Class X: Writing an Article

What is an article?

An article is a non-fiction prose forming an independent part of publication. An article is a written piece of work which focuses on recent issues in order to discuss them or in order to focus more points of view about the same.

Why is an article written?

An article is written for propagating the news, for discussing some research results or for sharing the views for a debate. Most of the time, an article is written for issues happening in recent times.

What are the different types of articles?

There are two different types of articles:

1.    Article for a newspaper

2.    Article for magazine

In the exam, they may ask to write newspaper article or an article for a magazine.

Important aspects of writing an article

·         Facts

·         Headline or the Title

·         Name of the author or the writer

·         Leading statement

·         Facts with additional information

·         Unbiased point of view

·         Conclusion

Facts:

An article is all about focusing on the topic or the issue. While focusing upon the issue, one should have some facts with him. So, it is very important to have facts ready with us while writing an article.

Headline:

Headline or the title of the article should be attractive and short. It should be easy to understand by the common crowd. It shouldn’t be symbolic in meaning.

Name of the author:

Name of the author should be mentioned exactly after writing the title of the article. If you are writing an article for the newspaper, you should mention the name of the author exactly after the title of the article followed by your post or designation. But, while writing an article for a magazine, the name of the author should be written in the end followed by his or her post or designation.

Leading Statement:

News articles begin with a leading sentence that is meant to grab a reader's attention and interest them. This is one of the most important parts of the piece, so start with the leading statement when writing a news article. Your lead should be one sentence and should simply, but completely, state the topic of the article.

Facts with additional information:

The next important step to writing news articles is including all the relevant facts and details that relate to your lead statement. Include the basics of what happened, where and when it took place, who is involved and why it's newsworthy. These details are important, because they are the focal point of the article that fully informs the reader.

After you've listed all the primary facts in your news article, include any additional information that might help the reader learn more, such as contact information, additional facts about the topic or people involved, or quotes from interviews. This additional information helps round out the article.

Unbiased point of view:

A news article is meant to convey direct facts, not the opinions of its writer. Keep your writing unbiased and objective. Avoid any language that is overly positive or negative or statements that could be construed as support or criticism.

Conclusion:

Make sure your news article is complete and finished by giving it a good concluding sentence. This is often a restatement of the leading statement or a statement indicating potential future developments relating to the article topic.

Sample 1:

Writing an article for school magazine:

The Union Ministry of Travel and Tourism has launched the Atithi Devo Bhava (Guest is God) Campaign to promote Foreign Tourism in India. As Ayush/Ayushi, write an article in 120 words for your school magazine, praising the initiative and suggesting practical steps to promote international tourism in India.

You can use the points given below:

-         Foreign tourists robbed, raped and murdered

-         Medical tourism steadily growing

-         In India, guest is considered as God

-         Taxi drivers and guides need to be educated

Atithi Devo Bhava and the Dark Reality

Ayush C.

The recent news of the Union Ministry of Travels and Tourism’s launching of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava Campain’ has caught everyone’s eyes in the country. At one side, where the country is defamed for its increased number of rapes even in metro cities, on the other side, the Government is keen to attract more number of foreign tourists to generate more revenues in terms of foreign currency. But the reality of implementation of this campaign is in complete contrast with the dream of the Union Ministry of Travels and Tourism.

It has been studied that Indian Government earns three percent of its revenues though tourism. But this number has gone down since 26/11 attack on Taj in Mumbai. The number of visitors in Goa and other hot destination has drastically decreased over the years. In addition to that the rape news foreign tourists getting robbed, raped and murdered have defamed India’s name in the international market.

The country where guests are considered as Gods is losing its charm for the foreign visitors who visit the country to explore, to see the vivid culture and to enjoy the cuisine. But, the reality of ill treatment these Gods, cheating and looting them, has affected the business.

To enjoy the high rise in the business, Government should take proper steps in educating everyone in the field of tours and travels, from rickshaw Walla to taxi driver, everyone should be trained. Government should launch a free Helpline for the tourists. The mobile app ‘WeCare’ should be made compulsory for all the visitors. Though the reality of tourism is a bit darker, the ‘Atithi Devo Bhava Campaign’ would bring back the glory if proper steps would be followed by the Government and by everyone.