Article Writing

What is an article?

An article

• is a piece of writing usually intended for publication in a newspaper, magazine or journal
• is written for a wide audience, so it is essential to attract and retain the readers’ attention
• may include amusing stories, reported speech and descriptions
• can be formal or informal, depending on the target audience
• should be written in an interesting or entertaining manner
• should give opinions and thoughts, as well as facts
• is in a less formal style than a report

An article can

• describe an experience, event, person or place
• present an opinion or balanced argument
• compare and contrast
• provide information
• offer suggestions
• offer advice

A realistic article should consist of:

• an eye-catching title which attracts the readers’ attention and suggests the theme of the article. (Think about why you read a magazine or newspaper article recently - what made you read it?) Articles can also have subheadings before each paragraph.
• an introduction which clearly defines the topic to be covered and keeps the reader’s attention.
• the main body of two to five paragraphs in which the topic is further developed in detail.
• the conclusion - summarising the topic or a final opinion, recommendation or comment.