Writing an article

A magazine article. Image by

Butler’sPantry.
ZIMSEC English Language Notes: Writing an article
Articles are magazine and newspaper style essays. As part of your ZIMSEC English Language
examination you can be asked to write an article on a chosen topic in Section B of Paper 1. The
given topics normally require you to write an informative article for example you can be presented
with a topic such as, “Write an article for your school magazine titled,’Why my school is the
best.'”
Whenever presented with such a topic you should take an approach that is not very different from
the one you should employ when dealing with argumentative essays although the “correct
viewpoint” is this instance is non-optional. For example you cannot choose to say write about
why you think your school is not the best.
You have to write supporting the topic and providing probably fictional information to expand and
develop the points given in the question for example if the question has points like: High Pass rate,
Recent successes in sport etc you might want to support the first point by saying you school has
consistently achieved a 100 % pass rate for the past 5 years and some of your students have
received national prizes due to their academic excellence. It does not have to be true, just
reasonable, plausible and in support of the given topic.
Format of an article
Headline/Title: Put title of article here. You could use the question as a guide e.g. Why St Faith’s
Secondary is the best school in Zimbabwe.
By/Author: Your Name here.
It is always a good thing to provide a summation of your whole approach to the topic. For
example you could begin by saying: Although generally ignored by most in the media probably
due to it being located far away from the capital, St Faith’s Secondary near Rusape is
undoubtedly one of the most premier learning institution in this country. In my eyes it is the best
school there is.
Expand on the given points and fabricate sensible evidence to support them. Take care to arrange
them in logical or chronological order and paragraph them accordingly.
Give a sensible conclusion. A rephrase of the introduction will do in most instances. For example
you could end by saying: With all this evidence presented, it is hard to argue with the fact that St
Faith’s Secondary is the country’s best learning institution.
Other tips and things to note.
It is always a good idea to write short paragraphs when writing an article. Your paragraphs should
be about 2-5 lines in length.
No signature is required.
Avoid colloquialisms and cliches.
Always present your work in a logical manner.
Always provide plausible evidence and information when supporting and expanding the points
given in the essay question.
Avoid giving contradictory evidence.