ARTICLE WRITING

What is Article Writing?

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.

Article Writing Format

When a student has to attempt a question on Article writing, he has to follow the article writing
format by ISC.

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. (Refrain from using XYZ in
place of a name. (You may use a fake name that sounds real e.g. Anamika Kabir)

(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.

1. PARAGRAPH 1: INTRODUCE
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.

2. PARAGRAPHS 2 and 3: ANALYSE AND SUGGEST

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, current scenario, advantages/disadvantages, cause and effect

relationship and conclusion.

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

4. 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.
5. It may include advantages/ disadvantages depending upon the topic in question.

6. CAUSE AND EFFECT RELATIONSHIP- Develop the cause-and-effect relationship by

supporting it with facts or data. You may also write the consequences.

7. Any other relevant and related information.

8. PARAGRAPH 4: CONCLUDE

The conclusion. It is the concluding paragraph. It is important to conclude what you’ve started.
Never leave an article open-ended.

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.

MOST IMPORTANT- Always begin with your strongest point. You can accommodate the weaker
ones in between and end with another strong point. (REMEMBER: Strong-Weak-Strong)

You have to strictly follow the prescribed word limit in a restricted time frame so just do not go
on writing.

As per ISC guidelines the Article should not exceed the prescribed word limit of 300 words.
It carries 15 marks.

Avoid repetition of ideas.

Underline all the important points.

Make sure you double-check for grammatical accuracy and spellings. They carry marks.

Always have a few general quotes in handy. They help in the presentation and show that you’re
prepared.

Read editorials in a few newspapers and notice the pattern.

Make small sentences. It restricts the scope of grammatical inaccuracies.

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.

Coherence and relevance of ideas and style.

You can be given to write a magazine article or a newspaper article.

A few valuable tips for you to attempt the Article writing format question in a better way-

Plan before you pen- it is important that you follow a sequence. Jot down the points at the back
of 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.

Remember, the more you read and practice, the better it is.

SAMPLE

QUESTION:
You are the editor of your school magazine. You want to bring about awareness among the
students on the topic — Noise pollution: A threat to all life forms. Write an article in about 300
words based on the following points:
Causes of noise pollution — effects on humans — effects on other living creatures — measures
to reduce noise pollution — role of authorities — conclusion.

ANSWER:
Noise pollution: A threat to all the life forms

by: Anamika Kabir

Noise pollution is an issue which is a matter of grave concern for all of us. It can cause health
problems for the people, marine life and wildlife too. There are several causes of noise pollution
ranging from traffic horns to loud music of orchestra bands, machinery at the construction sites,
loud noise of stray animals, blaring industrial generators and various explosions of fire crackers.
These noise pollutants can have detrimental effects which can cause hearing loss because
sound which is measured in decibels, if it reaches 85 decibels or higher than that, can harm a
person’s hearing capacity. Not only hearing ability is affected, but loud noise may result in
stress, sleep disorder, heart disease and high blood pressure. Even aquatic animals do not
remain unaffected by these inescapable and disturbing sounds. Noise from ships, oil drills,
sonar devices and other human activities in the ocean is harmful to the whales and the dolphins
that depend on echolocation to survive. Animals use sound for a variety of reasons, including to
navigate, to find food, to attract mates, and to avoid predators.Noise pollution makes it difficult
for them to achieve these tasks, which affects their ability to survive.

Riding electric vehicles, frequent lubrication of machines, turning off electrical appliances when
not in use, replacing old vehicles and planting more trees are some of
the measures which can be adopted to reduce noise pollution.

Authorities play a very important role in this regard. They must specify the ambient air quality
standards. The State Government should categorise the areas into industrial, commercial,
residential or silence zones for the purpose of implementation of noise standards for different
areas. An area comprising not less than 100 metres around hospitals, educational institutions,
zoos and courts, may be declared as a ‘silence’ area.

To conclude, we can say that lessening noise not only helps in reducing energy consumption
but air pollution too. Reducing noise pollution will not only affect people but also the
environment.