Writing a Notice
Matthew Williams
||4 min readWritten Factual ResponseCSEC English Language
Structure, conventions, and annotated example for writing a formal notice
Purpose
A notice is a written or printed announcement used to inform the public. Notices may:
- Inform — announce a trip, competition, or upcoming event
- Advertise — promote a fundraiser, sale, or activity
- Warn — alert about a lost item, a change, or a disruption
Structure
- Institution / Company Name — centred at the top
- NOTICE — bold and centred; the only element that should be in bold
- Date of Issue — centred below the heading
- Title / Subject — centred; not bold, not in capitals — plain title case only
- Opening Paragraph — a brief sentence stating the event and giving the date, time, and place in prose
- Purpose — briefly states what the notice is about
- Details — supporting information (cost, requirements, contacts, etc.)
- Signature — handwritten signature of the issuing officer
- Name & Position — full printed name and official title beneath the signature
Key Conventions
- Only include essential information — no padding or unnecessary elaboration
- All header elements (institution, NOTICE, date, title) are centred; only NOTICE is bold
- Use short, clear, direct sentences — active voice where possible
- Use separate paragraphs for the opening (date/time/place), purpose, and details
- No complimentary close — end with signature, name, and position