How to write an article Composition

Articles When writing an article, you are writing a public discussion of an issue. Even though your response can be slightly personal (giving your opinions/describing your experiences) you must also show that you have done your research and know more about this issue than most people. One of the key functions of an article is to inform. Newspapers, magazines, websites and blogs are filled with articles on a huge range of topics. It is a good idea to read a number of different articles in order to familiarise yourself with the style and tone of an article.

Style and Technique Details – remember the journalists checklist: Who? What? Where? When? How? Why? Quotes – interview experts / eye-witnesses / relatives & friends / local Gardai and include quotes (yes, you make them up!) which tell the reader something new about this story. Vivid imagery – describe the event in as much detail as possible (focus on the 5 senses) so that the reader is drawn into the experience in their imagination. This can sometimes be a good way to begin an article. Background scandal / information – try to include some gossip or little- known facts so that the reader feels you have your finger on the pulse & know more than everyone else.

Style and Technique Facts/statistics – link the story to a broader context using statistics. Show how this issue is evident in the rest of society. Is it common or rare? More prevalent nowadays than in the past? More evident in one group in society – male/female/young/old/rich/poor? Personal experience – are you discussing something that you have been through? Then describe your experiences of this topic using anecdotes (remember to use vivid imagery). Humour – discuss the lighter side of the topic. Make the reader laugh (with you or at you). Connecting phrases – these create a flow & help build a series of related ideas for the reader e.g. ‘however’ ‘therefore’ ‘thus’ ‘nonetheless’ ‘of course’ ‘furthermore’ ‘similarly’ ‘indeed’ ‘if’ ‘on the one hand’ ‘on the other hand’ ‘besides’ ‘by contrast’ ‘this reminds me of…’

Broadsheet versus Tabloid Broadsheets are interested in facts. Language is quite formal. They present balanced information. Tabloids are interested in drama. Language is emotive so include hyperbole and sensationalism. They are usually biased and outraged. Celebrity gossip matters more than war, economics or politics.

Newspaper versus Magazine Newspapers are aimed at the general public. Magazines usually have a target market and are aimed at a particular category of people. If writing for a magazine targeting a particular group you may use language specific to that hobby or topic. e.g. golf, fashion, gardening, kids, t.v., photography, wedding, movies. Magazines are often more informal than newspapers. Ask yourself who will be reading your magazine, this will help you to decide what tone to adopt.

Website Article and Blogs The internet is full of articles about every topic imaginable. Some are factual, some are opinion pieces, some are personal diaries. The word ‘blog’ is short for ‘web log’. There are two main types of blog: discusses a particular subject. a personal online diary. Blogs are maintained by an individual or a company and are interactive, allowing visitors to leave comments The language used tends to be fairly informal. If you are asked to write a blog about a personal event in your life write it in diary style. If you are asked to write a blog about a particular topic write it in the style of an article.