Writing is one of the most powerful tools of communication. In the senior secondary stage, CBSE places a strong emphasis on honing the writing skills of students through tasks such as Article and Essay Writing. Both forms allow students to express their views, analyse issues, and present logical arguments in a structured manner. While articles are generally concise and directed at a specific audience, essays are more expansive and permit deeper exploration of ideas. This tutorial will guide you through the concepts, formats, and examples to master both.
Understanding the Concept
What is Article Writing?
An article is a piece of factual writing meant for publication in newspapers, magazines, or journals. Its purpose is to inform, persuade, or entertain readers. Articles are usually topical and deal with subjects of social, cultural, environmental, or educational importance.
Key features include:
- Targeted readership: Written for the general public or a specific group.
- Balanced tone: Objective, formal, and impersonal, yet engaging.
- Concise structure: Brief, precise, and to the point.
- Persuasive element: Provides opinions with supporting evidence or examples.
What is Essay Writing?
An essay is a longer composition where the writer presents an argument, explores ideas, or analyses a subject in detail. It allows more personal reflection compared to an article and often follows a logical progression of ideas.
Key features include:
- Central idea: Each essay revolves around a main theme or thesis.
- Coherent structure: Divided into introduction, body, and conclusion.
- Analytical approach: Essays often go beyond facts to interpret or evaluate issues.
- Variety of styles: Essays can be descriptive, narrative, argumentative, analytical, or reflective.
Difference between Article and Essay Writing
| Aspect | Article Writing | Essay Writing |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | To inform, persuade, or entertain readers | To analyse, argue, or reflect on a subject |
| Length | Usually short (150–200 words in CBSE context) | Longer, more elaborate (300–500 words or more) |
| Tone | Formal and objective | Can be formal, semi-formal, or personal |
| Focus | Current issues, general topics | Deeper exploration of themes or ideas |
| Publication | Meant for newspapers/magazines | Not necessarily for publication |
Format of an Article
- Heading/Title – Short, catchy, and relevant to the topic.
- Byline – Name of the writer.
- Introduction – Brief opening statement to introduce the topic and catch attention.
- Body –
- Explanation of the problem or issue.
- Arguments with facts, examples, or data.
- Logical sequence of ideas.
- Conclusion – Suggestive, forward-looking, or summative ending.
Word Limit (CBSE): About 150–200 words.
Format of an Essay
- Introduction
- Define the theme and create context.
- Provide a thesis statement or central idea.
- Body
- Subdivide into paragraphs, each covering one aspect.
- Use facts, examples, quotations, and logical reasoning.
- Maintain coherence and unity.
- Conclusion
- Summarise main points.
- Offer a reflective or thought-provoking ending.
Word Limit (CBSE): 300–500 words (though essays outside exams may be longer).
Samples
Sample Article
Title: The Menace of Plastic Pollution
Byline: By Aman Sharma
Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. From clogged drains in cities to heaps of non-biodegradable waste in landfills, the problem has reached alarming levels.
The widespread use of single-use plastic items like bottles, straws, and bags is the primary culprit. They not only choke water bodies but also threaten marine life. Reports suggest that by 2050, plastic in oceans may outnumber fish. The situation demands urgent intervention.
Authorities must enforce strict laws banning plastic products, and citizens should adopt eco-friendly alternatives such as cloth bags and biodegradable packaging. Mass awareness campaigns, recycling initiatives, and corporate responsibility can help mitigate this crisis.
Plastic is convenient but deadly. Only collective responsibility can safeguard our environment for future generations.
Sample Essay
Topic: The Role of Youth in Nation-Building
The future of every nation lies in the hands of its youth. They are not only the torchbearers of progress but also the custodians of national integrity. Their contribution in shaping society and driving economic growth cannot be underestimated.
Firstly, youth embody energy, creativity, and innovation. With access to modern technology and education, they are capable of transforming ideas into tangible results. For instance, young entrepreneurs and start-up founders are revolutionising India’s economy and employment sector.
Secondly, youth are often the most vocal in addressing social evils. Their participation in movements against corruption, climate change, or inequality reflects their power as agents of reform. History has shown that student-led movements often bring about lasting change.
However, challenges such as unemployment, drug abuse, and political manipulation often hinder youth potential. It is the responsibility of governments and communities to provide opportunities, skill training, and ethical guidance to channel their energy productively.
In conclusion, the role of youth is pivotal in building a nation that is strong, inclusive, and progressive. Empowered and responsible youth can indeed ensure a brighter tomorrow.
Key Points to Remember
- Unity and Coherence – Every paragraph should revolve around a single idea, logically connected to the next.
- Cohesive Devices – Use linking words like moreover, however, consequently, etc., to ensure smooth flow.
- Precision – Avoid unnecessary verbosity; focus on clarity.
- Tone and Register – Articles demand formal register; essays may vary depending on the type.
- Avoid Redundancy – Repetition of words or ideas weakens impact.
- Evidence-Based Writing – Support claims with facts, statistics, or quotations to enhance credibility.
- Grammar Accuracy – Ensure subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, and proper punctuation.
- Critical Thinking – Especially in essays, show depth by analysing different perspectives.
- Examiners’ Expectation – CBSE evaluators look for creativity, logical arrangement, grammatical accuracy, and adherence to word limit.
- Reference to Wren & Martin – The classical grammar reference emphasises conciseness, appropriateness of diction, and logical development of thought—essentials in both articles and essays.
10 Practice Questions on Article and Essay Writing
- Write an article on the importance of maintaining mental health in students.
- “Technology: A Boon or a Bane for Society?” Write an essay expressing your views.
- As a concerned citizen, write an article on the rising cases of road accidents in India.
- Write an essay on the relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s principles in today’s world.
- Draft an article for your school magazine on the theme ‘Fitness for All’.
- Write an essay on the challenges of balancing tradition and modernity in contemporary India.
- Compose an article highlighting the significance of reading habits among young learners.
- Write an essay discussing the impact of social media on human relationships.
- As the Cultural Secretary of your school, write an article on ‘Celebrating Diversity in Schools’.
- Write an essay on the importance of sustainable development for future generations.
Takeaway
Both Article Writing and Essay Writing are essential skills for Class XII students. They not only prepare learners for board examinations but also nurture the ability to articulate thoughts with clarity and logic. By following the prescribed formats, practising consistently, and adhering to grammatical precision, students can excel in these writing tasks and develop as confident communicators.
Malik Mohd. Arshad is a Senior English Teacher at STS High School, Aligarh Muslim University, with 21+ years of experience in English Language Teaching (ELT). An M.A. in English and Linguistics, he combines traditional academic values with modern digital learning methods. He is also a certified alumnus of the Texas Intensive English Program (USA).