Article Writing Class 12 Format, Topics, Examples, Samples

Article Writing Class 12

Writing an article is quite challenging. It involves a high degree of creativity, a wide vocabulary, a thorough knowledge of the subject, and a lot of organizational abilities.

This grammar section explains English Grammar in a clear and simple way. There are example sentences to show how the language is used. NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English will help you to write better answers in your Class 12 exams. Because the Solutions are solved by subject matter experts.

Article Writing Class 12 Format, Topics, Examples, Samples

Articles express the personal opinions of the writer. Input for an article/speech may be in the form of verbal/visual input. The output may be descriptive or argumentative.

Purpose Articles are written:

  • to present information on a variety of themes (describing an event; a person and his life and actions; places; experiences, opinions on topics of social interest; arguments for or against a topic) in a long and sustained piece of writing.
  • to pass on such information in a wide range of contexts (magazine, school, newspaper, etc.).

Content
An article should contain

  • a title that is eye-catching and that summarizes the theme.
  • content that is clear, accurate and offers a balanced view of issues.
  • paragraphs that
  • introduce the theme,
  • bring out the cause-effect relationship and
  • conclusion, suggestions, personal observations, predictions.
  • original ideas.
  • logical arrangement of ideas.
  • a by-line.

♦ Sample Articles

Question 1.
By 2050, India will be amongst the countries which will face acute water shortage. You are highly alarmed and terrified of the future world without water. To write an article on ‘Save Water – Are we doing enough?’ for the local daily in 150-200 words. (10 marks) [CBSE Sample Paper 2019]
Answer:

Save Water-Are we doing enough?
By XYZ

‘Water -the elixir of life’. When people have ample facilities, they don’t care but when they are short of it then only, they realise how important it is to them. As water scarcity is all around in the metro cities, the situation is alarming. The man’s body is 70% water. Water is probably the most important resource on earth. Water is essential for life, i.e., plant life, animal life as well as human life. It is also needed for many human activities, such as cooking and washing.

What would the future be without water? Are we doing enough to save it? Perhaps not. Human callousness towards the misuse of water is taking him to a dungeon of its scarcity. The acute shortage of water is going to affect adversely on all. People throw garbage in the Yamuna. Water pollution is on the rise. The day is not so far away when it will prove right, ‘Water water everywhere, not a drop to drink’.

The need of the hour is to use it judiciously. People should use it moderately. One should use used water for plants. Everyone should stop washing cars with running water. A pledge should be taken to conserve this universal solvent. The motto of ‘Save Water – Save Life’ should be understood. The wholehearted efforts must be put it to save it.

Let us live, let her live, and let us help her live with pride courage, and freedom.

Question 2.
Our performance in Rio Olympics has told us that we do not pay enough attention to athletics and outdoor games. It is time we revise our attitude. Sports should be an important part of the school’s daily routine. Write an article in 150-200 words in the ‘Importance of Outdoor Games’. You are Sreeja/Thomas. (10 marks) [CBSE Paper 2018]
Answer:

Importance of Outdoor Games
By Thomas

The impact of computerisation is severely affecting the youth today. Sports and games that were only outdoor have now become primarily virtual, and boys and girls are literally glued to the screens of their monitor sets playing computer games.

What is however worrying is the poor performance of our athletes, swimmers, footballers, bikers, car racers or basketball players to name a few. Outdoor games are very much neglected at home and given little importance in most school curriculums. Physical exercises through sports and games not only tone and maintain our bodies but relax our mind too thus, warding off several diseases at an early age and on the contrary, increases the resistance to innumerable ailments.

The body of a young person not only remains flexible but acquires toughness that keeps his comfortable even at old age too. Even the septuagenarians abroad play badminton, table tennis, or trek to maintain their health. Local clubs, state and national level coaching camps need to create better ambiance, give encouragement, and pool in government commitments to discover and nurture sports, talents to improve our performance in the international arena for sports.

Two silver and bronze medals in the Rio Olympics bring our heads down in shame. Is this the outcome of years of training to lakhs of players from a country with about 1.2 billion population? Does it mean that real talents are either not interested or yet to be discovered or lost indoors in the virtual world of computers?

Question 3.
Every teenager has a dream to achieve something in life. What they are going to become tomorrow depends on what our youth dream of today. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘What I want to be in life’. You are Simranjit/Smita. (10 marks) [CBSE (AI) 2017]
Answer:

What I Want in Life
By Simranjit

Ever since I was a child, I minutely observed my father, who was in the Indian Police Service. I decided that one day, I would be like him; as idealistic and ethical as any human can be.

The youth around have dreams that I guess are dependent on their exposures and experiences. I have been not only drilled with discipline, honesty, transparency, diligence, and academic regularity but had grown up with exemplaries in my ambiance of such virtues of life. Time is changing and I know that compatibility and compromise are the order of the day. However, I have a holistic scheme to develop on the atmosphere created by my role model father.

Regularity is what I adhere to, but simultaneously efficient time management helps me to cultivate my hobbies of playing badminton, swimming, reading, writing, travelling, slum literacy, and martial arts. Policing has a wider range of functions and I enjoy being an indirect participant in the community. Policing with some of my father’s colleagues, whereby not only do I get to meet the demarcated class of people who are mentored to be re-introduced to the mainstream of the society but I have an opportunity to practically know how situations make criminals and nobody is a born one.

I know fulfilling my wishes and materialising my dream to be born as IPS of the highest order will have paths laid with horns, hot coals, and incredible impediments, but the love for my father and this nation should be the foremost incentive to make my dream come true.

Question 4.
Teenagers are full of energy as well as ideas. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘How to Channelise the Energy of the Teenagers’. You are Tejinder/Simran. You may use the following clues:

Teenagers curious-full of questions-question elders-sometimes even wrongly- generation gap-may go astray-effect on society-how to channelise-productive hobbies-social work-sports-part-time, etc.
(10 marks) [CBSE (F) 2017]
Answer:

How to Channelise the Energy of the Teenagers
By Tejinder

The students in their teenage or early adulthood are full of physical and emotional energy. Unless this energy is rightly channelised to positive avenues, it is possible that they use it negatively because they cannot stop themselves.

Teenagers are curious to know more. This is the age when they develop their outlook towards the world. They are full of questions about the world around them and about themselves. These young adults question their elders, sometimes even wrongly, and try to make their own decisions. This creates a generation gap. The influence of cinema and media promotes rash behaviour as heroic. If at this time, their energy is not channelized in a positive direction, they may go astray and can affect society negatively.

In channelising a teenager’s energy, the parents and the mentor in schools play the most important roles. Parents should inculcate and educate their children about the right and wrong things. They should teach them their culture and stories of courage and good manners, engage the students in positive and social activities apart from academics. The students who have underutilized time end up using it in unwanted activities. Encourage them to take part in productive hobbies, social work, part-time jobs, and sports of their interest. Art, culture, and literature are also avenues for using youth energy.

The most important of all, educational institutions should be a place where they have the freedom to express, develop confidence and skills, and that develop good behaviour and discipline. Every teacher should become a personality development trainer. The dynamic energy of the youth needs to be channelised positively and not politically or by media.

Question 5.
You are Vignesh/ Viharika. Of late, there has been an increase in the number of suicide cases among students because of the increased workload. You are deeply disturbed and decide to write an article for the ‘The Hindu’. Write the article in 150-200 words. (10 marks)
Answer:

Student Suicides on a Rise
By Vignesh

It is common these days for youngsters to come up with expressions like very little leisure time. I believe there are two main causes of this situation. The first is parental pressure and the second is competition for university places.

The parents want to see their children do well in school and have a successful career. This makes them exert pressure on their children to spend hours each day studying. Some even arrange extra tuition for their children. As a consequence, their leisure time is extremely limited and the pressure on them is considerable.

The second cause is related to the higher education system. Due to less number of seats at the university level, only those students with very good grades manage to obtain a place. This contributes to the pressure on teenagers since they must work long hours to have any chance of success.

One solution to the problem is to create awareness among parents. Schools should inform parents that too much pressure can lead to anxiety, stress and depression. They should be shown ways in which they can help their children lead more balanced lives with a reasonable amount of leisure time.

Another effective measure would be for the government to invest in the creation of more university places. This could he done by expanding existing universities or by building new ones. This would reduce the competition for places giving teenagers some of their precious free time back.

Question 6.
You are an active member of the Animals Lovers’ Club of your school which works
for preventing cruelty to animals. Write an article in 150-200 words for your school magazine emphasising the need to co-exist peacefully with animals. You are Zaheeda/ Zahir of P.K. Senior Secondary School, Hyderabad. (10 marks) [CBSE Sample Paper 2015]
Answer:

Stop Cruelty Towards Animals
By Zaheeda

Every day in India animals are beaten, neglected, or forced to struggle for survival. Left in unsanitary conditions with no food or water, they have little hope as they live out their days without the compassion they deserve. Some are found and rescued, given the chance to experience how great life and humans can be; others aren’t so lucky. To grow as a nation, we must fight for these abused animals’ rights and severely punish heartless owners.

It is up to us to speak for these creatures who lack a voice. Who will if we don’t? It is important that stringent laws are made to protect all animals. Large fines and lengthy prison time should be levied. Seasoned abusers should not be allowed to own animals. Along with these laws, we need officials who will strongly enforce them. Police and psychologists, both need to work in tandem to understand the link between animal cruelty and violence against people. To better protect communities, work should be done to increase public awareness of these crimes.

It’s not only up to the legal system to ensure that communities across the country are aware and educated about animal cruelty. There are plenty of things that citizens can do everyday. The simplest action is for people to take care of their own pets and learn the facts, so they can educate others on proper animal care. Another easy way to help is by donating to or volunteering at a local animal shelter. By writing letters, you can remind your local lawmakers that animal abuse is a real problem that needs to be addressed.

It is our job to be the voice for creatures who cannot speak up for themselves. As a nation, we need to make it our priority to come together and ensure the safety of our beloved pets.

Question 7.
Over the past few years there has been a constant rise in coaching institutes and private tuition centres all over India. Write an article in about 150-200 words highlighting the exploitation of young minds that seek sincere counselling and proper direction. You are Gurpreet, a student of Class XII of Indira Public School, Jamshedpur. (10 marks) [CBSE Sample Paper 2015]
Answer:

Coaching Institutes – The Real Purpose
By Gurpreet

The recent trend of joining a coaching institute to get good marks has led to the mushrooming of coaching institutes and private tuition centres all over India. The real purpose of coaching institutes was to provide help by providing students proper guidance. Of late, however, the purpose has become exploitation of young minds.

Some may say that it is a tall claim. Others might still say that we cannot blame the whole §et because of some money-minded people. Being a victim of this rigmarole of coaching and tuitions, I can say from my experience that things are not the same. Parents and children diligently, visit various coaching institutes, in order to choose the best. The counsellors at the institute aim to fill their centres with the cream, so that their results are not compromised. In case a weak student comes for coaching, they sincerely offer a crash course knowing fully well that the needs of the student are different.

All this because if the student (without any doubt in this particular case) does not get through any entrance exam or does not get good marks, one can always say that they did only a crash course. Such exploitation of the students and their parents needs to be regulated by the Education Department. Parents should be made aware of the various courses at the coaching institute. The most important thing would be to believe in their wards and understand that just like earlier days, children can still do well without any extra help from coaching centres. True, some students might need such help, but it should not be done to blindly follow a trend.

Question 8.
Ragging has raised its ugly head again. A recent incident at a prestigious school has shown that this evil has not yet come to an end. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘Ragging, an Evil’. You are Navtej/Navita. (10 marks) [CBSE (AI) 2015]

  • a practice from the British era
  • original aim, respect for hierarchy
  • enforcing traditions, discipline
  • prefect – a teacher substitute
  • misuse of authority
  • vulgar aspect
  • fatalities
  • solution

Answer:

Ragging, An Evil
By Navtej

Ragging is a social evil which has spread to the educational institutions. It has to be eradicated with a heavy hand, so that lives of innocent students who fell victims to these evils, can be saved. Initially, ragging started in British era with the excuse that it was to teach the social hierarchy in early career, and also learn other important values in life. Ragging has let down humanity on innumerable occasions. It is also a pity that the practice has been going on for decades and the victims of last year become the perpetrators this year. In the name of the ‘Tradition’, this course is on and the authorities keep mum on the happenings in their institutions. Under the pretext of fun, a poor student is often assaulted, sometimes even stripped and intimidated by his seniors. The chilling incident continues to haunt him throughout his life, and he unknowingly develops various psychological disorders.

After experiencing the evil of ragging, a student develops a feeling of revenge for his ‘unjustified harassment’ and derives pleasure in ragging his juniors. So, the trend goes on and students continue to suffer.

Those who surrender before their seniors are set free from the torment after going through a series of inhuman acts, but those who refuse to follow their diktats are subjected to barbaric and brutal treatment and are forced to urinate on high voltage heaters, take part in naked parades, shave off their moustaches and beards, and stand upside down on their heads, etc. The situation sometimes turns so bad that it compels the victim being ragged to commit suicide.

In spite of the strict warning by the Supreme Court for enforcement of these recommendations, some institutions have failed in this regard. Therefore, seeing the gravity of the situation and inhuman aspect associated with it, ragging has been declared a criminal offence. We need stringent laws and punishment for the criminals.

Strict action should be taken against students indulging in ragging. There should be sensitisation on the issues. More activities requiring the collaboration of both seniors and juniors, will also help bridge this gap.

Question 9.
India is a tourist’s dream destination. Give your views on the tourism potential of India in an article in 150-200 words. You are Navtej/Navita.

places of worship – religious tourism – foreigners – places of historical interest – the rich – hill stations during summers – the sun-kissed beaches in winters – leisure tourism – medical tourism – world class hospitals (10 marks) [CBSE (AI) 2015]
Answer:

India – A Dream Destination
By Navita

From the snow clad mountains in the North to the desert areas of Rajasthan to the beaches of Goa, India is a land of diversity-Diversity of culture, religion, language, food, occupation. Besides this, exquisite monuments and temples together with archaeological finds for the tourists make India a travellers delight. In fact, diversity is synonymous with India. Being the birth place of many religions like Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism, India is also an ideal place for religious tourism. Places like Bodhgaya, Shirdi, and Rishikesh are thriving because of religious tourism.

The other attractions include beautiful beaches, forests and wildlife, and landscapes for ecotourism, snow, river and mountain peaks for adventure tourism, technological parks and science museums for science tourism, centres of pilgrimage for spiritual tourism, heritage trains and hotels for heritage tourism. The Indian handicrafts particularly jewelleries, carpets, leather goods, ivory and brass work are the main shopping items of foreign tourists. A new growth sector is medical tourism. It is currently growing steadily with world class hospitals. Yoga, ayurveda and natural health resorts also attract tourists.

However, the tourism industry in India has been generating very low revenue of late. It would be worthwhile to look at the factors that have led to this untapped potential. The major constraint in the expansion of international tourist traffic to India is non – availability of adequate infrastructure.

Indian tourism has vast potential for generating employment and earning large sums of foreign exchange besides giving a boost to the country’s overall economic and social development. Much has been achieved by way of increasing trains and railway connectivity to important tourist destinations, four-lane roads connecting important tourist centres and increasing availability of accommodation by adding heritage hotels to the hotel industry and encouraging paying guest accommodation. But much more remains to be done, if India is to become a world player in the tourism industry.

Question 10.
In the year to come (if you have not already done this year) you are going to celebrate our 18th birthday. Write an article in 150-200 words on the joys and responsibilities of being eighteen. You are Navtej/Navita. (10 marks) [CBSE Delhi 2015]
Answer:

I am Eighteen!
By Navtej

Reaching milestones in age (For example, hitting 18, 21, silver jubilee or sweet sixteen) is a great birthday to celebrate! It packs all that magical ‘specialness’ which a normal year doesn’t. Whether it actually brings along that much more in its stride is still a question. For me, becoming 18 was an awesome feeling. I was allowed to vote. That for me was the best part of turning 18. Becoming responsible for your actions is again something I really loved, as it leads to proper personality development and our parents are no longer responsible for us.

It also brings with it a feeling of independence and loads of freedom. They said that age was just a number! I don’t think so! Turning 18 has led to a thousand new duties entrusted upon us. Right to vote, driving, helping parents with their work; the list is endless. It opened up a new domain of responsibilities and made us aware how much our parents deal with. As they say, grass is always greener on the other side. When we were kids, we wanted to be adults but now that we are adults, we want to be kids again! With every age comes lots of experience and learning so just go along with it, live life to the fullest and no matter what your age, don’t forget to be yourself! But remember, being 18 is also about being more responsible, mature, thoughtful and balanced.

Question 11.
Write an article in 150-200 words on how we can make India a carefree and enjoyable
place for women when they can go wherever they like to without any fear of being stared at, molested or discriminated against. You are Navtej/Navita. (10 marks) [CBSE Delhi 2015]
Answer:

Women safety in india
By Navita

Women in India, today, are becoming the most vulnerable section as far as their safety and security is concerned. When we turn the pages of a newspaper, we come across many headlines reporting cases of molestation, harassment, trafficking, ill treatment of women in houses, violence against women in remote areas, etc. Women feel unsafe and unsecure and feel that their freedom and liberty are jeopardised. It is unbearable to imagine the plight of women who are sufferers of such crimes. It is a jolt on the confidence of the women, of society and on our judicial system.

We generally play the blame game for any such incidence and hence, have not succeeded to reach the root cause of this issue. An effective implementation of laws protecting women’s rights is the first step in this direction. There should be stringent laws and the perpetrators of such crimes should be severely punished. We also need to create social awareness about these issues and ostracise those who commit such crimes and not the victims. Better surveillance by law enforcing authorities is also required. The last but the most effective would be to compulsorily teach self-defence techniques to girls and women in schools, colleges, offices and residential colonies. Only when these measures are taken, India can become a carefree and enjoyable place for women.

Question 12.
Emotionally as well as intellectually, a woman is as good as a man if not better. Yet we
don’t allow her the same status as a man enjoys in society. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘Status of Women in Society’. You are Navtej/Navita. (10 marks) [CBSE Delhi 2015]
Answer:

Status of Women in Society
By Navtej

The worth of a civilisation can be judged by the place given to women in the society. One of the several factors that justify the greatness of India’s ancient culture is the honourable place granted to women. However, the status of women in India has been subject to many great changes over the past few millenniums. From equal status with men in ancient times through the low points of the medieval period, to the promotion of equal rights by many reformers, the history of women in India has been eventful. In modern India, women have adorned high offices in India including that of the President, Prime Minister, Speaker of the Lok Sabha and Leader of the Opposition.

However, women in India generally are still exposed to numerous social issues. Though emotionally as well as intellectually a woman is as good as a man, they are not allowed the same status as a man in the Indian society. Even when women are working, they are not given equal pay for equal work at certain places. To add to all these woes, they are stared at, ill-treated and discriminated against at home, at workplace and in the society.

We need to promote education and skill development for women. They should be given priority in jobs. We also need more women-friendly laws. Though we celebrate Women’s Day on March 8, what we need in reality is to understand the real contribution that women make to the society. It is not just about celebrating one day. In fact it is about understanding and thanking all the women in our lives. We need to understand the small sacrifices that they make every day, so that we can have a better tomorrow.

Question 13.
When children watch TV, the adults generally scold them without realising that some programmes on TV can be educative too. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘TV as a tool of instruction’. You are Navtej/Navita. (10 marks) [CBSE Delhi 2016]
Answer:

Tv as a Tool of Instruction
By Navita

Since the invention of TV, there have been contrasting views on its usability. Many parents believe that watching violence on television makes the children aggressive and violent. Parents also believe that watching too much television is not good for health. Excessive TV watching (more than 3 hours a day) can also contribute to sleep difficulties, behaviour problems, lower grades, and other health issues. Television makes us antisocial, taking the place of family and friends. Many people call it the idiot box and feel that watching TV is just a waste of time and resources. Time which could be spent in doing something important and enriching is lost. Children feel lost without television. They do not have any hobby or creativity left.

But is TV viewing so bad? Are there no educative programmes on TV? Children feel that they are not always wrong and immature. They can also take right decisions. Parents must have faith in their children. Parental discretion is important but not always. Some shows can motivate people who are interested in that field and help them to pursue their dreams. Not only does it keep one entertained and informed, it also expands one’s horizon. Certain channels like Discovery Science and History TV are good and informative. To supplement education with entertainment, children can also watch cartoons, though the proportion needs to be maintained. Sometimes, it can be a family viewing session too. This will in fact bring the family together.

Question 14.
Mid-day meal scheme in the schools introduced by the government serves several purposes. Millions of children from the deprived sections of society get nutritious food leading to good health, are attracted to the schools, kept from going astray and developed into good citizens. The scheme may have some drawbacks too. Write an article in 150-200 words on all aspects of the scheme. You are Navtej/Navita. (10 marks) [CBSE (AI) 2015]
Answer:

Mid-day Meal Scheme
By Navita

The renowned ‘midday meal project’ is a famous school meal scheme in the country, India. The scheme began in the year 1960. The main objective of the scheme is to provide day lunch to students during working school days. Some other important aims of this scheme include: protecting students from study-room hunger, improved socialization especially among the students, increasing enrollment as well as attendance, social empowerment; addressing malnutrition, etc. It also prevents children from going astray and develops them into good citizens.

However, there are certain drawbacks to this scheme. Sometimes, due to lack of monitoring and hygiene, children are provided with contaminated food. This is furthered by corruption at all levels. In most places, teachers manage kitchens and are often not dignified in distributing food. A lack of infrastructure in schools and delay in payment by the Government further aggravates the issue. Children are often treated as burden. Only when the government, school authorities and the parents join hands, can this mid-day meal scheme be a true success.

Question 15.
Morning assembly in the schools gives a cool and calm start to the otherwise hectic schedule of the day. It can be a means of passing important information to the students. What are your views on this significant event of the day? Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘Importance of Morning Assembly’. You are Navtej/Navita. (10 marks) [CBSE (AI) 2015]
Answer:

Importance of Morning Assembly
By Navtej

Morning assembly is the most important feature of the school curriculum, where students learn the value of collective prayer and are exposed to the need to inculcate moral and ethical values. The morning assembly helps each child to showcase his or her talent and ensure a robust start of the day. They are also guided to the path of spiritualism through educational talks. Meditation and introspection form an integral feature of the morning assembly. It is a symbol of unity of our school. It helps children to cultivate a sense of belonging towards the school. The assembly is creative canalisation of the innate talent of students and is an integral part of the school activities.

Morning assembly provides a channel to release information related to the school operations, such as the club activities and extra-curricular activities. We can know what is going on in the school every day. It also provides a training platform for both, the students and the teachers to share their ideas about cultures, festivals and current affairs. To conclude, morning assembly plays a major part in the development of a child.

Question 16.
On the occasion of Teachers’ Day, the Honourable PM of India had an interactive Session with students from all over the country through satellite link. Your school also made special arrangements for the students to view the telecast. Write an article in aboutl50-200 words for your school magazine giving details of the talk and its impact on you. You are Akshay/Akshita of Brightland Public School. (10 marks) [CBSE Sample Paper 2016]
Answer:
On the occasion of Teacher’s Day, the Honourable Prime Minister, Mr Ram Kumar Sharma interacted with students from all over the country through satellite link. Our school made special arrangements for the students to view the telecast in the school auditorium. It was indeed an enthralling experience to see the great dignitary interacting with the students. The importance of teacher’s in shaping our lives was an important part of his talk. Mr Sharma talked about how he was thankful to his teachers for instilling the beliefs that he has today.

He thanked his teachers for helping him fulfil his dreams. Whatever difficulties may come one’s way, one should strive hard to succeed. He gave examples from his childhood about the times when he had to walk 10 kms to reach school. It was difficult but he used to wade through even deep waters during rains, so that he could study. His talk was truly inspiring. We realised how only after one has put in full efforts, one gets complete satisfaction, the sense of achievement. He motivated the students to give their best in the face of difficulties, so that they can be successful in life.

Question 17.
On the occasion of Earth Day, you participated in various eco-friendly campaigns initiated by your school. Write an article in about 150-200 words for your school magazine giving details of these campaigns and the impact on you. You are Akshay/ Akshita of Brightland Public School. (10 marks) [CBSE Sample Paper 2016]
Answer:

Earth Day Celebrations
By Akshita

On the occasion of Earth Day, April 22, various eco-friendly campaigns were organised by our school. Many of you might question, why we celebrate Earth Day? It’s because we seem to have forgotten what a beautiful gift we have been given in the form of planet earth. We also seem to have forgotten that this is our home and we need to keep it in order to stay healthy and alive.

Over the centuries, we have ruthlessly used and depleted the earth’s resources. All this has led to severe problems like depletion of the ozone layer, cyclones, flash floods, earthquakes, tsunami, forest fires, global warming, etc. To satisfy our quest for modernisation, heavy amount of deforestation is also taking place. All this has harmed the earth’s environment. The ice at the Polar caps has started to melt due to the rise in earth’s temperature.

All this is bringing the doom’s day nearer. So, days like the Earth Day remind us to be caring and loving to the earth. This Earth Day, our school had a series of enlightening lectures on the theme ‘Save Earth’ by the famous environmentalist Dr Ramakant Mishra. Poster making competition, planting saplings, cleanliness drive in and around the school were also organised.

Special screening of James Cameroon’s movie ‘Avatar’ was also conducted to make the students aware of the importance of saving earth. These programs were thoroughly enjoyed by the students. Many students also pledged to do their share to help the planet. Students were made aware of how little things like switching off lights and fans when not in use, stop using plastic bags, saving fuel by walking small distances, recycling paper can go a long way in saving the earth. Let us pledge to save earth this Earth Day.

Question 18.
India is a land of diversity. One way in which it makes us feel proud of it is the number of festivals we enjoy. Write an article in 150-200 words on, ‘Festivals of India’. You are Karuna/Karan. (10 marks) [CBSE Delhi 2016]
Answer:

Festivals of India
By Karan

India is a land of fairs and festivals. People belonging to different communities and different religions live here, therefore, many festivals are celebrated regularly every year. Among these festivals, some are religious, some are based on seasons while some are of national importance. The commonality being the great enthusiasm in a colourful atmosphere.

Diwali, Dussehra, Raksha Bandhan, Id-ul-Fitr, Id-ul-Zuha, Christmas, Mahavir Jayanti, Guru Nanak Jayanti, Ganesh Chaturthi, etc. are the religious festivals of India. These festivals are celebrated by different communities, but they are celebrated as a whole. We can see festive atmosphere everywhere in India.

Holi, Baisakhi, Basant Panchami, Bihu, Pongal, Onam, etc. are seasonal or harvest festivals. During the harvest festival, the farmers worship the sun, the earth and the cattle as thanks giving for a bounteous harvest.

Then comes our national festivals – The Independence Day, The Republic Day and Gandhi Jayanti. These festivals are celebrated by all communities throughout the country. The Independence Day celebrated on 15th August every year reminds us those numerous freedom fighters that made the Britishers leave the country. Our long-cherished dream of freedom came true. All these days are observed with great national feeling. On The Republic day, a colourful parade starts from Vijay Chowk which ends at the Red Fort.

The festivals make our life colourful. People come together to welcome with open arms and forget the narrow differences. Festivals are very important and they must be celebrated with pomp.

Question 19.
Rising pollution, fast and competitive lifestyle, lack of nutritious food, etc. have caused health woes for a large section of our population. Providing health care used to be a charitable and ethical activity. Today, it has become commercialised, a money spinning business. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘How to provide proper health care to the common man’. You are Karan/Karuna. (10 marks) [CBSE Delhi 2016]
Answer:

How to Provide Proper Health Care to the Common Man?
By Karan

In the rat-race to earn more and live a better lifestyle, people do not have time to take care of themselves. Exercising, yoga, meditation have become uncommon these days. They have become fancy terms which people only talk about. Rising pollution, fast and competitive lifestyle, lack of nutritious food, etc. have caused health woes for a large section of our population. Providing health care used to be an ethical activity. Today, it has become commercialised. The poor illiterate man who goes to the hospital for some other treatment ends up losing kidney. Such cases of kidney theft in hospitals have become quite common. Doctors refuse to start treatment of people unless payment is done. Can the poor afford?

Many government hospitals are in pathetic conditions. There are hardly any provisions for the sick. The government hospital doctors have made the hospitals a referral point for their private practices. Inclusion of private sector in health care has made the entire situation commercialised. Unnecessary tests and operations are done without any human concern. Proper health care has stopped being affordable even to the middle class, leave alone the poor class.

Though the cost of treatment is lower than the west, it is still \iot affordable to the common man. The government needs to take necessary steps and allocate more funds to the health care in India. Better health care facilities at the Primary health care centres, provision of essential medicines free of cost, strict vigilance on the doctors at the government hospitals, health insurance should be improved and private hospitals should provide health care to the common man at affordable cost. “Prevention is better than cure”. Therefore, proper precaution and care should start at home.

Question 20.
India is an emerging economy. We are rich in natural resources. Yet a significant
proportion of our people are living below poverty line. One cause of this poverty is our rising population. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘How to keep a check on population’. You are Karuna/Karan. (10 marks) [CBSE Delhi 2016]
Answer:

How to Keep a Check on Population?
By Karima

“We all worry about population explosion but we don’t worry about it at the right time.” With limited resources and an ever increasing population, the developing countries face a lot of problems. As per United Nations population statistics, the world population grew by 30% between 1990 and 2010 which is an alarmingly high rate. There are many ways of keeping a check on our population. Out of the many, the most important is women empowerment; it should be up to women if they want to have a child or not. They shouldn’t be forced to give birth to a child just for the continuity of a family name.

Secondly, as education is the most powerful tool, the society needs to be made aware of the current situations and be educated enough that they break the stereotypes. With a powerful legislation and making sure that the laws and policies get implemented, population can be controlled more effectively. A proper family planning can also help to curb the menace. All of these measures are just a few of the many. It is the need of the hour to control the population in order to handle the problem of scarcity of resources and for a steady economic development.

Question 21.
Women feel unsafe on the road, at their place of work and even at home. There is an urgent need to change the male mindset in its attitude towards women. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘How to make women feel safe’. You are Karan/Karuna. (10 marks) [CBSE Delhi 2016]
Answer:

How to Make Women Feel Safe?
By Karuna

The status of women in India has been subject to great changes over the past few millennia. Today, Indian women are found working in all fields like aeronautics, space, politics, banks, schools, sports, businesses, army, police, and many more.

However in the recent years, we have seen a lot of changes. On the one hand, we find female figurines being worshipped in our temples, on the other hand, we hear about the manifold increase in crime against women. Molestation, dowry deaths, rape, murder have all become everyday news now. With the rising number of rape cases in the country, more and more women have fear regarding their safety. Women are harassed everywhere at all times.

Perpetrator of such crimes have been found to have a stereotypical male mindset, that the job of a woman is only to beget children. It has been found that crimes against women are rising due to the lack of gender-friendly environment and improper functional infrastructure, such as consumption of alcohol and drugs in open area, lack of adequate lighting, safe public toilets, sidewalks, lack of effective police service, lack of properly working helpline numbers, etc. There is an urgent need to understand and solve this problem of women safety, so that women feel equally safe in their own country. The police need to be more pro-active.

Counselling at home and in the schools is required to ensure gender equality. It is important that women are made aware of their rights, for example, cyber-crime against women is also punishable. To feel safe, it is important that women/girls are motivated to join self-defense classes, so that she can fight for herself. Let us all work together to make this world a better and safer place to live in.

Question 22.
According to 2011 census, literacy rate of hundred per cent or around has been achieved by only a couple of states in India. Illiteracy is found mostly among the old and the deprived sections of society. What can the youth do to spread literacy in society? Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘Role of students in eradicating illiteracy’. You are Karuna/Karan. (10 marks) [CfiSE Delhi 2016]
Answer:

Role of Students in Eradicating Illiteracy
By Karan

Literacy is a key element in the progress of any nation. In its absence, people often become helpless. It also hinders their development. Though the literacy rate in India has grown over a period of time, literacy is still below average in the country. Despite many government programmes, India’s literacy does not show any improvement. Illiteracy is found mostly among the old and the deprived sections of society. Though some states in India have achieved 100% literacy, the real purpose is yet to be achieved. Students in particular can do a lot in this regard. The youth can help the rural people in many ways, by spreading education among them, by developing adult education programmes and by removing ignorance from their life.

Education creates awareness. Various street plays can be staged to make people aware of the benefits of education. Being a part of programmes like ‘Each one Teach one’ will also help the cause. During summer vacation, students can set up various camps to teach people. If students pledge to eradicate illiteracy from the country and work towards achieving that goal, surely our country will also become a nation of literates soon.

Question 23.
Increase in the number of private vehicles has caused problems like rising air pollution, traffic jams, lack of parking space, road rage, etc. The solution lies in the use of public transport. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘The Importance of Public Transport’. You are Karan/Karuna. (10 marks) [CBSE (AI) 2016]
Answer:

The Importance of Public Transport
By Karuna

Nowadays with the arrival of low end private vehicles in the market, we find people preferring private vehicles over public transport. This increase in the number of private vehicles has led to rising levels of congestion and air pollution. Increasing number of road accidents, incidents of road rage in most of the world cities can be attributed directly to the rapidly increasing number of private vehicles in use. The increasing number of private vehicles contribute to greenhouse gases, further leading to global warming. In order to reverse this decline in the quality of life in cities, attempts must be made to encourage people to use public transport more. There are many benefits of using public transport.

Firstly, it is affordable and accessible any day, and at most times to the public, unlike private transport where the responsibility of maintaining and financing the vehicle falls on the shoulders of the owner. The increasing cost of fuel further gives a reason for use of public transport. Private vehicle owners need to check the road-worthiness of the vehicle and ensure that the vehicle is taxed and insured.

Secondly, public transport is a means of relieving traffic congestions since a greater number of passengers can be accommodated in it. Less number of vehicles means less fuel consumption, thereby saving fuel. Reducing the number of vehicles on the road has the effect of reducing the Amount of air pollution in the environment, reducing global warming. This will lead to better health of individuals. Furthermore, in this fast paced life where people do not have time to interact with others, public transport gives an opportunity not only to relax but also to interact with other people. Therefore, public transport is very important and should be advocated.

Question 24.
In certain states of India there is a great imbalance in the male female ratio. This is the result of special treatment given to boys in the family. Why is it so? How can we change this mindset? Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘Gender Discrimination in Society’. You are Karuna/Karan. (10 marks) [CBSE (AI) 2016]
Answer:

Gender Discrimination in Society
By Karan

India is a male dominant society. Men enjoy certain privileges over women. Birth of a boy is celebrated, whereas girl’s birth is considered as a curse. It is pity that in a country where women are said to be worshipped, there is widespread discrimination. Even before they are born, injustice is meted out to them in this male chauvinistic world in varying degrees. Certain brutal practices like female foeticide throw light on our attitude. The girl child is considered a liability and doesn’t enjoy the privileges of a boy. She is denied the advantages of proper education. The dowry system haunts parents and the harassment she is subjected to at the in-laws often force her to commit suicide.

Even in enlightened homes, women have to live their life under surveillance, if not in strict ‘purdah’. Working women are physically and verbally abused, denied opportunities of growth and subjected to discrimination.

Social evils like dowry system, honour killing, human trafficking, societal dogmas, etc., take a toll on women. Only education and economic independence can empower women. Proper law making and execution, spreading awareness, exemplary punishment for the predators etc., surely will bring positive changes. Women need to be empowered instead of treating them as a helpless victim of male chauvinism. Let us live, let her live and let us help her live in better developed society.

Question 25.
For admission to colleges, there is a lot of competition today. For one available seat, there are hundreds of candidates. Such a situation leads to stress on the minds of students in the schools. However, the practice of Yoga can help them feel calm and stress-free. Write an article in 150-200 words on the topic, ‘Importance of Yoga to Students’. You are Karan/Karuna. (10 marks) [CBSE (AI) 2016]
Answer:

Importance of Yoga to Students
By Karan

Yoga is a holistic method of fitness that aims at balancing the body through various poses and meditative techniques. It aims at all-round health and improves all systems of the body. It is suitable for any age group.

Yoga can have great importance for students. Students these days have to face stiff competition. To reach the number-one spot has become a priority for everyone. There is a mad rush among hundreds of candidates to get that one available seat in college. All this creates stress among students. This is where yoga helps. The practice of yoga can help them feel calm and stress-free. The benefits of yoga for students can be manifold. Yoga makes students flexible, helping them remain fit. Some particular asanas like surya namaskars increase the blood flow to the brain, helping the brain to function better.

Regularly practising yoga also helps students to concentrate better and train the body to do things unconsciously. Breathing exercises in yoga or pranayama are also very helpful to students. They help in removing stress and tension from their minds and reducing behavioural problems. It keeps their mind healthy and decreases physical ailments. Yoga also helps in reducing depression, a by-product of stress. It calms mind and helps students concentrate better.

Meditation skills also help students focus on important things. Seeing the benefits of yoga, the United Nations has declared 21 June as the International Day of Yoga and it is celebrated worldwide since the year 2015. So with these umpteen benefits rolled into one, let us make yoga a part of our life.

Question 26.
Education has always been a noble profession. Our ancestors received their learning at gurukuls and ashrams. Even in the near past, pathshalas (schools) were associated with places of worship. Today, education is fast becoming commercialised. Parents halve to shell out a lot of money on coaching classes, tuition fees, etc. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘The State of Education Today’. You are Karan/Karuna. (10 marks) [CBSE (AI) 2016]
Answer:

The State of Education Today
By Karan

Education is a means of acquiring knowledge, skills, values and beliefs. It enables people to know the real world. It enlightens them and helps in bringing out the individuality. Education helps people in forming perspectives. Having said all this, education in India is in a deplorable state today. It has become a source of producing large number of unemployed graduates. Though there has been a spurt of various colleges, the quality of education is questionable. It has become more of a money generating enterprise. The students who come out of these educational institutes these days lack the basic communication and problem-solving skills.

Education has become just a degree. It has become commercialised. This is evident from the flourishing coaching centres and tutorials. To add to the woes, the education system is all about rote-learning and curbs creativity and originality. The real purpose of education is lost. Education has become marks-oriented without any actual learning happening on the part of the students. There is a mindless rat race to get good marks, but it is not done with understanding of the subject, it is highly focused on marks.

To aid to this state, there is a poor student- teacher ratio in schools. For 60 students, there will be only one teacher. How can a single teacher focus on all the students at the same time? The need of the hour is to redefine the purpose of education-it should not be making of endless number of puppets, who have lost their individuality and their power to think; rather it should be to make strong individuals. After all, these children are our future, the future of our nation.