ARTICLE WRITING
Article writing questions may be based on a verbal or visual
input. The output may be descriptive or argumentative in nature.
The ‘Verbal input’ may include broad hints, a short outline, a
suggested beginning or just a topic. The ‘Visual input’ may be in
the form of a table/ graph, a diagram, a chart or a cartoon. The
aim of inserting an input is two-fold:
1. to lay down a general outline for the development of the
article
2. to discourage cramming.
You are expected to express views or ideas on a particular topic
or issue in your own language.
While writing an article keep the following points in mind:
1. Study the hints/points given carefully.
2. Arrange the hints in the order you want to develop them for
the article.
3. You may have some new ideas or view on the issue. Note
down your ideas and organise them properly.
4. Coordinate your ideas with the given hints. Now arrange
them in a logical order.
5. Develop each point in a systematic or logical manner.
6. Introduce the topic, main idea or main issue in a paragraph in
the first two sentences.
7. Substantiate your argument if you are writing on a debatable
point.
8. Your article must end with your conclusion on the topic or
issue.
The essential features of a good composition are:
Coherence—It means that the ideas should fit together.
Flow—It means that sentences/ideas should be linked.
Relevance—Every idea must relate to the topic.
Order—The ideas must be effectively and logically organised.
Inclusiveness—Anything not very important must be omitted.
(You may take a printout of the following part until the
assignment, and stick in your book)
A realistic article should consist of:
[Link] -an eye-catching title which attracts the readers’
attention and suggests the theme of the article. (Think about why
you read a magazine or newspaper article recently - what made
you read it?)
[Link] LINE - It refers to the name of the person writing article. It
is generally given in the question. If not given, then do not write
your personal details.
(NOTE- You are not supposed to mention any of your
personal details while attempting the answers in the exam.)
3. BODY
Paragraph1--an introduction which clearly defines
the topic to be Ycovered and keeps the reader’s attention. Begin
with a short introduction of the topic. Briefly say what the article
is about giving some quotations or startling facts to arouse the
interest of the readers.
Paragraph 2 Or Paragraph 2&3: Now this part can be
written in either one or two paragraphs. You are required to do a
complete analysis of the subject matter in question
Paragraph 4 (Last Paragraph): This paragraph
concludes your article by summarizing the topic or by giving a
final opinion, recommendation or comment.
Sample Article
Children are the future of the nation. Schools and parents play an
important role in moulding a child’s personality. Write an article
on the topic ‘Role of School in a child’s life’ in 150-200 words. You
are Rajat.
Suggested Points:
• Importance of school for a child
• The shaping of physical and mental health
• Development of the right attitude
• Character building
• Providing opportunities to develop talents in each child
Role of School in a Child’s Life
By Rajat
The role of a school in a child’s development begins as early as
pre-school and continues throughout his/her life. Some consider
parents to be a child’s first teachers while teachers are his/her
second parents.
A child spends as much time in school as he/she spends with
his/her parents. A school provides a structured education to the
child and promotes his/her mental and psychological growth.
Apart from learning academics, a child also learns other important
life skills such as teamwork, good manners, unity, sharing, and
responsibility. The kind of training that he/she receives at school
forms and enhances his/her character that stays with him/her
throughout his/her life. The school provides a child varied
opportunities which enable him/her to discover his/her innate
talents and develop them.
All of these experiences help to develop a child’s interests, build
self-esteem and shape the course of his/her later academic and
professional life. Schools therefore play an important role in
moulding a child’s personality.
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Assignment
You are Namita/Naman. Write an article on the topic ‘India – A
Tourist’s Paradise’ in 150-200 words. You may use the clues give
below:
Suggested Points :
• A vast country
• Diversity of culture
• Variety of races
• Climate – hills, rivers, plains, deserts
• Places of pilgrimage
• Huge coastline, friendly beaches
• Modern cities,
