Key Techniques for Message Writing in Class 7 English Grammar (CBSE 2025-26)
FAQs on Mastering Message Writing in Class 7 English Grammar for CBSE 2025-26
1. What is the correct format for message writing for Class 7 CBSE exams to score full marks in the 2025-26 session?
To score full marks, a Class 7 student must strictly follow the CBSE-prescribed format for message writing. The entire message must be enclosed in a box. The key components, in order, are:
- Heading: Write the word 'MESSAGE' in capital letters at the top centre.
- Date: Mention the date on which the message is written on the left side.
- Time: Write the correct time on the right side, aligned with the date.
- Salutation: A brief salutation like 'Dear [Recipient's Name],' is required.
- Body: This is the most crucial part and should not exceed 50 words. It must contain all the necessary information from the question.
- Sender's Name: Write your name (or the name given in the question) at the end on the left side.
2. What is the prescribed word limit for a message in the Class 7 English exam, and why is it important to stick to it?
For the Class 7 CBSE exam, the body of the message should not exceed 50 words. Sticking to this word limit is a crucial part of the evaluation. It tests your ability to be brief, clear, and to the point, which is the primary purpose of a message. Exceeding the word limit may lead to a penalty or deduction of marks, as it shows you are unable to summarise information effectively.
3. Why must we use indirect speech and avoid quotations when writing a message for an exam?
Using indirect speech (or reported speech) is a fundamental rule in message writing because a message is a report of information received from someone else. You are acting as a messenger. Using direct quotes would mean you are reproducing the exact conversation, which is incorrect for this format. The purpose is to test your ability to convey the core information accurately in your own words (as a third person), not to replicate a dialogue. Using indirect speech demonstrates better comprehension and reporting skills, which is what examiners look for.
4. What are some common situations or topics for which message writing questions are frequently asked in Class 7 exams?
In Class 7 English exams, message writing questions are often based on real-life scenarios. Some of the most frequently asked topics involve relaying information from a telephone conversation. Important situations to prepare for include:
- Informing a family member (e.g., mother, brother) about a call you received for them.
- Passing on a message from a teacher to a parent about a meeting or event.
- Informing a friend about a change in plans (e.g., cancellation of a tuition class, change in a movie plan).
- Relaying urgent instructions from one person to another.
5. How is message writing different from writing a short note, and what key elements must be included to avoid losing marks?
While both are short, message writing is a more formal writing skill with a strict format, unlike a casual short note. The key differences and essential elements to include in a message are:
- The Box: A message must always be enclosed in a box. A note does not require this.
- Heading: A message requires the heading 'MESSAGE' in capitals.
- Date and Time: Including the date and time is mandatory in a message to provide context. This is often omitted in a short note.
- Salutation: A message requires a brief, clear salutation (e.g., 'Dear Rohan').
6. From a given conversation in a question, what key details must a student extract to write a perfect message?
To write a perfect message, you must act like a detective and extract specific pieces of information from the conversation provided in the question. Focus on identifying these five things:
- 1. The Receiver: Who is the message for?
- 2. The Caller/Sender: Who gave the original information?
- 3. The Core Information: What is the main point of the message? (e.g., meeting cancelled, call back needed).
- 4. Specific Details: Are there any crucial details like a new time, date, place, or a reason?
- 5. The Writer: Who are you in the scenario? This will be the sender's name at the end.
7. What are the most common grammatical mistakes to avoid in message writing for the Class 7 exam?
Examiners often deduct marks for common grammatical errors in message writing. To score well, students must be careful to avoid these mistakes:
- Incorrect Tense: Since you are reporting a past event (like a phone call), the message body should primarily use the past tense (e.g., 'He called to say that...').
- Pronoun Errors: Be careful when changing from direct to indirect speech. Pronouns like 'I' and 'you' in the original conversation must be changed to 'he', 'she', or 'they'.
- Punctuation Mistakes: Ensure correct use of commas and full stops. Avoid using exclamation marks or question marks unless they are part of the reported information.
- Incomplete Sentences: Write in complete, grammatically correct sentences. Do not use abbreviations or slang.
