DELHI PUBLIC SCHOOL, HOWRAH

SUBJECT – ENGLISH
CLASS - XII
ARTICLE WRITING

What is an article?
An article is a written work published in a print/electronic medium. It may be for the
purpose of propagating news, researching results, academic analysis, or debate. Generally,
it is a piece of writing that is published in a newspaper or Magazine.
The format of an article consists of the following parts –
i. 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.
ii. 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.)

iii. 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 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. Predictions and personal problems may be
included. This paragraph needs to be short and precise. Here also, you could add some
glitter to your art piece with some quotes.

Q1. ‘Grow more trees to reduce pollution.’ Write an article in 150-200 words on the topic
given above for your school magazine.
Answer:

Grow More Trees to Reduce Pollution

Radhika
“Trees are poems the earth writes upon the sky.”

Trees and plants are one of the main reasons why mankind came into existence. The
importance of planting trees has been emphasized time and again. This is because of the
numerous benefits they offer.
They make the world a better place to live in. They exhale oxygen and inhale carbon dioxide
to maintain the ecological balance in the environment. They also absorb all the harmful
gases and give us fresh air to breathe.
Trees build a sheet to protect us from the harmful ultraviolet rays. Not only this, they serve
as a habitat for birds and various species of animals. This is not it. Trees help in controlling
water pollution and preventing soil erosion.
The places inhabited by large numbers of trees are quite cooler compared to the concrete
jungles that cannot do without air conditioners. Unfortunately, urbanisation is leading to
clearing of forests and parks despite the numerous benefits they offer. People come here
for morning walks, evening strolls, yoga sessions and laughter therapy. These also serve as a
safe place for the kids to play and socialise. The only way left to preserve them and reap
these benefits is by growing them at a faster rate.
As a Chinese proverb states, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second
best time is now.” So do your bit and make this place more beautiful.

Q2. India is a land of diversity. One way in which it makes us feel proud of it is the number
of festivals we enjoy. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘Festivals of India’. You are
 Karuna/Karan. 10

FESTIVALS OF INDIA
- Karan/ Karuna
It is said that “Greatness of a culture can be found in its festivals”. India has proved every
word of the saying right by being famously known as the “Land of Festivals”.
True to this belief, India has scores and scores of festivals that bring happiness and joy all
across the country.
This is because of the diverse cultures that exist in this subcontinent. All these different
cultures and religions get tied together in bonds of love with these invisible threads of
celebrations.
Every festival has a social, religious and mythological value. Accordingly, Dussehra has a
great significance. Similarly, the Janmashtami festival has also a great religious and social
significance. This is the occasion when Lord Krishna was born to kill Kansa and other demons
and save the people from a great danger. This festival also teaches us how to fight evil and
falsehood and establish truth.
On these festivals, people offer prayers to their deities, wear ethnic clothes and make merry
with their near and dear ones. Ganesh Chaturthi, Eid Ul Fitr, Baisakhi, Onam, Pongal,
Gurupurab, Ram Navami and Durga Puja are some of the festivals that are celebrated with
immense zeal in different parts of India with some of these being specific to a particular
region.
No wonder, our country is called a land of festivals.

Tips to attempt a question on Article writing

 Plan before you pen- it is important that you follow a sequence. Jot down the points on your
answer sheet and ensure a proper sequence of ideas. Introduce, analyse, Suggest and
conclude.
 It is possible that you have too many points or very few points. When you have a lot of
varied points, it is better you choose a few best ones and write a line or two on each. In case
you have very few already, explain them in at least two-three lines each.
 MOST IMPORTANT- Always begin with your strongest point. You can accommodate the
weaker ones in between and end with another strong point.
 You have to strictly follow the prescribed word limit in a restricted time frame.
 Feel free to give your personal opinion in one or two lines.
 It is very important that you do not deviate from the topic. There are chances you may get
ideas linking from one to another that may deviate you from the main point. You have to
refrain from doing so.
 Avoid repetition of ideas.
 Underline all the important points.
 Always have a few general quotes in handy. They help in presentation.
 Make small sentences. It restricts the scope of grammatical inaccuracies.