tips on writing an article

1. HOW TO WRITE AN ARTICLE
Isabel Bastida & Ana Mena, EOI CARTAGENA

2. What’s an article?
A piece of writing usually intended for publication in
a newspaper, magazine or journal, blog….
It is written for a wide audience, so it is essential to
attract and retain the reader’s attention.
An article can describe experiences, events, people
or places, present an opinion or balanced argument,
provide information, compare and contrast,…

3. 1. LAYOUT
A realistic article should consist of :
•An eye-catching TITLE which attracts the reader’s attention and suggests the
theme of the article. There
may be subheadings before each paragraph as well.
•An INTRODUCTION which clearly defines the topic to be covered and keeps the
reader’s attention. You can include a question which can only be answered after
reading the whole article.
•The MAIN BODY of two to five paragraphs in which the topic is further
developed ion detail. Each
paragraph should be composed of sentences that develop one main idea. It must
have a topic sentence that states the main idea and supporting sentences which
explain, prove, illustrate, or add details to the main idea.
•A CONCLUSION which summarising the topic or a final opinion,
recommendation or comment.

4. 2. STYLE
• In general, an article is more informal than an essay, so use a
personal or more neutral style, but not formal (you might use
contractions, phrasal verbs, idioms, …).
• It is important that you show a range of structures.
• Give examples and your personal opinion where appropriate to
bring your article to life.
• Use humour where appropriate.
• Although you don't know the readers personally, you can address them
directly and ask them a rhetorical question. It helps to involve them.
Useful language for an article to involve the reader:
• Just imagine...
• Have you ever...?
• How would you feel if ...?
• Are you one of those people who ...?
• If the answer is ..., you should....
• What would live be like if... ...

5. 3. YOUR TURN
Complete activities on pag. 13, 14 and
15 in your “Writing and Vocabulary
booklet”, and then complete the
following task:
A national newspaper has requested
that members of the public submit
articles about equal opportunities for
men and women in your country. It
should describe the existing situation
and the changes that have taken place
in recent years. It should also discuss
what more needs to be done.
Write an article (250-300 words)

6. 3. YOUR TURN
Complete activities on pag. 13, 14 and
15 in your “Writing and Vocabulary
booklet”, and then complete the
following task:
A national newspaper has requested
that members of the public submit
articles about equal opportunities for
men and women in your country. It
should describe the existing situation
and the changes that have taken place
in recent years. It should also discuss
what more needs to be done.
Write an article (250-300 words)