Article & Report Writing

Article & Report Writing

These two formats are frequently tested together because both demand organised, factual writing — but their purpose and tone differ.

Article — a piece written for a magazine or newspaper to inform and express an opinion on a topic or issue. It is reflective and semi-formal, and usually carries the writer's viewpoint.

Report — a factual account of an event that has happened (a function, a survey, an accident, a visit). It is objective, written in the past tense and usually the third person/passive voice, and sticks to facts without personal opinion.

Exact format expected.

• Article: (1) a catchy title; (2) the writer's name / "by..." line; (3) an introduction that raises the topic; (4) a body of 2-3 paragraphs developing causes, effects, examples, and the writer's view; (5) a conclusion offering a suggestion or takeaway.
• Report: (1) a headline/title; (2) a by-line (name and "Staff Reporter" / designation, and place + date); (3) the opening sentence covering the five Ws (what, when, where, who, why); (4) a factual body describing the event in sequence; (5) a brief closing (outcome, remarks of a chief guest, etc.).

CBSE marking scheme (typically 5-6 marks). Roughly: Format (title, by-line, structure) – about 1 mark; Content (relevant, complete, well-sequenced) – about 2-3 marks; Expression (appropriate tone/tense, grammar, coherence) – about 2 marks.

Model example (Report).

Annual Sports Day Held with Great Enthusiasm

By Ishaan Gupta, Sports Secretary

Delhi, 14 August 2026 — The Annual Sports Day of Greenfield Public School was celebrated on 12 August 2026 on the school grounds. The event was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, District Sports Officer Mrs. Kavita Nair, who lit the ceremonial torch.

Over four hundred students participated in track and field events, relays, and the much-awaited house march-past. The Blue House emerged overall champion, while the junior relay drew the loudest cheers. Parents and teachers watched with great enthusiasm throughout the morning.

In her address, the Chief Guest praised the students' discipline and sportsmanship and urged them to pursue fitness as a lifelong habit. The event concluded with the prize distribution and the school anthem. …