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What is a Column Writing?
Grade Level:
Class 5
NLP, Law, History, Social Sciences, Literature, Journalism, Communication
Definition
What is it?
Column writing is a type of article that appears regularly in newspapers, magazines, or websites. It's usually written by the same person, called a columnist, who shares their personal opinions, thoughts, or expertise on various topics.
Simple Example
Quick Example
Imagine your favourite cricket commentator, like Harsha Bhogle, writes a weekly article in a newspaper about the latest matches and players. He shares his views on who played well or what strategies teams should use. This regular article, where he gives his personal take, is a column.
Worked Example
Step-by-Step
Let's say you want to write a column for your school magazine:
1. **Choose a Topic:** Decide what you want to write about. For example, 'My Favourite Books' or 'Tips for Studying for Exams'.
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2. **Form an Opinion:** Think about your personal views on the topic. What do you like or dislike? What advice would you give?
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3. **Gather Ideas:** Jot down points you want to include. For 'Tips for Studying', you might list 'make a timetable', 'take breaks', 'ask questions'.
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4. **Write an Engaging Introduction:** Start with something that grabs the reader's attention. Maybe a question or an interesting fact.
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5. **Develop Your Points:** Explain each of your ideas clearly, adding examples from your own experience if possible.
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6. **Write a Strong Conclusion:** Summarize your main points and leave the reader with something to think about.
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7. **Give it a Title:** A catchy title, like 'Exam Warriors: My Top Study Secrets', makes your column more appealing.
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8. **Review and Edit:** Check for any mistakes in grammar or spelling, and make sure your language is clear and easy to understand. Your school magazine now has a new column!
Why It Matters
Column writing is important for sharing diverse perspectives and shaping public opinion, much like debates in a panchayat or parliament. It's a key skill for careers in journalism, law, and even social activism, allowing people to communicate their ideas powerfully and influence change.
Common Mistakes
MISTAKE: Writing only facts and information, like a news report, without adding personal opinion. | CORRECTION: A column needs the writer's unique voice and perspective. Share what YOU think and feel about the topic.
MISTAKE: Using very difficult or formal language that is hard for the average reader to understand. | CORRECTION: Write in a clear, engaging, and conversational style. Imagine you are talking to a friend.
MISTAKE: Not having a consistent theme or topic, making the column seem scattered. | CORRECTION: While columns can cover many things, each individual column should focus on one main idea or argument to keep it cohesive.
Practice Questions
Try It Yourself
QUESTION: What is the main difference between a news report and a column? | ANSWER: A news report presents facts objectively, while a column expresses the writer's personal opinion and perspective.
QUESTION: If a columnist writes about their favourite street food stalls in Delhi every week, what kind of column is it likely to be? | ANSWER: It's likely a lifestyle or food review column, sharing personal recommendations and experiences.
QUESTION: Your school principal asks you to write a column for the school newsletter about 'Why it's important to keep our school clean'. List three personal opinions or observations you could include. | ANSWER: 1. 'I feel proud when our school looks tidy.' 2. 'It's sad to see litter, it makes our school less beautiful.' 3. 'When we keep it clean, everyone feels more comfortable and respects the space more.' (Any three relevant personal opinions are acceptable.)
MCQ
Quick Quiz
Which of these is the most important characteristic of a column?
It always reports breaking news.
It is written by a single author and expresses personal opinions.
It must be very long and detailed.
It only contains factual information.
The Correct Answer Is:
B
Option B is correct because the defining feature of a column is that it's written by one person (a columnist) who shares their personal views. Options A and D describe news reports, and Option C is not a strict requirement for a column.
Real World Connection
In the Real World
You'll find columns in popular Indian newspapers like 'The Times of India' or 'The Hindu', where prominent journalists or experts share their views on current affairs, politics, or social issues. Many sports websites also feature columns by former cricketers or analysts, giving their take on matches and player performances, much like you'd read on ESPNcricinfo.
Key Vocabulary
Key Terms
COLUMNIST: The person who writes a column regularly | OPINION: A personal view or belief about something | PERSPECTIVE: A particular way of looking at something; viewpoint | REGULAR: Happening or appearing at fixed intervals | EDITORIAL: An article in a newspaper or other periodical presenting the opinion of the publisher or editor.
What's Next
What to Learn Next
Next, you can explore 'Types of Column Writing' to understand the different categories like political columns, lifestyle columns, or sports columns. This will help you see how columnists choose their topics and tailor their writing style for different audiences.
