Message writing is a fixed-format question in CBSE Class 10 English exams. It tests your ability to pass information briefly and clearly — usually in 50 words. Knowing the exact message writing format for Class 10 and practising with examples can earn you full marks in this section.
After writing your message, run it through a free grammar checker to catch spelling and punctuation errors before exams.
CBSE Class 10 Message Writing: Quick Overview
| Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Word limit | Usually 50 words |
| Format marks | Box, heading, date, time, body, sender |
| Content marks | All key information included |
| Expression marks | Clear, concise, grammatically correct |
| Common contexts | Phone calls, visitors, reminders, instructions |
Standard Message Writing Format for Class 10
Follow this structure in every CBSE message writing answer:
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│ MESSAGE │
│ │
│ Date: ___________ │
│ Time: ___________ │
│ │
│ [Receiver's name], │
│ │
│ [Body — essential information │
│ in 2–4 short sentences] │
│ │
│ [Sender's name] │
└─────────────────────────────────────┘
Required Elements
- Heading — The word "MESSAGE" centred or at the top
- Date — The date the message is written
- Time — The time (especially for phone call messages)
- Receiver's name — Who the message is for
- Body — The core information (who called, why, what action needed)
- Sender's name — Who wrote the message
Step-by-Step: How to Write a Message (Class 10)
Step 1: Read the Question Carefully
Note who is unavailable, who called/visited, and what information must be conveyed.
Step 2: List Key Points
Extract only essential facts: names, time, place, purpose, action required.
Step 3: Write in the Box Format
Use the standard CBSE format. Do not write in paragraph form without the box structure.
Step 4: Stay Within 50 Words
Count words. CBSE penalises messages that are too long or too short.
Step 5: Check Grammar
Use a free grammar checker during practice to fix tense errors, spelling, and punctuation.
Example 1: Telephone Message (Informal)
Question: Your brother Rahul is not at home. His friend Amit called at 4:30 PM to say cricket practice is cancelled and the match is rescheduled to Saturday at 8 AM at City Ground. Write a message for Rahul.
Answer:
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│ MESSAGE │
│ │
│ Date: 9 June 2026 │
│ Time: 4:30 PM │
│ │
│ Rahul, │
│ │
│ Amit called to inform that cricket │
│ practice is cancelled. The match is │
│ rescheduled to Saturday, 8 AM, at │
│ City Ground. │
│ │
│ Mother │
└─────────────────────────────────────┘
Example 2: Visitor Message (Formal)
Question: You are the secretary of your school club. The principal visited during the lunch break to say the inter-school debate has been postponed to 20 June. Write a message for the club president who was absent.
Answer:
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│ MESSAGE │
│ │
│ Date: 9 June 2026 │
│ Time: 1:15 PM │
│ │
│ Sir/Madam, │
│ │
│ The Principal visited during lunch │
│ and informed that the inter-school │
│ debate is postponed to 20 June. │
│ Please note the revised date. │
│ │
│ Secretary, Debate Club │
└─────────────────────────────────────┘
Example 3: Reminder Message
Question: Your father is at work. His colleague Mr. Sharma called to remind him about a parent-teacher meeting at your school tomorrow at 10 AM. Write a message.
Answer:
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│ MESSAGE │
│ │
│ Date: 9 June 2026 │
│ Time: 11:00 AM │
│ │
│ Papa, │
│ │
│ Mr. Sharma called to remind you │
│ about the parent-teacher meeting │
│ at school tomorrow at 10 AM. │
│ │
│ Riya │
└─────────────────────────────────────┘
Formal vs Informal Message Writing (Class 10)
Informal Messages
Used for family and friends. Salutation can be the person's first name. Tone is casual but clear.
Formal Messages
Used for teachers, principals, officials. Use respectful salutations (Sir/Madam). Tone is polite and professional.
Both types follow the same message writing format for Class 10 — only tone and salutation change.
Marking Scheme Tips for CBSE Class 10
Examiners typically award marks for:
| Area | What Examiners Look For |
|---|---|
| Format (2 marks) | Box, heading, date, time, sender |
| Content (3 marks) | All question details included |
| Expression (2 marks) | Clear, concise, correct grammar |
Pro tip: Missing even one fact from the question (a time, a name, a place) costs content marks. Underline key details in the question before writing.
Common Mistakes in Class 10 Message Writing
- Writing a letter instead of a message — No "Dear" and "Yours sincerely" needed.
- Adding unnecessary background — Stick to the question facts only.
- Exceeding 50 words — Practice counting words.
- Forgetting date, time, or sender — Format marks are lost instantly.
- Grammar errors — Check practice messages with a free grammar checker.
Practice Questions for CBSE Class 10
Try writing messages for these prompts (50 words each):
- Your mother is shopping. Her doctor's office called to confirm an appointment on Monday at 5 PM.
- You are the class monitor. The sports teacher left a message that volleyball trials are on Wednesday at 7 AM.
- Your sister is sleeping. Her classmate called about a group project meeting at the library at 4 PM today.
After writing, check grammar and word count.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the word limit for message writing in CBSE Class 10?
The standard word limit is 50 words. Stay close to this limit in board exams.
Is a box compulsory in message writing format?
Yes. CBSE expects the boxed format with the heading "MESSAGE" for full format marks.
What is the difference between message and notice writing?
A message is personal — passed to one person. A notice is public — displayed on a board for many people. See our guide on notice writing format for school exams.
Can I use abbreviations in messages?
Avoid SMS-style abbreviations (u, plz, btw). Write standard English in CBSE exams.
How do I improve grammar in messages?
Practice daily and use a free grammar checker to review tense, spelling, and punctuation.
Conclusion
Mastering the message writing format for CBSE Class 10 is straightforward: learn the box structure, include every fact from the question, stay within 50 words, and write clearly. Practice with the examples above and polish your drafts with a free grammar checker before your board exam.
For more message writing examples and types, read our detailed message writing format guide.