HOW TO WRITE AN ARTICLE?
An article is usually written for an English-language magazine or newsletter,
and the reader is assumed to have similar interests to the writer. The main
purpose is to interest and engage the reader, so there should be some
opinion or comment. we must bear in mind who will be reading our article.
The aim of an article is usually to talk about a topic that we like or that we
are familiar with. It uses a semi-informal or informal register.
Differences between articles and essays
In an article, you need to constantly be telling the reader what you
think.
The article is informal, the essay is formal and neutral.
The essay has a clear organisation, whereas the article might not.
Structure
Title Think of an interesting title which will make people
want to read your article
Introduction Start your article in an interesting way. You could ask
the reader a question or make a strong statement.
1st body The first paragraph should involve the reader in
paragraph some way.
2nd body Build on the interest you have raised in the
paragraph first paragraph by telling the next part of the story
Conclusion Finish the article in an interesting way. This could be
humorous or thought-provoking
Writing guide
Step 1: Analyse the given topic
You have to check who is going to read the article and what do you have to
include in it. There are always three things that you have to include.
Depending on the reader you have to choose the register. However, we
normally expect the readers to be people like us so we can write in a more
informal style.
Reader
Principal question
Other questions
Step 2: Title
Articles usually have a title. The title should be informative (give the reader
an idea of the subject) and attractive (make the reader want to read the
Title A: The most useful thing I’ve ever
learned
Title B: Keep It Healthy!
article). Keep it short (2-5 words) and clear. No need for a complete
sentence.
Step 3: Introduction
The start of the article should be linked to the title, introduce the topic and
engage the reader. Often, an article starts with a question, problem or
quotation that introduces the topic which will be discussed in the article.
Comment the topic.
Have you ever learned something that completely changed your life? I can
remember exactly how it was for me when I got interested in learning English and
who helped me become the person I am today.
Step 4: Paragraphs 1 and 2
Each should be clearly defined, not too long and clearly linked. Answer each
question in different paragraphs. Use examples and include reasons. Use
informal language: phrasal verbs, idioms, contractions, exclamatation
marks,…) Informal language (highlighted)
I had always been in love with English music and I put in some work by
myself, but only when I ended up in the English class of Mr. Weiss I got
completely hooked. His amazing style of teaching struck a chord and my
skills skyrocketed in no time.
Feeling confident, I took the leap and moved to beautiful Australia where I was
able to travel and even call it home for over seven years. And you know
what?! I became an English teacher and now help people who are just like I used
to be with the same passion as Mr. Weiss.
Step 5: Conclusion
An ending can state an opinion, give the reader something to think about,
summarise the article or even end with a quotation. In the conclusion we
want to achieve few different things:
1. Summarise what you wrote in your article.
2. Comment on the topic or give your opinion one last time.
3. End your article in an interesting way.
I really think that I wouldn’t be teaching English had it not been for Mr. Weiss and
his inspirational lessons. So, looking back, I hope my experience inspires others to
find ways to help the people around them as well.
Tips
Ask rhetorical questions to get your readers’ attention. Eg. What
would the world be like without oil? What will life be like in 20 years
time?
Speak directly to your readers. Eg. Let’s just imagine some of the
possibilities.
Give examples where appropriate.
Useful phrases
Rhetorical phrases
Have you ever ……..?
What do you think about ……..?
Are you one of those people who thinks that ……?
Are you one of those people who …….?
What would life be like if ……?
Will the future bring us ….. ?
Introducing your first point
Firstly
In the first place
First of all
The first thing to consider is
One thing to consider is
To begin with
Introducing more points
Secondly
Another consideration
Yet another consideration
Another thing to consider is
Added to that
Apart from that
In addition to this
Introducing your opinion
Personally, I believe that
In my view
If you ask me
To my mind
My personal opinion is
Conclusion
To conclude
To sum up / On the whole,…
…you will not regret it!
