Hello! In our previous lesson, we broke down how to analyse a board exam question and expand the given cues into well-structured paragraphs. You learned to see the cues as the scaffolding for a strong article.
Today, we'll put that knowledge into practice. This lesson is about synthesis—moving from analysis to creation. You will write a complete article of 120-150 words based on a given prompt and cues, just as you would in the exam. This will solidify your ability to structure your arguments logically and efficiently.
1. A Quick Recap: The Blueprint of an Article
Before we start writing, let's quickly review the essential structure. A well-written article follows a clear format that examiners look for.
Remember the CBSE marking scheme for this 5-mark question:
- Format (Title, Byline): 1 mark
- Organisation of Ideas: 1 mark
- Content: 2 marks
- Accuracy (Grammar & Spelling): 1 mark
Following the structure shown in the image is key to securing the marks for Format and Organisation. Our focus today is on earning the Content marks by effectively using the provided cues.
2. Guided Walkthrough: Turning Cues into Paragraphs
Let's watch an expert demonstrate exactly how to take a board exam question, analyse its cues, and methodically build a high-scoring article. This video provides a perfect model of the thought process you should use in your exam.
CBSE Class 12 English Article and Report Writing Revision and Doubt Session by Ruchika Ma'am
This video from English Academy features a step-by-step walkthrough of a CBSE sample paper question, showing how to transform prompts into a complete article.
Please watch the segment from 12:59 to 19:29. As you watch, focus on these points: Analysing the Prompt: Notice how the instructor first reads the entire question about "Importance of Worker Safety in Construction Zones" and identifies the core topic and the provided cues. Building the Introduction: See how the first paragraph introduces the general importance of safety and directly links it to the context of construction work. Integrating Cues: Pay close attention to how the second paragraph is built directly from the cues given in the question (e.g., worker fatigue, extreme weather, structures collapsing). Each cue becomes a key point in the analysis. Crafting the Conclusion: Observe how the final paragraph provides solutions and suggestions, as requested by the prompt, creating a strong and purposeful ending.
This walkthrough shows that the cues are your best friends in the exam. They provide the main ideas for your body paragraphs, ensuring your content is relevant and well-developed.
3. Your Turn: Write a Board-Level Article
Now it's time for you to apply these skills. Below is a question from a past CBSE board paper. Your task is to plan and write a complete article within the 120–150 word limit.
Practice Question (from CBSE Compartment 2018)
‘Grow more trees to reduce pollution.’ Write an article in 150-200 words* on the topic given above for your school magazine. You are Radhika/Rohan.
(Note: The official word limit is now 120-150 words, so please stick to that.)
Cues you can use to build your article:
- Trees provide oxygen, absorb CO2 and harmful gases.
- They provide a protective shield from UV rays.
- They serve as habitats for birds and animals.
- They help prevent soil erosion and water pollution.
- Urbanisation is leading to the clearing of forests.
- There's a need for community action like tree-planting drives.
Your Task (Approx. 25 minutes):
- Plan (5 mins): Before writing, quickly structure your article.
- Title: Create a catchy title.
- Byline: Use the name given.
- Para 1 (Intro): Introduce the topic and its importance. You could start with a quote or a general statement.
- Para 2 (Development): Use the cues to explain the benefits of trees and the problem of deforestation.
- Para 3 (Conclusion): Conclude with a call to action or a solution (e.g., community planting drives).
- Write (15 mins): Write the full article, keeping the word limit in mind.
- Review (5 mins): Read through your article to check for grammar, spelling, and clarity.
4. Self-Assessment: Compare with a Model Answer
Once you have finished writing, read the model answer below. This answer is from the resource LINK. Compare it with your own article. Don't worry if they are not identical; focus on whether you have included the key ideas and followed a logical structure.
Click here to see the model answer
Grow More Trees to Reduce Pollution
By Radhika
"Trees are poems the earth writes upon the sky." Trees and plants are one of the main reasons why mankind came into existence. The importance of planting trees has been emphasized time and again because of the numerous benefits they offer.
They make the world a better place to live in. They exhale oxygen and inhale carbon dioxide to maintain the ecological balance. They also absorb harmful gases and give us fresh air to breathe. Trees build a shield to protect us from harmful ultraviolet rays and serve as a habitat for birds and animals. They also help in controlling water pollution and preventing soil erosion. Unfortunately, urbanisation is leading to clearing of forests despite these benefits.
As a Chinese proverb states, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” The only way left to preserve our environment is by growing trees at a faster rate through community efforts. Let's do our bit to make this place more beautiful.
Conclusion
Congratulations on completing this practical exercise! You have now revised the format, analysed a model, and written a full article under exam-like conditions. This process of planning, writing, and reviewing is exactly what will lead you to success.
Key Takeaways:
- Structure is Key: Always start with a clear plan: Title, Byline, Introduction, Development, and Conclusion.
- Leverage the Cues: Use the provided prompts as the main points for your body paragraphs. This keeps your article focused and relevant.
- Conclude with Purpose: End your article with a strong concluding thought, a suggestion, or a call to action to leave a lasting impact on the reader.
You are now fully prepared to tackle the article writing question.
Up Next: We will complete our writing skills revision by focusing on Report Writing. We'll quickly cover the formats for both newspaper and school magazine reports to ensure you are ready for any question that comes your way.