Article Writing (150-200 Words) 10 Marks

An article is an expression of one‘s thought on an issue or a subject logically and coherently written in meaningful
paragraphs. The dictionary defines an article as a piece of writing about a particular subject in a newspaper or
magazine. It differs from a news item or a composition because of its unique and interesting presentable style.
Writing articles is an art; it involves creativity, a wide range of relevant vocabulary and thorough knowledge of the
subject. One has to keep in mind, the purpose of writing and target readers.
Title
The title can be a single word, a phrase or may be three to four words. It should be descriptive, catchy and thought
provoking, illustrating the central theme.
BY LINE: Writer's Name under the title towards the right from the centre
Body
• The body of an article is structural and directional. By structure we mean that it has a distinct beginning, middle
and a conclusion.
• An article will be directional if all the words and sentences, paragraphs and thoughts naturally and logically lead to
the objective of writing it.

• It is written in paragraphs and each paragraph deals with one main idea.

Purpose of writing
In examination, nothing is written purposelessly. All writing tasks have specific purposes. Before writing an article,
make sure whether you are writing to inform people, to persuade them, to entertain them or to convince them.
Plan Before You Pen
• Before you start writing, read the instructions very carefully.

• Must decode the verbal/visual input properly.

• Decide on the number of the paragraphs.

• Begin with a striking opening sentence to grab readers‘ interest in the topic.

• Introduce a new point at the beginning of each paragraph that follows to strengthen your ideas.

• Present a strong argument for your ideas supporting it with evidences or elaboration.

• Develop your ideas as much as you can to make them interesting and substantial.

• Use variety of words.

• Time yourself.

• Write grammatically correct sentences.

• Use CODER judiciously.

• Use linking devices (however, therefore, although, even though, in order to…) to make the composition appear a
whole and appealingly effective.

• Use simple, short sentences and lay emphasis on flow and connectivity.

• Make your article as interesting as possible. Keep in touch with the latest happenings around you.

• Spell out the various aspects to the topic-merits, demerits causes, consequences, effects, advantages, disadvantages.

• Pay attention to spellings.

• Use passive voice, humour, emotive language, rhetorical questions to provide a specific effect, depending upon the
subject.

• Systematic presentation of ideas is a must.

• Give your opinion, comments, criticism, and recommendations.

• Revise if any editing is required.

Conclusion
• The article ends with a prediction or warning which is the opinion of the writer. Conclude with your strongest
point, with a hope, a warning, an appeal or a call for an action.

• A slogan or quotation may be used to stress the pivotal thought.

MARKING SCHEME
ARTICLE WRITING 10 marks Format: 1 mark Heading and Writer's Name Content: 4 marks Expression: 5
marks Grammatical accuracy, appropriate words and spellings [2½] Coherence and relevance of ideas and style [2½]
Word Limit: 150- 200 words
(Due credit to be given for creative answers backed by logical argument.)
Time management
Time management is most important because the paper is quite lengthy and one often loses much time in the
writing section, especially while attempting article writing. Time management is the process of planning and
exercising conscious control of time spent on specific activities, especially to increase effectiveness, efficiency, and
productivity. Using time effectively gives the person "choice" on spending/managing activities at their own time and
expediency. Time management may be aided by a range of skills, tools, and techniques used to manage time when
accomplishing specific tasks, projects, and goals complying with a due date.
Time Required: 20 Minutes
2 minutes to read the question (with utmost care and attention)
2 minutes for CODER
14 minutes to write the answer
2 minutes to revise and make correction if required. 83
SAMPLE ARTICLES
Q.1. The 21st century has seen an erosion of values in the society. Experts and educationists stress on value-based
education to meet the challenges. Write an article, in 150-200 words, on the need for value based education. You
are Amit/Amita.
Answer:
Value Based Education-The need of The Hour
By Amit/ Amita.
It is rightly said: ―values are priceless, while valuables are priced.‖ Values like love, compassion, sympathy,
empathy, tolerance, etc. lay the foundation for values like honesty, discipline, punctuality and loyalty. Today‘s fast
paced competitive world has led man to compromise on values, integrity and character. As a result, we see
aggression, selfishness, rampant corruption, unlawful activities and inhuman behaviour all around.

There is an urgent need to introduce value based education dealing specifically with human values, to redesign the
fabric of our society. Childhood is the right time and stage to impart value education so that the right impressions
formed in the child‘s mind guide him throughout his life. Schools provide an interactive and learning ambience
where human values can be easily introduced to a child by making him/her ―experience‖ and ―live‖ the values.
This can be done through workshops, seminars, camps and open forums since values are ‗caught‘ and not just
‗taught‘. Nelson Mandela rightly said: ―Education is the most powerful weapon through which you can change the
world‖. Here, he talked about both academic education as well as moral value education. And, value education has
the power to change the world.

So the real onus lies on the elders to ensure that they preserve and promote values. The need of the hour is to
integrate value based education into our curriculum.

Q.2. Devmalya is a student of Holy Student School, Chennai. She reads a report on the miserable condition of the
Child Labour in India in the Times of India. She is moved and wants to express her strong feelings against the
widespread exploitation of children in an article. Using the hints given below in the input, write a purposeful article
on Child Abuse for the school-magazine in 150-200 words.

Child Abuse-a painful fact - children exploited – India a poor country – about 10 million children employed in
dangerous trades and industries – exploited – living and working in inhuman conditions – Effective legislation
against Child labour. 84
 CHILD ABUSE
- By Devmalya
Childhood is the golden period of man‘s life. Children need love and care for their growth and development.
However, child abuse is the tragic irony of Indian social life. About 10 million children are employed in unhealthy
and hazardous trades and industries. Bare footed, lean and thin children have to work for 10 to 15 hours a day. They
work in numerous shops, brick kilns, small factories and cottage industries. Some risk their lives while selling
newspapers on busy roads.

These child-workers are generally ill-fed and treated like bonded labourers. They are often underpaid. Thousands of
children work in fire- crackers and match-factories. Many of them get killed in accidents and fires. The carpet
industry in Uttar Pradesh employs many children. Children have to work in chemical factories in hazardous
conditions. In 2015, the country of India is home to the largest number of children who are working illegally in
various industrial industries.

Penury is the main reason that compels many poor parents to send their children for work. India has the largest
number of children working in most inhospitable, and inhuman surroundings. The Child Labour Act should be
enforced with all sincerity and more stringent clauses. Exemplary punishment should be given to the defaulters and
the defiant employers.

Q.3. Ragging has raised its ugly head again. A recent incident at a prestigious school has shown that this evil has not
yet come to an end. Write an article in 150-200 words on 'Ragging, an evil'. You are Navtej/Navita.
Ans.
Ragging, an Evil
- By Navita
Ragging in India is a damaging form of interaction of the seniors in the college or school with the juniors, new
comers or first year students. Original aim was to teach the students respect for hierarchy thereby enforcing
traditions and discipline among them. As a result, practice of familiarizing beginners with their seniors has now
turned into a powerful tool for ill-treating and punishing juniors if they fail to obey their seniors.

Under the pretext of fun, a poor student is often assaulted, sometimes even stripped and intimidated by his seniors
and this torture obviously leaves an indelible impression on his mind. The chilling incident continues to haunt him
and unknowingly he develops various psychological disorders. Sometimes the situation turns so bad that it compels
the ragged victim to commit suicide. Recently, ragging has been declared a criminal offence. Still, ragging is
prevalent in colleges and hostels in secretive ways.

Solution lies in more practical steps like having an anti-ragging helpline that can take anonymous complaints and act
against the culprits or having awareness programmes conducted at a more specific level. This menace, in any case,
has to be contained and stopped. 85
QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE WITH HINTS /VALUE POINTS (ARTICLE WRITING)
Q. 1. Taking selfies has become a craze and is a global phenomenon. It has cost us several lives and also
immortalized several moments. Write an article for a National Daily on the trend of taking selfies and its impact on
people. You are Aditi/ Aditya. (150-200 words)
ARTICLE WRITING 10 marks Format :1 mark Heading and Writer's Name Suggested Heading: Taking
Selfies: A Craze Content: 4 marks Expression :5 marks Grammatical accuracy, appropriate words and spellings
[2½] Coherence and relevance of ideas and style [2½] Word Limit: 150- 200 words Suggested value points:
Introduction  mention briefly the problems associated with the selfie culture and its ramifications- A great
obsession Topic analysis  Do not enjoy the moment or nature  Too occupied posting it on social media  Take
risks to click them
 Perform dangerous stunts  Need to create awareness about the drawbacks  Teach responsible use of
technology Suggest positive use of this technology
Conclusion (Due credit has to be given for creative answers backed by logical argument.)
Q. 2. 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 for the local daily in 150-200 words on save water-
are we doing enough?
ARTICLE WRITING 10 marks Format: 1 mark Heading and Writer's Name Suggested Heading: SAVE
WATER – ARE WE DOING ENOUGH? Content: 4 marks 86
Expression: 5 marks Grammatical accuracy, appropriate words and spellings [2½] Coherence and relevance of ideas
and style [2½] Word Limit: 150- 200 words
Suggested value points:
 Introduction
 Mention briefly the status of the issue Topic analysis
 Discuss why saving water is Important.
 Describe how this deficit will affect people and humankind.
 Suggest what can be done to save water for the future.
 Conclusion

(Due credit has to be given for creative answers backed by logical argument.)
Q. 3. On the threshold of being a world super power, India does have a large young workforce but unfortunately not
many in this force are employable for want of necessary skills. Write in about 150-200 words, an article for a
newspaper on the topic' Skill Development is the need of the hour'. You are Anita/Arnav.
ARTICLE WRITING 10 marks Format: 1 mark Heading and Writer's Name Suggested Heading: ' Skill
Development is the need of the hour'. Content: 4 marks Expression: 5 marks Grammatical accuracy, appropriate
words and spellings [2½] Coherence and relevance of ideas and style [2½] Word Limit: 150- 200 words
Suggested value points:
 Introduction
 Mention briefly the status of the issue Topic analysis
 Discuss why Indian education fails to develop employability skills among youth.
 Describe how this deficit affects Indian economy, industry, business and people.
 Suggest what can be done to develop these skills among the young people who are going to be in the mainstay of
the workforce of the future.
 Conclusion

(Due credit to be given for creative answers backed by logical argument.)

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