ARTICLES, DEBATE, SPEECH & REPORTS

CHAPTER 6

Chapter Analysis

Question Type Year 2016 2017 2018

D D OD OD OD

Articles (10 marks) 1 1 1 1 1

Debates (10 marks) 1 1 1 1

Speeches (10 marks) 1 1 1 1 1

Reports (10 marks) 1 1 (1) 1 1 1

Note: 1 question here indicates that 1 question in each set for that year has been asked.

Introduction

1. Article: An article is a written work, published in printed/electronic form for the purpose of propagating news, and analysis of results or academics. It is related to one topic, subject or theme. While writing an article, students are advised to keep the following points in mind:

1. First of all, concentrate on the given topic and also read intensively the given verbal input. Some new ideas will strike you. Arrange all those ideas in the sequence in which you want them to appear in your piece.
2. Now start writing your composition. Develop your ideas one by one.

1. Your composition must be precise, to the point and lucid. Every sentence and idea should be linked to the previous one and lead to the next.

1. Your write up should be meaningful and compact. There should be no loose end. Don't exceed the word limit.
2. The first sentence should be striking. It should be the essence of the whole composition. Likewise, the last sentence should state your conclusion on the topic. It should leave a permanent impression on the mind of the reader.

1. Write your composition in simple words. There should be no grammatical, spelling or structural mistake. Rules of syntax and punctuation marks should not be violated.
2. Your paragraph should follow a clear-cut order and move steadily towards its desired goal. Arrange your ideas into a set pattern in order to give a concrete shape to your paragraph.

1. In a descriptive or argumentative piece of composition, the style is usually formal. Always write complete sentence, leaving nothing to the guess work. Your language should be graphic, words selective and your approach objective. It is therefore necessary to give emphasis to the main and central points of the topic. The beginning as well as the end should be striking and appealing.

1. Colloquialism and too formal expressions and slangs should not be used.

Format of an Article

Heading

−By ABC

. Introduction

......................................

138 ]

Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, ENGLISH CORE, Class-XII

.. Solution/Conclusion ......

1. Speech: Speech is a formal address delivered to an audience. Before writing a speech, following points should be kept in mind:
2. Give the title at the top.
3. Begin with a "Good morning to all of you, today I am here to express my views on the topic
4. Define the topic, give its causes, effects, the present state and remedial measures.
5. It should be a coherent piece clearly stating a particular point of view. Divide the speech into 3 to 4 paragraphs.
6. Conclude by giving suggestion for improvement.
7. Always make a rough draft first.
8. Debate: A debate is a formal discussion or an argument on a subject on which people have different opinions. Purpose: To show skills and ability of presenting an argument.

Guidelines:

1. Begin with "Honourable judges and my dear friends, I stand before you to express my views for/against the motion ...."
2. Total agreement or disagreement with the topic should be expressed forcefully and clearly.
3. Use argumentative style and logical reasoning.
4. Back up arguments with relevant information
5. At the end write, thank you, at the extreme left end.
6. Always make a rough draft, edit and time it yourself (20 minutes).
7. Use powerful expressions like:

• I'd like to argue
• In my opinion
• May I ask? etc.
• Refer to your opponent's view/views

1. Stick to your view point either in favour or against

Format of Debate / Speech

Salutation: Respected chairperson, honorable judges and all present.

Introduction: Views for/against the topic

Body: Views, facts, contradiction of opponent's arguments etc.

Conclusion: Clarification stand made.

Some Useful Tips:

A debate is also a speech, but with a different way of presenting the content.

All speeches are persuasive in style. The speakers intention is to convert the audience to his/her own way of thinking on the topic.

• Remember that your points need to be forceful with examples and data as evidence. Points should not be repeated.
• You can use any tense, but follow the same throughout.
• You can write in 1st person and use expressions such as "In my opinion", "I believe" etc.
• This is a personal form of writing and hence you should give personal opinions.

1. Report: A report is a systematic and well organized presentation of facts and findings of an event that has already taken place somewhere. It is written for a specific readership and intended to be kept as a record. A good report includes the following: