Notice writing is a common task in IGCSE First Language English and in many Singapore secondary school exams. A notice is a short, formal piece of writing that informs people about an event, rule, or change. This guide explains the notice format, the structure you should follow, and gives examples so you can write clear, full-mark notices in exams.

What is a notice?

A notice is a written announcement meant to be seen by a group of people: for example, students, staff, parents, or the public. It is usually short (often 50–80 words unless the question says otherwise), clear, and formal. Notices are used to announce events (e.g. a school trip, a meeting, a concert), rules (e.g. no parking, library rules), or requests (e.g. lost and found, donations, volunteers needed). In IGCSE and Singapore exams, you are often asked to write a notice as a school captain, principal, or club secretary; the question will tell you who you are and who the notice is for. You must use the correct notice format and formal tone so that the notice looks and reads like a real notice that would be displayed on a board or sent to a group.

Notice format: structure

The notice format has a clear structure. Follow this order:

1. Heading / Title – Write the word NOTICE (in capital letters) at the top, often centred or on the left. Sometimes the question gives you a title (e.g. “School Trip”) which you can write below NOTICE or as the main heading.
2. Date – Below the heading, write the date (e.g. 20 February 2026) on the left.
3. Heading of the notice – A short title that says what the notice is about (e.g. “Annual Sports Day”, “Lost Bag”).
4. Body – The main content in short paragraphs or bullet points. Include: what is happening or what is requested, when, where, and who should respond or attend. Use clear, simple language.
5. Signature and designation – At the bottom, write the name of the person issuing the notice and their designation (e.g. Secretary, Sports Club; Principal).

What to include in the body

In the body of the notice, answer the 5 W’s where relevant: What (event/rule/request), When (date and time), Where (venue or place), Who (who is invited or who should act), and How (how to register or contact). Keep sentences short and direct. Do not use informal language (e.g. “Hey everyone”) or long stories. For exam notices, stay within the word limit given in the question.

Notice writing example 1: School event

NOTICE
20 February 2026

Annual Sports Day

The school will hold its Annual Sports Day on 15 March 2026 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the school field. All students from Years 7 to 11 are required to participate. House selection and event sign-up will take place in the PE department from 1 to 5 March. For details, contact the Sports Secretary.

R. Kumar
Secretary, Sports Club

Notice writing example 2: Lost and found

NOTICE
20 February 2026

Lost Bag

A blue school bag was found in the canteen on 19 February. It contains books and a water bottle. The owner may collect it from the General Office after identifying the contents. Please bring your student ID.

Maria Tan
Secretary, Student Council

Common mistakes to avoid

• Forgetting the word NOTICE at the top or the date.
• Writing too informally (e.g. “Hi guys”) or too long (over the word limit).
• Missing when, where, or who in the body.
• Forgetting signature and designation at the end.

How notice writing is marked in IGCSE and Singapore exams

Examiners look for correct format (NOTICE, date, heading, body, signature and designation), completeness (all the information from the question included), clarity (short, clear sentences; no irrelevant content), formal tone (no slang or casual language), and staying within the word limit. Practise with past papers and time yourself so you can produce a full, well-formatted notice in the time allowed. Notices can be for students, staff, parents, or the public; the tone stays formal but the content and emphasis may change. For students you might mention house points or participation; for parents you might include timing and what to bring; for the public you might add directions or contact details. Always include who the notice is for if the question specifies it.

Practice tips for notice writing

Before the exam, practise at least five to ten notices on different topics: events, lost and found, rules, and requests. Use a timer and stick to the word limit. Read the question carefully and underline the key points you must include; then check off each point as you write. Keep a model notice in your head (NOTICE, date, heading, body, signature and designation) and follow it every time.

Next steps

Practise notice writing with past IGCSE or school papers. For more help with directed writing and writer’s effect, book a free trial with an IGCSE English tutor on Tutopiya, or use Tutopiya’s learning portal for resources.

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