Writing skill- Article writing

                                              

Let us discuss the Topic of English Article writing format in detail. This topic is asked as a 10 marks question in our question paper. This topic is seldom taught in the classroom because we think that this is the new version of essay writing which was there in our previous syllabus. And we too are so confused how to teach this topic.  

 What is an article?

An article is a written work published in a print/electronic medium. It may be for the purpose of news, research, academic analysis, or debate. Generally, it is a piece of writing that is published in a newspaper or Magazine. The main difference between an essay and an article is that where as an essay is written in 500 words or more, article is written in just 120-150 words.

What is Article writing format?

When a student has to attempt a question on Article writing, he has to follow the article writing format by CBSE. Here you can see how to write article writing formats in detail.

The format of an article consist of the following parts –

• Heading,
• By line, and
• Body

1. HEADING- The heading should be catchy and in not more than 5-6 words. You can go as creative as you want with this one just make sure you do not devote too much time on it in the exam.

2. BY LINE- It refers to the name of the person writing the 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- It is the main part of your writing piece. It generally consists of 3-4 paragraphs.

• PARAGRAPH 1: It is always prescribed that you begin with a short introduction of the topic; it’s meaning to be precise. Briefly tell 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. It may include-

• TYPES - In how many forms does the problem exist? You are required to mention the various possible types (if it exists).

• CURRENT SCENARIO - Then you need to explain the current situation, the problems (if any) and whether after any corrective actions, betterment in the situation has been observed or not.

• It may include advantages/ disadvantages depending upon the topic in question.

• CAUSE AND EFFECT RELATIONSHIP- Develop the cause and effect relationship by supporting it with facts or data. You may also write the consequences.

• Any other relevant and related information.

• PARAGRAPH 3 or PARAGRAPH 4: The conclusion. It is the concluding paragraph. It is important to conclude what you’ve started. Never leave an article open-ended. Now, it is to be remembered that wherever you elaborate a problem, you always have to mention the steps being taken to improvise the situation and suggest a few solutions as well. 

 

Article writing for Class 12 comes as a very long answer type question carrying a weightage of 10 marks.

One Very Long Answer Questions containing internal choice, to be answered in 150-200 words have to be attempted. The questions will be based on any of the following –

1. Article writing
2. Debate writing
3. Speech writing
4. Report writing              - (10x1=10 Marks)

Talking about marks, Article writing comes as a 10 marks question. The breakup of marks for Article writing  (as per CBSE Marking scheme) is as follows:-

Format (Heading and Writer’s name)	01 mark
Content	04 marks
Expression Grammatical accuracy, appropriate words and spellings. Coherence and relevance of ideas and style.	05 marks :- 2.5 2.5
Total	10 marks

Now, you can be given to write a magazine article or a newspaper article.

In order to write a perfect article, we must be well acquainted with the topic and must possess a wide range of vocabulary, a thorough knowledge of the subject, some research and excellent organisational skills. Students of Class 11 also have to learn the format of article writing as per the CGBSE syllabus. The basic guidelines on Article writing format have been discussed earlier.