Model Answer — Sample Question

Question: You are Divya/Deepak. Write an article in about 100–150 words on the topic "The Role of Youth in Nation Building" for your school magazine.

                            THE ROLE OF YOUTH IN NATION-BUILDING

                                                    By Divya

"Youth are not only the future; but also they are the present." This powerful statement captures the immense potential young people hold in shaping a nation’s destiny. As the backbone of society, the youth possess unparalleled energy, fresh perspectives, and a drive for change.

Today, young minds are actively participating in various spheres, from technological innovation to grassroots social movements. For instance, countless teenagers across India are spearheading environmental awareness campaigns, proving that age is no barrier to impact. However, society still faces challenges such as unemployment, inadequate education, and digital misinformation. The youth can tackle these issues through community service, education, and the responsible use of social media.

Empowering the younger generation through skill development and accessible education is crucial. When given the right opportunities, their innovative ideas can revolutionise the economy and improve public welfare.

In conclusion, nation-building is a collective responsibility, and the youth stand at the forefront of this journey. By channelling their passion and idealism into constructive action, they can help build a stronger, more progressive, and inclusive society.

 Further Practice Examples

1.  Environmental Theme

Question: Write an article in 100–150 words on "Plastic Pollution: A Growing Threat" for a national newspaper. You are Aman/Anika.

                        PLASTIC POLLUTION: A GROWING THREAT

                                                By Aman

Every minute, a truckload of plastic waste enters our oceans. This alarming statistic reflects a crisis that threatens marine life, human health, and the very ecosystems we depend upon. Plastic pollution has quietly become one of the gravest environmental challenges of our time.

The root of the problem lies in our overwhelming reliance on single-use plastics — bags, bottles, and packaging that are used briefly but persist in the environment for centuries. Improper waste disposal and weak enforcement of regulations have compounded the crisis, with landfills overflowing and rivers carrying debris straight into the sea.

The effects are far-reaching: marine species ingest plastic and die, microplastics enter the human food chain, and drainage systems clog, worsening urban flooding. Governments must enforce stricter bans on single-use plastics, while citizens can adopt reusable alternatives, support recycling drives, and demand accountability from manufacturers.

In conclusion, tackling plastic pollution demands collective will — from policymakers, industries, and individuals alike. A small change in daily habits today can safeguard the planet for generations to come.

2.  Social Issue Theme

Question: Write an article in 100–150 words on "Digital Addiction Among Teenagers" for your school magazine. You are Rahul/Riya.

                            DIGITAL ADDICTION AMONG TEENAGERS

                                                        By Riya

Have you ever reached for your phone within seconds of waking up? For millions of teenagers today, this is not a habit but a compulsion. Digital addiction has emerged as one of the most pressing concerns of the smartphone generation.

The constant lure of social media, online gaming, and streaming platforms is engineered to capture attention for as long as possible. Studies suggest that the average teenager now spends over seven hours a day on screens, often at the cost of sleep, physical activity, and face-to-face relationships.

The consequences are visible in declining academic performance, rising anxiety, and reduced attention spans. Addressing this requires a combined effort: schools should promote digital literacy and screen-time awareness, parents should model balanced usage, and teenagers themselves must consciously set boundaries, such as device-free hours.

In conclusion, technology should serve as a tool for growth, not a source of dependency. With mindful habits and shared responsibility, the digital generation can thrive both online and offline.

3. Technology / Progress Theme

Question: Write an article in 100–150 words on "Artificial Intelligence: Boon or Bane?" for a local newspaper. You are Karan/Kavya.

                            ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: BOON OR BANE?

                                                By Karan

From voice assistants that set our alarms to algorithms that diagnose diseases, artificial intelligence has quietly woven itself into everyday life. But as its influence grows, a pressing question emerges: is AI a blessing for humanity, or a threat in disguise?

On one hand, AI has revolutionised industries — enhancing medical diagnostics, streamlining agriculture, and automating tedious tasks, thereby boosting efficiency and accuracy. On the other, concerns over job displacement, data privacy, and the misuse of deepfake technology have grown louder, with several sectors already reporting workforce reductions due to automation.

Left unregulated, these risks could widen inequality and erode trust in digital systems. Governments and technology companies must therefore establish clear ethical guidelines, invest in reskilling programmes, and ensure transparency in AI decision-making.

In conclusion, artificial intelligence is neither inherently good nor bad — its impact depends entirely on how responsibly we choose to develop and deploy it. With thoughtful regulation, AI can remain a powerful ally rather than an unchecked threat.

Article Writing

Format, Guidelines, and Model Answers for Board Examinations

On this page

1. What Is an Article?
2. Article vs. Report — Key Difference
3. Types of Articles
4. Standard Format
5. Word Limit & Marking Scheme
6. Key Writing Tips
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
8. Model Answer — Sample Question
9. Further Practice Examples
10. Quick Revision Checklist

1. What Is an Article?

An article is a piece of writing on a given topic, meant for publication in a newspaper or magazine, that expresses the writer's views, ideas, and analysis in a structured, engaging way. Unlike a report, an article is subjective — it allows the writer's opinion, argument, and personal voice, supported by reasoning and examples, aimed at informing or persuading the reader.

Exam note: In board exams, Article Writing appears as an internal-choice question alongside Report Writing in the Creative Writing Skills section, carrying 5 marks, to be answered in 120–150 words.

2. Article vs. Report — Key Difference

Feature	Article	Report
Nature	Subjective — opinions, arguments allowed	Objective — facts only
Person	First or third person, as suited to the topic	Third person only
Tense	Present tense generally (discussing an idea/issue)	Past tense (an event that has occurred)
Structure	Title + by-line, then continuous flowing paragraphs	Headline + by-line + dateline, then overview/details/outcome

3. Types of Articles

Type	Purpose & Style
Issue-based / Opinion Article	Discusses a social, environmental, or civic issue (pollution, road safety, exam stress); presents the writer's viewpoint with reasoning and a call to action.
Informative Article	Educates the reader on a topic (health, technology, a place, a skill); balanced, explanatory tone with well-organised facts.
Persuasive Article	Argues for a particular stance (e.g., banning plastic, need for stricter traffic laws); uses evidence and rhetorical appeal to convince the reader.

4. Standard Format

TITLE
A short, catchy title that captures the theme of the article — not a full sentence. Centred, may be in bold.

BY-LINE
The writer's name exactly as given in the question, placed just below the title (e.g., "By Ananya Kapoor"). No dateline is used in an article.

Paragraph 1 — Introduction

• Introduce the topic or issue, stating why it matters or why it is being discussed.
• Should hook the reader and set up the direction of the article.

Paragraph 2 — Body / Development of Ideas

• Develop the main argument or explanation with reasons, examples, causes, or effects.
• May be split into two short paragraphs if the topic has distinct aspects (e.g., causes and effects, advantages and disadvantages).

Paragraph 3 — Conclusion

• Summarise the writer's stand and offer a suggestion, solution, or call to action.
• End on a thought-provoking or forward-looking note.

5. Word Limit & Marking Scheme

Verified against the official CBSE marking scheme (Class XII English Core, Code 301) — Article Writing shares the same question and mark distribution as Report Writing:

Component	Marks
Format (title + by-line, correctly laid out)	1
Content (relevant, complete coverage of the given cues)	2
Organisation (logical flow, coherent paragraphing)	1
Accuracy of spelling and grammar	1
Total	5

Word limit: 120–150 words. Always confirm against the current year's sample paper, as exact limits are occasionally revised.

6. Key Writing Tips

• Choose a clear stance or angle before writing — an article should have a discernible point of view, not just a list of facts.
• Use the present tense for general discussion, switching to past tense only when narrating a specific past example.
• Support opinions with reasons, examples, or data — avoid vague, sweeping statements.
• Use rhetorical devices sparingly — a rhetorical question or a short quotation can be effective in the introduction or conclusion.
• Maintain a formal, persuasive register suited to a newspaper or magazine readership.
• Keep paragraphs focused — one central idea per paragraph.
• End with a solution, suggestion, or reflection, not just a restatement of the problem.

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Correction
Missing title or by-line	Always include both — format carries a dedicated mark
Writing it like a report (facts only, no viewpoint)	An article must reflect the writer's opinion or analysis
Including a dateline	Datelines belong to reports, not articles
Rambling without a clear structure	Follow introduction → body → conclusion
Copying the question's cues verbatim	Expand and rephrase the cues into flowing prose
Letter-style salutation/closing	An article has no "Dear Sir" or "Yours faithfully" — it is not addressed to anyone

8. Model Answer — Sample Question

Question: You are Aryan/Aryaa. Write an article in about 120–150 words on the growing problem of screen addiction among teenagers and how it can be addressed.

Screen Addiction: The Silent Epidemic Among Teenagers

By Aryan

Walk into any household today, and you are likely to find teenagers glued to their phones for hours on end. Screen addiction has quietly become one of the most pressing challenges facing young people, affecting their sleep, concentration, and relationships.

Studies show that excessive screen time is linked to anxiety, poor academic performance, and reduced physical activity among adolescents. Social media, in particular, fuels constant comparison and a fear of missing out, leaving many teenagers mentally exhausted rather than genuinely connected.

Addressing this requires a combined effort: parents setting reasonable screen-time limits, schools promoting offline hobbies and sports, and teenagers themselves practising mindful use of technology. Only through such collective awareness can we ensure that screens remain tools we control, rather than habits that control us.

9. Further Practice Examples

9.1 Issue-Based Article — Environment

Question: Write an article in about 120–150 words on the need to reduce single-use plastic, for your school magazine. You are Meher/Mehul.

Say No to Single-Use Plastic

By Meher

Every day, we use plastic bags, straws, and cutlery for a few minutes, only for them to persist in the environment for centuries. Single-use plastic has become one of the gravest threats to our oceans, soil, and wildlife.

Marine animals mistake plastic waste for food, landfills overflow with non-biodegradable debris, and microplastics have even entered our food chain. Despite growing awareness, convenience continues to outweigh caution in most households and marketplaces.

It is time we made small but consistent changes: carrying cloth bags, choosing reusable bottles, and supporting local bans on plastic. If each of us takes responsibility today, we can spare future generations from inheriting a planet buried in plastic.

9.2 Informative Article — Health

Question: Write an article in about 120–150 words on the importance of a balanced diet for students. You are Rhea/Rehan.

Eating Right: The Foundation of a Healthy Student Life

By Rhea

Amid packed schedules of classes, tuitions, and exams, students often overlook one of the most basic pillars of wellbeing: a balanced diet. Skipped breakfasts and processed snacks have become common, quietly affecting concentration and energy levels.

A diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and proteins supports better memory, mood stability, and immunity, all of which are essential during demanding academic years. Nutritionists consistently link poor eating habits in adolescence to fatigue and declining academic performance.

Schools and parents must work together to encourage healthier tiffin choices and regular mealtimes. A well-nourished mind, after all, is far better equipped to handle the pressures of student life than one running on sugar and caffeine alone.

10. Quick Revision Checklist

• Title present, short, and centred?
• By-line ("By [Name]") included — no dateline?
• Three-part structure: Introduction → Body → Conclusion?
• Clear viewpoint or angle expressed, not just facts?
• Reasons or examples used to support the argument?
• Conclusion offers a suggestion or forward-looking thought?
• Word count within 120–150 words?
• No letter-style salutation or closing?