Invitations & Replies - Marking Scheme, Format, Sample Questions & Answers (Class 12)

2. A Guide to Invitations & Replies (CBSE Class 12)

Invitations are written requests to someone to attend an event. They must be answered within the 50-word limit.
• Formal Invitations: Can be a card (for weddings, school functions) or a formal letter (inviting a chief guest). They are written in the third person.
• Informal Invitations: Are like short letters to friends or family (for birthdays, house-warmings). They use the first and second person (I, you, my, your).
• Replies: Must match the invitation. A formal invitation gets a formal reply (in third person). An informal invitation gets an informal reply (like a short letter).

Marking Scheme (4 Marks)

• Format: 1 Mark
• Content: 2 Marks (Occasion, Date, Time, Venue, Host's Name, Acceptance/Refusal)
• Accuracy: 1 Mark (Spelling and Grammar)

Formats

There are 4 main types. Pay close attention to the use of third-person vs. first-person and the layout (card vs. letter).

1. Formal Invitation (Card)

Mr. and Mrs. S. K. Sharma request the pleasure of your company at the auspicious occasion of the MARRIAGE of their daughter SONIA with RAHUL (S/o Mr. and Mrs. V. K. Mehta) on Sunday, 15th December 2025 at 8:00 PM onwards at The Grand Hotel, New Delhi
R.S.V.P. S. K. Sharma 22, Green Park, New Delhi 98xxxxxx00

2. Informal Invitation (Letter)

24, Model Town Delhi 3 November 2025 Dear Rohan, You'll be happy to know that I'm turning 18 on 10th November! I am organizing a small party for all my close friends at my residence at 7 PM. I would love for you to come and celebrate with us. No excuses! Yours, Ankit

3. Formal Reply (Accepting)

Mr. and Mrs. A. K. Gupta thank Mr. and Mrs. S. K. Sharma for their kind invitation to the marriage of their daughter, Sonia, on 15th December 2025. They have great pleasure in accepting the invitation and will be present to wish the couple. 3 November 2025

4. Informal Reply (Declining)

15, Ashok Vihar Delhi 3 November 2025 Dear Ankit, Thank you so much for the invitation to your 18th birthday party! I am so happy for you. Unfortunately, I won't be able to join the celebration as I have my pre-board exams starting the very next day. I wish you a fantastic birthday. Will catch up soon! Yours, Rohan

You are the Principal of St. Mary's School, Agra. Draft a formal invitation card for the school's Annual Day. Mr. Arvind Gupta, the District Magistrate, will be the Chief Guest.

The Principal, Staff and Students of ST. MARY'S SCHOOL, AGRA request the pleasure of your company on their 25th ANNUAL DAY CELEBRATION on Saturday, 20th December 2025 at 5:00 PM in the School Auditorium
Mr. Arvind Gupta, District Magistrate, has kindly consented to be the Chief Guest.
R.S.V.P. Principal 0562-2xxxxxx
*Please be seated by 4:45 PM*

5 Solved Practice Questions

Q1: Draft an informal invitation to your friend for a house-warming party.

52, Harmony Apartments Pune 3 November 2025 Dear Priya, Great news! We've finally moved into our new house. To celebrate this, we are holding a small house-warming party and puja on Sunday, 10th November 2025, from 11 AM onwards. Please come and bless our new home. We'll have lunch together. Yours, Anita

Q2: You are Mr. A.K. Sharma. Draft a formal reply declining a wedding invitation from Mr. S. Verma due to a prior engagement.

Mr. and Mrs. A. K. Sharma thank Mr. and Mrs. S. Verma for their kind invitation to the wedding of their son, Rohit, on 20th November 2025. However, they express their inability to attend the ceremony due to a prior engagement. They send their best wishes to Rohit and the family. 3 November 2025

Q3: Draft a formal invitation card for the inauguration of your new electronics showroom, 'Gadget World'.

M/s Bansal & Sons request the pleasure of your benign presence at the inauguration of their new electronics showroom GADGET WORLD at 14, MG Road, Bengaluru on Friday, 7th November 2025 at 11:00 AM
R.S.V.P. Bansal & Sons 98xxxxxx00
*Inaugural 10% discount on all products*

Q4: You are Rahul. Draft an informal reply accepting an invitation from your friend to spend winter break with him.

33, Sector 15 Chandigarh 3 November 2025 Dear Sameer, I'm so excited to receive your letter! Thank you for inviting me to spend the winter break with you in Mussoorie. I'd love to come. My exams finish on 20th December, so I can be there from 22nd Dec to 28th Dec. I can't wait to see you! Yours, Rahul

Q5: Your school is inviting a famous author, Mr. Chetan Bhagat, as the chief guest for your Literary Fest. Draft a formal invitation letter.

Springdales School New Delhi 3 November 2025 Mr. Chetan Bhagat 22, Pali Hill Mumbai Subject: Invitation as Chief Guest for 'Lit-Verse' Dear Sir, Our school is organizing its Annual Literary Fest, 'Lit-Verse', on 1st December 2025 from 10 AM onwards. We would be highly honoured if you could grace the occasion as our Chief Guest and inspire our students with your words. We hope you will accept our humble invitation. Yours sincerely, (Signature) R. K. Sharma (Principal)

Notice Writing - Marking Scheme, Format and Sample Answers as per CBSE Guidelines

1. Mastering Notice Writing (CBSE Class 12)

A notice is a formal, written or printed piece of information for a specific group of people. It's usually displayed on a noticeboard. The key is to be clear, concise, and provide all necessary information within the 50-word limit. Always remember the 5 W's: What (the event), When (date and time), Where (the venue), Who (is it for), and Whom (to contact).

Marking Scheme (4 Marks)

• Format: 1 Mark (Includes box, 'NOTICE', Issuing Authority, Date, Heading, Sign/Name/Designation)
• Content: 2 Marks (The 5 W's - What, When, Where, Who, Whom)
• Accuracy: 1 Mark (Spelling and Grammar)

Format

A notice must always be enclosed in a box. Here is the standard format:

NAME OF ISSUING ORGANISATION/SCHOOL

NOTICE

DATE (e.g., 3 November 2025)

HEADING/TITLE

Body of the Notice (Event, Date, Time, Venue, Target Audience, Contact Person/Deadline). Keep it within 50 words. This section should answer all 5 W's clearly.

(Signature)
NAME (In Block Letters)
(Designation)

You are Karan/Karuna, a student of Class 12. You have lost your library book issued in your name in the school playground. Draft a notice for the school noticeboard.

ABC PUBLIC SCHOOL, DELHI

NOTICE

3 November 2025

LOST! LOST! LOST!

Lost a library book, "Physics for Class XII", in the school playground today during the lunch break. The book is issued in my name. Finder is requested to return it to the undersigned or deposit it at the library.

(Signature)
KARAN
(Class XII-A)

5 Solved Practice Questions

Q1: You are the Secretary of the school's Debate Club. Draft a notice for an inter-school debate competition.

SUNRISE GLOBAL SCHOOL, AGRA

NOTICE

3 November 2025

INTER-SCHOOL DEBATE COMPETITION

Our school is hosting an Inter-School Debate Competition on 15 November 2025 in the school auditorium. Students from classes XI-XII interested in participating in the selection trials on 7th Nov should give their names to the undersigned.

(Signature)
AMIT/AMITA
(Secretary, Debate Club)

Q2: You have found a Titan wristwatch in the school canteen. As Head Boy, draft a notice.

GREEN VALLEY SCHOOL, PUNE

NOTICE

3 November 2025

FOUND A WRISTWATCH

A silver-chain Titan wristwatch has been found in the school canteen today. The genuine owner can claim it from the undersigned after providing necessary details (e.g., model, colour) during the recess.

(Signature)
ROHAN SHARMA
(Head Boy)

Q3: Your school is organizing its Annual Sports Day. Draft a notice as the Sports Secretary.

D.A.V. PUBLIC SCHOOL, RANCHI

NOTICE

3 November 2025

ANNUAL SPORTS DAY

The Annual Sports Day will be held on 20 December 2025 at the school stadium. Students interested in participating in various events (100m race, long jump, etc.) must register with their respective class teachers by 10 November 2025.

(Signature)
VIKRAM/VIKRANTI
(Sports Secretary)

Q4: As the President of the Music Club, draft a notice for a meeting to plan the annual cultural fest.

MODERN SCHOOL, BARAKHAMBA

NOTICE

3 November 2025

MUSIC CLUB MEETING

A meeting for all Music Club members will be held on 5 November 2025 at 2:00 PM in the music room to discuss and plan for the upcoming annual cultural fest, 'Harmony-2025'. Attendance is mandatory.

(Signature)
RAHUL/PRIYA
(President, Music Club)

Q5: Your school is organizing a Blood Donation Camp. Draft a notice as the Head of the Health Club.

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA, MUMBAI

NOTICE

3 November 2025

BLOOD DONATION CAMP

Our school is organizing a Blood Donation Camp in association with Red Cross Society on 10 November 2025 from 9 AM to 1 PM in the school hall. All students (above 18), teachers, and parents are urged to donate generously.

(Signature)
S. NAIR
(Head, Health Club)

Writing a Story and Diary Entry (100-120 words) - CBSE Board Exam - English - NCERT Solution

Writing a Story or Diary Entry (100-120 words)

CBSE Pattern | British English | Based on a Given Cue/Title

1. Writing a Story (100-120 words)

A story is a short narrative that usually includes characters, a setting, a conflict, and a resolution. For CBSE, students are expected to craft concise stories, focusing on the key elements of storytelling while keeping the word limit in mind.

Structure of a Story:

1. Introduction: Start with a brief introduction to the characters and setting. It should capture the reader’s attention and provide a context for the story.
2. Plot: Introduce the main event or problem that the story revolves around. This should be brief but engaging.
3. Climax: Highlight the most exciting or tense moment of the story.
4. Conclusion: Wrap up the story by resolving the conflict or problem, ending with a clear conclusion.

Guidelines for Writing a Story:

• Be Brief: Keep the story concise but meaningful, adhering to the 100-120 word limit.
• Focus on Key Elements: Include a simple plot with clear characterisation, avoiding unnecessary details.
• Use Dialogue: If possible, add short dialogues to make the story engaging.
• Stick to the Title/Cue: Make sure the story revolves around the given topic or title.

Example of a Story:

Title: A Brave Act

It was a stormy night when Riya heard a faint cry from outside. The streets were deserted, but curiosity got the better of her. She stepped out cautiously and followed the sound, only to find a kitten stuck in a drain. Without hesitation, Riya waded through the rainwater and carefully pulled the kitten to safety. Cold and wet, she returned home, her heart warm with pride. That night, she not only rescued a life but also discovered her own courage.

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2. Writing a Diary Entry (100-120 words)

A diary entry is a personal reflection on events, thoughts, or experiences. It’s informal, written in the first person, and expresses the writer’s emotions about a particular day or moment.

Structure of a Diary Entry:

1. Date and Salutation: Start with the date and address the entry with “Dear Diary.”
2. Introduction: Briefly introduce the event or experience that you are reflecting on.
3. Main Content: Describe your thoughts and feelings about the event. Reflect on what happened, how it made you feel, and any lessons you learned.
4. Conclusion: End with a final thought or reflection, or an anticipation for the future.

Guidelines for Writing a Diary Entry:

• Be Personal: A diary entry is meant to express personal emotions and reflections. Use “I” to convey your thoughts.
• Focus on Feelings: Reflect on your emotions—whether happy, sad, excited, or frustrated.
• Use Informal Language: Diary entries are informal, so feel free to write as you would speak.
• Stay on Topic: Stick to the specific event or experience you are reflecting on.

Example of a Diary Entry:

Date: 3rd October 2024
Dear Diary,

Today was one of the most exciting days of my life! We had our annual science fair, and my project on solar energy won the first prize. I was nervous at first, but as soon as I explained my project to the judges, I felt more confident. They seemed really impressed. All the hard work finally paid off, and I couldn’t be prouder. Mum and Dad were so happy too! I can’t wait to show the certificate to my friends at school tomorrow. This day will remain one of my best memories.

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Practice Exercise:

1. Story Title: The Lost Key
   Write a short story in 100-120 words based on the title.

2. Diary Entry Prompt: Write a diary entry describing a day when you faced a challenge and how you overcame it.