Study Guides/English/Notice Writing — Heading, Caption, Format and Examples
Study Guide · English

Notice Writing Format — Heading, Caption and Examples

A notice is a short, formal written announcement intended to inform a group of people about an event, instruction, or important information. It is a common writing task in Class 8–12 English exams and in real school life. The format is strictly structured and must be followed correctly.

Question (Click to Flip)

What is the difference between the heading and the caption in notice writing?

Answer

The HEADING is the word 'NOTICE' itself — written in capitals, centred, and underlined. It tells you what type of document this is. The CAPTION (or TITLE) is the short line just below 'NOTICE' that tells you the specific topic of the notice — e.g., 'Annual Sports Day' or 'Meeting of Literary Club'. Think of 'NOTICE' as the type and the caption as the subject.

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Key Facts

'NOTICE' (in capitals, centred) is the HEADING — it identifies the document type.

The TITLE/CAPTION below 'NOTICE' describes the specific topic (e.g., Annual Sports Day).

Format order: School Name → NOTICE → Title → Date → Body → Name/Designation.

Body must answer: What? When? Where? Who? Any other important details.

Keep the notice brief — usually 50–80 words for school exams.

Notice Writing Format — Complete Structure

NOTICE WRITING FORMAT:

┌─────────────────────────────────────┐ │ [NAME OF SCHOOL/ORGANISATION]│ │ │ │ NOTICE │ │ │ │ [Title / Heading of the Notice] │ │ │ │ Date: [DD Month YYYY] │ │ │ │ [Body — 3–5 sentences covering: │ │ What? When? Where? Who? How?] │ │ │ │ [Name] │ │ [Designation] │ └─────────────────────────────────────┘

Each part explained:

  1. SCHOOL/ORGANISATION NAME (top, centred): Always write the full name of the school or institution at the top.

  2. NOTICE (the heading): The word 'NOTICE' is written in capitals, underlined, or bold — centred below the organisation name. This is the HEADING of the notice.

  3. TITLE (caption of the notice): A short title below 'NOTICE' that describes the topic. Example: 'Annual Sports Day', 'Meeting of Science Club', 'Lost and Found'. This is the CAPTION or TITLE of the notice.

  4. DATE: Written on the left side below the title.

  5. BODY: 3–5 sentences covering Who, What, When, Where, and any other relevant details.

  6. NAME AND DESIGNATION: The writer's name and designation (Secretary, Head Girl, Principal) at the bottom right.

Difference Between Heading, Title, and Caption

In notice writing:

HEADING = The word 'NOTICE' itself. • It is always written in capitals, centred, underlined or bold. • This is what identifies the document as a notice.

TITLE / CAPTION = The short line below 'NOTICE' that describes the specific topic. • Examples:

  • Annual Day Celebration
  • Annual Sports Day Notice
  • Meeting of English Literary Club
  • Lost Wallet — Please Contact
  • Plantation Drive — Volunteers Needed • The title should be brief (3–6 words), specific, and in title case or capitals.

Summary: 'NOTICE' is the heading/type of document; the title/caption below it tells what the notice is about.

Three Complete Notice Examples

EXAMPLE 1 — Annual Sports Day:

SUNSHINE PUBLIC SCHOOL

NOTICE

Annual Sports Day

Date: 5 May 2025

This is to inform all students that the Annual Sports Day will be held on 20 May 2025 at the school ground. Events include 100m race, long jump, relay race, and shot put. Students wishing to participate must register with their class teacher by 12 May 2025. Practice sessions will be held every morning from 6:00 to 8:00 am. Enthusiastic participation is encouraged.

Rahul Sharma Head Boy


EXAMPLE 2 — Meeting of School Magazine Committee:

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA, JAIPUR

NOTICE

Meeting of School Magazine Committee

Date: 10 May 2025

All members of the School Magazine Committee are hereby informed that a meeting will be held on 15 May 2025 at 2:00 pm in the Library. The agenda includes finalising articles for the next issue and assigning responsibilities. All members are requested to be present with their draft contributions. Absentees must inform the Editor in advance.

Priya Singh Editor, School Magazine


EXAMPLE 3 — Lost Item:

DAV PUBLIC SCHOOL, DELHI

NOTICE

Lost: Identity Card

Date: 8 May 2025

This is to inform everyone that I, Anita Sharma of Class X-B, have lost my school identity card in the school premises on 7 May 2025. The card bears my photograph and student ID number 1047. Anyone who finds it is requested to return it to the school office or contact me at the address below. A reward will be given to the finder.

Anita Sharma Class X-B, Roll No. 12

Questions and Answers

What is the difference between the heading and the caption in notice writing?+

The HEADING is the word 'NOTICE' itself — written in capitals, centred, and underlined. It tells you what type of document this is. The CAPTION (or TITLE) is the short line just below 'NOTICE' that tells you the specific topic of the notice — e.g., 'Annual Sports Day' or 'Meeting of Literary Club'. Think of 'NOTICE' as the type and the caption as the subject.

What should the body of a notice contain?+

The body should cover the 5 Ws: What (the event/information), When (date and time), Where (venue), Who (who should attend or whom it concerns), and How (how to register, contact, etc.). Keep it concise — 50–80 words for school exams. Use formal language.

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