in a recent speech. It helps students explore new ideas, cultures, and skills, leading to success. Famous figures like Nelson Mandela and Malala Yousafzai attribute their achievements to reading. Schools should promote daily reading, even for 30 minutes, to enhance memory, vocabulary, and critical thinking. Developing a reading habit can create a brighter future for students.

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3. Notices: Formal Announcements

What is a notice?

A notice is a short, formal announcement posted in schools, colleges, or public places to inform people about events, rules, or important information. It is direct, clear, and polite.

How to write a notice?

1. Heading – "NOTICE" (bold or underlined).
2. Date – When the notice is issued.
3. Body – Key details (what, when, where, who should attend).
4. Call to action – What the reader should do (e.g., "All students must attend").
5. Issued by – Name and designation (e.g., "Principal, XYZ School").

Key features of a notice:

Example 1: Notice for a Blood Donation Camp

**NOTICE**

**Date:** 20 October 2023

All students and staff members are requested to participate in the **Blood Donation Camp** organized by the **Red Cross Society** on **25 October 2023** at the school auditorium from **10 AM to 4 PM**. Your contribution can save lives! Please bring your **citizenship certificate** and a light snack.

**Issued by:**
**Principal**
XYZ School

Example 2: Notice for a Science Exhibition

**NOTICE**

**Date:** 10 November 2023

The **Science Club** of our school invites all students to participate in the **Annual Science Exhibition** on **15 November 2023** at the school hall. Projects on **renewable energy, robotics, and environmental science** are welcome. Last date for submission is **12 November 2023**. Contact **Mr. Sharma (Science Teacher)** for details.

**Issued by:**
**Science Club Coordinator**
ABC Secondary School

Why use notices?

• Quick communication (events, rules, deadlines).
• Official and reliable (comes from school/college authorities).
• Encourages participation (clearly states who should attend).

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Comparison Table: News Story vs. Summary vs. Notice

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. In News Stories:

   • Writing opinions instead of facts.
   • Forgetting the 5W1H in the lead.
   • Using complex words when simple ones work.

2. In Summaries:

   • Copying sentences directly (plagiarism).
   • Including minor details or opinions.
   • Changing the original meaning.

3. In Notices:

   • Being too informal (e.g., using slang).
   • Missing the call to action (what should the reader do?).
   • Not including key dates/times.

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NEB Board-Style Practice Questions

1. News Story (100 words)

Question: Write a news story on "School Debate Competition Wins First Prize" using the inverted pyramid.

Answer:

**Headline:** *School Debate Team Wins National Championship*

**Byline:** *By Ramesh Adhikari, Staff Reporter*
**Dateline:** *Pokhara, 5 November 2023*

**Lead:** The **debate team of St. Mary’s School** won the **first prize** in the **National Inter-School Debate Competition** today, defeating 20 other teams. The team, led by **Anita Thapa**, argued on *"Should social media be banned for students?"* and secured the title with a strong rebuttal.

**Body:**
The final debate was held at **Pokhara University**, where St. Mary’s team presented **logical arguments** against social media misuse. Judge **Dr. Sharma** praised their **research and confidence**. Principal **Mr. Bista** said, *"This victory is a proud moment for our school."*

**Conclusion:**
The winning team will represent Nepal in the **Asian Debate Championship** next year.

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2. Summary (120 words)

Question: Summarize the following paragraph in 100 words: "Climate change is one of the biggest challenges of the 21st century. Rising temperatures, melting glaciers, and extreme weather are affecting agriculture, wildlife, and human health. Governments must take action now to reduce carbon emissions. Renewable energy like solar and wind power can help. Individuals can also contribute by reducing waste and using public transport. The time to act is now before irreversible damage occurs."

Answer: Climate change is a major global issue causing rising temperatures, melting glaciers, and extreme weather, which harm agriculture, wildlife, and health. Governments should reduce carbon emissions by adopting renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. Individuals can help by minimizing waste and using public transport. Immediate action is crucial to prevent long-term environmental damage.

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3. Notice (80 words)

Question: Write a notice for "School Picnic on 20 November" inviting all students.

Answer:

**NOTICE**

**Date:** 10 November 2023

All students of **Grade 11 and 12** are invited to the **Annual School Picnic** on **20 November 2023** at **Nagarkot Hill**. The program starts at **9 AM** and includes games, lunch, and cultural performances. Each student must bring **one kg of rice** and **500 grams of pulses** as a contribution. Report to the school gate by **8 AM**.

**Issued by:**
**Class Teacher**
XYZ Secondary School

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Exam Tip: How to Score Full Marks

1. For News Stories:

   • Start with the most important info (inverted pyramid).
   • Answer 5W1H in the first paragraph.
   • Use simple, direct language (avoid complex words).
   • Check word limit (NEB usually expects 100–150 words).

2. For Summaries:

   • Read the original text twice (first for main ideas, second for details).
   • Write in your own words (do not copy).
   • Keep it concise (only key points).
   • Maintain the original order unless asked otherwise.

3. For Notices:

   • Be formal and polite (no slang or informal words).
   • Include all key details (what, when, where, who).
   • End with a call to action (what should the reader do?).
   • Keep it short (50–100 words).

4. General Tips:

   • Proofread for spelling and grammar mistakes.
   • Follow the word limit strictly.
   • Practice writing daily to improve speed and accuracy.
   • Use past NEB question papers to understand the expected format.

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Final Reminder:

• News = Facts + 5W1H + Inverted Pyramid
• Summary = Main Ideas + Concise + No Opinions
• Notice = Formal + Clear + Call to Action

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