ARTICLE FORMAT

The purpose of an article is often to inform and persuade the reader.

Articles give the reader information about a certain topic, bringing together and discussing different
perspectives to provide a balanced argument which lets the reader make up their own mind about the
topic.

Articles can also be used to persuade the reader that a certain viewpoint is correct. For example, articles
in newspapers or magazines might express a particular viewpoint or perspective; this may be positive or
negative depending on the topic.

The ways you use language and organise your ideas when writing an article will depend on the audience
and the purpose you are writing for.

Tips for writing an article

Language

o think about the audience that the article is for – when writing an article, you do not usually
know your readers personally and so you will need to think about their likely interests and
experience before you write
o how you expect, or want, your audience to react – remember that the tone of most articles
should be semi-formal, so before deciding on your tone imagine your article being read out
loud and how that might sound to your reader. For example, an article reviewing a film
may be humorous, even sarcastic, but that would not work well for more serious readers or
topics
o the purpose for the article – is the purpose, or reason, for writing your article to persuade
your readers to agree with you or to invite your readers to think about different points of
view and decide for themselves? For example, do you need to sound reliable and well
informed, or choose words that strongly convey a particular emotion?
o how to keep your readers interest – imagine how boring it would be for your reader if you
used the same kind of sentences and simple repetitive vocabulary all the way through your
article. Try to include a range of grammatical structures and relevant vocabulary to make
sure that your reader wants to keep reading.

Organisation

o Plan a route through your article before you start writing it – the structure of an article is
usually in three parts. For example:
6. An introduction – engage your reader’s interest and introduce your argument or the main
points of the topic to be discussed.
7. A middle – develop relevant and interesting points about the topic to interest and/or
convince your readers to think about a particular perspective.
8. An end – draw your points together and leave your reader with a clear impression of the
argument you want them to believe or the viewpoints you would like them to consider.
o Organise your ideas into paragraphs as appropriate – this will help you to develop and
support your points convincingly, to build your argument and/or offer a full explanation of
a particular point of view.
o Show your reader at a glance what your article is about – articles usually have a suitable
headline to attract their readers’ attention, and you can choose to use subheadings (a bit
like mini headlines) to help break your article up and move your reader on. Do not overdo
these, but well-chosen subheadings can help to catch and keep your reader’s attention, as
well as sum up the main points you are making.
o Show the connections between ideas in sentences and paragraphs – for example, where a
new point or idea follows on from what you have already said you might use linking words
or phrases such as, 'in addition’, ‘likewise’ or ‘similarly’.
Question 1.
Hard work and punctuality are essential for a happy and successful life. They help in meeting the desired
targets of our life. You are JOHN DOE. Write an article in 150 – 200 words highlighting the importance
of hard work and punctuality in a student’s life.
Answer:

Hard work and punctuality in a student’s life

Hard work and punctuality are indispensable in a student’s life to reach the top. Students should develop
this habit from the beginning of their life. If they are punctual and hard-working, they can achieve success
and happiness in life. So, punctuality and hard work are the requisites in a student’s life to meet his desired
target in life.

Let us take a few examples. If a student comes late to his class, he misses the lesson, and the teacher
becomes annoyed with him. Unpunctuality is considered a symbol of rudeness or uncivilized manner.

Hence, hard work and punctuality lead a student to the path of success. So, every student is expected to
work hard and do their assigned homework punctuality. Teachers will love him, and success will come to
him. Indeed, he will be blessed with punctuality.