Free Writing I
Complete Tutorial
Master all four Free Writing I types — personal paragraphs, leave & job applications, and dialogue — with deep theory, annotated model answers, and universal templates.
Free Writing paragraphs are personal and expressive. Unlike Guided Writing where you follow clues, here you present your own views, experiences, and feelings on a given topic — using your own ideas, evidence, and language.
How Free Writing Paragraphs Differ from Guided Writing
✅ Guided Writing I (Para)
- Clues provided
- Factual / informational tone
- Third person often preferred
- ~100 words
- 5 marks
- Follow the clues strictly
🔥 Free Writing I (Para)
- No clues — only a topic/prompt
- Personal / argumentative tone
- First person "I" expected
- ~150 words
- 6 marks
- Use your own ideas & examples
The Four Types You Must Know
Opinion & View Starter Phrases — Ranked by Strength
| Strength | Phrases | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Strong | I firmly believe that · I am strongly convinced that · There is no doubt in my mind that | For clear, confident positions |
| Moderate | In my opinion · From my point of view · I think/feel that · I am of the view that | For balanced arguments |
| Cautious | It seems to me that · I tend to think that · One might argue that | When acknowledging counterarguments |
| Concession | Although some believe… I still maintain that · While it is true that… nevertheless | Before countering an opposing view |
Structure for a Free Writing Paragraph (~150 words)
| Part | Function | Word Allocation |
|---|---|---|
| Topic Sentence | State your view/opinion on the topic. Include a controlling idea. | ~20 words |
| Elaboration | Expand — why you hold this view, what it means. | ~20 words |
| Reason / Point 1 + Detail | First argument/experience/feeling + supporting example | ~30 words |
| Reason / Point 2 + Detail | Second argument/experience/feeling + supporting example | ~30 words |
| Reason / Point 3 + Detail | Third argument or a concession + rebuttal | ~25 words |
| Concluding Sentence | Restate topic sentence in different words. Final thought. | ~25 words |
Emotional & Sensory Vocabulary for Feeling Paragraphs
| Emotion | Vivid Words & Phrases |
|---|---|
| Joy / Happiness | elated · overjoyed · beaming with pride · a wave of euphoria · my heart soared |
| Sadness / Grief | devastated · heartbroken · a heavy sense of loss · tears welled up · inconsolable |
| Fear / Anxiety | terrified · my heart pounded · a chill ran down my spine · paralysed with fear |
| Pride / Achievement | swelled with pride · a deep sense of accomplishment · I stood tall knowing that |
| Surprise | taken aback · I could not believe my eyes · I was left speechless · astounded |
📌 Model 1 — Opinion Paragraph (~150 words)
I firmly believe that mobile phones, when used responsibly, can be an enormously valuable tool for students. In an age where information is at our fingertips, students who know how to use their phones wisely hold a significant academic advantage.
First and foremost, mobile phones give students instant access to educational resources — dictionaries, encyclopaedias, and educational videos — that were once available only in well-funded libraries. In Nepal, where access to quality books is still limited in many rural areas, this is particularly transformative.
Furthermore, mobile phones help students stay connected with their teachers and classmates, enabling collaborative learning even outside school hours. I personally experienced this during the pandemic, when my phone became my only window to education.
While it is true that phones can be a source of distraction, this is a matter of self-discipline, not a reason to ban them altogether. In conclusion, I believe that mobile phones, guided by proper boundaries, are powerful allies in a student's learning journey.
🟡 Topic + Opinion sentence | 🟢 Reasons with examples | 🟣 Concession | 🟡 Conclusion
📌 Model 2 — Experience Paragraph (~150 words)
One of the most memorable experiences of my life was the day I received the results of my Grade 8 examinations. That morning, I woke up with a mixture of excitement and dread, unable to eat my breakfast.
When I finally opened the result slip, I discovered that I had topped the entire class with a distinction grade. For a moment, I simply stared at the paper, unable to process what I was seeing.
Then a wave of pure joy washed over me. I ran to my mother, who was in the kitchen, and pressed the paper into her hands. The look of pride on her face was worth more to me than any prize.
That day taught me that consistent effort and dedication always bear fruit. Whenever I feel like giving up, I think back to that morning and find the strength to carry on.
🗂 Universal Template — Free Writing Paragraph
For Opinion / View Paragraphs
For Experience / Feeling Paragraphs
A leave application is a formal written request asking your school principal, headteacher, or employer for permission to be absent for a stated number of days for a specific reason.
Types of Leave Applications
Sick / Medical Leave
You are unwell and unable to attend school or work. Mention the illness and number of days. Attach medical certificate if required.
Family Function Leave
A wedding, religious ceremony, or family event requires your presence. Mention the occasion and the exact dates.
Personal / Tour Leave
You need to travel or attend to a personal matter. State a clear reason and the duration.
Event / Competition Leave
You are representing the school in a competition or event. Attach permission letter from organising body if possible.
The 8-Part Structure of a Leave Application
Essential Language for Leave Applications
| Part | Phrases to Use |
|---|---|
| Respectful Opening | I beg to state that… · I am writing to respectfully request… · I most humbly request that… |
| Stating Reason | I am suffering from… · I have been suffering from a high fever since… · There is an important family function… |
| Requesting Leave | I kindly request you to grant me leave for [X] days… · I therefore request your kind permission… |
| Dates | from [date] to [date] · for a period of [X] days |
| Promise to catch up | I assure you that I will complete all missed work upon my return. |
| Closing | I shall be highly obliged/grateful for your kind consideration. |
📌 Model 1 — Sick Leave Application (Student to Principal)
Class 10 'B', Roll No. 14
Sunrise Secondary School, Chabahil, Kathmandu
Sunrise Secondary School
Chabahil, Kathmandu
Ramesh Thapa
Class 10 'B', Roll No. 14
📌 Model 2 — Family Function Leave Application
Class 10 'A', Roll No. 7
Bal Jyoti Secondary School, Lalitpur
Class 10 'A'
Bal Jyoti Secondary School, Lalitpur
Priya Sharma
Class 10 'A'
🗂 Universal Template — Leave Application
Leave Application Template
A job application is a formal letter written in response to a job advertisement, expressing your interest in a position and highlighting your qualifications, skills, and experience to convince the employer to call you for an interview.
Job Application vs. Leave Application — Key Differences
| Feature | Leave Application | Job Application |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Requesting absence permission | Applying for a job vacancy |
| Written to | Principal / teacher / boss | Employer / HR Manager / Recruiting Officer |
| Content | Reason + dates + request | Source of info + qualifications + skills + request for interview |
| Closing phrase | "Yours obediently" | "Yours faithfully" (when name not known) or "Yours sincerely" (when name known) |
| Attachment | Doctor's certificate (if sick) | CV / Bio-data is always mentioned |
The 5-Paragraph Structure of a Job Application
Essential Language for Job Applications
| Section | Professional Phrases |
|---|---|
| Opening | I am writing in response to your advertisement… · With reference to your vacancy notice published in… · I wish to apply for the post of… |
| Qualifications | I have successfully completed… · I hold a [degree] in… · I recently passed/completed… |
| Experience & Skills | I have [X] years of experience in… · I am proficient in… · I am fluent in… · I possess strong skills in… |
| Suitability | I believe I am well-suited for this position because… · My background in… makes me a strong candidate… |
| CV Reference | I have enclosed my Curriculum Vitae for your kind perusal. · Please find my bio-data attached herewith. |
| Interview Request | I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my application at an interview at your convenience. |
| Closing | I look forward to hearing from you. · I hope my application will receive your kind consideration. |
📌 Model Job Application — Secondary Level English Teacher
Lazimpat-4, Kathmandu
Email: sunita.k@gmail.com | Tel: 9840XXXXXX
Bright Future Secondary School
Baluwatar, Kathmandu
Sunita Karmacharya
Enclosures: CV, Academic Certificates
🗂 Universal Template — Job Application
Job Application Letter Template
✗ Do NOT use "Yours obediently" — that is only for student-to-teacher. Use "Yours faithfully".
✗ Do NOT forget to mention the source of the advertisement.
✗ Do NOT list qualifications as bullet points — write them in flowing sentences.
✗ Do NOT forget to mention the CV at the end: "I have enclosed my CV…"
✓ DO match your qualifications to what the job advertisement asks for.
A dialogue is a written conversation between two (or occasionally more) people. In the exam, you are given a situation and must write a realistic, purposeful exchange that develops naturally from a clear opening to a satisfying close.
What Makes a Good Dialogue?
Clear Purpose
Every dialogue has a topic to discuss, a problem to solve, or information to exchange. Know what the conversation is about before writing.
Natural Flow
Each reply must directly respond to the previous line. Don't ignore what was just said. Build on each exchange logically.
Varied Language
Mix questions, statements, exclamations, and agreements. Don't start every line with "Yes" or "I think".
Clear Opening & Closing
Begin with a greeting or context-setting line. End with a conclusion — a solution, a farewell, or a decision reached.
Correct Format
Speaker name + colon + dialogue text. Each new speaker on a new line. Add dialogue tags (said, asked, replied) occasionally.
Balance
Both speakers should contribute roughly equally. Don't let one person speak five lines while the other says one word.
Format Rules for Dialogue Writing
| Rule | Correct ✓ | Wrong ✗ |
|---|---|---|
| Speaker label format | Rohan : I heard you were ill yesterday. | "Rohan said I heard you were ill." |
| New line for each speaker | Each speaker starts on a new line | Both speakers on the same line |
| Dialogue tags (optional) | Sita : (with concern) Are you feeling better? | Avoid overusing — not every line needs one |
| Punctuation | End each line with a period, question mark, or exclamation | Don't use quotation marks around dialogue lines |
| Naming speakers | Use real names (Priya, Rohan) or roles (Doctor, Patient) | Don't use "Person A" or "Speaker 1" |
Common Exam Dialogue Topics & Opening Lines
| Topic | Natural Opening Line |
|---|---|
| Doctor – Patient | Patient: Good morning, Doctor. I have been having a terrible headache for the past two days. |
| Teacher – Student | Teacher: Come in, Arun. Why have you been absent from class for the past three days? |
| Two friends (study/future) | Riya: Hey Anish! Have you decided which stream to take after SEE? |
| Shopkeeper – Customer | Customer: Excuse me, how much does this dictionary cost? |
| Tourist – Local person | Tourist: Good morning! Could you please help me find the way to Pashupatinath Temple? |
| About an accident | Tarun: Oh Kunal! I heard you met with an accident. Are you all right now? |
| About a festival | Nusrat: Hello Sunita! I've been curious — could you tell me about the Dashain festival? |
Useful Dialogue Expressions
| Function | Natural Expressions |
|---|---|
| Greeting / Opening | Good morning/afternoon. / How are you? / I'm glad I bumped into you. / Long time no see! |
| Showing interest | Really? / Is that so? / That's interesting! / Oh, I see. / Tell me more about that. |
| Agreeing | You're absolutely right. / I couldn't agree more. / Exactly! / That makes sense. |
| Disagreeing politely | I'm not sure I agree. / That's a good point, but… / With respect, I think… |
| Asking for clarification | Could you explain that further? / What do you mean by…? / Could you be more specific? |
| Expressing surprise | You don't say! / That's surprising! / I had no idea! / Good heavens! |
| Concluding / Farewell | Well, I must be going. / Thanks for the chat! / It was great talking to you. / Take care! |
📌 Model Dialogue 1 — Doctor and Patient
📌 Model Dialogue 2 — Two Friends About Future Plans
🗂 Universal Template — Dialogue
Dialogue Writing Template
1. Use a question to move the conversation forward at least 3 times — it keeps dialogue natural and interactive.
2. Include at least one expression of emotion or surprise — "Oh really?" / "That's wonderful!" / "I had no idea!" — to make it feel authentic.
3. Always write a proper closing — examiners deduct marks for abrupt endings. Finish with a farewell or a resolution.
Assessed on: content & ideas, personal voice, vocabulary range, coherence, accuracy, and correct format/layout.