Introduction: Article Writing | English Grammar Advanced - Class 10 PDF Download

What is an article?

An article is a form of writing that conveys a central idea from the author to the audience. Articles can cover various topics, including current or historical events from around the globe. The writer's goal is to create content that is not only interesting but also resonates with readers in a unique way, setting it apart from other narratives. Additionally, writers may have other objectives, such as offering advice, highlighting significant news and technological developments, or influencing readers' opinions.
Other objectives a writer may aim to achieve when writing an article include:

• Gives advice and courses of actions
• Drives exposure on newsworthy and technological stories
• Influences the current opinions of their readers

The Art of Article Writing

Crafting a compelling article is an art that demands attention to key principles. Before attempting to create something truly exceptional, a mastery of the language you're writing in is crucial. Similar to the construction of Rome, great articles are not developed overnight. They require patience and practice, gradually refining your writing skills.

Structuring the Article: A well-organized article follows a clear structure:

• Topic: A strong topic is essential to capture readers' attention. It should be relevant, interesting, and timely. Writers can explore current events, personal experiences, or informative subjects.
• Title: A catchy and informative title grabs attention.
• Introduction: Provides a brief overview of the topic, setting the tone.
• Body: Develops the main points with logical flow, supported by facts and examples.
• Conclusion: Summarizes the key takeaways and may include a call to action or thought-provoking statement.

To ensure your article captivates readers, it's essential to:

1.  Know Your Audience:  Understand your readers' interests and preferences. Begin your article with engaging lines that provide compelling reasons for them to continue reading.
2.  Conduct Thorough Research:  Invest time in research to enhance the effectiveness and persuasiveness of your writing. Incorporate direct quotes, intriguing facts, and statistics to bolster your credibility.
3.  Embrace a Journalistic Style:  Infuse a journalistic approach by including the six Ws (who, what, where, when, why, and how) in the introduction. Elaborate on the details in the subsequent paragraphs.
4.  Prioritise Clarity and Simplicity:  Use clear and straightforward language to convey your ideas. Avoid complicated sentences and difficult vocabulary that may hinder comprehension.
5.  Utilise Short Sentences:  Keep sentences concise and focused, providing readers with essential information quickly. Ensure proper structure and grammar to make a positive impression.
6.  Create Appealing Headlines:  Craft short and catchy headlines that capture readers’ attention. Consider how to make them impactful carefully.
7.  Inject Light-hearted Humour:  Incorporate natural and spontaneous humour to engage readers. A touch of humour can enhance the reading experience and make it more shareable.
8.  Follow the One Paragraph, One Idea Rule:  Organise your article with clear paragraphs, each focusing on a single idea. Avoid lengthy paragraphs that may overwhelm readers.
9.  Offer Fresh Perspectives:  Provide information that goes beyond the ordinary. Avoid letting readers feel like they are encountering nothing new. Stand out by sharing surprising and novel facts.
10.  Conclude Convincingly:  End your article with a strong conclusion that reinforces the main points. Remind readers of the key takeaways to aid their memory.
11.  Revise and Polish:  Before submitting your article, revise it thoroughly. Correct awkward phrasing, grammar, and spelling errors. Reading it aloud can help ensure accuracy.

By adhering to these principles, you can create an article that leaves a lasting impact, engaging and resonating with your audience.

Note:  Emphasize the importance of a clear title and the article's structure, including the introduction, body, and conclusion, as per NCERT guidelines.

Tips for writing articles

Consider these tips to help improve the content of the articles you write:

• Check for errors: It's important to proofread your articles for proper punctuation and grammatical usage. Also, since articles for media publications generally follow AP style guidelines, it's useful to have an AP stylebook handy.
• Time yourself:  When writing, see how long it takes you to complete your first draft. This helps you manage your time better and produce quality content consistently. It also keeps your manager or editor informed about your progress.
•  Keep It Simple:   Clarity is key in writing. Try to express your ideas in fewer words rather than using more to meet a word count. Check with your manager or editor about content guidelines and word limits.

Examples

Example 1: Article on My Vision of India in the Future

Example 2: Article Writing on Covid-19 for Students