CBSE Class 12 English Article Writing Notes

6. ARTICLE WRITING

Writing an article is an art. The dictionary defines an article as a piece of writing about a particular subject in a newspaper or magazine. An article is an expression of one’s thought on an issue or a subject logically and coherently written in meaningful paragraphs.

POINTS TO REMEMBER

• Give a title that catches the attention of the reader.

• Begin with a striking opening sentence which addresses the readers and gets them interested in the topic.

• Present a strong argument for your ideas supporting it with evidences or elaboration.

• Use linking devices (however, therefore, although, even though, in order to…) to make the composition appear a whole.

• Introduce a new point at the beginning of an each paragraph that follows, to strengthen your ideas.

• Develop your ideas as much as you can to make them interesting and substantial.

• Conclude with your strongest point.

• Use passive voice, humor, emotive language, rhetorical questions to provide a specific effect.

SAMPLE ARTICLE

You are Vikranth / Vinitha, a freelance writer much concerned about the discriminatory treatment of women in the Indian society. Write an article in 150 – 200 words throwing light on this problem and giving suggestions for putting an end to it. (10 marks)

DISCRIMINATION OF WOMEN

It is a pity that in a country where women are said to be worshipped, there is a widespread discrimination of them even before they are born. Certain brutal practices like the female feticide throw light on our attitude. The girl child is considered to be a liability and doesn’t enjoy the privileges of a boy. She is denied the advantage of proper education. The dowry system haunts parents and the harassment she is subjected to at the in-laws often force her to commit suicide.

Even in enlightened homes, the woman has to live her life under surveillance, if not in strict ‘purdah’. Working women are physically and verbally abused, denied opportunities of growth and subjected to discrimination.

Education can empower women to fight for their rights. It is also the responsibility of the educated society to work for the cause of women. Let she not be worshipped but let her live a wholesome life.

Vikranth

Questions for practice

1. Write an article in about 200 words for your school magazine on ‘Films and their influence on school-going children’. You are Manpreeth / Manjula, a student of class XII A.

2. You are Rohit / Kamal. You attended a seminar on Yoga, a way of life. Write an article in about 150 – 200 words on the contribution of yoga in leading a healthy and peaceful life.

3. In today’s world, letter-writing has lost its charm. People and the youth in particular rely more on mobiles and computers to communicate. Write an article on the present trend in about 150 to 200 words. You are Kiran / Karthik.

4. Recently you visited your ancestral home in a village in Gujarat. You were elated and strongly felt the necessity to hold on to the roots of our modern life, which lie in our villages. Write an article for your school magazine. You are Chetna / Chirag, Cultural Secretary of your school.

5. With rising number of people in almost all the big cities of the country, the rate of crime has also increased proportionately. The police needs to be trained in new methodology of combating the crime besides changing the mindset. Write an article in 150 – 200 words on the role of police in maintaining law and order in the metropolitan cities. You are Ravi/ Ravina.

6. The invention of mobile phone h it can be a blessing but if misused it can prove to be a curse. Write an article in about 150 – 200 words on this invention. You are Karthik / Karishma.

7. Presently the prices of essential commodities are skyrocketing causing much hardship to the common man. Write an article in 150 -200 words expressing your views and suggesting measures to curb this problem.

8. It is really a Do or Die struggle when we talk about environmental concerns. As an active member of the Green Club of your school write an article in about 150 – 200 words on your concerns and the need for change in our attitude and practices.

9. Computer and video games have become popular with children today. Outdoor games seem to have no place in their life anymore. You are Sakthi/ Sathish. You enjoyed playing hide-n-seek with your cousins in a small town. You found it so refreshing that you decide to write an article on the joys of playing outdoor games for the school magazine. Write it in about 200 words.

10. Children between 13 and 19 years of age are neither too young nor too mature. Today these children feel that the pressures of the competitive world they live in have made their lives less exciting.

11. Write an article in 150-200 words expressing your views. You are Manish / Manisha. 

Points to Remember
1. An article expresses the personal opinion and ideas of the writer on an important topic.
2. It should have an eye-catching heading.
3. The name of the writer can be written on the right-hand side under the topic or at the bottom after writing the article.
4. Start the topic by drawing attention to the topic in an interesting way–using quotes/statistics/anecdotes/ rhetorical questions. This will constitute the first paragraph.
5. The next paragraphs should be used in building up the topic with the help of evidence and statistics in a logical, sequential order. Avoid repeating points. Articles are usually written in third person.
Marking is done as follows: (If total mark is 5)
Format – 1 mark Accuracy of Spelling and Grammar – 1 mark
Content – 2 marks Organisation of Ideas – 1 marks
- Format: Heading and Writer’s name.
- Content: Marks for relevant matter presented in an organised manner. It should detail different aspects of the topic like causes, effects, advantages, disadvantages, merits, demerits, etc.
- Expression:
- Grammatical accuracy, appropriate words and spellings – 1 mark.
- Coherence and relevance of ideas and style – 1 mark.

A. ARTICLES FOR SCHOOL MAGAZINE

Solved Questions

Question. Our performance in Rio Olympics brought to light that we do not pay enough attention to athletics and outdoor games. It is time to revise our attitude. Sports should be an important part of a student’s life. Write an article on the ‘Importance of Outdoor Games’. You are Sreeja/Thomas. 
Answer.

Importance of Outdoor Games
(by Sreeja)

It is said that ‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’. Sports and games are instrumental in improving not only our physical but also our mental health. Sports increase our concentration power and build personality.
Unfortunately in India the value of sports remains unappreciated. Sports lovers are regarded in an inferior light than academically inclined persons. The natural enthusiasm of children for robust and healthy outdoor games is thus dampened. Thus, only few children are inclined to make careers in sports. This attitude of ours has recently taken a beating in the Rio Olympics where our performances left much to be desired.
More and more students need to be encouraged to play the sport of their choice. Moreover talent should be spotted right at the level of school and nurtured regularly with the best facilities and training possible. Parents also need to appreciate the value of sports for personality building. Last but not least, the government should channelize more funds to develop and nurture sporting talent.

Question. Every teenager has a dream to achieve something in life. What they are going to become tomorrow depends on what our youth dream today. Write an article on ‘What I want to be in life’. You are Simranjit/ Sunita
Answer.

What I Want to be in Life
(by Sunita)

From the time I was seven I felt like my being on this Earth was for a reason and that I was destined to do something great in my life. I wish to be a social worker. I want to help people. The profession of social work seeks to improve the quality of life for individuals and bring about an effective the change through the pursuit of social justice. Just like any helping profession, such as nursing and teaching, social work seeks to help people overcome some of life’s most difficult challenges. What separates social work from other helping professions is its emphasis on social justice.
The profession of social work is varied- serving people young and old, from every walk of life, in a number of settings such as hospitals, schools, neighborhoods and community organizations. It involves working with families, couples, groups, organizations, and communities. I too volunteer to work with the NGO Khushi twice a week and take classes for labourers on health and hygiene. I shall study social work in future and work to bring happiness and comfort in the lives of the less fortunate.

Question. To have a fair complexion is an obsession in our society. Demand for fair brides in matrimonial columns and sale of fairness creams are evidence enough. Write an article giving your view on ‘Beautiful Mind,Better than a Fair Complexion.’ You are Natwar/Nimmi. Use the following clues:
- the west, people like to be tanned
- fair complexion, only skin deep
- beautiful mind
- attitude to life
- behaviour in society, etc. 
Answer.

Beautiful Mind is Better than Fair Complexion
(by Natwar)

There is a clear preference across Indian society for fair complexion and we do not have to go far; one just needs to open matrimonial column of any news paper to read “Wanted tall, fair, beautiful girl for our son”.
Conforming to so-called ‘beauty standards’ is nothing more than leading oneself towards facing disappointments or discontents or displeasures, which creates negativity, hinders success and does not allow one to make one’s talent shine. It must also be noted that if we believe in such beauty standards which are only skin deep, we are teaching ourselves to hate our bodies. This is a recipe for a dissatisfying life. If we feel good about ourselves, we can increase our self-confidence and lead ourselves towards total self-improvement. So, there is a need for increasing inner beauty.
It’s shocking that such trend is not only ruling our minds but is now being shamelessly marketed through advertisements across our TV screens. What kind of education and civil awareness have we acquired in schools and our homes? With all the development and progress that we are so proud of, sadly we have not yet managed to free ourselves from the shackles of the medieval mindset.

Question. Last week as you were coming back from school you happened to see a huge plastic bag full of leftover food flung into the middle of the road from a speeding car. You wondered how people can be so devoid of civic sense. Write an article on why we lack civic sense and how civic sense can be inculcated in children at a very young age. You are Shiva/Shamini.
Answer.

Lack of Civic Sense
(by Shamini)

People sometimes do not think about their surroundings. They only think about themselves. They have become selfish and self-absorbed in their thought. In India, people hardly follow any rules. They have no respect for public property. On railway platform, they do not follow any instructions. They spit anywhere or at any place and do not care for what they are doing. They even throw away the polythenes, water bottle etc. on the platform. They lack civic sense. Inculcating a civic etiquettes is the need of hour. Parents must instil civic sense among children at an early age so that they learn the values of cleanliness, discipline and tolerance. Parents must encourage their children to keep their surroundings clean. All these things must be taught at an early age. They are the future of the nation and they must take the responsibility of being a concerned citizen.

Question. You are Varshini. This year your school arranged a special cultural programme on the theme ‘Service and Sacrifice’ in commemoration of the International Year of Volunteers. Write an article about this cultural programme for your school magazine.
Answer.

Service and Sacrifice
(by Varshini)

‘Service before self’, keeping this motto in mind, Bloom Public School, Vikaspuri organised a cultural programme in commemoration of the International Year of Volunteers. The programme commenced with a prayer service followed by a special presentation by the Scouts and Guides Cell of the school. The one-hour dance drama, ‘Service and Sacrifice’ depicted beautifully how volunteers and cadets from the NCC deal with exigencies, risking their own lives.
In a heart-wrenching situation, a few people buried under the debris of a shattered building were rescued by the volunteers, who, unmindful of their own wounds and injuries, spared no efforts in saving their lives.
In an another situation, the panic-stricken people trapped on the twenty-second floor of a sky-scraper, were saved by the fire personnel. The special light and sound effects and realistic sets added great colour to the programme.
The expressions showing tense moments, hustle-bustle, anxiety and panic were brought out beautifully by the young and talented cadets of the school.
The audience sat spellbound as they were greatly touched by the pathos created by different traumatic situations coupled with the noble sacrifice of the volunteers. They gave a standing ovation to the participants reflecting their pleasure and appreciation.
Eminent journalists were the special guests. Speaking on the occasion, they expressed immense satisfaction and pleasure at witnessing such a meaningful programme. Congratulating the participants on their brilliant performance, the principal cited many more examples from her life highlighting the importance of duty before self.

Question. Kavita had a discussion with her friend on Information Technology. After getting a lot of ideas from her, she decides to write an article on Information Technology for her school magazine. Imagine you are Kavita. Write the article.
Answer.

Information Technology
(by Kavita)

Modern technology has contributed towards the progress of society and there is no denying the fact that science has made our lives more enriching and meaningful. Gone are the days of rubber and pencil, nib and pen. Children need not strain their heads by memorising maths tables or go on cramming formulae or facts. In short the memory of students need not be overloaded. Science has done wonders for us. Today we have access to knowledge contained in books in any language, experiments or research going on in various countries. Newspapers, magazines and periodicals are becoming obsolete. Information technology has been revolutionised with the invention of computers.
It has opened a new window to the world. Computer based information technology has increased efficiency and human capacity to work. One person can do the work of fifty persons and that too more efficiently and precisely. Computer technology may be used for storing, transferring and improving knowledge. The inter-linking of computers through worldwide network like Internet provides instantaneous knowledge and service. Electronic mail (E-mail) and electronic commerce (E-commerce) have come in vogue. Computer has indeed opened new vistas for humanity. The future of information technology is bright.

Question. With the onset of monsoons, mosquitoes have also arrived. As Ajay Arora of class XII, write an article for the school bulletin about the mosquito menace and the ways to get rid of it.
Answer.

Mosquito Menace
(by Ajay Arora)

The monsoon in our state is a boon as well as a curse as it provides relief from the scorching heat of the Sun but also becomes the source of problems as it brings mosquitoes with it. This year the death toll in our town from malaria, dengue and yellow fever has risen up to 45.
Mosquitoes breed in pools of stagnant water. The cesspools on the roads, water collected in coolers, overhead tanks, pots and pans are their favourite breeding places. Instead of using the traditional method of protection—mosquito nets, people use synthetic pesticides like DDT, Methane and BHC. The mosquitoes have developed resistance to them and hence these chemicals are ineffective. They, however, cause allergies and asthma. Household insecticides sprays like Flit and Baygons are quite popular. People use electrically operated mats, coils, aerosoles, etc. to combat the mosquitoes. The best method to save ourselves from mosquito menace is precaution. Cleanliness of surroundings, doornets and proper ventilation can keep the mosquitoes away. The civic authorities provide ‘fogging’ the lanes and streets to drive away mosquitoes. Non-toxic drugs and kerosene oil should be used around the pools of stagnant water to kill mosquito larvae.’ It is rightly said, ‘Prevention is better than cure.’

Question. Recently you were deputed by your school along with a few other students of class XII for participation
in the national exhibition on ‘Environmental Protection’ held at IIT, Powai, Mumbai. Write an article on the exhibition and highlight the need for preserving our environment. The article is for your school magazine.
Answer.

Environmental Protection
(by ABC)

Recently the National exhibition on Environmental Protection held at IIT, Powai, Mumbai provided a rare occasion to us to learn about the need of environmental protection. The exhibition displayed posters, charts, models and scientific instruments that highlighted how our environment is under constant threat of pollution from different sources. The leading themes of the exhibition were the protection of our forest wealth; keeping our rivers and lakes clean; degradation of mountains and hills and the hazards of air and noise pollution. The exhibition was an eye opener and highlighted the urgent need to protect environment at all costs.
Students can play a leading and effective role in creating awareness regarding environmental concerns. The masses must be educated to keep their surroundings neat and clean. General public can be associated in all the activities of controlling pollution, conservation of natural resources like air, water etc., taking care of deforestation, planning urbanisation and industrialisation. Students can educate the slumdwellers about personal hygiene, cleanliness and the need of taking fresh food and drinking boiled water to ward off diseases. Thus, the cooperation of all sections of society is needed to preserve the environment.

Question. Write an article on the following topic to be published in your school magazine. You are Mumtaz/Mohd.Azam of XII Std., Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan, Delhi.
Recently you read in the newspaper an incident in which the children tried to imitate the stunts shown on television and embraced death. You have decided to write an article on the hazards of television watching for kids and how the parents could guide them to watch the programmes in an effective way.
Answer.

Hazards of Television Watching for Kids
(by Mumtaz)

Recently I read in the newspaper an incident in which the children of Meerut tried to imitate the stunts shown on television and embraced death. The young kids feel thrilled and excited on watching the amazing stunts on television. They blindly imitate these screen heroes and while trying to emulate their actions, they hurt themselves disastrously. The injuries prove fatal because no safeguards have been undertaken. The enthusiastic kids forget that these stunts are performed by specialists under well-controlled conditions.
It is upto the parents to educate their children about the harmful effects of aping these super-human tricks and feats of bravery. They must draw the attention of the children to the mandatory warning displayed at the beginning of the advertisement/stunt. The parents should not snub their wards. They should channelise and harness the abundant energy of the kids by giving them proper guidance. The kids should be encouraged to indulge in healthy competitive games of physical and mental skill under strict parental supervision. This would help in proper development of a child and ensure freedom from the dangers of mindless imitation of stunts.

Question. Write an article on ‘The increasing crime rate in today’s society and ways to curb it’.
Answer.

The Increasing Crime Rate in Today’s Society
(by Karan)

Modern society has advanced in science, technology and information. Prosperity has increased manifold. But progress and affluence have their negative aspects too. Crimes such as burglary, kidnapping, robbery, violence, assault, sexual harassment, rapes, threats, verbal abuse have been on the rise and have become a curse for modern society. Most of the deadly and dangerous crimes are organised and executed by professional criminals. The lords of the underworld run a parallel government. Government machinery and police are ineffective against their machinations. They extort money by coercion and suffer no qualms of conscience to kill a victim if the demand is not fulfilled. On a lower-level, the smalltime urchins and pick-pockets grow up to be henchmen of the bosses and indulge in crimes against women and society.
Despite the growth of private guards and ever-increasing number of civil police, the rate of crime is increasing day by day. This is quite a shocking trend. Healthy and active cooperation of the people, police and political leaders can control the situation. Political leaders having links with the underworld should be identified and pressurised to yield to public opinion. In case, they do not redress the grievances of the people, they should be forced to resign and not elected again. The police must be vigilant at all times. Instead of harassing the person who lodges the F.I.R. (First Information Report), steps should be taken to apprehend the criminal and curb the crime. The general public needs enlightenment. The people should be conscious of their rights and duties. Only by observing a civic code of conduct, the elders can inspire the youth to combat crime.

Question. Owning a car has become a status symbol these days. However, increase in the number of cars has added to various types of pollution and other problems. Write an article highlighting the urgent need for reducing these man-made problems, giving suitable suggestions. You are Vinod/Vidhi.
Answer.

Reducing Pollution
(by Vinod)

Delhi has become one of the most polluted cities in the country closely followed by Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai. This is because of the millions of vehicles that ply on the roads of Delhi. Owning a car has become a status symbol today. As a result the number of cars on the roads has become manifold. This has resulted in numerous problems. The primary one is of traffic congestion, traffic snarls and traffic-jams. Driving on the roads of Delhi has become a nightmare and a health hazard.
Vehicles emit fumes and poisonous gases which result in serious health hazard. Delhi has witnessed an increasing number of deaths among young children due to respiratory diseases caused by pollution. Man-made traffic hazards are creating havoc for the populace. The number of fatal accidents has also increased alarmingly.
The Delhi Government has taken measures to bring down the pollution level by plying CNG buses and autorickshaws on roads. The need of the hour is to support the government with public cooperation. Carpools should become the norm rather than the exception. Improved public transport system, use of lead free fuel and catalytic converters will go a long way in easing the situation and creating a healthy and greener city. Every open space should be covered with trees to create lungs in the city and help in bringing back its glory.

Question. You are Abhishek/Anubha studying in Plato Public School, New Delhi. You see many of your school boys and girls taking free lift from the passing cars, which you don’t like. Write an article on ‘The Evils of Hitch-hiking’ for publication in your school magazine.
Answer.

The Evils of Hitch-Hiking
(by Anubha)

Hitch-hiking may seem to be a thrilling adventure at first, but the habit of taking free lifts from the passing cars is fraught with dangerous consequences. In their zeal to enjoy the fun of a free ride the young school boys and girls do not know who the persons offering them lift are. Everyday we read so many cases of kidnapping, molestation, sexual abuse, rape and murder. Gone are the days when face used to be an index of the mind. Now one may smile and smile and yet be a villain. You can never be sure of the intentions of these Samaritans who may prove ugly customers and ruin young promising careers forever. I think this practice of seeking free ride should be discouraged by the elders and wellwishers by educating the youth about its moral, physical and ethical aspects.
Many boys and young girls have been duped and ill-treated by anti-social elements by offering them free lifts, outings and entertainments. Although most of the victims bear the trauma silently, some of them are bold enough to inform the police and local authorities. This acts as an eye-opener to others and also helps the authorities to curb crimes by nabbing the anti-social elements.

Question. Write an article on ‘The Role of Youth in National Development’ to be published in your school magazine. You are Mumtaz/Mohd. Azam of XII Std., Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan, Delhi.
Answer.

The Role of Youth in National Development
(by Mumtaz)

Youth is an asset and hope of a nation. The future of a nation depends on them. They can play a very constructive role in the progress, upliftment and development of a nation. The role of youth has become more important today as the modern era is becoming fast-paced, complex and complicated. The advent of internet has brought a revolution in the field of information. Modern educated youth can help in national development by attending to the ills and shortcomings in various sectors. They can help the villagers shed their shackles of ignorance, illiteracy and superstition by acquainting them with true facts. New scientific techniques can help in raising the yield of crops.
The problem of unemployment or underemployment can be overcome by establishing small scale industries for our youths. This will guide the rural youth about cheap raw material and profitable disposal of finished products. The youth can help in checking population growth by adopting family planning and presenting living examples to others. They can play a vital role in making India a great democratic, progressive and prosperous nation steeped in old cultural values but equipped with modern scientific outlook. Last but not the least, they can play a vital role in transforming the moral fabric of society by curbing the vices of selfishness and greed and imbibing the spirit of self-sacrifice, sympathy and mutual confidence.

Question. Write an article for your school magazine justifying the need of education for girls in the country for national development.
Answer.

Education of Girls for National Development
(by Neha)

The girl child is an ignored species in our male dominated society which still practises gender bias. There is an apparent discrimination in the upbringing and education of the girls in the rural areas, middle classes and the lower classes of the society. Female education is relegated to the background and all the family funds and resources are lavished on the upbringing and education of the sons.
The ignorant parents, teachers and social reformers forget the need and importance of the education of girls. If we educate a boy, we educate a person. On the other hand, if we educate a girl, we educate a family. A girl acts as a bridge between two families. An educated girl can become independent and self-sufficient. She can contribute to the welfare of the family and society. The rise in the standard of living is possible when women supplement the incomes of the males. National development is impossible without the whole hearted contribution and active participation of women. We have seen the fate of some of the policies and schemes such as adult education and family planning foisted from above. They have failed miserably because women were not involved in them whole-heartedly. Hence, we must educate girls if we want our nation to progress, and match the developed countries in all the spheres.

Question. You are Saurabh/Surabhi. Your school has been invited to participate in an inter-school on-the-spot writing competition, organised by the Lions Club of your area. Based on your past performance in such competitions you once again get selected for this proposed competition. The organisers of this competition have given only one topic to write about: My Dreams of the Next Millennium. Write an article on this topic.
Answer.

My Dreams of the Next Millennium
(by Surabhi)

The next millennium is going to be a purely scientific age. It will be a world ruled over by the technocrats.The previous three centuries of the second millennium have witnessed breath taking developments in the field of industry, agriculture and war-weapons.
The next millennium will see information technology reaching the peak. Domestic robots will replace human domestic servants. People will enjoy synthetic food and drinks. Trips to Moon and Mars will become so common that these space stations will be considered as picnic spots. In the next millennium India will become a super power. It will be the greatest country of the world not only in sheer numbers but also in the field of science and technology. It will become financially, scientifically as well as militarily strong and politically dominant. No nation of the world would dare to disrespect India or IndiAnswer. We will feel proud of being IndiAnswer.
Bio-technology will develop. The discovery of G-nome will help to understand the codes of genes properly. Grains and fruit will have enriched properties by further experiments in bio-sciences. Strains of high yielding varieties of rice, wheat, maize may be developed which will ensure complete freedom from drought and hunger. The harnessing of modern science may herald the era of instant food available in the form of tablets and capsules.

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)

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.
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.

Question. 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 politiciAnswer.
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.

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