Article Writing is usually considered as one of the easy and popular write-ups. However, if not framed rightly it can come out as a bad attempt. Students may be asked to write a composition based on a verbal/visual output (in about 150-200 words). Output may be descriptive or argumentative in nature. It shall be in the form of an article for a newspaper or a school magazine. The ‘Verbal input’ may include broad hints, a short outline or only a suggested beginning. The ‘Visual input’ may be in the form of a figure, a diagram, a chart or a cartoon. The aim of inserting an input is two-fold:
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to lay down a general outline for the development of the article, and
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to discourage cramming. The students are expected to express their own views or ideas on a particular topic or issue in their own language.
The format of an article is divided into 3 parts and they are listed below:
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Part 1 – Heading
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Part 2 – Byline
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Part 3 – Body
Part 1 – Heading – The heading of the article should be engaging and it should not exceed more than 5 to 6 words. Make sure your heading doesn’t have any spelling mistakes or grammar errors. Don’t use unnecessary punctuation marks in the heading. Heading carries 1 mark in Article Writing.
Part 2 – Byline – Byline is nothing but the name of the person who is writing the article. The name of the person will be generally given in the question paper itself. If the name of the person is not given in the article, then write details on your own.
Tip – Candidates are not supposed to mention any of their personal details while attempting the answers in the exam.
Part 3 – Body
The body is the main part of article writing which carries more weightage of marks. Generally, the body of the article consist of at least 3 to 4 paragraphs.
Paragraph 1 – Paragraph 1 is the introduction paragraph. Paragraph 1 should be accurate. Precisely explain what the article is talking about. Try giving some quotations or frightful facts to excite the interest of the readers. Keep the language simple.
Paragraph 2 & 3– Paragraph 2 and 3 must come with a complete analysis of the subject matter in question. Paragraph 2 & 3 must include the following factors:
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Types – Here the writer must analyze and explain what are the different types of problems that are existing. If any type of problem exists, they should mention here.
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Current Scenario – Here the writer must explain the current situation of the problem. What are the actions taken to correct them. This may include advantages or disadvantages of the problem etc.,
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Cause and Effect Relationship – Develop the cause and effect relationship by supporting it with facts or data. Here writer may also write the consequences.
Paragraph 3 & 4 – Paragraph 3 or 4 is commonly known as the conclusion paragraph. It is important to conclude the article what you’ve started. Never leave an article open-ended. The conclusion paragraph should speak about the problems raised and what are actions taken for the betterment of the problem. Paragraph 3 & 4 should be simple and precise.
While writing an article keep the following points in mind:
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Study carefully the hints/points given in the ‘Verbal input’.
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Arrange the hints given in the order you want to develop them for the article.
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You may have some new ideas or views about the issue. Note down your ideas. Organise them properly.
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Coordinate your ideas with the given hints. Now arrange them in a logical order.
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Put your ideas under different main headings.
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Now add sub-points to the main point.
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Develop each point in a systematic or logical manner.
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Substantiate your argument if you are writing on a debatable point.
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Introduce the topic, main idea or main issue in the first few sentences.
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Your article must end with your conclusion on the topic or issue.
By 2050, India will be amongst the countries which will face acute water shortage. You are highly alarmed and terrified of the future world without water. So, write an article on “Save water- are we doing enough?” for the local daily in 150-200 words. (SOURCE- SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER 2018-19)
Answer:
SAVE WATER- ARE WE DOING ENOUGH?
(By – XXX)
Paragraph 1 –
Many people are living with less water than they need, whether in the world's most prosperous cities or in its bountiful agricultural heartlands.
Droughts have also become more frequent, more severe, and affecting more people around the world. As many as four billion people already live in regions that experience severe water stress for at least one month of the year. With populations rising, these stresses will only mount.
Paragraph 2 –
Water is the precious gift of God on earth. Life exists on earth because of the availability of water. Itself being tasteless, odourless and colourless, it adds taste, colour and nice smell in the life of living beings on the Earth.
Paragraph 3 –
Here are different methods we can follow to save clean drinking water and deal with the water scarcity. Rainwater harvesting is one of the most effective and suitable method among save water techniques.
Conclusion –
Aforestation is also a good method as it reduces surface runoff and recharges the groundwater. It promotes underground water conservation. By practising such methods we can conserve more water naturally and ensure the availability of it for future generations. We should take a pledge and make it a lifelong motto to preserve water because, “If you conserve water, it means you conserve life.”
1. Dipak Viashnav, the president of youth forum of his colony, attends a seminar on rampant corruption in social and political life in India. He decides to write an article on the ‘Role of Youth in Combatting Corruption’. Write his article in not more than 200 words.
2. One day the Value Education Club of your school organised a visit to the ‘Home for the Lepers’ in your town. There you got the opportunity of knowing the feelings and problems of the lepers from a close angle. Write an article for ‘The Herald’ on the problems of the lepers and the role of the society and the government in solving them.
3. Mrs. Shashi Singh of Jesalmer, Rajasthan feels disturbed to see that in spite of all possible help from government and voluntary organisations, the victims of drought in Barmer and other drought affected areas are not getting sufficient food, water and medicines. She being extremely sensitive decides to write an article on the need of immediate help to these persons for publication in The Jaipur Times. Write the article in not more than 200 words.
4. Madhura Thakkar is a social worker. She thinks that all progress and advancement of the nation is being neutralised by population explosion. She writes an article for the Indian Express, Ahmedabad, expressing her concern about the alarming growth of population and suggesting some concrete steps to check it. Write this article in about 200 words.