This document provides guidance on writing an informal article. It explains that an informal article should attract and retain readers' attention through amusing stories, reported speech, and descriptions. It should be written in an interesting or entertaining manner while also giving opinions, thoughts, and facts. The document outlines the key components of an informal article, including an introduction, main body with 2-5 paragraphs developing the topic in detail, and a conclusion. It also provides useful phrases for introducing points and opinions in an informal article. Finally, it includes a sample informal article on why some people are always late.

1. HOW TO WRITE AN INFORMAL ARTICLE
© Anna Morales Puigcerver 2013

2. What is an informal article?
• An article is a piece of writing usually intended for publication
in a news paper, magazine or journal.
• Is written for a wide audience, so it is essential to attract and
retain the reader’s attention.
• May include amusing stories, reported speech and
descriptions.
• Can be formal or informal.
• Should be written in an interesting or entertaining manner
• Should give opinions and thoughts, as well as facts.

3. What is an informal article?
• An introduction which clearly defines the topic to
be covered and keeps the reader’s attention.
• The main body of two to five parapgraphs in
which the topic is further developed in detail.
• The conclusion – summarising the topic or a final
opinion, recommendation or comment.

4. What is an informal article?
Remember:
Before you begin writing it is important to consider :
• Where is the article going to appear – in a newspaper or
magazine?
• Who are the intended readers – a specific group such as
students orteenagers, or adults in general?
• What is the aim of the article – to
advise, suggest, inform, compare and
contrast, describe, etc.?

5. What is an informal article?
Remember:
• Determine the information you are going to use and
organize your ideas carefully into paragraphs. Each
paragraph should have a clear topic sentence.
• Use vocabulary and descriptive language appropriate
for the article. Linking words and expressions.
• DO NOT use over-personal or over-emotional
language or simplistic vocabulary.

6. What is an informal article?
Useful phrases for writing an article
• Rhetorical phrases:
• Have you ever ........?
• What do you think about ........?
• Are you one of those people who thinks that ......?
• Are you one of those people who .......?
• What would life be like if ......?
• Will the future bring us ..... ?

7. What is an informal article?
Useful phrases for writing an article
• Introducing your first point:
• Firstly
• In the first place
• First of all
• The first thing to consider is
• One thing to consider is
• To begin with

8. What is an informal article?
Useful phrases for writing an article
• Introducing more points:
• Secondly
• Another consideration
• Yet another consideration
• Another thing to consider is
• Added to that
• Apart from that
• In addition to this

9. What is an informal article?
Useful phrases for writing an article
• Introducing your final points:
• In conclusion
• To conclude
• To sum up
• So

10. What is an informal article?
Useful phrases for writing an article
• Introducing your opinion:
• I think
• In my opinion
• Personally I believe that
• In my view
• If you ask me
• To my mind
• My personal opinion is

11. What is an informal article?
Sample
Have you ever wondered why some people are always
late?
That’s something I often ask myself. I’m always late for trains, for
concerts, for weddings, for everything! I do try, honestly, but I’ve
been like this all my life.
People hate latecomers. If you arrive late at a meeting people think
you’re lazy or disorganised or you don’t actually think much of the
other people there. But that isn’t true. We time-challenged people
live a life of constant anxiety and stress.
I can’t begin to count the money I’ve wasted by missing planes,
classes, hair appointments, not to mention the stress of continually
apologising for messing up other people’s schedules.
…/…

12. What is an informal article?
Sample
Have you ever wondered why some people are always
late?
…/…
However, help is at hand. If you are someone who always
cuts things short, here are some suggestions to help you get
over from this chronic problem. First of all …

13. What is an informal article?
Choose one of the following topics and write an
informal article around 150-180 words :
• How to Not Care What People Think
• What to do when you are bored
• Tips on what to do when you are stressed out

14. What is an informal article?
Bibliography:
• http://www.onestopenglish.com/community/lesso
n-share/pdf-content/exams/exams-article-writing-
cae-and-cpe-lesson-plan/147546.article
• http://www.brays-ingles.com/esl-writing-
sample.html