Article Writing Format for Class 12 CBSE: Example and Marks

For CBSE Class 12 English Core, an article needs a clear title, a byline and an organised discussion of the topic. The current 2026-27 curriculum sets a 120-150-word answer for 5 marks in the Article/Report Writing task. Use the instructions in your question to decide the audience, purpose and name to write under the title.

This guide explains the article format, the marking split and an original practice example. It is for English Core, subject code 301; do not assume that another board or course uses the same task.

Article-writing format for Class 12

The official 2026-27 marking scheme illustrates an article with a title and byline, followed by an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion. Use this as a practical structure, not a reason to add empty paragraphs.

• Title: State the central idea in a short, relevant heading.
• Byline: Write the author's name, using the identity supplied in the question.
• Introduction: Introduce the issue and give the reader a reason to continue.
• Body: Develop the cues through explanation, examples or cause and effect.
• Conclusion: Give a considered opinion, recommendation or useful next step.

Do not begin with a salutation such as "Dear readers" or add a letter-style complimentary close. An article is not a letter. Equally, do not copy the place-and-date line from an event report just because both tasks appear in the same examination section.

Word limit and marking scheme

The CBSE English Core curriculum specifies article/report writing based on verbal inputs, descriptive and analytical in nature, in 120-150 words. One of the two given questions is to be answered.

The five marks are split as follows: format 1, content 2, organisation of ideas 1, and accuracy of spelling and grammar 1. A neat heading cannot compensate for an answer that ignores the topic. Spend your limited space developing the requested ideas rather than repeating the introduction in different words.

The current sample paper asks for an article for a school magazine and supplies a writer's identity and cues. Read those details before planning. Practise within the stated range; do not assume there is a universal penalty formula for every extra word unless an applicable instruction says so.

Original practice question and sample article

Practice task: You are Aditi Rao, a Class 12 student. Write an article for your school magazine on making the school library easier to use. Consider access, choosing books and involving students. This is an original practice task, not a predicted board question.

The sample body is 129 words, excluding its title and byline. Its opening identifies a problem, the middle develops practical responses, and the ending returns to the purpose of a library. It does not invent a survey, quote or statistic to sound authoritative.

Plan from the cues, then revise

First, underline the audience and task words. If the question asks why something should change, an article that only defines the subject will be incomplete. Turn each important cue into a point you can explain, then choose an order that makes the argument easy to follow.

During revision, check whether each paragraph adds something. Replace a vague line such as "Many steps should be taken" with the actual action you mean. Check verb agreement and punctuation, and remove a repeated point before cutting a necessary explanation.

Use the sample to study how ideas connect, not as a paragraph to reproduce for every topic. Practise with a new subject and compare the result against the same marking categories. Our 30-day revision guide explains how to keep practice and error review in a workable plan.

Article and report: keep the purpose separate

An article discusses an issue for its readers; an event report records what happened. The format should serve that purpose. If you need the other task, use the Class 12 report-writing guide rather than carrying its event details into an article. Follow the current question instead of mixing remembered templates.

Frequently asked questions

What is the article-writing word limit for Class 12 CBSE?

English Core specifies 120-150 words for the Article/Report Writing task. Follow the exact instructions printed in your examination question.

How many marks does article writing carry?

The task carries 5 marks: format 1, content 2, organisation of ideas 1, and spelling and grammar 1, according to CBSE's current English Core scheme.

Does an article need a title and byline?

Yes. The current CBSE marking scheme shows a title and byline before the article's paragraphs. Use the writer's identity supplied in the question.

Should I add a salutation to an article?

No. Use an article structure, not a letter opening or sign-off. Develop the topic for the stated audience and finish with a relevant conclusion.