LONG WRITING SKILL

ARTICLE WRITING

WORD LIMIT: 120- 150 WORDS MARKS: 5M

MARKS BREAK UP:

FORMAT-1M CONTENT-2M EXPRESSION -2M

SAMPLE-1

As Harsh/ Harshita Mathur, write an article on the deadly effects of air pollution,
suggesting suitable ways to tackle the issue.

RISING LEVELS OF AIR POLLUTION

By: Harsh Mathur

Pollution in the air, pollution everywhere

Can you find a solution lurking anywhere?

Pollution is one of the most burning issues faced by the country in the recent years. According to
Reuters, nearly 40,000 people succumb to air pollution every year in major cities of India. Even
the rural areas aren’t spared – more than 20, 000 people die of lung ailments and other breathing
problems every year. (TOPIC INTRODUCTION WITH SUPPORTING STATISTICS)

Increased vehicular traffic, haphazard urban settlements due to population explosion, growth of
industries and poor infrastructural facilities lead to land, air, noise and vehicular pollution. This
has been on a steady rise at an alarming pace in the past one decade. (CAUSE)

High-level emissions of smoke and poisonous gases cause global warming and depletion of the
ozone layer, affecting the weather patterns. Summer days are warmer and prolonged now and
winter is reduced in duration as well as intensity. Not just this, poisonous particulate matter in
the air leads to respiratory and eye-related problems. (EFFECT)

Urgent steps need to be taken such as ban on the plying of very old vehicles, enforcing pooling
system in private cars and adopting a zero waste system. Thus, it is imperative that pollution
control norms are implemented and defaulters booked, or else we will be digging our own
grave.(SUGGESTIONS)
FORMAT AND PARA-WISE CONTENT

Title (ALWAYS a phrase, never a single word- In CAPITAL LETTERS/Capitalized format)

By- line: Complete name of the writer

(The key word for the title should be picked from the first paragraph and should suggest
the main theme of the article)

 Paragraph 1-A quote relevant to the issue (if possible) , introduce the issue, mention
survey reports/ statistics to support your point.(2 sentences)-WHAT
 Paragraph 2 – Why is the issue there? Reasons (2-3 sentences)
 Paragraph 3 – Consequences of the problem (2-3 sentences)
 Paragraph 4 – Suggestions for dealing with the problem (2- 3 sentences)

 Leave a line between paragrapghs

 In certain topics, paragraph 2 and 3 may be clubbed into one paragraph, depending upon
the content and the topic.

SAMPLE-2

Online shopping is the trend of the day. It has its own advantages as well as drawbacks.
Write an article elaborating on the topic in about 150 words.

Online Portals- A Shoppers’ Paradise

By: Jotsna Patnaik

E Commerce has given shopping a new dimension altogether. It is estimated that nearly 2 billion
people across the globe avail the services of online shopping sites that sell everything under the
sun- books, gadgets, household appliances, grocery or garments for all occasions.
(WHAT+STATISTICS)

Virtual stores allow people to indulge in hassle free shopping from the comfort of their homes,
without the pressure of sales persons, or the adversities of the weather. The wide variety of
options, attractive deals and affordable prices have made online shopping an enjoyable
experience for the buyers.(ADVANTAGES)

Of course, online shopping comes with its own set of problems. There is an increased risk of
identity theft, money fraud and vendor fraud. Moreover, too many sites selling too many items
leaves the buyer spoilt for choices and may burn a hole in his pocket, if not
careful.(DISADVANTAGES)
Therefore, it is for us to decide how to make judicious use of the limitless shopping options
offered by online sites. Exercising self control and restricting oneself to only what one wants to
buy at the moment will be helpful. How to shop and how much to shop –the decision should lie
in the shopper’s hand.(SUGGESTIONS)

 Paragraph-1 –What
 Paragraph -2 Advantages
 Paragraph -3 Disadvantages
 Paragraph -4 How to strike a balance and make the best out of the situation.
IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER ABOUT ARTICLE WRITING:

 Write in 3-4 paragraphs

 Each paragraph should deal with a specific aspect of the topic in a logical sequence.
 Do not elaborate on one point/paragraph too long and ignore the other aspects of a topic.
 Adhere to the word limit.
 Remember, what you write, the sequence of the points (fluency), the accuracy of
language you use, the format that you follow and the word limit- everything is equally
important.
 Each paragraph should have equal weightage.
 The Article should be an expression of your opinion on a specific topic and it should be
complemented with facts and statistics.
 Language should be simple and easy to understand, but thoughts conveyed should be
strong and relevant.
 Write in a formal language, preferably in 3rd person. Focus should be on the topic and not
the writer.
 Do not use interactive style or address the readers, like you do in a speech.
 Use simple language, good words, phrases and a couple of idiomatic expressions.
 You can start with a quote/couplet, well known or created by yourself.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS WITH VALUE POINTS:

[Link] Dhruv Madaan, write an article on the increasing cases of substance abuse among the
youth of the country. Suggest suitable actions that need to be taken.

 Para 1-What ?- addiction to alcohol, cigar, drugs-burning issue- nearly 3 crores addicted
to drugs

 Para 2-Why?- urban life style- peer influence- influence of movies- escape route from
stress- somewhat easy availability despite ban
  Para 3-Consequences- drugs kill- addictive- ruins finances, social life, health

 Para 4-Solutions- stringent action-surprise raids and checks- stricter penalty- counselling-
value education- monitoring by parents

2. As Samanta/ Sumit Wats , write an article for the school magazine on the topic, ‘Saving
the Girl Child’.

 Para 1-What? Gender discrimination and female foeticide , burning issue- 52:48 male
female population ratio

 Para-2 Why? – Girls considered a burden- a liability- expense of marriage- dowry

 prevailing practices despite ban-illiteracy adding on to the issue in rural areas

 Para-3- Suggested solutions- strict implementation of laws and penalty- compulsory

education for all girls-implementation of schemes like ‘Beti Padhao Beti Bachao’- equal
job opportunities for girls

[Link] use of plastic bag is not advisable and the government has banned it. Write an article
in your own words as Yash Beesham, on the harmful effects of plastic bags. (120-150
words)

 Para 1- What? Burning problem- kills 1.1. million sea birds and animals yearly, 8.3
billion tonnes of plastic produced since 1950.

 Para 2-Why is plastic a problem?-non bio degradable- adds to the non perishable litter-
can’t be recycled- if burned, emits harmful smoke- chock hazard- consumed by stray
animals

 Para 3- Suggestions- Ban on plastic- replace with paper, steel, jute- Reuse used plastic
creatively in gardens, decorations etc- govt to invest in schemes like using plastic to
make roads. Concluding line- Replace plastic- slow poison , damaging all spheres of the
planet.
 2. Yoga is a wonderful gift from India to the world. It has been globally accepted as the
simplest and the best way to keep fit, healthy and diseases –free life. Write an article in
about 120-150 word to emphasize the importance of yoga.

“Yoga adds years too your life and life to your years.”
 Para1-Key to good health- 300 million across globe reaping benefits of yoga- originated
in India. June 21- int. Yoga Day.

 Para 2-Advantages of yoga- health benefits, helps in concentration, focus, memory,

immunity .Young to old- beneficiaries, to be practised under guidance.

 Para 3-How can one get into this practice?-Suggestions.

3. As Dhruv Madaan, write an article for the Young World edition of ‘ The Hindu’ on the
increasing fad among the youngsters for expensive phones

 Para 1-What ?- Desire for expensive phones- craze for smart phones-

 Para 2-Why?- urban life style- desire to show off-

 Para 3-Consequences- drugs kill- addictive- ruins finances, social life, health

 Para 4-Solutions- stringent action-surprise raids and checks- stricter penalty=-

counselling – value education- monitoring by parents

4. As Ashrut Gupta ,write an article on the topic Examination –A Necessary Evil

 Para-1-about the examination system/ where and how is it used ? To what effect?

 Para-2- Why should there be exams? – gives a format to the curriculum- good way to
choose the better from the good.- way to evaluate performances- puts children in alert
mode, serious

 Para-3 Disadvantages- marks in one exam cannot decide talent/ skill- encourages rote
learning, cut throat competition- stress related to exams-

 Para-4 How to make the best out of the situation- Suggested changes required in the
system
5. As Ashwat Rajan, write an article for a collage publication, discussing the influence of
social media on the society.

 Para-1 About social media, estimates of people who use social media. Names of popular
sites.

 Para- 2 Positive influences- platform to express, communicate, exchange ideas, bring

about changes-give an example

 Para- 3 Very addictive, distraction, especially to youngsters glued 24x7, cyber traps ,
adverse effect by watching inappropriate content- too much offered to remain sane.

 Para-4- How to choose the best? Censoring needed by govt. bodies, monitoring and
restricted time-need to be judicious

6. Revathi Kumar, a student of New Horizon Public School, North Bangalore is

participating in an Inter School Article writing competition. Draft the article on the topic,
‘The Amazing World of Advertisements.’

 Para-1 About the way ads have taken over visual and print media- 60 percent of time and
space occupied by ads than the actual content in newspapers or in visual media channels-
from soap to luxury gadgets

 Para-2- Advantages- seeing is believing- helps to know about products better

 Para-3- disadvantages- deceived by the magnificence of ad- celebrities endorsing adds to

it- buying without discretion- false promises , big claims made by brand, often not true

 Para-4 choose wisely, see everything, believe only what you should.

7. Write an article on the topic, ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat –Myth or Reality’. You are Ajit
Singh/Ajita Singh.
 Para-1-what is the mission all about? Gandhiji’s dream for self reliance- mission to
promote being vocal for local, to reduce import and improve economy, eradicate poverty

 Para-2- Why does it look difficult?- Indian markets dominated by foreign goods-difficult
to change mindsets- quality of local products , disparity in production and demand-
limited infra structure , corruption in every walk

 Para-3-How can we improve the situation- resolve, collective efforts- schemes and funds
for self help groups, better promotion of local products- eye on quality- building faith
8. Write an article on the topic, ‘Ways to Combat Brain Drain’.You are George Samuel, a
student of Gregorian School, Mangalore.

 Para- 1 What is brain drain- migration of educated youth to another country- Nearly17
million Indians work abroad-US, Europe, Gulf countries

 Para- 2 Why brain drain? Grass is always greener on the other side- looking for better
opportunities, income, life style, limited exposure and struggles in one’s own country,
reservation, snatching opportunities

 Para-3 How does it affect the country? Man power used for the progress of another
country- stunts growth

 Para-4 How to stop it?- Better educational and job opportunities- remove corruption- job
by merit only- improved chances of promotion- better working conditions especially in
private sector

9. You are Gautam Krishna of Gyan Bharti School, Rohini. You have to write an article on
the topic, ‘Significance of Festivals in India’

 Para-1 India- land of festivals- national /religious festivals celebrated with gusto- over
100 – examples

 Para-2 Advantages- Unifies people-instils oneness/ patriotism upholds culture and

traditions- fills positive energy

 Para-3- disadvantages- more show than actual fervour- splurging money on shopping and
gifting- essence lost- leads to pollution- crackers, burning of effigy of Ravan, immersion
of idols – cause of concern

 Para-4- How to make festivals more meaningful- novel ways- care and share with the
needy- eco friendly ways of celebrations- vigil by authorities.

10. You are Rashi Singhal of Sarita Vihar. Write an article for the local newspaper on the
neeed to follow the principle, ‘Less is More’ for a happy and simple living.

 Para-1 Present scene- people running after wealth, power, positions- never satisfied-
greedy for more-Examples

 Para-2 At what cost- playing with health, happiness, relationships- no time to live life

 Para -3 Need to slow down, be contented. Examples of people who propogated simple
living-peaceful coexistence need of the hour- suggestions
TOPICS FOR PRACTICE:

1) Internet- Boon or Bane

2) Influence of Films on Society

3) Juvenile Delinquency

4) Role of Teachers in Shaping Generations

5) Changing Image of Schools

6) Generation Gap

7) Joint Family Vs Nuclear Family

8) Combating Corruption

9) Clean India Green India

10) Adulteration of Food

11) Balance Diet Vs Junk Food

12) Eradicating Poverty and Illiteracy

13) Digital Revolution- Pros and Cons

14) Development at the Cost of Environment

15) Care for the Elderly