Writing Skills - Article Writing
Articles are written:
• to present information on a variety of themes as a long and sustained piece of writing.
• to pass on information on a wide range of contexts (school magazine, newspaper)
An article should contain:
1. A title that is eye-catching and that encapsulates the theme.
2. Byline-the name of the writer (which is written to the right of the heading in the next line.)
3. An introductory paragraph which introduces the theme with a quotation, anecdote, question or
statistical data.
4. The following two paragraphs should develop cause-effect relationship.(use facts, give examples to
support your views, present arguments in a logical manner)
5. Suggestions, personal observations, predictions to be made in the next paragraph
6. Conclusion
7. Each paragraph should deal with only one major idea which is conveyed in a single sentence called
topic sentence. All other sentences contain supporting ideas.
8. Remember to keep within the word limit.
9. Select relevant information and present ideas logically.
10. Use appropriate language and style. Instead of using difficult and high sounding words, use a variety
of words, specific to the given topic, taking special care not to repeat them too often. Use adequate
vocabulary and range of grammatical structure to score high in examination.
Sample Article:
3. You are Sona/Sandeep Sharma, a social worker in an NGO. You feel that media which has reached every
part of the country can play an important role in spreading awareness about rights and responsibilities in
society. Write an article in about 150-200 words on the subject.
The Role of Media in Spreading Awareness in Society
-By Sandeep Sharma
Media today encompasses print media such as newspaper, magazines, journals, periodicals etc. Electronic
Media: radio, television, telephone and the internet. Entertainment media: films and music.
In the world of today, media has become almost as necessary as food, clothing and other requirement. It is
true that media is playing an outstanding role in strengthening the society. It is a mirror of the society. It is
the duty of media to inform, educate and entertain the people as it is the fourth pillar of our democratic
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country. They help us to know what is going on around the world. They put their lives in danger during
attacks or a natural disaster, just to inform us of situation. It is partly because of them that awareness is
spreading in the society. It is the media which shapes our lives i.e., we cannot think our morning without the
newspaper. It is just like morning tea with biscuit. Our lives would be incomplete without the print and
electronic media.
The role played by media in developing countries such as India, is key to realize the dream of inclusive
development. Awareness regarding immunization programmes institutional deliveries, balanced diet, healthy
lifestyle and family planning are spread through media to remote parts of our country. Today All India
Radio covers approximately 98% of the population of India. Farmers in distant villages are able to find the
true price of their produce through radio and telephone services. Even the spread of education through
distance learning has made the dream of 100% literacy a reality in the years to come.
Media is the watch dog of the political democracy. If it plays its role honestly, it will be a great force in
building the nation but nowadays, media has become a commercialized sector eyeing only for news that is
hot and sells. Instead of giving important information and educative programmes, all that one gets on
television is sensational depiction of all new stories, their only goal being gaining television rating points
(TRPs).
Media is an integral part of our society, but that’s also a fact that its too much intervention in everything is a
matter of concern. People have to judge on their own by looking and listening to different channels for the
same news and then form a conclusion.
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
1. The number of cars that a country produces every year is one way of measuring its prosperity. At the
same time what the vehicles lead to are traffic jams, air pollution, road-rage, an unhealthy
competition in the middle class to own more and newer cars. What are your views on the issue –
Private cars or Public transport? Describe them in an article in 150-200 words. You are Venu/ Veena.
2. Students of Class XII, not only do they prepare for board examinations but also for entrance
examinations. For the sake of preparation they have to divide their time between the two. How to
manage their time, caught between the two goals, becomes a problem for them. Write an article in
150 – 200 words on ‘How should a student manage his time?’ You are Venu/Veena.
3. Within a few months you will be joining a college. How do you look at college life? Is it freedom
from strict discipline imposed on you by the school? A carefree life with no worries of completing
assigned home work. Or, is it the beginning of responsibility and preparation for a brilliant career?
Write an article in 150 – 200 words on what you think of college life. You are Venu/Veena.
4. The time we spend on watching TV – most of it is spent on watching commercials. Most of the
newspaper space in also taken up by advertisements. What is luxury for most of us is described as a
need. We are made to buy things we don’t really require. Write an article in 150 – 200 words on
‘Advertisements – their role in a common man’s life’. You are Venu/Veena.
5. The life of a student has become more sedentary than earlier. Pressure of studies, indulgence in
internet, games on mobile phones – there is no time for him to play games in the field. Write an
article in 150 – 200 words on ‘Importance of games and sports in the life of a student.’ You are
Venu/Veena.
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