CBSE Class 10 English Article Writing Assignment

Article Writing Class 10 English 

Question. Modern shopping centres have come up in a large numbers in big cities. Many students are found hanging out there during school hours. You want to create awareness about it. Using the hints given below, prepare an article in about 100-120 words for your school magazine.

Fashionable malls coming up—air conditioned—spacious—facility for movies—classes bunked—not interested in studies—fun loving—without the permission of teachers, parents.

Answer.
Fun Not at the Cost of Studies
By : ABC
The latest trend these days can be seen at one of the modern shopping centres which have mushroomed up all over the place. These malls offer all kinds of facilities and are a rage among students, specially because of their spaciousness and the fact that they are air conditioned. Generally, they have multiplex cinemas. Also these things lure the students towards them and they bunk classes. They go there without seeking permission from their teachers and parents. This is normally the case with students who are more fun-loving than studious. They neglect their studies and set a bad example for others too. It is a student’s duty to always strike the right balance between fun and studies and never overdo either. 

Question. Write an article in 100-150 words on ‘Importance of Morning Walk.’ You are Amit/Anita. Use the following clues :
• makes you rise early
• fresh air
• blood rushes through your body
• energy for the day
• hungry for breakfast
• good for studies
• all day active 

Answer.
Importance of Morning Walk
By : Anita
A good physical workout is the key to a healthy life. Contrary to the beliefs of the young generation, one does not need to spend hefty amounts on fashionable gyms to stay fit and healthy. One of the most effective and yet cheap way to stay healthy is walking and specifically, walking in the morning.
A morning walk can do wonders for one’s body.
A rigorous walk in the fresh air leads to proper blood circulation in the body. It creates heat, which leads to the burning of excessive fat and helps you get back into shape. Also it makes you rise early, and creates good space for breakfast in your stomach. Just 20-30 minutes of brisk walk can control the cholesterol levels, cardiovascular diseases and keep the body weight under control.
However, morning walk cannot work independently. It has to be accompanied with a balanced diet. It is important that people understand the importance of morning walk and follow a diet plan to attain a healthy lifestyle. 

Question. Thousands of people die in India due to the ill-effects of smoking or chewing gutka. Write an article in about 100-120 words emphasising a complete ban on tobacco and tobacco products as these are unfit for human consumption.
Hints : Importance of health-peer pressure-lifestyle-leads to cancer and other diseases – strict enforcement of laws - warnings at cinema halls, TV commercials etc.

Answer.
Ban on Tobacco
By : ABC
Health is of utmost importance for human beings. To lead a healthy life, one should believe in healthy living.Healthy living can be attained by consuming healthy products and keeping away from products which are unfit for health. These days we find people consuming tobacco. It has become a habit and moreover a fashion. Chewing gutka or smoking is disastrous for health. Tobacco is the root cause of many diseases. The authorities should ban tobacco. It leads to cancer. Strict laws should be enforced on the sale of tobacco. Common public should be made aware of the ill-effects of tobacco. Common masses can be made aware about the negative impact of tobacco, through TV commercials and cinema halls. This is essential as healthy public will create a healthy nation.

Question. Traffic jams, accidents and rash driving are a common sight in metro cities. You are Aryan/Aanchal, captain of Tagore House of your school. Write an article, in 100-120 words, on ‘Traffic Jams’, highlighting the hectic life of modern society, increase in the number of vehicles, modernisation leading to a rise in demand for vehicles, the cause of accidents.

Answer.
Traffic Jams
By : Aryan
Traffic jams are a regular phenomenon on the roads when one is stuck amidst a sea of vehicles, advancing inch by inch as the whole lot proceeds and the implications in terms of time cannot be forestated, for it may take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours for the traffic to clear up. It is one of the most dreaded events by the commuters, for the consequences may range from being late for a movie to missing an international flight or missing an important appointment or a job interview.

The causes too are varied–the major being an enormous increase in the number of vehicles on the road without the corresponding improvement of the infrastructure. Lack of coordination among the drivers is also, quite often a reason, because in a hurry to get to their destinations, they land up getting in each other’ way.

The solution to the problem can be sought by building bridges to cross connect the roads and lessen the burden on the present routes, but being an expensive and time consuming alternative, it may not be feasible everytime.
Traffic signals serve an important purpose in organising progress of the vehicles and should be followed where present and installed where absent.
In any case, traffic jams are a manifestation of the chaotic life styles and hectic routines. Therefore, controlling the latter aspects will automatically reduce the extent of the former.

Question. “A man’s manners are a mirror in which he shows his portrait.” This quote highlights the importance of good manners in life. Write an article for your school magazine on ‘Good Manners.’ You may use the following hints with your own ideas : 
Hints : First step to success – need for good manners – make life easy with politeness – create goodwill – use
words like thank you, please, sorry – important words – well mannered people liked by all.

Answer.
Good Manners
By : XYZ
“A man’s manners are a mirror in which he shows his portrait.” This quote highlight the importance of good manners in life. To possess good manners is, in fact, the first step to success. They cost nothing but they polish and enrich the personality of a man, which in turn, makes his life easy due to his special trait of politeness. Such persons earn respect in society.
Good manners are superior to riches. Wealth attracts fair-weather friends only but good manners win for us permanent friends as they create our goodwill in society. All great men, who made their mark in life, were polite, humble and gentle. A person with charming manners can win others with a smile. On its contrary, an ill, mannered person will not command respect of anybody. We can’t learn such manners from books. What we have to do is just to respect our elders; to help weak and poor; not to offend others by harsh words. Instead, we should use words like ‘thank you’, ‘please’, ‘sorry’ as an important part of our conversation with others. We should be ready to make little sacrifices in others’ service, when needed. Above all, we should be fair and just in our dealings with others. If we are sensitive and responsive to others with our good manners, we’ll be liked by all.

Question. A civilised and well groomed personality has a positive impact on others. Write an article in 100-120 words for your school magazine on ‘the importance of education in personality development’. You are Miki/Manish.

Answer. 
Importance of Education in Personality Development
By : Manish
Everybody wants a good personality but it can’t be made in an eye’s blink. It needs time, patience and hardwork. You need to nourish yourself, physically and mentally. You need to put in positivity in your mind. To get all these things done, there is a major instrument, i.e., education. Education is necessary for a person’s physical, mental and social development. It shapes his personality as well as develops discipline in his life. To develop personality, a person needs knowledge. He also needs experiences and opportunities. He needs to be disciplined. When he’ll mix in all these, the magic portion of his personality will be developed. And for getting all these, he needs to get education first. Without education, it is next to impossible to achieve all that. Professional and vocational education imparts skill in the person and a skillful person becomes confident. Through co-curricular activities, moral and ethical values are incorporated in the students which are the utmost need of the present time. Education teaches him good manners and hence develops his personality to be a responsible and productive citizen.

Question. Have you ever been home alone or away from home during a thunderstorm? Narrate your experience in a paragraph.

Answer.
A Stormy Night
I sat alone in my room listening to the rain pouring hard on the roof. My back was against the wall and a pillow was clinched tight between my hands. I squeezed the pillow so tight that I could swear, it was going to rip apart. I heard the lightning strike an object close to my window. I jumped and a few tears began to stroll my cheeks. I was very scared. I had all the lights on in my room. I just stared out into the space, waiting for the storm to end, or worse, the lights to go out. After a few minutes the room was lighted again and the storm was over. I made a sign of relief. 

Question. Write an article in 100-120 words on ‘Use of Technology in Education’ for your school magazine. You are Ram/Rama.

Answer. 
Use of Technology in Education
By : Ram
Over the last few years, the use of technology has changed the landscape dramatically, especially in the field of education. Teachers, principals, counsellors and even parents admit that it would be a futile exercise to ignore technology in the classroom. The knowledge of information technology has a great role to play in the field of education. There has been rapid progress in the field of tele-communication, satellite and computer science due to the information technology.

The internet has come in the form of super highway to transfer information of the biggest libraries with the help of tele-communication and satellite technology. Now, with the help of computer, information can be stored safely in a small chip and can be retrieved, when required within no time. Hence, with the use of technology, we can save our time and energy. Students become updated. Moreover, it is environment friendly as the need to use paper is which is made by cutting trees, has decreased. But overdependence on technology and related gadgets should be avoided. It’s all about moderation.

At the same time, we can’t overlook the fact that even the latest gadgets and the best internet websites, however, cannot replace a good teacher. Children today lead complicated lives ruled by technology. Instead of adding to the information overload, it is the teacher’s job to simplify the lesson plan. Today, children need to be in touch with the real world and the school teacher is the person who can draw the lines and decide how much is too much.

Question. Using the input given below, prepare an article on ‘Companionship of Books’ in about 120 words to be read out
in the school assembly on the occasion of ‘WORLD BOOK DAY‘ (24th April).
• amuses and instructs youth
• comforts and consoles in every age
• treasuries of golden thoughts
• essence of immortality
• Great writers, poets, leaders, scientists, players, artists still live in books.
• Purifying, elevating and sustaining role.

Answer.
Books are our Best Companions
By : Ayushi
Books enlighten us, cheer us and encourage us. They make us healthy, wealthy and wise. Books are our best companions as they never desert us in our hour of need. Friends may give us a cold shoulder in our adversity, but not the books. They amuse, entertain and inspire us even in our darkest hour. They provide a welcome escape from the dullness and drudgery of life.

Books contain the best thoughts and experiences of the noblest mind that ever lived on the earth. They are depositories of knowledge and give us a glimpse of the divergent cultures, traditions, creeds and customs. Books are source of pleasure, when we are sad or alone, books provide a cheerful company. Loneliness is no trouble for a reader. The modern world is changing fast and one must keep himself well informed.
Now, we can read books on the computers, as well. Reading makes a full man. Indeed, books are the treasured wealth of the world, the fit inheritance of generations and nations.

Question. Write an article in 100-120 words on the ‘Importance of Good Health’ for your school magazine. You are Ram/Rani. 

Answer. 
Importance of Good Health
By : Ram
‘A sound mind lives in a sound body’ and ‘Health is Wealth’ are well known sayings, emphasizing on the importance of health. The health of the body is very essential for success in life. An unhealthy man is always weak, sad, gloomy and unconfident. No matter how much we work or how much we earn if we lose health, we lose everything. So we should keep healthy habits.

Healthy habits should be inculcated in a child, right from the early childhood because a healthy child develops into a healthy adult. And only a healthy citizen can take his/her nation ahead in the race of development. If he/she is sick, he/she can’t even think positively. So for the economic development and spiritual upliftment of a nation, health is the most important asset.

We can keep good health by exercising and eating healthy food. Healthy eating is not only important for our diet, it’s also important as a part of our personal well-being. Eating healthy can improve our physical fitness, allow us to feel better about ourself and do wonders for our health. Healthy eating doesn’t mean that we have to follow a strict diet, or give up foods we love, we just need to balance the amount of types of foods we eat to obtain all the necessary nutrients.

We should avoid unhygienic street food and fast food as it can lead to many health disorders and will ultimately lead to health problems so, to stay fit and healthy, we shouldn’t follow sedentary lifestyle; instead we should always be physically active and eat balanced diet to increase the efficiency of our body as well as that of mind.

Question. ‘Massive poaching in the past two years has wiped out the entire tiger population at one of the tiger reserves in India,’ says one of the investigation reports. Look at the visual aside and notice how the number of tigers in India is falling. Use your own ideas and write an article in about 120 words for ‘Eco-World’ magazine expressing your concern on the issue.
Answer. Save the Tiger
Man’s hunger remains unsatiated. He has swallowed forests, green belts and arable lands. Man has misused and abused nature. Man’s villainry has brought untold miseries to the animal kingdom. Deforestation on a huge scale has made the most beautiful animal—the tiger, homeless. Illegal hunting and massive poaching have wiped out the entire tiger population at one of the tiger reserves in India. The number of tigers has fallen from 4334 in 1989 to 3500 in 2004. In 2010, it has touched the rock bottom—just 1440. It is really a tragic story. The most beautiful animal of the wild world is slowly but surely on the road to extinction. The healthy population of tigers is necessary to maintain the ecological balance in nature. The Government must take effective and prompt steps to save the tiger. Illegal hunting and poaching must be strongly dealt with. Poachers like Sansar Chand must be given exemplary punishments. Forest guards must be provided with the latest weapons to deal with the criminals. Forest reserves should remain untouched. Deforestation should be immediately stopped. Reforestation on a large scale is the need of the hour. Let us save the national animal. Let us save our national pride, the Indian tiger.

Question. You are Sudhir/Swathi of 15, Ram Bagh, New Delhi. You are alarmed at the increasing obesity among school students. Taking information from the graph given aside, together with your own ideas and the ideas taken from the unit, “Health and Medicine”, write an article in about 100-120 words. Also suggest measures to curb obesity.
Answer. Children and Obesity India is a land of contrasts.
There are millions of malnourished children in India. On the other hand, millions of children suffer from the disease of affluence-obesity. The increasing obesity among school children is really a cause of concern. The figures for years 2000 to 2007 show that obesity in the age group of 15-19 is maximum. Then comes the age group of 11-14. The age group of 5-10 has the minimum obesity. With the advent of liberalisation, the purchasing power and economic prosperity of the middle classes have increased. Their children are leading lives of comfort and luxury. The result is the growing obesity among children. During the last five years, the level of obesity has been sharply rising. Actually, it has shown a five-fold growth. The culture of ‘junk foods’ has aggravated the problem. The craze for burgers, pizzas and colas is making our children obese. Over-eating and lack of exercises and physical activities make things even worse. Parents beware! Monitor the food habits and life-styles of your children. Racing, jogging or exercising can keep them slim and trim. Always remember that a sound mind lives in a sound body. Eat less and eat more fruits and vegetables. Take serious note of your obesity before it is too late for redemption.

Question. Read the notes given below and write an article on Menace of Naxalism in India in 100-120 words. You can invent your own details.
Answer. Menace of Naxalism in India
India excels in contrasts. India is emerging as a major economy in the world. But India has the largest number of people living below the poverty line. It has the maximum number of illiterates. It has given birth to disappointment and dejection in certain quarters. In 1960s, there started an armed struggle in a tiny village of Bengal, Naxalbari. It aimed to overthrow the Government through an armed revolution. The same movement survives in some pockets in Jharkhand, Bihar, Bengal, Andhra and Maharashtra. They call themselves ‘Maoists’ as they get inspiration from Mao- Tse-Tung of China. The naxalites or Maoists challenge the might of the state. They run their own ‘people courts’ and enforce their own laws. There is often encounters between the armed forces and the naxalites. So far the Government has failed to root out naxalites and Maoists from their strongholds.
Economic and social disparities create social unrest. Naxalism gets strength from these social disparities and exploitation. Agrarian reforms, upliftment of villages, literacy and providing jobs to the rural unemployed can help in creating peace and prosperity in the villages. Peace and prosperity are more effective weapons to fight against Maoists and naxalism than the bullets of the armed forces..

Question. Man is basically a ‘social-animal’. He depends on others for his survival and existence. He has to work with others and must know how to get the best out of a team. Taking these ideas, write an article on ‘How to Get the Best out of a Team’ in about 100-120 words.
Answer. How to Get the Best out of a TeamMan is a social animal.
He can’t live in vacuum. He has to depend on others to make a living. He has to bond with others and be a part of a team. Working in a team is quite a challenge. One has to adjust himself to the requirements of his team. A team must work like a well oiled machine. Only then it can produce great results. All the members of a team must work together selflessly to achieve a common aim or goal. Working in a team is really a healer and a stress buster. Success or failure is not an individual’s responsibility. It is a collective responsibility. A good team work demands a perfect and effective communication between all the members of the team. A strong leadership controls the individuals and goads them to achieve the common goal. Conflicts are avoided. The focus is on unity and cooperation. Mutual jealousy and conflict of interests have no place in a team. Negative attitudes should be discouraged. Each member should have deep respect and appreciation of others’ abilities and skills.

An Article is an extended composition which needs great effort, knowledge, creativity and imagination.

Objectives :

● To share one’s ideas on some issue
● To share one’s experience with others
● To discuss some place, person or event
● To argue one’s point of view
● To write for magazines, newspapers / newsletters etc.

Format of an Article :

¶ Title : Should be eye-catching and should encapsulate the theme of the article.
¶ Introduction: Must draw reader’s attention. Give some extraordinary facts.
¶ Body: Include the merits, demerits, causes, effects etc.
¶ Conclusion: Conclude with a suggestion, hope or warning.
¶ Name of the writer: should be mentioned after the title.

Note : Conclusion is a very important part of the article. Title can be one word or a group of words but not a complete sentence.

Points to Remember:

¶ Articles are generally descriptive or argumentative
¶ Descriptive articles generally describe some person, place or thing.
¶ In argumentative articles, we have to support or oppose ideas strongly.
¶ All information should be presented in a logical and coherent manner.
¶ Repetitions should be avoided. They bring monotony.
¶ A good vocabulary, quotations add to the composition.
¶ Word-limit is 150 words, which should be strictly adhered to.
¶ Name of the writer should be given. Designation is needed, if the article is argumentative.
¶ The first paragraph states the observation and the other paragraphs give supporting data, followed by conclusion in the end.

SAMPLE :

A number of Mega Malls are appearing in and around the city. Besides providing a unique shopping experience to many, they also contribute to the growth and development of a modern city. At the same time, it is a matter of reflection whether these high end shopping complexes end up increasing social and economic disparity in the society. Write an article expressing your views on the same. Your article should not be in more than 150 words.

Shopping Malls – A Unique Experience
--- Rajat
A number of mega malls are appearing in and around Delhi. The sprawling complexes boast of replicating the best global norms in terms of design, infrastructure and facilities. They promise to offer a unique shopping experience to people , especially the shopaholics and foodies. Some of the special attractions of these malls are multi-cuisine food courts, cinema halls, multiplexes, retail outlets of branded and designer goods, kids play station, international crafts bazaar etc., with spacious parking lots and more.
Now the pertinent question arises how ethical it is to promote such high-end shopping complexes while the per capita income is very low and a good majority of people are still struggling to make both ends meet. The rat race for fancy goods takes many a youth to the path of crime. The disparity between the haves and have-nots is increasing.
It would perhaps be a better idea to provide an opportunity to people by launching schemes with lucrative incentives for the uplift of the poorer sections. Probably by bridging the gap between different sections of the society one could enjoy the luxuries and the provisions of a modern city with a clear conscience. There should be a greater sense of social responsibility and accountability.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS:

a) In certain parts of the country women walk long distances to fetch water. There is not only scarcity of water but in most places it is also contaminated. Using the hints given below together with your own ideas,write an article in about 150 words on the scarcity of clean drinking water suggesting ways to improve the situation.
* scarcity of clean drinking water
* women travel long distances in certain areas like Rajasthan and Gujrat to fetch water
* contamination of water
* suggestions-linking of rivers
* awareness of clean drinking habits

b) Global Warming is a major concern for mankind. Write an article on climate trends in recent years ,their causes and effects,specially the threat they pose to the future of mankind. You are Anjana/Arun of Navyug School ,Patna. Use your own ideas together with ideas from the Unit 'Environment' in your Main Course Book and write an article in 150 words .

Article Writing Class 10 English 

Question. Education has become a business now. Most of the private institutions provide low quality education and those graduating from them are unable to get good jobs. Write an article in about 100-120 words for a national daily on the plight of the students who get tricked into joining these institutions. 

• Private institutions everywhere
• No proper infrastructure,
• Inadequate library facilities
• No teaching aids,
• Not very qualified faculty etc.
• Charging exorbitantly.
• Check needed by the government. 

Answer.
Standard of Education in Private Institutions
By : XYZ
Education these days has lost its standard. It has become just a business today. Private institutions, in the name of schools, colleges can be seen coming up everywhere, rather it is better to say that the private institutions are mushrooming at a fast rate. They are founded in a hurry, just to make financial benefits. Generally, they don’t have proper infrastructure. Most of the private institutions provide low quality education as they employ untrained staff, so that they don’t have to pay them a handsome amount in terms of salary. The management has nothing to do with the students’ learning standards. These institutions with inadequate library facilities and without teaching aids and qualified faculty produce such graduates who are unable to get good jobs as they don’t have the required knowledge. That’s not enough. Despite these flaws, they don’t compromise in terms of fees. They charge the fees exorbitantly. It is the need of the hour that the government should keep a strict check on the establishment of such fake or sub-standard institutions to save those students who get tricked into joining these institutions. 

Question. Have you ever made a journey that was unforgettable in some way? What made it memorable? Write a paragraph on this. 

Answer.
An Unforgettable Journey
We mostly went to our village with our mother during our summer and winter vacations. However, once my aunt and cousins also accompanied us. This was one of the best train journeys of my life. We took the top berth after having the delicious biryani which our mother had cooked for us.
We had already planned that we will stay awake until late at night to enjoy the journey in each other’s company.We began the fun by playing cards. As we finished a game or two, two boys sitting in the middle berth asked us if they could join us. Playing cards is always fun with more players. After playing cards, we began a game of dumb charades.
Since, we had been playing for almost four hours now, we felt hungry and it was snack time. We stealthily took out chips and biscuits from our bags. We chatted, cracked jokes and laughed heartily as we ate snacks. This journey gave us memories to cherish forever. 

Question. Write an article in 100-120 words on ‘Damages caused by Deforestation’. You are Ram/Rani.

Answer. 
Damages Caused by Deforestation
By : Rani
Trees are said to be the life- givers to human beings. But human beings are not paying any heed to this fact and are cutting them mercilessly and endlessly to satisfy their needs.
With our population rising at a tremendous rate, the trees and forests are vanishing faster than the blink of an eye.A time will come when the earth will be devoid of trees.
Deforestation has led to many serious problems such as depletion of the ozone layer. More pollution means more respiratory disorders, so on and so forth.
Therefore, it is our duty to make India a lush green country by planting more trees. Due to deforestation, the weather conditions have changed abruptly. Due to global warming, there is a great increase in temperature. Forests are the shelter of flora and fauna. With the cutting of trees of the forests, flora and fauna has been adversely affected. Trees prevent soil erosion but the felling of more trees has caused soil erosion. So, each and every place is turning into a barren wasteland. Moreover, floods have become frequent due to the same reason. If every single Indian takes a pledge to plant even one tree, we could again make our country, our India ‘GREEN INDIA’.

Question. A nation is what its teachers are. It is they who prepare the future leaders of a country. Write an article in 100-120 words on ‘The role an ideal teacher is expected to play’. You are Abha/Abhinav. You may take the help from the following notes :

Answer.
The Role an Ideal Teacher is Expected to Play
By : Abha
Teacher is the yardstick that measures the achievements and aspirations of the nation. A nation is what its teachers are. It is they who prepare the future leaders of a country.
If teachers are well-educated, knowledgeable, hardworking and intellectual and take keen interest in their job, then only success is ensured. The teachers should set example by being punctual, honest, sincere and upright. Role models are people who set good example by their conduct and by the words they speak. Teachers should instill strong ethical and moral code of conduct among students and on the other hand teach them about civic and democratic responsibility. They activate the minds of students. They bring to light the hidden and mental powers of students. A teacher is an engineer of soul. An excellent teacher must have patience and perseverance to become a role model.

Question. When people see a road victim, they just walk away without helping him. This is unbecoming of a responsible citizen. Write an article in 100-120 words on ‘Helping Road Victims’. You are Ram/Rama.

Answer.
Helping Road Victims
By : Ram
Weak enforcement of laws, highway traffic, the growing congestion on roads and personal issues play a major role in the disposition of road accidents. Now-a-days, road accidents are very common-it is a dreadful fact but the more dreadful is the insensitive attitude of the people. When people see a road victim, they just walk away without helping him which may result in the loss of precious life. It just reflects the irresponsible attitude of the citizens. If a victim gets timely help, his life can be saved. It is our moral duty to help the needy. We can make a call for ambulance. We can take the victim to the hospital on our own. Sometimes timely help matters a lot. First-aid can be given on the spot. If we can’t do anything other than consoling and soothing the victim by accompanying him, it also counts a lot.
Now rules for hospitals have been passed that a victim should be attended first, later police enquiry will be done in case of accident. So, there is nothing to be afraid in a police-case. The utmost important thing, that is to be done in such a scenario is to bring social awareness through schools, media, traffic police campaigns and NGOs so that precious lives can be saved. 

Question. Of late, a serious concern has been expressed at National and International forum over the rising water levels due to global warming. In view of this, write an article on’ Conservation of Environment’ in about 120 words. Mention the reasons and suggest measures to conserve environment. Use the following points as hints.
Environment—component of life–supports life–we damage environment–face global warming-damage ozone layer-melting ice-repair the loss.

Answer.
Conservation of Environment
By : ABC
There is an all round degradation of human environment. People complain of scorching heat, respiratory problems and ill health. It is time to pause and consider the cause behind all this. Global warming is increasing due to greenhouse gases. There is an urgent need to bring about awareness regarding environmental concerns. Environmental pollution is the gift of galloping population, unplanned industrialization, mining and haphazard and faulty town planning. Indiscriminate felling of trees and deforestation to utilise more land for agricultural purposes have added to the problems.
Under these circumstances, it is essential to create awareness among all people to keep the environment clean and pure. Vacant spaces may be turned into green pastures with saplings and trees around them. Efforts should be made to maintain the ecological balance.
We can arrange mass rallies or walks to create public awareness and force the concerned authorities to take preventive action.

Question. One of the key messages of the Prime Minister’s Independence Day speech was ‘Clean India’. The Government has taken an initiative for cleaning the rivers especially ‘The Ganges’. The Government has also urged the people of India to realise the dream of ‘Clean India’. Write an article in 100-120 words mentioning the measures people can take for a cleaner and greener India.

Answer.
Clean India, Green India
By : ABC
To fulfil Gandhiji’s and many other reformers’ dream of clean and green India, our Prime Minister Narendra Modiji emphasized on ‘Clean India’. On the occasion of Independence Day, his key message to fellow beings was to adopt it as the compulsory agenda.

In today’s scenario, we can see dust and dirt everywhere. Our surroundings are unclean. Our environment is in the constant grip of filth, squalor and garbage. There are heaps of garbage lying everywhere. Adding insult to the injury, even our sacred rivers are not spared. We are just worried about our own houses. We throw domestic as well as industrial garbage, dead bodies etc. in the same sacred rivers, e.g., the Yamuna, the Ganga, to whom we worship next to God.

This menace is not only making our atmosphere dirty but also making it difficult to get fresh air. The reason is that rapid mushrooming of industries and deforestation at a higher rate to establish these industries and new colonies has caused the density of oxygen to come down abruptly.
All of us are aware of these facts but until and unless each one of us wakes up to the problem and takes remedial steps, the dream of cleaner and greener India can’t be realised. Following the urge of Government also, we should plant more trees; keep our city, especially our rivers clean and pollution-free. 

Question. Shobita Arya recently came across several news reports regarding the acute water shortage that the country is likely to face during summers. On the occasion of World Water Day, she decides to express her views on the grave situation, the causes behind this crisis and her suggestions in an article on ‘Water Crisis’ for publication in a magazine. Write Shobhita’s article in about 100-120 words. 
• CONSERVE WATER
• EVERY DROP IS PRECIOUS
How must we celebrate World Water Day ?
- Achieve Water Security
- Harvest Water
- Use less Water
- Store in ponds, tanks and aquifers
- Recycle

Nation faces worst ever water crisis. Water table sinking—residents get water only for half an hour a day - parched summer ahead !

Answer.
Water Crisis
By : Shobita Arya
Every drop of water is precious. But several news reports say that the country is likely to face acute water shortage during summers. So water conservation is essential. On the occasion of World Water Day, we students should take an oath to store rain water in ponds, tanks and aquifers. Water should be recycled. The water table is sinking.
Residents are receiving water for half an hour in a day. The awareness to save water should be spread. Rain water harvesting should be made mandatory. The authorities should start drives to ‘save water’.

Question. Prices of food articles are increasing day-by-day and there is a wide gap between the wholesale prices and retail prices. Write an article in 100-120 words on ‘Rising Prices’ and give suggestions on how to control them. You may use the hints given below.

Answer.
‘Rising Prices’
By : XYZ
Inflation is one of the major problems of the common man with the prices of commodities of daily use soaring high. And the worst thing is when food items get dearer, one is compelled to stretch oneself beyond one’s capacity to provide the necessities to one’s family.
In such circumstances the poor continue in their state of poverty but the repercussions on the middle class are high in the form of using up of their meagre savings or even incurring debts.
Inflation of food prices directly impacts the quality of nutrition available and hence the health of the human resource of the nation with a major chunk of the family income, being used up to run the kitchen. There is a severe cut down on the fund available for other important functions like the education of the children.

The government’s efforts of opening ration shops or fair price shops are grossly inadequate because the quality of grains available there is unfit for consumption and even those below the poverty line prefer not to access them. In such a scenario, substantial work needs to be done by the authorities in making food affordable and reducing the taxes on the basic necessities to bring down the contrast between the wholesale and retail prices. As for the common man; he can do his bit by avoiding wastage. Every grain, every speck of food needs to be valued!

Question. You are Apoorv / Apoorva, a student of class X. You feel that in the current age, human beings use a lot of computers, therefore it is essential for every student to learn how to use computers. Write an article in 100-120 words for the school magazine on the topic, “Importance of Computers for Students”. 

Answer.
Importance of Computers for Students
By : Apoorv (Class X)
Technological advancements in recent times have touched and affected all walks of life including education sector.It has become a necessity of life, be it tablets in the class room, online lesson plans, etc. technology is changing the entire education landscape.
Among numerous benefits of computers, the importance of this amazing machine in students’ life can be seen everywhere. With the easy availability of computers, everything is accessible in few clicks. They have made a student’s life very time saving and convenient. Computers also make communication easier and faster which further helps students staying away from family feel very much at home. They also make the entire learning process much more fun and efficient for students. Students can use internet as a resource. They can also update themselves with the new technology innovation in education. However, it is their responsibility to use it wisely and put it to better use.

ARTICLE

An article presents information on variety of themes in a long and sustained piece of writing. It involves a high degree of creativity, a wide vocabulary, a thorough knowledge of the subject,and a lot of organizational abilities. 

GUIDELINES and FORMAT

1. Heading/title
· Should be eye catching,
· Should encapsulate the central theme
Byline-by whom the article is written

2. Introduction
· State what the article is about
· Catch attention
· Arouse interest
· Limit and control what you plan to discuss in your article

3. Developing cause-effect relationship
· Use facts to support your claims
· Give examples to support your views
· Present arguments in a coherent, logical and convincing manner

4. Comparison and contrast
· Give views contrary to yours
· Argue as to why your views are better

Article Writing Class 10 English 

Question. Midday meal programme of the government started with the noble cause of encouraging children to come to school and improve their nutritional status. But reports of the recent death of 23 children in Bihar and other incidents of negligence in cooking the mid-day meal has produced an alarming effect on the minds of parents. You are Akshit/Akshita, Head boy/ Head girl of your school. Write an article in 120-150 words on the topic—’Midday Meal Scheme—How to improve it ?’

Answer.
Mid-day Meal Scheme—How to Improve It ?
By : Akshit
(Head Boy)
Recent reports of 23 school children dying after consuming the mid-day meal and many similar incidents reported from several other parts of India are the evidence of gross negligence on the part of these institutions and a betrayal of the trust of the parents who agreed to send their children to school in the hope that in addition to gaining knowledge, the practice will ensure at least one meal of the day for them. Rather the entire society is sceptical of the intentions and trustworthiness of such schemes.

Although the thought behind starting the program as a part of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan is honourable and practical as teaching children with empty stomach would be a futile activity. But formulating schemes alone is not enough and their implementation is equally important.

The incidents mentioned have to be seriously investigated and suitable positive action should be taken to serve as a deterrent. Further, principles should be laid down for greater accountability of these institutions. Under the Right to Information Act, any NGO or philanthropic organization should be able to demand an account of the funds allocated.
Only strict vigilance on these activities by NGOs and responsible citizens can ensure the success of the government’s schemes.

Question. According to a recent survey, school students are the worst victims of malnutrition. This leads to poor performance in their studies. Write an article in 100-120 words for your school magazine appealing to students to avoid junk food an far as possible and adhere to a healthy diet of fruits and green vegetables. You are Vaibhavi / Vaibhav of New Delhi. 

Answer. 
Hazards of Junk Food
By : Vaibhavi
It is sad but true that the school students are the worst victims of malnutrition. The reason behind it is not poverty but their growing fondness for junk and fried food. Most students prefer pizzas and burgers over fruits and green vegetables. Such items have always been a more tempting option to the home cooked meal of rice, chapatis and vegetables. The opening of fast food corners has made it convenient to grab a burger than to carry a tiffin. But there is a huge price to be paid for this convenience.

Junk food is high in calories and extremely low in nutrients. It is a major cause of serious problems like obesity and malnourishment due to the lack of essential nutrients in the diet.

Fortunately, the solution of this problem is simple—give the children a better option of nutritious and hygienic home cooked food, made interesting through innovations. School authorities should also take immediate steps to replace fast food items with health promoting items such as milk, eggs, bread sandwich, fruit chaat etc. Students should be taught that health is wealth. If they remain healthy, only then they can concentrate on studies. Junk food will bring nothing but ill health, obesity and unhappy life.

Question. You are Pratibha/Rahul of Class X. Write an article in 100-120 words on ‘Ill effects on students of too much of television’. You can use the following clues :
• Increasing addiction
• A great variety of programme
• Easy availability
• Drop in academic performance
• Result - poor physical and mental health
• Neglect of studies

Answer.
Ill Effects on Students of too much of Television
By : Pratibha
One of the most important inventions of science is television. It is very beneficial for the students as well as every member of society but nowadays television has become a bane in place of boon because students have become addicted to viewing television. Numerous types of programmes are telecasted on television round the clock and television is extremely easy to avail as the shops are available at each nook and corner where so many television sets are sold in different shape. This is the reason why students neglect their studies. They prefer to view their favourite programmes than to study. It results in drop out cases as well as a drop in their academic performance. It also has an adverse effect on the physical as well as mental health of the students. So it’s the need of the hour that the students make judicious use of time while watching TV.

Question. Polythene carry bags are harmful for environment in many ways. Students of your school are not aware of their harmful effects. They bring their eatables in poly bags. In order to make them aware, write an article for your school magazine. 

Answer.
Save Life—Say no to Plastic Bags
By : XYZ
In today’s time, plastic bags are present just anywhere and everywhere. They have become an indispensable part of our lives. What we don’t realise is that they cause us a lot of harm. A lot of people wrap food articles in them also, without realising that they harm the food articles. Another great disadvantage of using poly bags is that of dispensing them as they are non-biodegradable. When people throw them in drains, the drains get choked. They are the major constituents of river pollution. Animals eat them from garbage heaps and die. If someone tries to burn them, then they cause a lot of air pollution. So, we should stop using poly bags so as to save our environment and our Mother Earth.

Question. Write an article on the benefits of exercising and walking to school. You are Ram/Rama. 

Answer.
Benefits of Exercising and Walking to School
By : Ram
Research from the American Journal of Preventative Medicine indicates that regular exercise adds up to five years to our life and walking is the best exercise. Students can keep themselves physically fit and their mind alert by going to school on foot. On one hand, it will prevent obesity and on the other hand, it will make the environment pollution free, as caused by the vehicles, when driven to reach school. A number of studies have found that exercise and walking helps to rule out depression. Exercise blocks negative thoughts and distracts us from daily worries. Exercising with others provides an opportunity for increased social contacts. Increased fitness lifts our mood and also change levels of chemicals in our brain such as serotonin, endorphins and stress hormones. In the same way, morning walk is a boon for health. No diet or tonic is as effective as morning walk. Fresh morning air refreshes us and relaxes the body and mind. Students, while walking to school can enjoy sights on the way which enlightens their mood. It is good source of entertainment. Students can also share their problems during this period. Moreover, they have to pay nothing to get this opportunity of getting bountiful happiness. Being fit and happy, their performance improves.

Question. As Madhu/Mohan, write an article for your school magazine voicing your concern about commercialization of education in about 120 words. 

Answer.
Commercialization of Education
By : Madhu
Liberalization of economy in India has generated more wealth and a never satiating consumerism; unfortunately even education has fallen into the clutches of commercialization. Parents who are well-off want to provide ‘quality’ education to their children. English medium schools and so called ‘public schools’ have mushroomed and are flourishing on the weaknesses of class conscious parents. Leaving aside a few reputed and established names, most of these newly sprung-up schools are not better than ‘teaching shops’. They mint money at the cost of ignorant and credulous parents. To a casual onlooker, the system appears restrictive and selective, but the overcrowded classrooms with 60 to 70 students in the primary section tell a different story.

The overcrowded classrooms adversely affect the academic standards. It is very difficult for any teacher, how so ever resourceful, to build any report or conduct interactive sessions in such classes. The curriculum is ‘covered’ in a poor manner. The academic values are brushed aside and the sole factor that governs the school authorities is money. The concerned authorities must make a note of it and take necessary action so that the students get quality education and come out in flying colours.

Question. Do you think there is color prejudice in our own country? Write a descriptive paragraph of about 100-150 words about this? 

Answer.
Color Prejudice in India
India’s obsession with fair skin is well known and deep rooted. Color prejudice is widespread and practised openly across the country. Indian society believes skin color determines a person’s worth. The Advertising Standards Council of India attempted to address skin-based discrimination in 2014 by banning ads that depict people with darker skin as inferior. This was a step in the right direction, but it failed to change much. Four years later, India’s media and advertisement industries are still promoting the idea that women with dark complexions should aspire to be fairer. India stands on the verge of being one of the color prejudiced countries whose color, case, gender and status of person are the parameters to judge people.

Question. Write an article in 100-120 words on the topic, ‘Importance of clean surroundings in your locality’. You are Ram/Rama. 

Answer. 
Importance of Clean Surroundings
By : Ram
Cleanliness is one’s precious possession. It is next to Godliness. As we worship God, in the same way, it is our utmost duty to keep our surroundings clean and ultimately create good hygienic conditions in the country.Seeing its importance, ‘Clean India’ is the mission of the government, i.e., to present the beautiful picture of the country to the world.

Cleanliness means keeping one’s body, mind, dress and surroundings clean. A person who wears dirty clothes, keeps his house dirty and makes the surroundings unhygienic will soon lose his health and also make others fall ill. Disease germs breed, grow and multiply in the dirty surroundings. Contagious diseases are caused due to dirty surroundings and dirty people. As regular washing of body and clothes is important for our health, regular cleaning of environment is important for a nation’s health because clean environment is the prior condition of a healthy society and healthy country. Dirt is the symbol of moral evil and cleanliness is the symbol of moral poverty. The basic requirement of creating clean surroundings is to make it pollution fee. So it is the moral duty of every person to work for the cause by not littering here and there, planting more trees and by keeping the place free of industrial waste and garbage.

Articles and speeches express the personal opinion of the writer and present information on a variety of themes.

FORMAT:

1. Write the HEADING/TITLE at the top.
2. Write the name of the writer below it.
3. Split your subject matter into 3-4 paragraphs.
(i) Paragraph-1: Introduction-briefly tell what the Article is about, giving some startling fact or quotation to arouse interest.
(ii) Paragraph-2&3: Develop the cause and effect of the problem. Give example to support your views. Compare and contrast.
(iii) Paragraph-4:Conclusion.Briefly offer suggestions and solutions to improve the situation. Predictions and personal observation may be included.
4. Systematic presentation of ideas is a must.
5. Pay attention to grammatical accuracy and use of good vocabulary.
6. Use sentence linkers to ensure continuity- e.g. firstly, finally, moreover, etc.
7. Remove irrelevant information and repetition.
8. Follow word limit (150-200 words)

Write a good ending:

In an article, it's better to give the readers something to think about, perhaps by asking them another question or giving them a call to action. Often, the best endings link back to the starting point in some way. Use of quotes, slogans, couplets may be incorporated as per the requirement and relevance.

Common mistakes students make in articles

The language is too formal and more suited to essays. Avoid words like: to sum up, some people say, nevertheless, on one hand etc.
They don't use quotes or examples.
They either use not enough, or too many, questions. The questions, called rhetorical questions because they don't require an answer, shouldn't be more than one per paragraph. Some examples are:
- Have you ever ……..?
- What do you think about ……..?
- Are you one of those people who think that ……?
- What would life be like if ……?
- Will the future bring us ….. ?
A direct, rhetorical question in the first paragraph will make readers want to find out the answer.
Manage time while writing an article. You should not cross the word limit and spoil your precious time.
Use CODER to finally write your article. (Explained in the MCB of Class – IX)

DISTRIBUTION OF MARKS: (5 marks)
FORMAT: (Title &writers name 1mark
CONTENT: (2 marks)
FLUENCY AND ACCURACY: (2 marks)
(Grammatical accuracy, appropriate words and spellings
Coherence and relevance of ideas and style )

SOLVED QUESTION:
Women walk long distances to fetch water in certain parts of the country. There is not only scarcity of water but water in most places is also contaminated. Using the hints given below together with your own ideas, write an article in about 125 words on the scarcity of clean drinking water, suggesting ways to improve the situation.
Scarcity of clean drinking water
Women travel long distances in certain areas like Rajasthan and Gujrat to fetch water
Contamination of water
Linking rivers
Awareness of clean drinking water habits
Water harvesting/water conservation

Water: Lifeline of life
By: XYZ, Class X
Water is the biggest crisis facing India in terms of spread and severity. With 20% of the worlds population, India must meet its water needs with just five percent of the globes available supply. The situation has reached the nadir because of dwindling water-supply, rapidly rising population and changing lifestyles.
Groundwater, which is the main source of drinking water, has been heavily overused. Moreover, it is polluted due to overuse of pesticides and chemicals in agriculture. River water, too, is contaminated and rendered unfit for drinking, due to discharge of effluents from industry and domestic sewage.
To provide permanent relief against water woes, the government must prepare a concrete plan of action. Awareness drives to educate users about water use should be carried on. Rain water, a free source of nearly pure water, must be harvested. The bitter irony is that large swathes of the east and northeast are flooded annually, killing hundreds and displacing millions, but schemes to link- rivers that would relocate the water to where it is needed the most have remained only on paper. These schemes
should be implemented without delay.
Only a healthy nation can make a headway and it is imperative to make every serious effort to make its citizens healthy and fit. This can only be possible if a concerted effort is made with gravity.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

Q.2. Students spend a lot of time in front of the TV. They watch advertisements selling various consumer products targeted at children. As a result, children demand the clothes, shoes, food etc. advertised on the TV.
TV Advertisements and Children
A flood of new TV advertisements leaves no doubt that children are a major focus of advertisers. In April-May of 2002 an estimated 35% of all TV ads were using children to attract consumer interest and a large proportion were targeting the child viewer specifically.
According to our findings, almost 75% children in 8-15 age group say they want to own products advertised on TV. Asked to name their ten favorite ads, they named detergent and even airline ads rather than ads for toys, games, sweets or food products.
Using the information provided here and using your own ideas, write an article for school magazine in about 125 words.

Q.3.You are Upasana Dutta, President of Save the Child Foundation. You are a social activist working for the welfare of children in the developing world. As you travel to many developing countries, you have collected the following facts and then you decide to write an article to highlight the problem related to childhood. Using the information given below and your own ideas, write the article. (word limit: 100 to 120 words)
                                              Lost Childhood
                                                  FACT SHEET
In the developing world, more than one in three children do not have adequate shelter, one in five children does not have access to safe water and one in seven has no access to health services.
As many as 120 million children, majority of them girls, do not attend school.
Two million children under the age of five die every year because they are not immunized with routine, commonplace vaccine.
If just 0.5 percent of global military spending were diverted to immunization, every child in the world could be immunized for the next decade.

Q.4.While reading the newspaper, the following news item caught your attention.
                                          Lucknow, 25th July 2016
Juhi Singh
Cut out the junk food
More worrisome than addictions like cigarettes, alcohol, drug abuse or even excessive tea or coffee which would earn a social frown, junk food addiction not only has the sanction but it is not even considered worthy worrying about. Yet this addiction to junk food is a habit that invites a host of diseases ranging from obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, arthritis, lethargy, anaemia and depression among others. The problem is that the onset of this addiction is very slow, almost like, committing slow suicide, a little bit every-day.
Using the information given above and adding up your ideas write an article for your school magazine on junk food addiction, sharing your concern. Remember, you are Jiya/Jay, the School Captain of your school. (word limit: 100-125 words)