Article and letter writing X English

1. ARTICLE WRITING
Prepared by : Sharwan Kumar

2. Article Writing Format: Suppose you have some opinions
regarding a topic and you want to tell people about it. How
will you do so? You can tell the opinions to persons near
you. But what if you want to tell not only those people but,
say, the world? How will you do so? You will write those
opinions, isn’t it?
Many a time you have seen some writers or people write
their problems and suggestions in some newspapers,
magazines, and journals or in their blogs. They are writing
their opinions and beliefs in the form of an article. In this
section, we will get ourselves familiar with article writing and
the article writing format.

3. An article is a piece of writing written for a large audience.
The main motive behind writing an article is that it should
be published in either newspapers or magazines or
journals so as to make some difference to the world.
It may be the topics of interest of the writer or it may be
related to some current issues. The topic can either be
serious or not-so-serious; Same goes for its tone and
language.

4. Objectives of Article Writing
An article is written with the following objectives
 It brings out the topics or the matter of interest in the limelight
 The article provides information on the topics
 It offers suggestions and pieces of advice
 It influences the readers and urges them to think
 The article discusses various stories, persons, locations,
rising-issues, and technical developments

5. The Format of Article Writing
 An article must be organized in a proper way so as to draw the
attention of the readers. The basic outline for an article writing
format is
 Heading / Title
 A line having the writer’s name
 Body (the main part of the article, 2 – 3 paragraphs)
 Conclusion (Ending paragraph of the article with the opinion or
recommendation, anticipation or an appeal)

7. Steps for Article Writing Format
Think of the topic you want to write the article about. Only after you’ve
decided your topic you can go ahead and undertake the further steps
in the process one by one:
Target Audience: Identify the concerning reading group
Purpose: Find the objective or aim of writing the article
Collect & Select: Gather as such information as possible. Also,
identify the details that are most significant
Organize: Arrange the information and the facts in a logical way

8.  While writing an article, always use
proper grammar, spelling, and proper punctuations
 Use vocabulary skill
 Keep the introduction of the topic catching, interesting,
and short
 Discuss the opinion and the matter in an organized and
descriptive manner

9. Common Mistakes in the Article Writing Format
Now that you know the steps of article writing and the
article writing format, the occurrence of mistakes becomes
obvious. Some of the common mistakes are:
 Not using facts or quotes or similar cases
 The language should not be too formal
 The article must be in easy language for better
understanding
 The title of the article must be catchy and clearly
understandable
 No use of paragraphs
 Expressing personal views is fine but the author must
never talk about himself/herself

10. Points to Keep in Mind for the Article Writing Format
 The topics of the articles should be unique and relevant
 The article has to get attention
 It has to be interesting
 It has to be easy to read
 The reader is identified
 Find the main goal of writing an article. The goal can be
anything from providing information, entertainment, and
advice or for comparing, etc.
 The title must be eye-catching, clear, and interesting
 The introduction or the starting paragraph must be highly
attentive. Use your vocabulary skills effectively.

11. Points to Keep in Mind for the Article Writing Format
 Use clear statements and make assertions
 Avoid repetition and over the top logic and reasons
 Use the style of paragraph writing and write the contents
uniquely and unambiguously
 Avoid using the points which interest you only and not for
the general public
 Write a good and logical ending

12. Do’s Dont’s
Add the writer’s name Write very lengthy articles
The heading of the article should be short,
clear and informative
The title should be lengthy and clear
Target the audience
Only the introduction and the conclusion
should be attractive and attention seeker
The language and the style of writing should
be according to the concerning readers
One can advise, suggest and give the
to a problem in any paragraph other than the
starting one
Use proper punctuations
There must be only three paragraphs in an
article – introduction, middle one, and
conclusion
Use any tense, person, voice, as many
abbreviations, and self-made words while
writing an article

13. Format of an Article – The format of an article is divided into 3 parts and they are
listed below:
Part 1 – Heading
Part 2 – By line
Part 3 – Body
Part 1 – Heading – The heading of the article should be engaging and it should
not exceed more than 5 to 6 words. Make sure your heading doesn’t have any
spelling mistakes or grammar errors. Don’t use unnecessary punctuation marks in
the heading. Heading carries 1 mark in Article Writing.
Part 2 – Byline – Byline is nothing but the name of the person who is writing the
article. The name of the person will be generally given in the question paper itself.
If the name of the person is not given in the article, then write details on your own.
Tip – Candidates are not supposed to mention any of their personal details
while attempting the answers in the exam.
Part 3 – Body
The body is the main part of article writing which carries more weightage of
marks. Generally, the body of the article consist of at least 3 to 4 paragraphs.

14. Paragraph 1 – Paragraph 1 is the introduction paragraph. Paragraph 1 should be
accurate. Precisely explain what the article is talking about. Try giving some
or frightful facts to excite the interest of the readers. Keep the language simple.
Paragraph 2 & 3– Paragraph 2 and 3 must come with a complete analysis of the
subject matter in question. Paragraph 2 & 3 must include the following factors:
Types – Here the writer must analyze and explain what are the different types of
problems that are existing. If any type of problem exists, they should mention here.
Current Scenario – Here the writer must explain the current situation of the
problem. What are the actions taken to correct them. This may include advantages
disadvantages of the problem etc.,
Cause and Effect Relationship – Develop the cause and effect relationship by
supporting it with facts or data. Here writer may also write the consequences.
Paragraph 3 & 4 – Paragraph 3 or 4 is commonly known as the conclusion
paragraph. It is important to conclude the article what you’ve started. Never leave
article open-ended. The conclusion paragraph should speak about the problems
and what are actions taken for the betterment of the problem. Paragraph 3 & 4
be simple and precise.

15. Article Writing Format --- Tips
 Some of the important tips to keep in mind while writing an article is
listed below:
 Always keep a few general quotes handy. They help in presentation and
show that you’re prepared.
 Avoid repetition of ideas.
 Feel free to give your personal opinion in one or two lines.
 It is very important that you do not deviate from the topic. There are
chances you may get ideas linking from one to another that may deviate
you from the main point. You have to refrain from doing so.
 Make small sentences. It restricts the scope of grammatical
inaccuracies.
 Make sure you double-check for grammatical accuracy and spellings.
They carry marks.
 Read editorials in a few newspapers and notice the pattern.
 Underline all the important points.

16. write an article on “Save water- are we doing enough?” for the local daily in 150-200
words.
SAVE WATER- ARE WE DOING ENOUGH? – Heading
(By – XXX) – Byline
Paragraph 1 – Many people are living with less water than they need, whether in the world& 39;s
most prosperous cities or in its bountiful agricultural heartlands.
Droughts have also become more frequent, more severe, and affecting more people around the
world. As many as four billion people already live in regions that experience severe water stress
for at least one month of the year. With populations rising, these stresses will only mount.
Paragraph 2 – Water is the precious gift of God on earth. Life exists on earth because of the
availability of water. Itself being tasteless, odourless and colourless, it adds taste, colour and nice
smell in the life of living beings on the Earth.
Paragraph 3 – Here are different methods we can follow to save clean drinking water and deal
with the water scarcity. Rainwater harvesting is one of the most effective and suitable method
among save water techniques.
Conclusion – Aforestation is also a good method as it reduces surface runoff and recharges the
groundwater. It promotes underground water conservation. By practising such methods we can
conserve more water naturally and ensure the availability of it for future generations. We should
take a pledge and make it a lifelong motto to preserve water because, “If you conserve water, it
means you conserve life.”

17. LETTER WRITING
FORMAL LETTERS

18. Letter writing is an important topic in the English writing
skills section for school students. Everyone must know how to write
a letter. While writing a formal letter, one has to follow the format
of letter writing. A formal letter can be written for various reasons.
Here we have covered the format of a formal letter written for
different purposes. On the other hand, an informal letter is written to
one’s friends, family or relatives. As an informal letter is not an
official letter, one does not have to follow the format of an informal
letter strictly. Here, we will discuss samples of letter writing.

19. FORMAL LETTER FORMAT
The following points need to be taken into consideration while writing a Formal letter-
a. A Formal Letter strictly follows the prescribed Format for writing a Formal Letter.
b. Use of colloquial words, abbreviations and slang language should be restricted while writing
a formal letter.
c. A Formal Letter must be precise and to the point.
d. The Subject line is very important in a Formal Letter.
The Format of a Formal Letter is as follows –
1. Sender’s address: The address and contact details of the sender are written here. Include an
email and phone number, if required or if mentioned in the question.
2. Date: The date is written below the sender’s address after Leaving one space or line.
3. Receiver’s address: The address of the recipient of the mail (the officer/principal / Editor) is
written here.
4. The subject of the letter: The main purpose of the letterforms the subject. It must be written in
one line. It must convey the matter for which the letter is written.
5. Salutation (Sir / Respected Sir / Madam)
6. Body: The matter of the letter is written here. It is divided into 3 paragraphs as follows -
Paragraph 1: Introduce yourself and the purpose of writing the letter in brief.
Paragraph 2: Give detail of the matter.
Paragraph 3: Conclude by mentioning what you expect. (For example, a solution to your problem, to
highlight an issue in the newspaper, etc).
7. Complimentary Closing
8. Sender’s name, signature and designation (if any)

20. Sender’s address
Date
Receiver’s Address
Subject
Salutation
Body of the letter
Complimentary closing
Sender’s Name, signature and designation

21. Types of Formal letter
1. Letter to the editor
2. Letter to the authority
3. Letter to the police
4. Formal Letter Format to
the Principal
5. Order letter
6. Complaint letter
7. Inquiry letter
8. Business letter
9. Application letter for job
10. Letter to the Bank
manager
11. Invitation letter
12. Resignation letter
13. Leave Application
14. Leave Application for
marriage
15. Leave Application for
maternity

22. Blossom Public School
Ghaziabad
May 15, 2020
The Sales Manager
VPS Sports
Sector 22, Rohini
New Delhi
Subject: Purchase of Sports Items for school
Dear Sir,
It is my pleasure to communicate to you that our school wishes to place
an order for sports items in bulk with your company. These items will be
used in the activities room, gym, and sports ground of the school starting
from the academic session of the year 2020-21. List of the items along
with their quantity is given below:

23. Kindly, deliver the order on time, by ensuring that all the items are taken from the
fresh lot. Payment of the entire purchase will be done digitally. It would be great if
you could share the time when all the items will be delivered at our address.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Yours Truly,
Ankit
Sports Incharge
Name of the Items Pieces Needed
Willow bats 25
Wicket keeping pads 30
Batting pads 45
Match ball
(red) 60
Match ball
(white) 70

24. Q.1 In today’s age of stress and anxiety, the children need to understand
the importance of sleep, meditation and yoga over social networking and
the use of the cell phone. Write an article of 120 words on ‘Concentration
and Composure’, the need of the hour. You can take hints from the unit
‘Health and Medicine’ of the Main Course Book.
Q.2. Video games, Internet, cell phones and other high-tech gear are just
part of growing up in a digital world. But parents are concerned about the
amount of time their children spend with these and worry that it might be
distracting to them and cramping their academic and social development
Using your own ideas and those taken from various sources ’, write an
article in about 150 words describing both the benefits and drawbacks of
using these high-tech devices
Recapitulation Time

25. Q.1 Write a letter to M/s Laxmi Stationary Mart, Chawri Bazar Delhi
asking them to send their rates and terms of supply of stationary
items. You are R. K. Mittal, Office Superintendent, Bundelkhand
Public School, Jhansi. (Word limit 125 – 150 words.)
Q.2 You are Priya Khanna, librarian of your school, Aligarh. You have
been asked to place an order for some books for the school library.
Write a letter to the Sales Manager, Light House, Main Road, Noida,
placing an order for the books that you need.
Recapitulation Time