Writing Articles

Articles take a considered view of events, including opinions and sometimes refer to related issues. Reports are more immediate and are usually about what has just happened,

Articles are normally written for magazines or newspapers. An article has a clear purpose: to discuss or express ideas, usually from a particular point of view. This may involve elements of writing to persuade and argue as well as inform and explain

Presentational Features HOME ALONE? Experts suggest that students learn better at home SCHOOL DAYS OVER FOR EVER? Headline – grabs reader’s attention Strapline – a second level heading gives more information than the headline Sub-heading – summarises first part of the text

What makes a good article? An effective article is carefully written, interests and informs its readers, makes them think and causes them to react. There are a number of ways you can achieve this: Choose a subject that is interesting and topical. Subjects that are the topics of conversation now will be more appealing than dated ones. Select what you want to say carefully. You cannot hope to cover everything, for example, if you are writing about a visit to a major city like Manchester or New York. Use a style and devices that will give your article a lively feel, but remember that a lot will depend on the publication and the audience. You may decide that it is appropriate to be informal and chatty, to use questions to draw the audience in, to repeat a word or phrase for effect, to use irony and sarcasm, to make bold statements or be controversial in order to shock etc.

Structure Organise your article in a purposeful way with: A catchy heading An introduction that engages the reader Three or four central paragraphs A short but telling conclusion

Look at newspaper articles: Articles can be written on may subjects in a range of publications. Newspapers and magazines often publish articles on places that reporters have visited. The purpose is to give an honest view which may be flattering or very critical or a mixture of the two. The writer will try hard to engage your interest. Ask yourself: What is the writer trying to do? Does s/he succeed? What methods are used to achieve his/her purpose? How well written is it?

Your local newspaper is running a series of articles on subjects of interest to teenagers. You have been asked to contribute an article on: ‘Mobile phones, a blessing or a curse?’ The purpose? The intended audience? A suitable headline (try to make it catchy) An introduction to draw your readers in How will you organise your work? Write about 4 paragraphs after the intro Give it an effective rounding off (conclusion)

What is a topic sentence? A topic sentence introduces the paragraph Eg ‘All types of bullying are harmful. The most obvious is physical bullying when the victim is…

Write an informative article on being a teenager Tantrums, Texting and Teens Being a teen are the greatest years of a person’s life. Or are they? Your reporter gives her view. I’m now 15 years old and am halfway through my teenage years. It’s safe to say, I kinda like it. I’m now given a say in what time I go to bed – usually 11, but that’s a secret. I can go out wearing I want, within reason – obviously no leather micro-minis or see through crop tops with a face full of make-up. I’m not that free! I can also go to places further away with my mates without my parents having to take me. Even got the train to Manchester the other week! Although all these reasons sound brilliant about being a teen, it also has it’s downsides. I’m given more responsibility which can be great, when going out, but I’m now talking about a different sort of responsibility. For example, all the coursework and homework you are given. It is your responsibility to get it done. And as you get older, you gradually get more and more. I struggle to keep up but of course it helps with your parents nagging you though I hate it when they do. It’s difficult sometimes but you have to remember they’re only trying to help. Anyway, I think I must leave you now as I have some coursework to complete and some streets to wander. But if you think about it, being a teen isn’t half as bad as it’s made out to be.

Examiner comments: Does what is asked – entertaining and lively article Tone appropriate and voice comes through Needs to develop answer – little more about life outside school, relationship with parents, what being a 15 year old in school entails Some awkward phrasing Technical errors Grade C – 8/13 and 4/7

Write an informative article on being a teenager Changes? Yeah Right! How much has my life changed since my sixteenth birthday? If I really think about it, not much. Sure, when I was twe