A report is a brief, factual description of an event or incident that has already taken place. It must be completely objective. Master the CBSE layout below!
1. Heading & Byline 📰
Start with a catchy, descriptive Title. Just below it, write the Byline (Name of the writer + Designation, e.g., By Rahul, Special Correspondent).
2. Place & Date 📍
For Newspaper Reports: The first paragraph must start with the Place and Date (e.g., New Delhi, 14 March:). For School Magazine Reports: Place and Date are usually omitted.
3. The 3-Para Structure 📝
Para 1: The Lead (What, where, when, who). Para 2: Details (How and why it happened, sequence of events). Para 3: Conclusion (Witness quotes, rescue ops, or action taken by authorities).
4. Tone & Tense ⏳
Because the event has already happened, write strictly in the Past Tense and Passive Voice. Be objective. NEVER use “I”, “Me”, or share personal opinions.
The CBSE Format Blueprint (Newspaper Report)
MASSIVE FIRE GUTS PLASTIC FACTORY
Catchy Heading
By Rohan Sharma, Staff Reporter
Byline (Name & Designation)
NEW DELHI, 14 MARCH: A devastating fire broke out in a three-storey plastic manufacturing factory in the Okhla Industrial Area late Thursday evening, destroying goods worth millions of rupees. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported. Place, Date & Lead Paragraph (What/Where/When)
The fire reportedly started around 9:30 PM due to a short circuit on the ground floor. Fed by highly combustible plastic and chemical materials, the flames spread rapidly to the upper floors. Panic gripped the area as thick black smoke engulfed the neighborhood. Over fifteen fire tenders were rushed to the spot immediately. Body (How/Why & Sequence of events)
It took the fire department nearly five hours to bring the blaze under control. “The timely evacuation of the night-shift workers prevented a major tragedy,” stated the Chief Fire Officer. The local police have cordoned off the area and initiated an inquiry to ascertain the exact cause of the incident. Conclusion (Quotes & Action Taken)