Advertisement – Class XI

An advertisement is a paid, non-personal, public communication about causes, goods and

services, ideas, organisations, people and places, through means such as direct mail,
telephone, print media like newspapers and magazines, radio, television, and the internet.
Their content is brief, words limited and sentences not necessarily grammatically correct.
A brief description of the products or services advertised and contact address/ phone
number/ e-mail must be included in advertisements.

A classified advertisement is a small advertisement that you put in a newspaper or

a magazine, usually because you want to sell or buy something or to find or offer a job. It
can also be written to rent out or seek a house on rent. Matrimonial alliance seekers also
give classified advertisements in newspapers.
An advertisement for the classified columns in a newspaper should be brief as the price to
be paid for the advertisement very much depends on the space taken.
Main Characteristics of Classified Advertisements:

• They are categorised into columns according to different classes.

• They are written in short catchy phrases and words.
• The language used is simple, factual and formal.
• They are short, concise and to the point.
• All the relevant information is provided.
• Contact name and address is given.
• They are written in a box to attract attention.
A Classified advertisement is written by an employer who is looking for the services of a
person in his organisation or to sell/purchase/rent any property or for many other
purposes.

Classified Advertisement Format

While writing a classified advertisement, one must follow the format because it carries a
weightage of 1 mark. A classified advertisement has the following parts –
1. Title / heading – The heading of the classified advertisement is given in the top
centre. Generally, it comprises one or two words. The titles are specific according to
the purpose of the classified advertisement. For example, a classified advertisement
for giving a space on rent has the title “To let”, an advertisement for seeking workers
will be titled “situation vacant”, a matrimonial advertisement seeking a wife will be
titled “bride wanted”.
 2. Body – The body of the classified advertisement comprises the details of the issue
at hand. It has to give out the related important details which are essential first-hand
information for the reader to make an informed decision. Generally, it ends with
contact details like name, mobile phone number, email id or address of the person
or organization that has put the advertisement.
Tips for writing Classified Advertisement:
• When you’re writing an advertisement, every word counts. Being too vague or
wordy will cause people to skim your advertisement instead of pausing to read it,
so the same writing tenets apply no matter what type of advertisement you’re
writing.
• It should begin with a heading in bold or upper-case letters.
• The language should be according to the audience we are referring to. For
example- If you want to sell something to the youngsters, the words chosen shall
be good enough to attract them.
• Do not use the same descriptive characteristics for every type of advertisement.
For example- In Situation Wanted case, calling for receptionist applications, one
must use words that are indicative of the personality and communication skills you
are looking for. On the other hand, for hiring a tech executive, it is imperative you
ask for skills limited to the IT department.
• Do not make full sentences. The prescribed limit is 50 words and in order to make
your advertisement loaded with information about the topic, you have to manage
your words carefully.
• Always add contact details in the end either in the form of contact no., email id or
both. They are generally given in the question.
• Remember, nowhere in the answer are you required to mention your own
personal details.
• It should always be in a box made with sharpened pencil.
• It should be neat and clean with a good presentation.
• Practice a lot of advertisements because, “Practice makes the man (or woman, for
that matter) perfect”.
SITUATION VACANT
Include these Essential Details:
• Begin with ‘Wanted’ or ‘Required’.
• State the name of the company.
• Mention the post and the number of vacancies.
• State minimum qualifications and experience desired.
• Give age, sex, and preferential qualifications.
• Mention Payscale and Perks.
• State the mode of applying clearly.
• End with contact Address and phone numbers.

SITUATION WANTED
Here it is an individual who seeks a job. Include the following essential details:
• Qualifications and experience.
• Age and sex.
• Nature of the job sought.
• Minimum salary acceptable.
• Contact Address and phone no.

1. Principal, Sunrise Global School, Agra requires a receptionist for her school. Draft a
suitable advertisement in about 50 words to be published in the classified columns of
a national newspaper giving all the necessary details of qualifications and experience
required in the receptionist.

(CBSE 2016)
Answer:
SITUATION WANTED
REQUIRED a young, dynamic, smart, charismatic and friendly female receptionist
for Sunrise Global School, Agra. Attractive salary with fringe benefits. Healthy
work environment. Fresh graduates having honours or equivalent degree in
English with good communication skills can apply by sending their cover letter
and resume till March 30 on the below mentioned id: abc123@gmail.com. For
queries, contact: 98100XXXXX
2. You are Vikram/Sonia, an Hon’s graduate in history with specialization in Medieval
India. You are well acquainted with places of historical interest in Delhi, Agra and
Jaipur. You are looking for the job of tourist guide. Write an advertisement in about
50 words for the situations wanted column of a local newspaper. Your contact no.
999751234.
(CBSE 2017)
Answer:
SITUATION VACANT!
BA (Hons) History topper, Vikram/Sonia, with specialization in Medieval India is
looking for the job of a tourist guide. Age 22 years. Affluent in Hindi and English.
Well-acquainted with places of historical interest in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Good
communication skills, persuasion skills and charming personality. Expected
salary- 30,000pm. Contact no.: 999751234 and email-id : abc123@gmail.com.

3. You are Harish/Harshita of 12, Seva Nagar, Pune. You want to sell your flat as you are
shifting to another city for work. Draft a suitable advertisement in not more than 50
words to be published in The Pune Times under the classified columns.
(CBSE 2018)

Answer:
FOR SALE
Flat No. 12, Seva Nagar, Pune. Ground floor with two bedrooms having attached
bathrooms, car parking available, park facing, best location, friendly neighbours,
24 hour power and water supply, low maintenance charges and reasonable
price. For further details, contact: Harish/Harshita 98100XXXXX
4. You are Ram/Rajani. Draft a classified advertisement, in not more than 50 words, to
be published in India Times for the sale of a used motor car giving all the necessary
details. You can be contacted at 12345679.
(CBSE 2017 COMPARTMENT)

Answer:
FOR SALE
Available black Maruti SWIFT Dzire, ZXI, year 2016, self-driven, cautiously used,
scratch less with a stereo and perfectly working air-conditioner. No scratches,
Beautiful upholstery, good condition, Interested may contact: Ram /Rajni,
12345679

5. You are Karan Kumar/ Karuna Bajaj, a leading lawyer practising in Surat. You want to
buy an independent house at City Light Road to be used as office-cum-residence. Draft
an advertisement in about 50 words for the classified columns of a local newspaper.
You can be contacted at 45645678.
(CBSE 2016)
FOR PURCHASE
Independent house at City Light Road to be used as office-cum-residence,
medium-sized, preferably the corner one, fully-furnished and ready to move in.
Reasonably priced. Interested may contact Karan Kumar/ Karuna Bajaj:
45645678