This document provides instructions for writing a factual article. It defines a factual article as a style of writing based on facts and figures about any topic. The document outlines the steps for writing a factual article, which include identifying the reader and objectives, selecting materials and structure, and following conventions of report writing. It also discusses including an introduction, body, and conclusion. Tips are provided, such as using short, clear sentences and sober language to communicate information straightforwardly. Examples of factual article structures and references are included.

1. FACTUAL Writing
Prepared and delivered by Nokulunga
Mthembu.

2. Lesson
Objectives
Write Write a short factual article.
Analyse Analyse important details mentioned in the factual article
Differentiate Differentiate a factual article from other articles
Identify Identify features of a factual article
Define Define what a factual article is

3. What is a
factual Writing

4. A factual writing is a style of writing which is based on facts and figures about anything that an author
writes is referred to as factual writing style.
Factual reports analyse and describe a situation and include a large amount of accurate data.(Simpson,
2019)

5. What you need to write a proper factual article
A factual article requires one
to have sufficient knowledge
of the subject or topic they are
going to write about.
It also requires one to have a
good mode of expression so
that the person who will be
reading will be able to clearly
understand what is written.

6. Steps to follow when writing a factual
article
1. Identify the reader and set objectives
 Consider the reader’s knowledge
 Understand your reader’s interests
 Decide what knowledge the reader needs
 Consider the desired facts
2. Materials, structure and Style
 Select materials carefully
 Plan the structure of the report
 Apply an appropriate style
 Utilize Appropriate presentation techniques.

7. Steps Cont..
3. Follow the Conventions of Report Writing
 Prepare a Title page
 Write a summary
 Include a contents page
 Write an introduction
 Organize the body

8. Questions to keep in mind when writing a
factual article.
1. Who is my reader?
• In this instance, as a writer as yourself if the person reading your article
is ignorant or does he/she have previous knowledge of the topic
chosen?
2. Can pictures and illustrations contribute to making a reader understand
the topic better?
3. Which text structure ( bullet points, subheadings) makes reading more
easier for the reader?
4. What kind of language is required to successfully write a factual text?

9. How to write a factual text with style
1. Write short clear sentence
 Avoid long sentences by not using excessive use of relative clauses, infinite contructions and make sure a
sentence does not exceed two lines.
2. The use of technical terms
 Explain technical terms the moment you mention them.
 Loosen up the text by alternating sentence structure.
3. Write in an active form.
4. Avoid the frequent use of modal verbs.
 Modal verbs (can, should, must, may, want) should be avoided because factual writing is not about what
the writer/reader wants or what they should do.
5. Use straightforward/sober language
 The language and explanations should be straight to the point as the reader does not want to get “bored”
reading unnecessary stuff written but state facts much related to the point.

10. Structure of a factual article
a. Headline
Title of the written text, must be written in bold and large font.
a. Byline
Author’s name and the date the article was published
a. Lead statement
States the most important information which Includes: Who, what, when. Where, why
d. Body
The body elaborates more on the information mentioned on the lead statement by
providing facts, quotes, background information.
e. Conclusion
Includes general details/ less important information.

11. Before you
start writing
please
consider the
steps of the
writing
process.
Step 1: Prewriting
Understand what is required of you.
Decide on the topic to write about
Consider your reader
Brainstorm ideas about the topic
Step 2: Research
Research on your topic and gather facts required
Write down your findings and quotes.

12. Cont..
Step 3: Drafting
• Write the information you researched in your own words
• Draftly write sentences
• Write everything you want to say about the topic
Step 4: Revising
• Re-read what you have written
• Rearange words, sentences or paragraphs.
• Add or take out some parts
• Intergrate everything accordingly.
• Replace words that are overused or unclear.
• Re-read your writing to be sure that it flows.

13. Cont..
Step 5: Editing and proofreading
• Make sure all sentences are correct and complete.
• Correct spelling errors, capitalization and punctuations used.
• THEN YOU ARE GOOD TO GO!!!

14. THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF A FACTUAL ARTICLE.
FOLLOW THE SAME STRUCTURE SO TO WRITE AN
EXCELLENT FACTUAL ARTICLE.

15. THANK
YOU!

16. REFERENCES
Amelia101. (2018). Factual Evaluation 1. Retrieved from:
https://www.slideshare.net/Amelia101/factual-writing-evaluation-1?qid=b82632de-442f-4c36-
88a6-b0128e03a6e9&v=&b=&from_search=29
Browne, A. (2016). Factual Writing . Retrieved from:
https://www.slideshare.net/AmeliaBrowne/factual-writing-70090570?next_slideshow=1
Buckham, H. (2014). Analysis of factual writing. Retrieved from:
https://www.slideshare.net/ZkyQatDalyani/factual-writing-t1?qid=b82632de-442f-4c36-88a6-
b0128e03a6e9&v=&b=&from_search=30
Hudson, HV. (2016).Factual Writing of Different Media Forms. Retrieved from:
https://www.slideshare.net/hollyhudson2/factual-writing-of-different-media-forms
Lock. GW. (2018). Factual Writing-how to. Retrieved from:
https://www.slideshare.net/GeorginaWhitelock/factual-writing-task-1-102793995?qid=b82632de-
442f-4c36-88a6-b0128e03a6e9&v=&b=&from_search=37
Simpson, A. (2019). How to write a factual report. Retrieved from: https://bizfluent.com/how-
8203964-write-factual-report.html

17. My drive link
https://drive.google.com/drive/fol
ders/1Ora4YnmLcOlcOhDBVOg-
A2a-bfd1R0EU?usp=sharing