Saturday, 26 September 2015

How to Write: an Article

What is an article?

An article is intended for publication in a newspaper, magazine, journal or on-line medium. It can either be for a wide audience, e.g. a national newspaper, or a specific audience, i.e. a history journal. The article needs, therefore, to be aimed towards its audience.


TONE AND REGISTER:      

The level of formality depends upon the target audience, but it is less formal in style than a report, for example.

An article may include reported speech, descriptions and anecdotes as well as offering suggestions or advice. It presents an opinion or balanced argument.

DO NOT over-personalise or use overly emotional or simplistic language

DO NOT  talk about yourself particularly. Your experiences may be relevant only if the question explicitly requests that, or your experience is amusing and/or relevant.

FORMAT

Title:                           This should be eye-catching enough to attract a reader´s attention. It should also suggest the theme of the article.

Introduction:               The intro clearly defines the topic to be covered and keeps the reader's attention. It shoud try and answer the 6 Ws: why, who, what, when, where and how in one or two sentences.


Body:                         2 to 5 paragraphs - answering each of the points in the question. There should be a logical development of the topic. One paragraph may give opinion, or the opinion can be included against each point.

                                  Each paragraph should deal with ONE theme or idea. The paragraph should start with a topic sentence that informs the reader exactly what the whole paragraph is about.

Conclusion:               Summarise the topic an offer a final opinion, recommendation or piece of advice.


KEY ELEMENTS


Language functions:     Reported Speech                                
                                   Linking words and phrases – these are essential to help the flow of  the writing. Link ideas within a paragraph, and paragraphs to paragraphs.

Grammar:                    Modals and semi-modals. These give an indication of the writer´s attitude.
                                    Complex and adverbial sentences.
                                    Relative clauses.
                                    Mixed Conditionals
                                    These are just some of the grammar functions you should use.




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