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What is Report Writing? Why Does It Matter for Your CBSE English Board Exam 2025?
Most students panic when they see report writing questions, but here’s the thing – once you understand the basics, it becomes one of the easiest ways to score full marks.
Report writing class 12 is simply presenting facts about an event, situation, or issue in a structured, organized manner. Think of it as telling a story, but without your personal opinions or emotions. It’s like being a news reporter who sticks to facts and presents them clearly for the target audience.
The CBSE report writing format is specifically designed to test your class 12 English writing skills in a way that mirrors real-world communication. Whether you’re writing for a school magazine report or creating a newspaper report, the fundamental principles remain the same.
Mainly, there are two types of reports in Class 12 English Syllabus
- Newspaper Reports involving accidents
- Reports on events/functions
Understanding the CBSE Report Writing Format
Let’s break down the format of report writing in the simplest way possible.
Essential Components Every Report Must Have:
The Heading:
This is your report’s title. Make it catchy but informative. It should immediately tell readers what your report is about. Remember, a good heading can make or break your first impression.
The By-line:
Simply put your name and designation here. For example: “By: [Your Name], Class XII Student” or “By: [Your Name], School Reporter”
Date and Place:
Always mention when and where the event happened. This gives your factual account credibility and context.
Introduction:
Your opening paragraph should answer the 5 Ws (what, why, when, where, who) right away. This is where you hook your reader and provide the essential information they need.
Main Body:
Here’s where you dive deeper into the details. Present your findings and analysis in a logical sequence. Use factual details and avoid personal opinions.
Conclusion:
Wrap up your report by summarizing the key points and, if relevant, provide recommendations for future action.
Step-by-Step Report Writing Process That Actually Works
Before You Start Writing
First, understand what the question is asking. Is it asking for a newspaper report about a school event? Or perhaps a real-life event report about a social issue? The clear purpose will guide your entire approach.
Next, think about your target audience. Are you writing for fellow students, teachers, or the general public? This affects your tone and language choices.
The Writing Phase
Start with a compelling heading that captures the essence of your report. Remember, you’re aiming for that word limit (120-150 words).
Your introduction should immediately establish the structure of a report. Use past tense throughout, maintain third person narration, and keep an objective tone. Avoid using “I think” or “I believe” – stick to facts.
In the main body, organize your information logically. If you’re quoting someone, use reported speech correctly. For example, instead of writing “The principal said, ‘This was a great event,'” write “The principal stated that it was a great event.”
Use passive voice when appropriate, especially when the doer of the action is less important than the action itself. For instance, “The prizes were distributed by the chief guest” sounds more formal than “The chief guest distributed the prizes.”
After Writing
Check your grammar and spelling carefully. Even the best content can lose marks due to silly mistakes. Ensure you’ve maintained a factual account throughout without letting personal opinions creep in.
Points To Keep In Mind (Summary)
- A good report should present all the necessary information as clearly as possible.
- Write in less formal and descriptive manner.
- Write in Indirect speech and passive voice.
- Ornamental language should be avoided. The contents should include details like what, when, where, why, who, how, eye-witness account, action/mishap, etc.
- The aim of the report and source from where it was obtained should be mentioned in the beginning itself.
- It should have a proper heading.
- Maintain the word limit of 120-150 words.
- Include information collected from people affected or around the event.
- Present impressions and impact to make the report interesting.
Value Points to be used in an Accident Report
- What happened
- When
- Why (if known)
- Loss of life and property
- Details of accident site
- Details of casualties – dead/injured/hospitalised
- Compensation to families of those killed or injured
- Where
- How
- People/vehicles involved (if any)
- Eye-witness account (if any)
- Details of rescue and relief operations
- Police action/enquiry ordered
- Warning/recommendations/action required
CBSE Marking Scheme and Tips to Score Full Marks
Understanding the marking scheme is crucial for success in report writing 2025 CBSE. Here’s how your marks are typically distributed:
Content and Format Marks: This usually carries the highest weightage. Your report should have all the essential components in the right order.
Language and Expression: This tests your writing skills class 12 level. Use varied sentence structures, appropriate vocabulary, and maintain coherence throughout.
Accuracy: Grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors can cost you precious marks.
To get those tips to score full marks, remember these key points:
- Stick to the prescribed format religiously
- Keep within the word limit
- Use formal language throughout
- Focus on event highlights and key information
- Ensure your report flows logically from start to finish
Article/Report Writing, descriptive and analytical in nature, based on verbal inputs, to be answered in 120-150 words. One out of the two given questions to be answered.
5 Marks are distributed as:
| Format | 1 marks |
| Organisation of Ideas | 1 marks |
| Content | 2 marks |
| Accuracy of Spelling and Grammar | 1 marks |
Don’t draw a box around the report unless specifically instructed. CBSE evaluates format, content, grammar, and coherence — not creative presentation.
📥 Download the official CBSE Class 12 English Marking Scheme (PDF) to understand how reports are graded.
View: Class 12 English Writing Section Syllabus, Time Management, Strategy – Complete Guide For 2025-26
Common Report Writing Topics You Should Practice
The most frequent topics in CBSE English board exam 2025 include:
School Events: Annual day celebrations, sports meets, science exhibitions, cultural programs
Social Issues: Environmental campaigns, health awareness programs, educational initiatives
Current Events: Natural disasters, government schemes, technology in education
For each topic, practice identifying the value points that should be included. For a school event, these might include the date, chief guest, activities, participation, and outcomes.
Sample Report Writing Examples
Q1. History Club of your school organised a picnic on a river bank. During the picnic, you observed a small boat (with two persons in it) sinking. You saw a good swimmer jump into the river and rescue the two persons in the boat. Write a report in 120-150 words on the picnic and the rescue. You are Rohit of 2, Mall Road, Kanpur. (CBSE 2020)
Answer:
Witnessing a Mishap During Picnic
by Rohit
5th March, 20XX, Kanpur
A picnic on a river bank was organised by the History club of our school. Two history teachers accompanied the students on the bus journey to the river bank. The students were very excited to see the rippling water of the river. They had carried bedsheets which were spread on the ground. They put their eatables and other baggage on them. Some of the students sat on the bedsheets and enjoyed the pleasant weather, some other were strolling near the river bank while some students started playing games. All of them were instructed not to go too near the river.
It had been an hour when some of the students saw a small boat with two people sitting in it and shouting frantically. It took everyone a moment to realise that the boat was sinking. The students all got scared and started shouting for help. Hearing the noise, a man came near the bank and jumped into the river. He looked to be a good swimmer.
He reached the boat just as it was about to sink. With great courage, he brought the two people. safely to the ground. First aid was given to the two people. The courage shown by the swimmer was appreciated by everyone.
Q2. You are a Kanika/Kavish student reporter for Galaxy School. Your school celebrated Annual Sports Day recently. Write a report in about 120-150 words on it to be published in your school magazine. You may use the cues given below. (CBSE 2023)
Date venue – time – Chief Guest – opening ceremony – sports events – prize distribution
Answer:
ANNUAL SPORTS DAY
by Kanika/Kavish, Student Reporter
22nd September, 20XX, Pune
Galaxy School celebrated its Annual Sports Day on 21st September, 20XX at the XYZ Stadium with great enthusiasm and energy. The event began at 8:00 am with the arrival of the Chief Guest, Mr. Kumar, a renowned sportsman in the field of athletics. The opening ceremony included a march-past by all the students, accompanied by the school band. This was followed by an inspiring speech by the Chief Guest, who encouraged the students to be physically active and participate in sports.
The sports events included races, long jumps, shot put, and other track and field events. Students from all grades participated with great zeal and enthusiasm, showcasing their talents and skills. The atmosphere was electric as students cheered for their friends and classmates. The highlight of the day was the prize distribution ceremony, where winners were awarded medals and certificates by the Chief Guest. It was a moment of great pride for both the winners and their families.
Overall, the Annual Sports Day was a huge success and a testament to the school’s commitment to promoting physical fitness and sportsmanship. The event provided an opportunity for students to showcase their talents, develop teamwork skills and have fun with their peers.
Q3. You are Anurag/Anjali, a reporter with a national daily. You have heard that a multistorey building near the main railway station has collapsed causing panic in the area. You rush to the site of the accident with your team. Write a report in 120-150 words mentioning the time and the place of the accident, number of casualties, the cause of the accident and the rescue operation conducted by the authorities. (DELHI, 2014)
Answer:
5-Storeyed Building Collapsed Claiming 10 Lives
by Anurag Pandey
15th April, 20XX, Jharkhand
A 5-storeyed building collapsed near the main railway station area of Samarpal District. The incident took place on the afternoon of 13th April.
Fortunately, it was a Sunday so not many people were present in the building. Yet, when it collapsed, it fell on the passers-by, claiming the lives of 10 people and injuring several. Locals quickly came into action and rushed the victims to the nearest hospital. The police, along with the special team, looked for survivors under the debris but with no success.
On investigation, it was found that the covered area of the building had been illegally enlarged. As a result the old pillars of the building could not bear the burden of the new construction and gave way. On enquiring, the builder said that the corporation had charged handsome bribe for the construction. Thus, the corporation had ignored the safety measures too. For the selfish motive of some, many innocent lives were lost.
Advanced Writing Techniques for High Scorers
Once you’ve mastered the basics, focus on these advanced techniques:
Content Organization:
Present information in order of importance. Start with the most significant facts and work your way down.
Language Variety:
Don’t repeat the same sentence patterns. Mix simple, compound, and complex sentences.
Professional Touch:
Use format-based writing techniques that mirror real journalism. This includes using subheadings when appropriate and maintaining consistent style.
When including findings and analysis, present them objectively. If your report requires recommendations, base them on the facts you’ve presented.
Report Writing Previous Year Questions
The best way to improve your report writing class 12 skills is through regular practice. Work with sample practice questions and report writing questions from previous years.
Here are some sample practice questions to get you started:
Q1. You are Parvi/Parinay, special correspondent for ‘The Times of India’. You attended a programme organised by the Rotary Club of your district on ‘Increasing need for Retirement Homes’, Mr. Rajesh Kher, ‘The Chairman of Twilight Homes’ was the Chief Guest on the occasion. The programme included a question and answer session followed by poster making, group discussions and a short play written and directed by students. Write a newspaper report on the programme in 120-150 words mentioning date, time, venue, activities and response of participants. (CBSE TERM 2, 2022)
Q2. History Society of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Krishna Nagar sent a group of students to visit a place of historical interest. You Anant/Anita, were its leader. Write a report in 120-150 words for the school newsletter on the tour, describing the place, its history, how you reached there and all that you have learnt. (All India 2017)
Q3. In your locality, a blood donation camp was organised by the NGO-‘For Your Health’. Many people visited the camp and donated blood. Write a report in 120-150 words for a local newspaper covering the arrangement, doctors’ team, refreshment served, etc. (Delhi 2019)
…more practice questions will be added soon.
Additional Resources for Practice
Look for report writing examples for class 12 in your textbooks and reference materials. Practice with different types of reports to build confidence.
Consider creating a checklist based on the structure of a report to ensure you don’t miss any essential components during exams.
We will be adding more previous year questions of Report Writing Class 12 soon.
Final Thoughts
Mastering report writing class 12 isn’t about memorizing formats – it’s about understanding how to communicate facts clearly and effectively. With consistent practice and attention to the CBSE report writing format, you’ll find yourself writing confident, well-structured reports that can easily earn you full marks.
Remember, every expert was once a beginner. Start practicing today, and by the time your CBSE English board exam 2026 arrives, you’ll be writing reports like a pro.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) For Report Writing Class 12
How many words should a Class 12 report typically have?
The ideal word limit is 120–150 words (sometimes up to 200 words). Staying within this range ensures balance between detail and conciseness
What types of reports are asked in Class 12 exams?
Commonly included formats:
Newspaper Report (e.g., accidents, events)
Magazine/School Report (e.g., competitions, cultural functions)
Event/Academic Report (such as symposiums or research summaries)
Is a report written in a box in Class 12 CBSE exams?
No, reports are not written inside a box in CBSE Class 12 exams. Just follow the correct format, use proper headings and paragraphing, and maintain a formal presentation. Writing inside a box may result in a deduction of marks.