CBSE Class 12 English Article Writing Assignment Set B

ARTICLES FOR NEWSPAPERS

Solved Questions

Question. You are Rani/Raghav. You are much concerned about the changing attitude of politicians who are using religion for political gains. Write an article for publication in a local daily suggesting these people to separate religion from politics and work for the betterment of the society.
Answer: 

Separate Religion from Politics
(by Rani)

It is distressing to observe the changing attitude of politicians who are using religion for political gains. During the election period the politicians go to different areas and praise the religion that is being followed in that particular region so as to have political gains. Thus creating religious differences among the people which later result in communal riots.
People should not believe whatever the politicians say on the eve of elections. They should themselves think what is right and what is wrong. Mixing politics with religion should be discouraged. Politicians who use religion for only political gains and selfish ends and not for the betterment of the society should be discarded and voted out. People must seize the initiative to separate religion from politics. Communal harmony is essential for peaceful co-existence in a society composed of diverse religions. Hence, people should separate religion from politics and work for the betterment of the society so as to live in peace and harmony as one nation.

Question. You are Rani/Raghav. Many organisations have come forward with the idea of ‘Education for All’. In spite of their best efforts it is still a dream. Write an article for publication in a local daily giving suggestions to make it a reality as education is the only way to progress.
Answer: 

Education for All
(by Raghav)

A few years ago, the Delhi Government directed the Education Department to implement the new scheme EFA—“Education for All”, in order to educate all the people of Delhi. Teachers of many schools participated in the workshops headed by Education Officers to carry out the scheme with the help of non-government organisations and students. However, it met with partial success. Despite their best efforts, this is still a dream.
I think it would have been better if the government had employed fresh and young unemployed dedicated teachers to teach the uneducated people, particularly in the villages and the slums of Delhi. Another positive step is to open a few temporary schools in the slums with the facility of mid-day meals. This would look after the physical, social and educational needs of the illiterate slum dwellers. The parents would feel encouraged and inspired to send them to such schools instead of engaging them in menial jobs to earn their bread. It is a well known fact that the poor can hardly make both ends meet. The experience of running Adult Education Centres is of no help in the ‘Education for All’ programme. Teaching unwilling, young, hungry and unfed children is far more difficult than teaching illiterate adults. Besides patience on the part of the teachers, some physical facilities and audio-visual aids are essential to eradicate illiteracy.

Question. Krishna along with his friends visited the city of Agra, a place of great historical importance. After returning from the trip, he decided to write an article on Agra for a weekly youth magazine ‘Medha’. Write the article.
Answer: 

Agra — The City of the Taj
(by Krishna)

Agra has achieved world fame for its historic monument—the Taj Mahal. It is not a mere marble monument constructed in the memory of Mumtaz Mahal, it is a saga of love. Situated on the banks of the Yamuna river, the Taj appears to be a dream in marble on moonlit nights. Though it dates from a by gone era—the golden period of Agra when it had the unique distinction of being the capital of India under the Mughals—is still one of the architectural wonders. Standing in the gateway leading to the Taj one has a panoramic view of the majestic complex. The Taj stands on a raised platform with tall white minarets at each corner of the platform. The central structure has four small domes surrounding the huge central dome. The tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan lie in the basement. However, in the main chamber above, we find the replica of these tombs. The whole building is decorated with intricate carvings of floral designs. The workmanship of precious stones inlaid in the marble is amazingly beautiful.
The Agra Fort is an impressive structure which includes Moti Masjid, Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khas, Octagonal Tower and Jehangir’s Palace. It reminds us of the famous Red Fort at Delhi, as both of them have many similarities of architecture. The other places worth visiting are Jama Masjid, Dayal Bagh Temple and Akbar’s Mausoleum at Sikandra.
Of late, these heritage buildings are suffering because of environmental pollution. It is essential to preserve their pristine beauty and glory from the fumes of toxic gases and harmful smoke.

Question. Seema Pant had a discussion with her friend on co-education. After hearing the negative views towards the subject from her friend, Seema decides to write an article on the advantages of co-education for a famous monthly magazine ‘Kanya’. Write the article.
Answer: 

Advantages of Co-education
(by Seema Pant)

Coexisting happily and in a healthy atmosphere is a hallmark of the civilised society. Co-education provides an opportunity to the boys and girls to grow and study together in harmony. Thus, the necessary fear, craze and mystery about the opposite sex is removed from the mind. In the modern society women are constantly striving to be equal to men in all spheres of life. Hence, it is imperative to groom girls from an early age to equip themselves with the psychological and intellectual level essential to deal effectively with the members of the opposite sex. Similarly, men have to work with women colleagues and in order to feel comfortable in a healthy work relationship, they need to shed their awkwardness, excessive male chauvinism and sense of superiority or domination. It is essential that boys and girls grow with a respect for each other’s individuality. They should develop normal modes of behaviour and progressive ways of thinking. Co-education helps in building the all round personality by removing many complexes and making the person’s approach wholesome and sound.
It is often noticed that an adult person’s behaviour in society is dependent on the environment he grows in. Hence, the influence of early childhood and adolescence leaves a marked impression on him. Coeducation prepares the adolescents to learn the value of adjustment by understanding the viewpoint of the other party. Confidence, tolerance, maturity, communicative competence, expressive ability and feeling of healthy competition are some of the virtues fostered in adolescents through co-education at school stage.

Question. Bala Vaidyanathan of Hyderabad feels highly disturbed to see that in spite of government legislation against the dowry, cases of bride burning are on the increase as per the newspaper reports. She being extremely sensitive, decides to write an article on the immediate need for eradicating this social stigma.
Answer: 

Evils of Dowry System
(by Bala Vaidyanathan)

Dowry system has been prevalent in India since time immemorial. However, what was once a ritual offering as a token of love has now degenerated into a menace that has spread like a contagious disease and spoiled the lives of thousands of young brides and ruined so many families. In this male dominated society, the position of women has always been denigrated. The provisions of the Constitution to safeguard the honour and equality of women are easily ignored. The Anti-Dowry Act, 1971 is broken with impunity. Newspaper columns are replete with details of bride burning and dowry deaths.
We are entering a new millennium but the exploitation of women goes on unabated. Women do not lag behind men in any sphere, yet the cruel and inhuman system of dowry forces women to bear the brunt of torture at the hands of menfolk. The demands of dowry hungry persons go on mounting. There is an upward swing in the divorce cases all over the country. A social awareness, in fact a second reawakening, is essential to put an end to this social stigma on women. Young men and women should come forward to uproot this evil. Mere pledges to eradicate dowry are not sufficient. Let words be translated into action. Women organisations should play a constructive role by educating women not to fall victims to callous and greedy dowry seekers who perpetrate this evil practice which ends in bride burning, divorces or break up of families.

Question. You are Vinod/Vimla. You are worried about the hikes in the prices of essential commodities like gas, pulses, vegetables, etc. Write an article on this for publication in a local daily, suggesting certain steps to curb price hikes.
Answer: 

Rising Prices Create Crisis
(by Vinod)

The present world has become a difficult world for the common person who finds it increasingly impossible to make both ends meet. The primary cause is the rising prices of essential commodities. The prices of domestic gas, pulses, vegetables, fruits, etc. are sky-rocketing and three square meals a day has become a distant dream. The drastic changes in economy invariably lead to hike in prices of commodities. The increase in the prices of petrol or diesel tends to affect the entire economic structure of the nation.
The trade, industry and agricultural sectors are put at stake because the prices of petrol govern the life of the common consumers. The spiralling prices do not have any impact on the elite sections of society. It is the middle class and the people living below the poverty line who are the hardest hit. With liberalisation and globalisation, there has been an increased entry of multinational and other corporate giants into our country. The government should ensure that the rich do not enjoy these services at the cost of the poor. To ensure equity, higher taxes should be levied on these companies and indigenously produced options encouraged. This will ensure a minimum level of quality of life for the lower socio-economic groups. The government should also seriously boost the marketing and sales of its own agricultural produce. This will ensure a favourable environment for domestic agricultural growth. Policy decision makers should keep the poor person in mind at all times.

Question. You are the member of the Environment Club of your school. After visiting many places you have realised that it is the need of the hour to protect our environment. Write an article on this topic to create awareness among the people.
Answer: 

Need for Protecting Environment
(by Ayushi)

There is an all round degradation in 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 on the rise due to greenhouse gases.
There is an urgent need to bring about awareness regarding environmental concerns. The impending doom can be foretold quite easily if no timely steps are taken for protecting environment.
Environmental pollution is the gift of galloping population, unplanned industrialisation, mining and haphazard and faulty town planning. Indiscriminate felling of trees and deforestation to utilise more land for agricultural purposes have added to the problem. Emission of poisonous smoke and gases, the effluents and the industrial waste have destroyed the purity of air. Minute particles of poisonous matter are suspended in the air and lead to respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis, irritation, skin diseases and eye problems. The noise of loudspeakers, honking of horns of vehicles and music parlours impair our ears and create a deafening sensation. Both eyes and ears are affected if you are stranded in a traffic jam in a metropolitan city like the highly populated national capital.
Under these circumstances, it is essential to create awareness among all the people to keep the environment clean and pure. Vacant spaces may be turned into green pastures with saplings and trees all 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. You are much concerned about the wastage of money and manpower due to the frequent elections in your country. Write an article on the urgent need to have a stable government.
Answer: 

Need for a Stable Government
(by Rohit)

The frequent elections in our country are a burden on our economy. Crores of rupees are unnecessarily wasted in an election for a single constituency. If the whole amount spent by the government, political parties, candidates and their well wishers is computed, it comes to billions of rupees in a single election. During the last 5 years, our Parliament have been very short-lived. Three general elections in four years — four governments collapsed, the longevity ranging from 13 days to 13 months. Besides a burden on the state exchequer, these elections utilise the energies of men and consume materials which could be gainfully employed for the development of the nation.
The fractured verdict in every election should be an eye-opener to our esteemed members of the Parliament as well. The people, it seems, repose no faith in single political party. It is not a time to squabble and pull each other’s leg but to provide peace, progress and prosperity to the poor nation. People want good governance which is possible only by stable governments. The heterogeneous combination of motley groups seems to be more worried about their own coordination and survival than about the fate of the nation. If the present system has failed, some other viable alternative within democratic framework should be explored. The supreme consideration is man. Alexander Pope’s lines are quite relevant to the present scenario :
“For forms of government let fools contest, whatever is best administered is best.”

Question. In the recently held elections to the Lok Sabha only a small number of women could get elected as members of Parliament. In view of this situation write an article on the reservation of seats for women in the Parliament.
Answer: 

Reservation of Seats for Women in the Parliament
(by Vatika)

Our Constitution grants equal opportunities to men and women. The women have the right to franchise and contest elections. Speeches are made and slogans raised in favour of women empowerment and high place accorded to women in India. The reality is just the reverse. The recent elections to the Lok Sabha can serve as an eye opener in this respect. Only a small number of women could get elected as members of Parliament. In fact, the number of women parliamentarians is decreasing every time. The male-dominated society only pays lip service to women power. Actually, the males still want to dominate and do not allow women to be superiors or bosses.
If the situation is analysed dispassionately, we find much to say in favour of women. They constitute fifty per cent of electorate, but their representation in Parliament is not even five per cent. It is an anomaly. Our traditional customs, values and ethos of society do not encourage women to contest against men and come out victorious. The only option left in the present situation is the reservation of seats for women in the Parliament on the lines of reservation in local bodies. It is hoped that this will rectify the imbalance and pave way for greater representation of women in politics and Parliament.

Question. While going to your school in the morning you noticed hundreds of men and women queuing up before the vegetable booth of your locality. On inquiring you were told that they were waiting to buy 2 kgs of onion on their ration cards, as they were selling at a very high price in open market. In anguish you decide to write an article for publication in the paper, suggesting ways and means to overcome this problem and avert its recurrence in future.
Answer: 

Rising Prices
(by Kavita)

It is an everyday occurrence now to see hundreds of men and women queuing up outside government outlets and fair price shops for purchasing a rationed 2 kgs of onion.
It is learnt that there is a scarcity of onions in the market. Bad crops, untimely rains and the greed of the unscrupulous stockists and hoarders have resulted in a crisis for the common man. The government has to respond to the situation to save the consumers from the avaricious dealers. While adopting stringent measures against the offenders, supplies of essential goods have to be maintained to restore public confidence. Those guilty of creating an artificial scarcity must be brought to book. The devious acts of the miscreants should not go unpunished.
The ‘onion shortage’ may serve as an eye opener for those responsible for managing production and distribution networks. At present, it is in the hands of private firms. The government departments should enter the market as a healthy competitor. This needs rooting out corruption from government departments and a sense of dedication to serve the people. An enlightened consumer movement is essential to keep healthy check on dishonest and fraudulent middlemen, dealers and stockists who resort to nefarious practices to feather their own nests.

Question. You saw a stray dog beaten to death by a group of boys. Their act infuriated you and you scolded them for their cruel act. You decided to write an article on cruelty to animals. Write the article as Nikhil/Naina.
Answer: 

Cruelty to Animals
(by Nikhil)

It is our moral duty to treat animals with love and compassion. But we can’t fulfil our duty properly. There are a lot of cases of animal cruelty in our society. Recently a stray dog was beaten to death by a group of boys. Animals are killed by poachers for their skins and teeth are used for the medicines and ornaments. Even in circus, they play to the tune of their ring masters. The circus owners make a lot of money showing their play and tricks to the people.
We must adopt a positive and protective approach towards animals. Their survival is must. Cruelty to animals must be stopped at any cost. Then only this environment can survive and balance can be maintained. Cruelty of man towards animals should stop. There is the need of social awakening. Mass involvement and commitment is required to bring about a change in attitude.

Question. To enforce strict discipline in schools and colleges is a great problem now-a-days. As Mohan/Mohini, write an article for The Hindustan Times, Delhi about the problems and your views on punishment as a corrective measure.
Answer: 

Discipline
(by Mohan)

Discipline is a means of keeping the things in order. It inculcates in us a sense of duty and obedience. Discipline is the bedrock of any institution. It is essential in all walks of life. Absence of discipline will lead to chaos and confusion. Discipline is a training of the mind and character and implies submission to rules.
Discipline must be inculcated early in life. However, a glimpse of the existing scenario reveals that discipline is sadly lacking in all spheres of life. Our students look upon national leaders as their role models. Every other day we hear of strikes and demonstrations in schools, colleges and universities. Gandhiji advocated satyagraha and boycott of classes for a specific purpose, but now students take recourse to mindless strikes at trivial issues. Elections to students’ bodies have also ruined the healthy academic environment. Now students who enjoy political patronage care a fig for the school/college authorities. Earlier corporal punishment was awarded at school to bring an erring scholar to the right track. ‘Spare the rod and spoil the child’ is the most hated maxim now. Proper counselling and guidance by parents and teachers can help the students to maintain discipline. Punishment — physical or financial — has failed to be a corrective measure. We must check good students from falling in the clutches of rowdies who vitiate the academic environment and pollute the atmosphere.

Question. Recently you read in the newspaper an incident in which the children tried to imitate the stunts shown on television and embraced death. Write an article on the hazards of television watching for kids. Write an article for The Hindu, the daily newspaper.
Answer: 

Hazards of Television Watching
(by Shruti Natarajan)

Television has become the most popular and the cheapest source of entertainment these days. Children have in fact become TV addicts. No doubt children are curious and fearless by nature. Of late a disturbing trend has been noticed. Children have become more aggressive and love to watch action films, stunts and movies full of violence and horrors. Such programmes enkindle in them the desire to be supermen by undertaking misadventures. Some programmes exhibit formulae to disappear and wrapping others with a magic wand. The jumps from five storey buildings into ocean or from the roof of one moving train to another are fairly common. Last month a few school children died while imitating these stunts, shown on television. The gory result was predictable. It is true that there is a warning at the beginning of such programmes.
The only remedy lies in complete ban on such hazardous programmes as they fan and fire flames of violence in young minds. During the impressionable age the innocent children are moved by their inner urge to imitate their seniors and if possible, do better than them. Parents, society, film makers and exhibitors all must unite in order to save young children from violence and misadventures.

14. Mrs. Batool Naseem of Golconda, Hyderabad feels highly disturbed to see that in spite of all possible help from the government and voluntary organisations the cyclone affected people from coastal areas of Andhra are not getting sufficient food and medicines to keep themselves alive and free from epidemics as per the newspaper reporting. She being extremely sensitive decides to write an article on the immediate need for extending the desired help to these people for publication in The Hindu.
Answer: 

Plight of Cyclone Victims
(by Batool Naseem)

The coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh were hit by a super cyclone this year. The sudden devastation took the toll of thousands of human lives besides rendering lakhs of them homeless. Animals and crops have been lost. Houses and belongings have been destroyed. These cyclone affected people have lost their means of livelihood. A visit to the shelters and camps of these unfortunate victims of nature’s fury fill our eyes with tears.
Though the voluntary organisations and the government have taken all possible steps to help them, but the people are not getting sufficient food and medicines to keep them alive and free from epidemics. Many cases of deaths through anaemia and lack of proper nutrition have been reported in the newspapers. Our visit revealed the distressing state of affairs prevailing there. The number of cyclone affected persons was ever on the increase and thus all help and facilities ran short. Food and medicines were short in supply. Sanitation was not proper. There is an urgent need of providing more relief to save these sufferers.

Question. This year children of many schools in Delhi took a vow not to use crackers and other fireworks on the occasion of Deepawali to reduce air and noise pollution and also to register their protests against the child labour involved in this industry. The next day, almost all the important national dailies published this news with great appreciation for this unique gesture on the part of the children. Getting motivated by this news, write an article on ‘Role of Children in Curbing Blackmarketing and Criminalisation in Politics’ for publication in The Educational Times.
Answer: 

Role of Children in Curbing Blackmarketing and Criminalisation in Politics
(by Piyush)

This year the children of many schools in Delhi have left an indelible mark on this festive season by vowing not to use crackers and other fireworks on the occasion of Deepawali. It has indeed been an unprecedented gesture on their part. The students who are conscious of their responsibility enlightened the society towards the urgent need to reduce air and noise pollution besides registering their protest against child labour involved in this industry.
If the young students create this awareness, the society will pay attention to the larger maladies that afflict the social fabric. Corruption, black marketing and criminalisation in politics are the rampant malaises. Essential commodities, specific luxury items, reservation of rail/air tickets, issue of passports are some of the greener pastures for the selfish, corrupt and criminal manipulators to indulge in. Glaring examples of hoarding and black marketing include the sugar crisis, salt crisis, mustard oil crisis and the recent onion crisis. Politicians are hand in glove with criminals who break law with impunity. In some of the states criminals contest elections and get elected. Let no institution honour these criminal turned politicians.
The students can play an effective role in drawing attention to the various ills afflicting the society. It is now up to the grown ups to hold on to the baton and evolve effective steps to curb blackmarketing and criminalisation in politics.

Questions for Self-Evaluation
1. You went to a local Public School for admission of your nephew to the K.G.Class. On contacting the Admission Incharge of the school you were shocked to learn that the admission test was merely a formality. The admission was to be granted not based on the merit of the child but on the parent’s capacity to pay a fat capitation fee to the school. You felt extremely upset over this educational evil. Write an article on the exploitation of parents by some of the private schools to be published in The Times of India.
2. The Value Education Club of your school organised a visit to the ‘Home for the Blind’ in your town. There you got the opportunity of knowing the feelings and problems of the blind from a close angle. On your return from the trip you decide to write an article for The Times of India on the problems of the blind and the government’s expected role in solving them. Write the article.
3. You forgot your purse at home, which you realised only when you were buying the ticket in the bus. The conductor came to your rescue and paid for you. However, you have returned the money to him. Nevertheless you have developed a great regard for the polite conductors who are humane and in appreciation of his polite manners, write an article for your local daily under ‘Madras Musings’.