Article Writing
An article is a very challenging task for anyone. It requires a high degree of creativity, a
wide range of vocabulary and a thorough knowledge of the subject.
An article is a highly structured and directional piece of writing, written for a specific
purpose, i.e. to inform, to persuade, to entertain or to convince the reader. It
essentially has several paragraphs containing a distinct beginning, a middle and an
end.
Elements of an Article
1. Title/Heading There are no predetermined rules as such, but it may comprise a
single word, a phrase or a sentence of 4-6 words. The title should be
thought-provoking, catchy and should highlight the theme.
2. Name of the writer Sign off your article with your name towards the end.
Alternatively, the name can come immediately after the heading in the form of a byline.
3. Introduction Keep the topic in perspective; specify it keeping the reader's interest
intact by providing some surprising information or interesting facts related to the
context.
4. Description of the topic Highlight various facets of the topic like the causes and
effects, advantages and disadvantages, etc.
5. Ending Wind up your article with your own views - criticism, suggestions, etc.
6. Conclusion End the article with a desire, an appeal or a warning.
General Points to be Considered while Writing an Article
• Understand the hints/information given in the verbal input. Arrange all the hints/
information in an order in which you want them to develop.
• Divide your article into several paragraphs when necessary. All the sentences in the
paragraphs should logically lead to the objective for which the article is being written.
• The whole composition should not be disjointed or fragmented. Every sentence
should be linked with the rest into a single whole.
• The first few sentences (comprising the first paragraph) should introduce the topic
and its main idea. The middle paragraphs should highlight the main facts of the topic
like the causes and effects, advantages and disadvantages, etc. The last few
sentences (comprising the last paragraph) should state a conclusion of the topic.
Language used should always be simple and grammatically correct. It should be
straightforward and to the point.
• Articles are usually written in third person.
Q1. Recently you read about an incident in a newspaper in which a child tried to imitate
the stunts shown on television and sustained serious injuries. Write an article in
120-150 words on the hazards of unsupervised television viewing by kids and how
parents should guide them in this matter.
Clues
• TV for overall well-being of children
• Ruin eyesight-lack of concentration
• Entices mind-effect greater than ever
• Bad habits- copy actors-hero worship
Ans.
Hazards of Unsupervised Television Viewing by Kids
by XYZ
In the present times, television has begun playing a significant role in contributing to
the overall well-being of children. Since the advent of television, its technology and
capability to entice the mind of a child has grown exponentially through numerous
shows directly targeted at children. With the average time of television consumption
growing, the television effect on a child is greater than ever.
While most people realize that television can ruin children's eyesight, cause lack of
concentration, what they do not realize is that there are many other problems that one
can associate with television. Just recently, there was news about a child who tried to
perform the stunts performed by an actor in a PQR film and got serious injuries.
The idea that such stunts are performed by celebrities makes children want to copy
their favorite actors. The vulnerable young minds find the stunts thrilling, exciting and
adventurous which leads them to dangers and fatal accidents.
Even though warnings regarding these stunts are displayed, the font size is so small
that no one seems to notice them. Hence, not just limited T.V. time but a guided and
supervised T.V. time is needed. Parents and teachers can sensitize the students
regarding the same so that the children know the pros and cons. Only then, we can
reap the benefits of television.
Marking Scheme
Format-1 Mark
Organisation of Ideas-1 Mark
Content-2 Mark
Expression-1 Mark
(Accuracy of spelling and grammar)
Notice
A notice is a very important form of written communication used by individuals and
organizations to convey information about functions, events and occasions or to make
announcements about something that has happened or is about to happen.
Parts of a Notice
• Format - It includes the name of the organisation, the word 'Notice', date, subject of
the notice and writer's name and designation at the end of notice.
• Content- It must answer the questions 'What?' 'When?' 'Where?' 'How?" "Why?', etc.,
along with other necessary details related to the subject of the notice.
• Expression- It relates to the overall grammatical and spelling accuracy as well as
fluency.
Types of Notice
(i) Notice for Meeting
(ii) Notice for events like Competition/Tour/Celebration/Cultural events, etc.
(iii) Notice for Lost or Found
(iv) Notice for Seminar/Workshop/Debate/Other Literary Events
(v) Notice for Appeal
(vi) Notice for Change of Name/Residence/Company, etc.
Points to be Kept in Mind
● The language used must be simple and clear.
● Use third person pronouns. Personal pronouns like I, me you, mine, your, etc.
should not be used except in lost notices.
● Always write the content of the notice in present or future tense.
● Always put the notice in a box.
● Adhere to the word limit, if given in the question.
● A notice should/must include some value points (necessary details) in order to
make it precise and effective.
