Guided Writing II
Complete Tutorial
Master all seven writing types in Guided Writing II — from news stories and biographies to condolences and invitations — with theory, annotated models, and universal templates.
A news story reports a real or imagined event in a clear, factual, and unbiased way. It follows a strict structure called the Inverted Pyramid — the most important information comes first.
The Inverted Pyramid Model
Professional journalists write in the shape of an inverted triangle. The widest, heaviest part (most important information) is at the top, and details narrow as the story progresses. This means a reader learns the essential facts even if they stop reading after the first paragraph.
Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?
The 5Ws + H — Your Checklist
| Question | What to Answer | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Who? | The people involved | "A group of students from Kathmandu…" |
| What? | The event that happened | "…won the National Science Olympiad…" |
| When? | Time/date of the event | "…on Tuesday, 3rd June 2025…" |
| Where? | Location | "…at Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur." |
| Why? | Reason or significance | "The competition aimed to promote scientific thinking…" |
| How? | Manner / process | "The team won by solving a complex environmental problem…" |
The Four Parts of a News Story
Headline
Bold, short, punchy. Uses present tense verb to describe a past event. Example: "Students Win National Science Prize."
Byline
Reporter's name and date. Example: "By Our Correspondent | 4 June 2025". Always placed below the headline.
Lead Paragraph
The most important paragraph. Answers all 5Ws + H in 2–3 sentences. This is worth the most marks.
Body + Closing
2–3 more paragraphs. Add details, a quote (if required), background, and a closing observation.
Headlines — How to Write Them
| Rule | Explanation | Wrong ✗ | Right ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Present tense for past events | Makes it feel immediate | "A Fire Destroyed…" | "Fire Destroys School Library" |
| No articles (a/an/the) | Saves space | "A Student Wins the Prize" | "Student Wins Prize" |
| Active voice preferred | More direct | "Prize Was Won by Student" | "Student Wins National Prize" |
| Short & impactful | Max 8–10 words | "A Very Long Headline That Nobody Will Read" | "Earthquake Kills Dozens in Rukum" |
Language Features of News Writing
| Feature | Example |
|---|---|
| Past tense in body | said, reported, attended, received, announced |
| Formal vocabulary | stated, declared, confirmed, sustained injuries, passed away |
| Attribution (quoting) | "According to officials…" / "He said that…" / "The spokesperson confirmed…" |
| Passive voice (occasionally) | "Three people were injured." / "The event was organised by…" |
| Specific numbers/dates | Always use exact figures — not "many people" but "around 300 people" |
📌 Model News Story
A team of four students from Bal Jyoti Secondary School, Kathmandu, won the gold medal at the 12th National Science Olympiad held at Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, on Tuesday, 3rd June 2025. The team impressed judges by presenting an innovative solar-powered water purification model.
The competition, organised by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, drew participation from over 200 schools across all seven provinces. This year's theme was "Science for Sustainable Nepal."
Team leader Priya Shrestha expressed her joy at the achievement. "We worked for six months on this project. It is a proud moment for our school," she said. The winning team received a cash prize of Rs. 50,000 and certificates of distinction.
The school principal, Mr. Hari Prasad Thapa, congratulated the students and thanked their teachers for their guidance throughout the competition season.
🗂 Universal Template
News Story Template
A skeleton story gives you a list of bare-bones clue points (dots/dashes), and you must expand each into full, connected sentences — adding setting, emotion, dialogue, and description to bring the story alive.
What is a Skeleton Story?
The skeleton is a frame — you are the author who puts flesh on the bones. Each clue point becomes at least one sentence, and you add your own words to create atmosphere, character, and meaning. The key rule is: follow the clues in order. Do not skip any.
| Given Clue (Skeleton) | What You Must Write |
|---|---|
| …old farmer… three lazy sons… | A sentence introducing the farmer and describing the sons. |
| …old man dying… | A sentence describing his deteriorating health and concern. |
| …tells sons treasure hidden in fields… | A sentence with what he said — include indirect or direct speech. |
| …die before spotting the place… | A sentence describing his death before revealing the location. |
Step-by-Step: How to Expand a Skeleton
Narrative Language — Essential Toolkit
| Purpose | Words & Phrases |
|---|---|
| Opening | Once upon a time · Many years ago · Long ago in a village · There lived… |
| Moving forward | One day · Then · After some time · Shortly afterwards |
| Contrast / Surprise | However · But to their surprise · Unexpectedly · Little did they know |
| Climax | At last · Finally · In the end · At that very moment |
| Adding emotion | overjoyed · devastated · with a heavy heart · with great enthusiasm |
| Dialogue intro | He said that… · "…," he whispered. · She exclaimed, "…" |
📌 Skeleton → Full Story: Model
Once upon a time, a poor farmer lived in a small village. He owned a remarkable goose that laid one golden egg every single morning. The farmer sold the golden eggs at the market and soon grew quite wealthy.
However, greed slowly consumed his heart. He thought to himself, "If I could get all the eggs at once, I would become rich overnight." Unable to resist his desire, he killed the goose and cut it open, expecting to find hundreds of golden eggs inside.
To his great disappointment and sorrow, he found only one unformed egg inside — nothing more. He had destroyed his most precious possession for nothing. Weeping bitterly, he realised the terrible mistake he had made.
Moral: Do not let greed destroy what you already have.
🟡 Setting | 🟢 Development | 🟠 Greed/Conflict | 🟣 Climax/Disappointment
🗂 Universal Template
Skeleton Story Template
A condolence message is written to express grief and sympathy to someone who has suffered a loss — usually the death of a loved one. It must be written with sensitivity and dignity.
Formal vs. Informal Condolence
| Feature | Formal Notice (Organisation) | Informal Letter (Personal) |
|---|---|---|
| Written by | An organisation, institution, or company | An individual — friend, relative, colleague |
| Tone | Official, dignified, impersonal | Warm, personal, heartfelt |
| Format | Centred notice — like a newspaper announcement | Letter format with address, date, salutation |
| Language | "We express our profound sympathy…" | "I was deeply saddened to hear…" |
| Signed by | Organisation name + designation | Individual's name |
What to Include — 4 Core Elements
1. Acknowledge the Loss
Name the deceased and mention the nature of loss. Show you understand how significant it is.
2. Pay Tribute
Say something kind and specific about the deceased — their qualities, contributions, or character.
3. Offer Sympathy
Express your own grief and extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
4. Closing Prayer / Wish
Pray for the departed soul and offer strength to the grieving family. Example: "May the departed soul rest in eternal peace."
Key Vocabulary for Condolence
| Context | Phrases |
|---|---|
| Acknowledging death | untimely demise · sudden passing · irreparable loss · passed away · departed this world |
| Expressing grief | profound sympathy · heartfelt condolences · deeply saddened · grief-stricken |
| Tribute to deceased | dedicated · hardworking · beloved · will be greatly missed · left an indelible mark |
| For the family | bereaved family · in this hour of grief · may you find the strength to bear this loss |
| Prayer | may his/her soul rest in eternal peace · we pray for the departed soul |
📌 Model: Formal Condolence Notice
We express our profound sympathy and grief at the sudden and untimely demise of
a Senior Technician and dedicated member of our organisation for the past fifteen years. His commitment, professionalism, and warm personality will always be remembered.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family and relatives, and pray that his departed soul will rest in eternal peace in heaven.
"He will forever remain in our hearts and memories."
📌 Model: Informal Condolence Letter
I was deeply shocked and saddened to receive the news of the untimely passing of your son, Ramesh. It is truly an irreparable loss for your family, and my heart goes out to you all in this devastating time.
As you know, I studied with Ramesh for seven years at Buddha Jyoti Academy. He was a kind, hardworking, and generous soul who always had a smile for everyone around him. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
May his departed soul rest in eternal peace in heaven. I pray to God Almighty to grant you and your family the courage and strength to bear this immeasurable loss.
Bishal Joshi
❌ What NOT to Write in a Condolence
✗ Do not say "I know how you feel" — you cannot truly know.
✗ Do not mention positive things about the deceased's death ("at least they are not suffering").
✗ Do not make it about yourself ("this is so hard for me too").
✗ Do not use casual or cheerful language — tone must always be solemn and respectful.
✗ Do not give unsolicited advice ("you should stay strong" sounds dismissive).
🗂 Universal Templates
Formal Condolence Notice Template
Informal Condolence Letter Template
A congratulatory message celebrates someone's achievement, success, or happy occasion. It can be a formal announcement (notice) or an informal personal letter — just like condolence but with a positive, celebratory tone.
Formal vs. Informal Congratulations
Formal Notice
Written by an organisation on behalf of a group. Uses: "We are delighted to…" / "We congratulate…" / "It is our honour to…"
Informal Letter
Written by an individual to a friend, relative, or colleague. Uses: "I am overjoyed to hear…" / "Heartiest congratulations on…"
The 4 Key Elements
1. Name the Achievement
State exactly what the person achieved — exam result, competition win, promotion, admission, award.
2. Explain Its Significance
Why is this achievement special or remarkable? Mention effort, competition, difficulty.
3. Credit Their Effort
Acknowledge the hard work, dedication, or talent behind the success. This makes the message feel genuine.
4. Future Wishes
Close with good wishes for their future. Example: "May you continue to achieve great things."
Key Vocabulary for Congratulations
| Context | Phrases |
|---|---|
| Opening | Heartiest congratulations! · We are delighted to… · It is a matter of great pride… |
| The achievement | remarkable achievement · outstanding success · grand accomplishment · immense achievement |
| Effort | constant effort · hard work and dedication · your commitment to excellence |
| Pride | makes us swell with pride · a source of inspiration · a proud moment for all of us |
| Future wishes | May you continue to scale greater heights… · Wishing you a bright and successful future |
📌 Model: Formal Congratulations Notice
We are immensely proud and delighted to congratulate
on winning First Prize at the National Level Essay Competition organised by the Ministry of Education. Her essay, "Children — the Peace Zone," earned her a cash prize of Rs. 50,000 and a certificate of excellence.
This grand achievement is the fruit of her relentless dedication, creativity, and talent. It is truly a proud moment for our entire school family.
We wish her continued success and a bright, inspiring future ahead.
📌 Model: Informal Congratulations Letter
I am absolutely overjoyed to learn that you have secured admission to St. Xavier's College, Kathmandu! This is wonderful news, and I could not be happier for you.
You truly deserved this. The competition for a place at that college is fierce, and it was your constant dedication and hard work that set you apart from others. Please accept my heartiest congratulations on this immense achievement!
I do hope your studies there will be the strong foundation you need to realise your dream of becoming a doctor and serving our nation. Wishing you all the success and happiness in your future journey.
Bipin Maharjan
🗂 Universal Templates
Formal Congratulations Notice Template
Informal Congratulations Letter Template
An invitation is a polite, formal or informal request asking someone to attend an occasion, event, or ceremony. It must clearly state who is invited, to what event, and when and where it will take place.
Formal Card vs. Informal Letter
| Feature | Formal Invitation Card | Informal Invitation Letter |
|---|---|---|
| Occasion | Weddings, receptions, official functions | Birthdays, informal gatherings, personal events |
| Format | Centred card — third person, no "I" | Letter format — first person, "I" or "we" |
| Language | "request the honour/pleasure of your presence" | "I would like to invite you to…" |
| RSVP | Always included with phone number | Usually included — "Please let me know" |
| Tone | Dignified, formal | Friendly, warm |
Mandatory Information — Never Forget These 5
1. The Occasion
Name the event clearly: wedding, birthday, graduation, annual function, engagement, etc.
2. Date & Time
State the full date and exact time. Example: "Saturday, 21st June 2025 at 5:00 p.m."
3. Venue / Place
Full name and location of the venue. Example: "Hotel Himalaya, Kupondole, Kathmandu."
4. RSVP
RSVP = Répondez s'il vous plaît (French: "Please reply"). Give a contact number or email.
5. The Hosts
Who is sending the invitation? State name(s) clearly — especially for wedding cards.
Formal Invitation Phrases
| Function | Formal Phrases |
|---|---|
| Inviting | request the honour of your presence · request the pleasure of your company |
| Naming occasion | at the auspicious occasion of · on the occasion of the marriage of their son/daughter |
| Date/Time | on [day], [date] at [time] o'clock |
| Venue | at [Venue Name], [Address] |
| RSVP | R.S.V.P. [phone number] · Kindly confirm your attendance |
📌 Model: Formal Wedding Invitation Card
Mr. Arjun Adhikari and Mrs. Sita Adhikari
request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their son
with
daughter of Mr. P. Ghimire and Mrs. G. Ghimire
📍 Chho Rolpa Party Palace, Banasthali, Kathmandu
📌 Model: Informal Invitation Letter
I am delighted to invite you to my birthday celebration, which I am hosting at my home on Saturday, 21st June 2025, at 4:00 p.m. The venue is my house at Naxal-8, near the Blue Bird School.
It would be a small and cosy gathering of close friends and family. I have planned some fun activities, music, and of course plenty of delicious food! Your presence would truly make the evening special for me.
Please do let me know by 18th June whether you will be able to join us. I really look forward to celebrating this day with you!
Anisha
Tel: 9800XXXXXX
🗂 Universal Templates
Formal Invitation Card Template
Informal Invitation Letter Template
A thank you letter expresses sincere gratitude for a gift, act of kindness, help, hospitality, or favour received. It must be specific — naming exactly what you are thankful for and why it meant something to you.
What Makes a Thank You Letter Effective?
Be Specific
Name the exact gift, action, or favour. "Thank you for the lovely dictionary" is far better than "Thank you for the gift."
Explain the Impact
Tell them how the gift/act helped you or made you feel. This makes the gratitude genuine and meaningful.
Reciprocate
Offer something in return — a return visit, a promise to keep in touch, or an expression of good wishes.
Warm Closing
End on a positive note. Express hope to see them again or good wishes for their future.
Occasions for a Thank You Letter
| Occasion | What You Thank For |
|---|---|
| After receiving a gift | The thoughtfulness and generosity behind the present |
| After hospitality / a visit | The warmth, food, accommodation, and care shown to you |
| After receiving help / support | The time, effort, or assistance someone gave you |
| After a job interview | The opportunity given and consideration shown |
| After a favour / act of kindness | Whatever someone did for you that went above and beyond |
Key Vocabulary for Thank You Letters
| Context | Phrases |
|---|---|
| Opening thanks | I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for… · I wanted to thank you sincerely for… |
| The specific act | the generous gift of… · your kind hospitality · the valuable advice/help you provided |
| Its impact | It was extremely helpful… · It meant a great deal to me… · I shall always remember… |
| Reciprocating | I hope to repay your kindness… · I look forward to returning your hospitality… |
| Closing | Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart. · With sincere gratitude… |
📌 Model: Thank You Letter for a Birthday Gift
I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the beautifully illustrated English dictionary you gifted me on my birthday. It was truly the most thoughtful and useful gift I received!
I have already started using it for my studies, and it has been enormously helpful in improving my vocabulary and comprehension. The colourful illustrations make it especially easy to understand new words. I am sure it will be my constant companion throughout my SEE preparation.
Your kindness and affection always mean the world to me. Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I hope to visit you soon during the holidays.
Rohan
📌 Model: Thank You After Hospitality / A Visit
I arrived home safely yesterday and I wanted to immediately write and thank you for the wonderful time I had during my stay at your home last week.
Your family's warmth, generosity, and hospitality made me feel completely at home from the very first day. The delicious meals, the late-night conversations, and our visit to Sarangkot are memories I will cherish for a long time.
Please convey my thanks to your parents for their kindness. I hope you will visit me in Pokhara soon so that I may return your wonderful hospitality. Once again, thank you for everything!
Kabita
🗂 Universal Template
Thank You Letter Template
A biography is a factual, third-person account of a person's life — from their early years to their major achievements and lasting legacy. It reads like a mini-essay, not a list of dates.
Biography vs. Autobiography
Biography
Written by someone else about a person. Uses third person: he, she, they. Example: "He was born in…"
Autobiography
Written by the person themselves. Uses first person: I, my, me. Example: "I was born in…"
The 6-Part Structure
1. Introduction
Who the person is. Full name, nationality, profession, and why they are notable. Written in present/past tense.
2. Early Life
Date and place of birth, family background, childhood, and early influences.
3. Education
Schools, colleges, universities attended. Degrees earned. Mention subjects of interest if relevant.
4. Career & Work
Major professional roles, organisations, or creative works. Key events in their professional life.
5. Achievements
Awards, discoveries, records, publications, or notable contributions to society, art, or science.
6. Legacy / Conclusion
Their lasting impact on society, their field, or the world. If deceased, mention death and how they are remembered.
Language of Biography Writing
| Function | Phrases & Structures |
|---|---|
| Birth / Origin | [Name] was born on [date] in [place]. · He/She came from a [background] family. |
| Education | He/She completed his/her [degree] from [institution] in [year]. |
| Career start | After completing his/her studies, he/she [began/joined/founded]… |
| Achievement | He/She is best known for… · His/Her greatest contribution was… · He/She won/received/was awarded… |
| Death | He/She passed away on [date] at the age of [age]. |
| Legacy | He/She is remembered as… · His/Her work continues to inspire… · He/She left behind a remarkable legacy of… |
Chronological Connectors
| Time Phrase | Use it when… |
|---|---|
Born in [year] | Stating birth |
In his/her early years… | Describing childhood |
After completing… | Moving from education to career |
By [year], he/she had… | Showing a milestone reached by a certain time |
Throughout his/her career… | Summarising a long period |
In [year], he/she [achieved/received/founded]… | Pinpointing a specific achievement |
He/She is still remembered today as… | Closing with legacy |
📌 Model Biography: Prithvi Narayan Shah
Prithvi Narayan Shah — Unifier of Nepal
Prithvi Narayan Shah was the founder and first king of unified Nepal, widely regarded as one of the most significant figures in Nepali history. He is celebrated as the Father of the Nation.
He was born on 11th Poush 1779 BS (27th December 1722 AD) at Gorkha Durbar, the son of King Nara Bhupal Shah and Queen Kaushalyavati Devi. He ascended the throne of Gorkha at the young age of twenty, following the death of his father.
From an early age, he harboured a vision of unifying the many small kingdoms of the Himalayan region into one powerful nation. Over the next 25 years, he led a series of military campaigns, capturing Nuwakot in 1744 and finally conquering the Kathmandu Valley in 1768 AD.
He established Kathmandu as the capital of the unified Nepal and laid the foundation of the modern Nepali state through a system of administration, taxation, and diplomacy. His famous strategic doctrines are recorded in Divya Upadesh, a collection of his political wisdom.
Prithvi Narayan Shah passed away on 25th Magh 1831 BS (7th January 1775 AD) at the age of 52. He is remembered as a visionary leader, military strategist, and the architect of Nepali national identity. His birth anniversary is celebrated as National Unity Day every year in Nepal.
📌 Short Model Biography (100 words): Marie Curie
Marie Curie was a pioneering Polish-French physicist and chemist, famous for her groundbreaking research on radioactivity. Born on 7th November 1867 in Warsaw, Poland, she moved to Paris to pursue her education and became the first woman to earn a doctorate from the University of Paris. She discovered two elements — polonium and radium — and became the first person to win Nobel Prizes in two different sciences (Physics, 1903; Chemistry, 1911). Throughout her career, she devoted herself to science and medicine. She passed away on 4th July 1934 and remains an enduring symbol of scientific excellence and perseverance.
🟡 Introduction | 🟢 Education/Career | 🟠 Achievements | — Legacy
🗂 Universal Template
Biography Template (~100 words)
✗ Do NOT use "I" in a biography — it becomes an autobiography.
✗ Do NOT write in bullet points — it must be flowing prose.
✗ Do NOT only list dates — connect events with language to show cause and effect.
✓ DO use past tense throughout (unless describing the person's lasting impact).