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Classified Advertisement Class 11: For Sale, To-Let

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EnglishCBSE Class 11 · Classified Advertisements

For Sale and To-Let Classified Advertisements (Class 11 English Core): Format and Models

Updated 17 October 2026 · Fact-checked

A classified advertisement of up to 50 words carries 3 marks (format 1, content 1, expression 1). Write the category heading (FOR SALE or TO LET), put the body in a box in short telegraphic phrases with every detail a buyer or tenant needs (item or flat, condition, price or rent, location), and end with the contact details. Count the words and leave out greetings.

Notice the four parts in order: capital heading, boxed body in short phrases, then contact details, all within 50 words.

Illustration drawn for QuestionBuddy.

Understand For Sale and To-Let Classified Advertisements: Format and Model Answers

Why it is short. A classified advertisement is paid for by the word, so it uses phrases, not full sentences. There are no greetings, no "I want to sell" and no descriptions that do not help a reader decide.

Format. (1) The category heading in capitals at the top, such as FOR SALE, TO LET, or WANTED. (2) A box for the body. (3) The body in compact phrases. (4) The contact information, with the name, phone number and, if useful, the time to call. Use a box so the advertisement stands apart from the page.

Content for a for-sale advertisement. Item, age or model, condition, special features, price (and whether negotiable), and contact. Content for a to-let advertisement: type of flat (for example 2 BHK), floor, location, facilities (parking, water, lift), rent, and who it suits.

Expression. Use abbreviations that readers know (BHK, sq ft, neg., tel.) and keep each phrase clear. Avoid the abbreviations that confuse. Do not copy the question word for word, and do not exceed 50 words. Ordinary words are counted; some schools count numerals too, so stay safely under the limit.

Marking. Format 1 (heading, box, contact), content 1 (all key details without extras), expression 1 (compact, correct language). Neighbouring topics (situations vacant, lost and found) are on the chapter page.

For Sale and To-Let Classified Advertisements: Format and Model Answers: key facts

Format
  • Heading
  • Boxed body
  • Contact
Format mark needs all three.
For sale content
  • Item
  • Age
  • Condition
  • Price
  • Contact
Check each before writing.
To let content
  • Type
  • Location
  • Facilities
  • Rent
  • Contact
Add who it suits if space allows.

How to answer For Sale and To-Let Classified Advertisements: Format and Model Answers questions

Use this for any for-sale or to-let advertisement.

  1. 1Write the heading in capitals.
  2. 2List the content points from the question in order of importance.
  3. 3Convert each into a short phrase, with no verbs where possible.
  4. 4Add the contact details and count the words (50 or fewer).
  5. 5Draw the box and check the heading and contact line.

For Sale and To-Let Classified Advertisements: Format and Model Answers in real life

The idea, met in an everyday situation. Answer the question in your own words, then compare with the model answer. The one-line hook is what to remember.

A real need for saving words

Suppose a newspaper charges Rs 20 per word and a student wants to sell a cycle. A 50-word advertisement would cost Rs 1,000, while a 30-word one costs Rs 600.

How much does the student save by cutting the advertisement from 50 to 30 words?

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. Cost at 50 words = 50 x 20 = Rs 1,000.
  2. Cost at 30 words = 30 x 20 = Rs 600.
  3. Difference = 1,000 - 600.

Answer: The student saves Rs 400. This is why classified advertisements keep only essential details in phrases.

Memory hook: Every word costs money.

Tricks to remember For Sale and To-Let Classified Advertisements: Format and Model Answers

Short memory aids. Say each one aloud once, then use it on a question the same day.

  • H-B-C

    Heading, Box, Contact.

    Use it when: The three parts of the format.

  • I-A-C-P-C

    Item, Age, Condition, Price, Contact.

    Use it when: For-sale points.

For Sale and To-Let Classified Advertisements: Format and Model Answers: solved examples

Ordered from board level to HOTS. Try each one before you open the solution.

Example 1: Spot the heading · 1 mark · MCQBoard level

The heading of an advertisement to rent out a flat is
(a) SITUATIONS VACANT (b) TO LET (c) FOR SALE (d) LOST AND FOUND

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. A flat for rent comes under TO LET (1 mark).

Answer: (b)

Example 2: Cut the words · 2 marks · Short answerBoard level

Rewrite in telegraphic style: "I am selling my study table, which is made of wood and is in a very good condition, and I want Rs 3,000 for it."

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. Remove "I am" and connecting words (1).
  2. Keep item, material, condition, price (1).

Answer: Wooden study table, very good condition. Rs 3,000.

Example 3: For sale · 3 marks · Long answerHarder board level

You are Rohit Sharma of 12 Park Road, Pune. Write an advertisement (up to 50 words) to sell your two-year-old laptop. It has 8 GB memory, a 512 GB drive and a charger, and you want Rs 28,000 (negotiable).

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. Heading and box (1).
  2. Item, age, specs, price, negotiable (1).
  3. Compact language and contact (1).

Answer: FOR SALE
Laptop, two years old, 8 GB memory, 512 GB drive, charger included, excellent condition. Price Rs 28,000 (negotiable). Contact Rohit Sharma, 12 Park Road, Pune. Ph. 98765 43210 (after 6 pm).

Example 4: To let · 3 marks · Long answerHarder board level

You are Meena Iyer. Write an advertisement (up to 50 words) to let out your second-floor 2 BHK flat in Sector 14, Noida. It has parking, a lift and 24-hour water, and the rent is Rs 22,000 a month. You prefer a small family.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. Heading and box (1).
  2. Type, floor, location, facilities, rent, who it suits (1).
  3. Compact language and contact (1).

Answer: TO LET
Second-floor 2 BHK flat, Sector 14, Noida. Parking, lift, 24-hour water. Rent Rs 22,000 monthly. Small family preferred. Contact Meena Iyer, Ph. 98765 43211 (10 am to 6 pm).

Example 5: Fix the advertisement · 3 marks · Case-basedHOTS / competency

Find three faults in this advertisement and rewrite it in 40 words or fewer: "FOR SALE. Dear readers, I want to sell my bicycle. It is really very good. Please call me whenever you like."

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. Faults: greeting, missing price/details, no contact (1).
  2. Rewrite with specifics (1).
  3. Within the limit (1).

Answer: Faults: it has a greeting, it gives no model, condition or price, and it has no contact number or name. Rewritten: FOR SALE
Gents bicycle, three years old, good condition, new tyres. Rs 3,500 (negotiable). Contact Arun, 24 Lake Road. Ph. 98765 43212.

Where students lose marks in For Sale and To-Let Classified Advertisements: Format and Model Answers

The slips examiners see most often, and what to write instead.

  • Mistake: Writing full sentences

    They waste words.

    Wrong working

    I am selling my laptop because I bought a new one.

    Right working

    Laptop, two years old, excellent condition.

    Do this: Delete reasons and subject-verb forms.

    Usually costs: 1 mark of 3.

  • Mistake: No contact details

    The reader cannot respond.

    Wrong working

    FOR SALE: cycle, Rs 2,000.

    Right working

    FOR SALE: cycle, Rs 2,000. Contact Anil, Ph. 98765 43216.

    Do this: Always end with name and phone.

    Usually costs: 1 mark of 3.

  • Mistake: Going over 50 words

    The limit is part of the task.

    Wrong working

    A 68-word advertisement.

    Right working

    A 45-word advertisement.

    Do this: Count before copying.

    Usually costs: 1 mark of 3.

Exam tips

  • Start with the category heading in capitals.
  • Use a box around the body.
  • Include price or rent in every advertisement.
  • Add the name and phone number given in the question; add plausible ones only if none are given.
  • Stay within 50 words.

Practice questions on For Sale and To-Let Classified Advertisements: Format and Model Answers

Write each answer on paper first. Open the hint only if you are stuck, and the answer only when you have finished.

  1. Q1 · 1 mark · MCQBoard level

    A "Wanted" advertisement belongs to the category of
    (a) accommodation (b) for sale (c) purchase or requirement (d) sports

    Hint

    It states a need.

    Answer

    (c)

  2. Q2 · 3 marks · Long answerHarder board level

    Write a for-sale advertisement (up to 50 words) for a second-hand scooter, 2019 model, 18,000 km run, single owner, papers complete, price Rs 45,000.

    Hint

    Item, age, condition, price, contact; invent a name and number.

    Answer

    FOR SALE
    Scooter, 2019 model, single owner, 18,000 km run, excellent condition, papers complete. Price Rs 45,000 (negotiable). Contact Anil Kumar, 7 Mill Road, Jaipur. Ph. 98765 43213 (after 5 pm).

  3. Q3 · 3 marks · Long answerHarder board level

    Write a to-let advertisement (up to 50 words) for a furnished one-room set in Salt Lake, Kolkata, for a working woman. Rent Rs 9,000, bath attached, Wi-Fi included.

    Hint

    Furnished, who it suits, facilities, rent, contact.

    Answer

    TO LET
    Furnished one-room set, attached bath, Wi-Fi included, Salt Lake, Kolkata. For working woman only. Rent Rs 9,000 monthly. Contact Mrs Sen, 14 Lake Garden. Ph. 98765 43214 (9 am to 7 pm).

  4. Q4 · 3 marks · Short answerHarder board level

    An advertisement of 62 words received full marks for content but 0 for expression. Suggest three ways to shorten it without losing information. (3 marks)

    Hint

    Think of words that can be dropped.

    Answer

    Remove greetings and "I want to", replace sentences with phrases, and use short forms such as 2 BHK, neg. and Ph. These cuts keep all the facts but bring the advertisement within 50 words and improve its expression.

  5. Q5 · 3 marks · Long answerHOTS / competency

    Write a "Lost" advertisement (up to 50 words): you lost a black school bag with books and a calculator near the bus stop on Station Road. Offer a reward. Then say in one line why this is classified as "Lost and Found" and not "Wanted". (3 marks)

    Hint

    Include place, date, contents, reward and contact.

    Answer

    LOST
    Black school bag with books and a calculator near Station Road bus stop on Monday. Finder please return to Neha Rao, 5 Station Road. Reward given. Ph. 98765 43215. It is Lost and Found because it reports a lost object, not a need to buy.

Test your recall

Answer in your head or on paper first, then open the card. Pulling an answer out of memory makes it stick far better than re-reading.

  1. 1.How many marks is a classified advertisement worth?Show answer

    3 (format 1, content 1, expression 1).

  2. 2.What is the word limit?Show answer

    Up to 50 words.

  3. 3.What heading is used for a flat for rent?Show answer

    TO LET.

  4. 4.What goes at the end of an advertisement?Show answer

    Contact details.

  5. 5.Which language style is used?Show answer

    Compact, telegraphic phrases.

For Sale and To-Let Classified Advertisements: Format and Model Answers: frequently asked questions

Should I use full sentences?

No, use phrases to save words.

Can I invent a phone number?

Use the contact details given in the question. If none are given, add a plausible name and number, and follow classroom guidance.

Is the box compulsory?

It is part of the expected format, so draw it.