How to Write an Effective Display Advertisement for Class 12 Exams
An advertisement is something that an organisation or individual puts out in newspapers and other forms of media, such as television, magazines, radio, etc. to send out a message about the goods and services that they offer. A display advertisement refers to when we use visuals and imagery to show the public what is being offered by an individual or a business. Display advertisements are sponsored by the people who want them to be put out and they are also called non-classified advertisements. Some display advertisement examples for students include all kinds of newspaper ads that use some kind of graphics in them.
Display & Classified Ads Explained
Display and classified ads are usually what we see in newspapers and magazines - the classifieds are the ones that take up a small column towards the side of any form of print media, such as magazines and newsletters. They do not take up much space and have a very limited format and character count which are to be followed to the T. Classified ads are usually put out when someone is looking for a job or by an employer seeking a new employee, a house or vehicle to buy or sell, etc. There is a list of terms that classified ads use to denote precision, such as-
To-let
For sale
Situation wanted
Situation vacant
Display advertisement formats, on the other hand, have a lot more flexibility in the way they are produced and displayed. They are not governed by particular character limits and can be placed anywhere in the magazine or newspaper page to gather more visibility. They are also called commercial advertisements because they are usually put into use by businesses like corporations or even individual business owners to promote their products or events commercially. They are fully customised by the people who put out these ads and thus their formats are relatively less rigid.
You will notice classified ads usually in the side-most columns of print media, and display ads scattered all over the pages strategically.
Display Advertisement Format Importance
Display advertisement format holds a lot of importance in students’ learning. It will help those students who wish to go into sales and marketing jobs and similar careers later in their lives, and it will also encourage the rest of the students to understand the morals and reasoning behind these classified and non-classified advertisements that come in newspapers. It is important to know how to draft an ad in the correct display advertisement format for it to be effective and reach the audience it is supposed to in the appropriate manner.
Display Advertisement Class 12 Format
Display advertisement formats are not necessarily a uniform format for all display ads - they differ according to the company that is releasing the ad, the colours and fonts used, spacing, tone, etc. The one thing to remember when drafting an ad using the display advertisement format is that the images, illustrations or other visuals used with the ad must make sense according to the product which is being advertised.
Although there is no exact format, there are a few details that must be put in a display advertisement format. These are:
Name of the agency/organisation/individual and event (if an ad is for an event)
Address of the agency/organisation/individual
Details of the product being advertised
Any relevant discounts or offers for the product
A good photo/illustration/sketch of the product or related to the product
The venue, time and place (if the ad is for an event)
Display Advertisement Examples for Students
Below, there are a few display advertisement examples for students.
1. An advertisement for a charity concert that will take place in your school on the 15th of December 2020:
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This display advertisement example for students has the following components:
Name of the school
Address of the school
Name of the event
Date, time and venue of the event
Ticket price
Special offer on the ticket price for students of the said school
Good illustrations to attract viewers
2. A display advertisement CBSE example for clearance sale at a local clothing shop:
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This display advertisement example for students has the following components:
Name of the event along with the name of the shop that has placed the ad
Relevant offers for the products being advertised
Venues of the sale
Date until which the sale is valid
Good illustrations to attract viewers
Format and Examples of Class 12 Advertisement Writing
Individuals that want to market the availability or need for goods and services put classified advertisements. These advertisements are organised by product or service kind, as the name implies. Advertisers in classified ads are charged by the word or line. As a result, classified ads are usually short and to the point.
Display Adverts: Display advertisements can be found on most pages of the newspaper in various sizes. They contain artwork and other information about a company, a product, or a service that the buyer is interested in. Local or retail advertising and national advertising are two types of display advertising. Local or retail advertising focuses on items, products, or services offered at local stores or enterprises. National advertising refers to advertisements that promote a company's operations across the country, such as a soap opera or a car.
Advertisements that are classified
Classified adverts have their own section in every newspaper. These are classified into groups or classes based on the topic matter and role they serve. Vacant positions, property or items for sale or purchase, to-let, educational institutions, missing persons/pets, lost and found, and excursions and tours are all examples of advertisements.
Advertisers are charged per word, each column line, or even every column centimetre, so classified ads are succinct and to the point. As a result, advertisers keep their advertising short by neglecting grammar, employing certain terms and phrases that are only found in classifieds, and abbreviating.
Classified Advertisement's Characteristics
The following are the main qualities of a classified advertisement:
They are divided into columns based on the classes they belong to.
They are compact.
They are cost-effective.
They are composed of brief sentences and words.
The language is straightforward and straightforward, as well as factual and formal.
There are no designs or blocks.
Important Considerations
An advertisement's initial one or two words may be written in capital letters.
Forgoing over the word limit, you will lose points.
Classified display ad–
These are more advanced than classified text advertising in that they can include components such as company logos, photos, a customizable header or footer, a different typeface, and so on.
However, these advertisements are plainly more expensive than classified text ads, and they attract more user attention because they are designed in a visually appealing manner.
They are the most noticeable among Classified Ads.
In a newspaper, a display classified ad can only take up to 3-6 cm of space. They can be in a single column or expand to a two-column layout. The cost is determined by the amount of space it takes up.
These are perfect for obituaries, retail advertisements, and other similar uses.
FAQs on Display Advertisement Format Class 12: Step-by-Step Guide
1. What is a display advertisement in the context of the CBSE Class 12 English syllabus?
A display advertisement, as per the Class 12 syllabus, is a form of promotional writing designed for commercial purposes. Unlike classified ads, they are more visually appealing, use more space, and incorporate images, logos, and creative fonts to attract a wide audience. They are typically used for promoting products, services, events, or brand awareness in newspapers and magazines.
2. What is the correct format for writing a display advertisement for the board exam?
While display advertisements offer creative freedom, a standard format should be followed for the Class 12 exam to secure full marks. Always enclose the advertisement in a box. Key elements include:
Name of the Issuing Authority/Company: The name of the company or organisation placing the ad.
Headline/Catchy Tagline: A short, persuasive, and bold title to grab attention.
Visual Element (Optional but Recommended): A simple, relevant sketch or drawing related to the product or event.
Content/Body: Details about the product, service, or event. Highlight features, benefits, or key information.
Special Offers/Discounts: Mention any incentives like '50% off' or 'Early Bird Discount'.
Contact Information: The address, phone number, or website of the issuing authority.
3. How are display advertisements critically different from classified advertisements?
The primary difference lies in their purpose and visual presentation. Display ads are designed to attract attention and build a brand image, while classified ads are more informational and functional. Key differences are:
Visuals: Display ads use images, logos, and varied fonts. Classified ads are text-only and follow a uniform format.
Space & Cost: Display ads can be of any size and are more expensive. Classified ads are smaller and charged by the word or line.
Objective: Display ads aim for mass appeal and brand building (e.g., a new car launch). Classified ads serve specific needs (e.g., 'For Sale', 'Situation Vacant').
Placement: Display ads can be placed anywhere in a publication, whereas classifieds are grouped in a specific section.
4. What are some examples of topics for display advertisements in the Class 12 exam?
For the Class 12 board exam, display advertisement questions are typically based on commercial or public interest themes. Common examples include:
Launching a new product like a smartphone, a type of clothing, or a health drink.
Announcing the opening of a new showroom, coaching centre, or restaurant.
Promoting a seasonal sale, festival offer, or special discount for a brand.
Advertising an event like a school fete, a music concert, or a book fair.
5. How can taglines and visuals be used effectively in a display advertisement to make it more impactful?
Taglines and visuals work together to create a powerful first impression. A good tagline should be short, memorable, and persuasive (e.g., 'Unlock Your Potential' for a coaching centre). It acts as the hook. A simple, relevant visual complements the text by showing the product or an associated emotion, making the ad easier to understand at a glance. For example, an ad for a travel agency could use a sketch of a beach. Using them effectively helps an advertisement stand out and communicates the core message faster than text alone.
6. Why is learning the display advertisement format important for students beyond just the exam?
Learning the display advertisement format develops crucial real-world skills. It teaches the principles of persuasive communication and creative expression. Students learn how to structure information concisely, appeal to a target audience, and combine text with visuals to create a compelling message. These are fundamental skills for careers in marketing, sales, graphic design, and business management.
7. What are the most common mistakes to avoid when writing a display advertisement?
To score well, students should avoid these common pitfalls:
Forgetting the Box: A display advertisement must always be enclosed in a box.
Exceeding Word Limit: Providing too much text makes the ad look cluttered and hard to read. Stick to the prescribed word limit (usually 50 words).
Missing Essential Details: Omitting the name of the issuing authority or contact information is a frequent error.
Poor Layout: Not using spacing, bolding, or creative fonts effectively can result in a flat, unappealing ad.
Confusing with Classifieds: Using a purely text-based, formal tone suitable for a classified ad instead of a creative and visually-driven one.
