Board Exam Reality: CBSE allocates 5 marks for article writing (120-150 words). You need to show understanding of format, content, and expression.
An article is a piece of writing intended for publication in newspapers, magazines, or websites. It presents information, opinions, or arguments on a specific topic to inform, persuade, or entertain readers.
Example Difference:
Essay (Academic): Formal, structured, thesis-driven, for teachers/professors
Article (Publication): Engaging, reader-friendly, hook-driven, for general public
Key Characteristics of a Good Article:
- Catchy Title: Grabs attention immediately
- Engaging Introduction: Hooks the reader
- Clear Structure: Organized paragraphs with subheadings
- Reader Connection: Uses "you," questions, relatable examples
- Balanced Perspective: Presents different viewpoints (for argumentative articles)
- Strong Conclusion: Leaves reader with something to think about
- Word Limit: 120-150 words for board exams
2. Types of Articles (Board Exam Focus)
Board exams typically ask for these 3 types of articles. Each has a slightly different approach.
| Type | Purpose | Tone & Style | Common Topics | Exam Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Informative/Descriptive | Provide facts, explain concepts, describe events | Objective, factual, clear explanations | Science discoveries, historical events, how-to guides | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Argumentative/Persuasive | Convince readers, present arguments, influence opinion | Persuasive, logical, evidence-based | Social issues (pollution, education), debates, policies | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Most Common) |
| Narrative/Personal | Share experiences, tell stories, express personal views | Personal, reflective, story-telling | Personal experiences, travel stories, life lessons | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Problem-Solution | Identify problems and propose solutions | Analytical, practical, solution-focused | Environmental issues, social problems, community concerns | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Quick Identification:
• "Write an article on the importance of..." → Argumentative
• "Describe the impact of..." → Informative
• "Share your experience of..." → Narrative
• "Suggest ways to improve..." → Problem-Solution
3. Article Structure & Format (Board Exam: 120-150 words)
Every article must follow this basic structure to score full marks.
| Part | What to Include | Approx. Words | Must-Have Elements | Marks Allocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heading/Title | Catchy, relevant, engaging | 5-8 words | Should grab attention, hint at content | 0.5 mark |
| By-line | Writer's name (can be "By [Your Name]") | 3-5 words | "By [Your Name]" or "Written by [Your Name]" | 0.5 mark |
| Introduction | Hook + thesis statement | 25-30 words | Startling fact, question, quote, or anecdote | 1 mark |
| Body Paragraph 1 | Main argument/point with examples | 30-35 words | Topic sentence + 2-3 supporting details | 1 mark |
| Body Paragraph 2 | Second argument/counter-argument | 30-35 words | Different perspective or additional evidence | 1 mark |
| Conclusion | Summary + final thought | 20-25 words | Restate main point, call to action, or future implication | 1 mark |
Word Count Strategy:
1. Heading + By-line: 10 words
2. Introduction: 30 words
3. Two Body Paragraphs: 65 words (30+35)
4. Conclusion: 25 words
5. Total: 130 words (perfect within limit)
Count sentences: Intro(2) + Body1(3) + Body2(3) + Conclusion(2) = 10 sentences total
4. 15-Minute Writing Process (Exam Strategy)
Complete your article within the time limit using this systematic approach.
| Step | Task | Time | What to Do | Output |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1: Analyze | Understand topic & type | 2 minutes | Read prompt carefully, identify key words, decide article type | Clear understanding of requirements |
| Step 2: Brainstorm | Generate ideas | 3 minutes | Jot down 5-6 points, examples, arguments, personal experiences | List of potential content points |
| Step 3: Outline | Structure content | 3 minutes | Decide title, intro hook, 2 main points, conclusion message | Basic structure/skeleton |
| Step 4: Write | Draft article | 6 minutes | Write fluently following outline, maintain flow, watch word count | Complete draft |
| Step 5: Revise | Check & improve | 1 minute | Check spelling, grammar, word count, title effectiveness | Polished final article |
Example Topic: "Write an article on 'The Impact of Social Media on Youth' for your school magazine."
Step 1: Argumentative article (need to present both positive & negative)
Step 2: Positives: connectivity, information; Negatives: addiction, mental health
Step 3: Title: "The Double-Edged Sword: Social Media & Youth"; Hook: Question; Points: Connectivity vs Isolation; Conclusion: Balanced use
Step 4: Write following structure
Step 5: Check word count, correct errors
5. Essential Vocabulary & Phrases for Different Sections
Using appropriate phrases makes your article sound professional and well-structured.
| Section | Basic Phrases | Advanced Phrases (Higher Marks) | When to Use | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction Hooks | Nowadays, In today's world, These days | In an era dominated by, Amid growing concerns about, As we navigate | First sentence | "In an era dominated by digital connectivity, social media's impact cannot be ignored." |
| Presenting Arguments | First, Second, Also | Foremost, Subsequently, Furthermore, Conversely | Body paragraphs | "Foremost, social media enhances global connectivity. Conversely, it may foster isolation." |
| Giving Examples | For example, Like, Such as | To illustrate, A case in point, As evidenced by | Supporting points | "A case in point is the rise of mental health issues among heavy users." |
| Showing Contrast | But, However, On the other hand | Nevertheless, Notwithstanding, In contrast | Presenting opposing views | "Notwithstanding these benefits, significant drawbacks exist." |
| Emphasizing | Very, Really, Important | Crucially, Significantly, Paramount importance | Key points | "Most crucially, digital literacy must be prioritized." |
| Concluding | In conclusion, To sum up, Finally | To encapsulate, Ultimately, In the final analysis | Last paragraph | "To encapsulate, balanced usage emerges as the key." |
6. Complete Examples with Different Article Types
Example 1: Argumentative Article (Most Common in Exams)
Topic: Write an article on "The Importance of Tree Plantation" for your school magazine. (120-150 words)
Model Answer:
The Green Warriors: Why Tree Plantation Matters
By Rohan Sharma, Class 10
In an age of climate crisis, tree plantation emerges not as a choice but as a necessity. Trees, our silent guardians, combat air pollution by absorbing harmful gases and releasing life-giving oxygen.
Foremost, trees mitigate climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide. A single tree can absorb up to 48 pounds of CO2 annually. Subsequently, they prevent soil erosion—their roots bind soil, reducing landslide risks during monsoons.
Furthermore, urban trees reduce temperatures by 2-8°C, creating natural air conditioning. They also provide habitat for 80% of terrestrial biodiversity.
To encapsulate, every sapling planted is an investment in our planet's future. Schools should initiate plantation drives, transforming students into green warriors for a sustainable tomorrow.
Word Count: 135 words | Type: Argumentative | Marks: 5/5
Example 2: Problem-Solution Article
Topic: Write an article on "The Menace of Plastic Waste" suggesting solutions. (120-150 words)
Model Answer:
Plastic Pandemic: Problems & Practical Solutions
By Priya Verma
India generates 3.5 million tons of plastic waste annually, with only 30% recycled. This plastic pandemic chokes waterways, harms wildlife, and pollutes our environment for centuries.
The core problem lies in single-use plastics—bags, straws, and packaging that are used briefly but persist forever. Moreover, inadequate waste management systems exacerbate the crisis.
Practical solutions exist. Firstly, strict enforcement of plastic ban laws is crucial. Secondly, promoting alternatives like jute bags and steel containers can reduce dependency. Thirdly, community awareness programs can foster responsible disposal habits.
Ultimately, collective action—from policy changes to individual choices—can turn the tide against this environmental menace.
Word Count: 128 words | Type: Problem-Solution | Marks: 5/5
7. Common Board Exam Errors & How to Avoid Them
| Error Type | Wrong Example | Correct Version | Why It's Wrong | Marks Lost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wrong Format | No title/by-line, essay-style paragraphs | Clear title, by-line, engaging paragraphs | Not following article format requirements | 1-1.5 marks |
| Too Formal | "The author contends that..." (academic style) | "Have you ever considered..." (conversational) | Articles should engage, not sound like textbooks | 0.5-1 mark |
| No Hook | "This article is about pollution." | "Imagine a world where clean air is a luxury..." | Fails to grab reader's attention immediately | 0.5 mark |
| One-Sided | Only presents positive aspects | Balanced view with pros and cons | Shows lack of critical thinking (for argumentative) | 1 mark |
| Word Count Issues | 80 words (too short) or 180 words (too long) | 120-150 words as specified | Not following instructions exactly | 0.5-1 mark |
| Weak Conclusion | "That's all about this topic." | "In essence, collective action can create meaningful change." | Ends abruptly without impact or takeaway | 0.5-1 mark |
🎯 Article Writing Challenge
Practice with different article types. Write articles within 120-150 words.
1. Argumentative Article
Topic: "The Benefits and Drawbacks of Online Learning" for your school magazine.
Task: Write a balanced article presenting both advantages and disadvantages.
Virtual Classrooms: Boon or Bane?
By Student Reporter
The pandemic accelerated online learning, transforming education permanently. This digital shift presents both opportunities and challenges worth examining.
Online learning offers unprecedented flexibility—students can learn anytime, anywhere, revisiting recorded lectures. It also develops digital literacy, essential for the 21st century. Furthermore, it eliminates geographical barriers, providing access to global resources.
Conversely, screen fatigue and reduced social interaction affect mental health. Not all students have reliable internet access, creating digital divides. Moreover, self-discipline becomes crucial without physical classroom structure.
Ultimately, a hybrid model blending online convenience with in-person engagement may offer the optimal educational pathway forward.
Word Count: 125 words2. Problem-Solution Article
Topic: "Increasing Road Accidents Among Youth" suggesting preventive measures.
Task: Identify causes and propose practical solutions.
Safe Roads, Safe Youth: A Call for Action
By Concerned Citizen
Recent statistics reveal a 15% increase in road accidents involving youth, turning roads into potential death traps. This alarming trend demands immediate attention and action.
Primary causes include reckless driving, mobile phone usage while driving, and inadequate helmet/seatbelt usage. Many young drivers lack proper training and overestimate their driving skills.
Practical solutions can reverse this trend. Firstly, stricter enforcement of traffic rules with higher penalties is essential. Secondly, mandatory driving education in schools can instill road safety awareness early. Thirdly, technology like speed governors in vehicles can prevent overspeeding.
Collectively, these measures can transform our youth from accident statistics to responsible road users, ensuring safer journeys for all.
Word Count: 132 words3. Narrative/Personal Article
Topic: "An Unforgettable School Trip" sharing your personal experience.
Task: Write a descriptive article capturing the experience.
Memories in the Mountains: Our Himachal Adventure
By Travel Enthusiast
The bus ride to Shimla remains etched in my memory—forty excited students, endless songs, and the promise of adventure. This school trip transformed from a journey to an experience.
Waking to Himalayan sunrise was magical. Mist-kissed pine trees stood like silent sentinels. Our trek to Jakhoo Temple tested endurance but rewarded with panoramic views. The toy train ride from Shimla to Kalka became a moving postcard of colonial architecture and mountain vistas.
Beyond sights, friendships deepened around bonfires. We discovered resilience when facing unexpected rain, learning adaptability.
That trip taught me that the best classrooms have no walls, and true learning happens when we step beyond comfort zones into the world's waiting wonders.
Word Count: 130 words9. Board Exam Quick Checklist
Before You Start Writing:
✓ Identify article type (argumentative/informative/narrative)
✓ Brainstorm 4-5 key points
✓ Decide catchy title
✓ Plan hook for introduction
✓ Note word limit: 120-150
While Writing:
✓ Include title and by-line
✓ Start with engaging hook
✓ Use paragraph breaks (not one block)
✓ Maintain conversational tone
✓ Include examples/evidence
✓ End with impactful conclusion
Before Submission:
✓ Count words (120-150 range)
✓ Check title relevance
✓ Verify by-line present
✓ Ensure logical flow
✓ Review for engagement factor
✓ Correct spelling/grammar
📝 Practice Article Writing
Master article writing with exercises on argumentative, informative, narrative, and problem-solution articles!
Go to Article Writing WorksheetIncludes 20+ article topics • Step-by-step guidance • Model answers • Common error identification • Board exam pattern questions
