Article Writing

Introduction

Article writing is an important form of writing used to educate, inform and entertain readers. Articles are written for publication in school magazines, local and national newspapers, international newspapers, magazines and journals. This lesson develops learners’ ability to write well-organised articles using the appropriate format while applying writing skills to real-life situations.

Key Concepts

• Article: A piece of writing meant for publication.
• Title/Heading: The topic of the article, taken from the question, boldly written and neatly underlined.
• Introduction: The opening paragraph that introduces the topic and provides insight with factual evidence.
• Main Body: The detailed discussion of the topic presented in well-linked paragraphs.
• Conclusion: The closing paragraph that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
• Subscription: The writer’s full name and address or designation written at the bottom right corner of the article.

Explanation

An article is written for publication and is mainly based on facts. It may be published in school magazines, local newspapers, national newspapers, international newspapers, magazines or journals. Depending on its purpose, an article may educate, inform or entertain readers.

A good article begins with a suitable title or heading. The title is taken from the given question, written boldly and neatly underlined. The introduction gives readers an overview of the topic and should include factual evidence that prepares them for the discussion.

The main body contains the detailed discussion of the topic. Ideas should be presented logically in well-organised paragraphs connected by appropriate linking expressions. Relevant illustrations, short stories and factual information may be included to strengthen the discussion.

The conclusion should summarise the discussion and leave a lasting impression on readers. Finally, the article ends with a subscription written at the bottom right corner, giving the writer’s full name together with an address or designation.

Learners improve their writing through collaborative learning, critical thinking and communication activities. They examine sample articles, identify their features, compose introductory paragraphs, design story maps and write complete articles for publication. Appropriate cohesive devices such as besides, in addition to, moreover, again and furthermore help achieve coherence in writing.

Examples

Example 1

Problem: Identify the features of an article.

1. Read a sample article.
2. Identify each section of the article.
3. Arrange the features in the correct order.

Final Answer: Title/Heading, Introduction, Main Body, Conclusion and Subscription.

Example 2

Problem: Write the introduction to an article for publication in a school magazine on “The Reasons Why Students Indulge in Examination Malpractice.”

1. State the central idea.
2. Provide suitable background information.
3. Link supporting sentences using appropriate cohesive devices.

Final Answer: The introduction should clearly introduce the topic and prepare readers for the discussion using factual information.

Application and Activities

• Examine sample articles to identify their features.
• Compose the introductory paragraph of an article.
• Write an article suitable for publication in a school magazine or local newspaper.
• Identify a problem in the school or community and write an article about it.
• Present completed articles for peer review and class discussion.

Practice

• List the features of an article.
• Write the introduction to an article on examination malpractice.
• Identify a pressing issue in your community and write an article suitable for publication in a newspaper.

Summary

Article writing enables learners to educate, inform and entertain readers through factual and well-organised writing. A good article contains a title, introduction, main body, conclusion and subscription. By applying appropriate writing techniques, cohesive devices and logical organisation, learners develop communication, critical thinking and writing skills for real-life situations and publication.