• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

FreelanceWriting

Established Since 1997

Freelance Writing Jobs

Writing contests, make money writing, hottest topics, how to write an article for a student magazine.

' src=

As with any magazine article, the key to writing one for students is to pick a topic that will capture their interest, and thus is relevant to their situation.

Give your writing a personality

In a nutshell, work, money and travel all fit the bill in this sense, but within each of these broad themes lie a wealth of more specific ideas on which you can expand. Whether you’re currently a student yourself, or it’s been years since you attended a lecture, a good starting point is to see if you can draw on your own experience as this will provide immediate material first-hand, and writing from a personal slant often proves more inspiring than a factual piece from a purely objective viewpoint.

Describe your interesting experiences

For example, there may be aspects of your job that you could talk about in terms of career advice for students eager to work in a similar profession. Have you recently been on a gap year and feel your experience might motivate others to pursue similar options? Or perhaps you have a host of top tips to offer on the best way to manage money?

Since many of these subjects are already well-covered in student literature, an original approach is vital to holding your readers’ attention. Through the importance they attach to the latest trends, students tire quickly of anything run-of-the-mill and that applies not just to what you are talking about but also how you say it. Especially if you are writing about a well-worn topic, steer clear of clichés and giving the impression that they have heard it all before.

How about tackling your article from an unconventional perspective – talking about a summer job abroad by focusing on the relational and the benefits that can bring to bear on continuing studies, rather than merely the practical. Have you been responsible for hiring new recruits?

In which case why not present your guidance on what makes a good CV in the very format of a CV? Considering the huge role played by instant, online communication in student life today, could you spice up your words of wisdom on simple ways to save money by telling them through a student’s weekly status updates on Facebook?

Remember that, in their spirit of independence, students ultimately want to make up their own minds. So no matter how clear-cut you wish your counsel to be, subtle assistance conveyed in an entertaining, natural manner will make a much more positive impression than an in-your-face here’s-how.

Although the vast majority of students are in the 18-24 age bracket, the economic downturn is pushing up the numbers of mature students seeking a career change. This not only gives rise to new article ideas (juggling part-time studies, work and family for example), but also makes the tone of your writing all the more important. Avoid imbuing your message with a know-all or know-best attitude.

Your best source of inspiration – and approval for your idea – is today’s students themselves. Ask them what they’d like to read about, it’s a simple as that!

Reader Interactions

Related articles.

Writing Poetry for Children

Writing Poetry for Children

Have you ever considered writing poetry for children? It's fun and interesting; but don't be fooled into thinking it's easy because it's for kids. Writing...

Freelance Copywriting - How To Get Writing Jobs

Freelance Copywriting - How To Get Writing Jobs

Establish the focus or purpose of the article. Determine the message that you want to get across to the reader. Be aware of the audience and write in a style...

Top 10 Tips to AVOID in Writing a Query Letter

Top 10 Tips to AVOID in Writing a Query Letter

Your query letter helps you to propose an idea for an article that you are interested in writing. Be sure to avoid these 10 errors.

A Powerful Journaling Tool - The Unsent Letter

Putting our thoughts on paper can be a powerful experience - especially so with a journaling tool called Unsent Letters. Read more inside.

Submit New Contest

You can pick more than one

How can people enter your contest? Choose the best option.

Thanks for your submission!

FreelanceWriting.com hosts some of the most talented freelance writers on the web, so you’ve come to the right place to find contestants. We are proud to post your contest here, free of charge. Please come back and submit a new contest anytime!

Submit New Job

Choose the best option.

We only accept jobs that pay. When posting a job ad, you MUST include a salary, payment terms, or rate, otherwise we will reject your ad.

If you want make a change or wish to remove your job ad in the future, please email [email protected]

We strive to be the best source of freelance writing jobs on the web, and we maintain our quality thanks to employers like you. Please continue to submit jobs early and often!

Literacy Ideas

How to Write an Article

how to write an article for a student magazine

 THE CRAFT OF ARTICLE WRITING

Writing is a complex skill. A very complex skill.

Not only do we put students under pressure to master the inconsistent spelling patterns and complex grammar of the English language, but we require them to know how to write for a variety of purposes in both fiction and nonfiction genres.

On top of this, writing is just one aspect of one subject among many.

The best way to help our students to overcome the challenge of writing in any genre is to help them to break things down into their component parts and give them a basic formula to follow.

In this article, we will break article writing down into its components and present a formulaic approach that will provide a basic structure for our students to follow.

Once this structure is mastered, students can, of course, begin to play with things.

But, until then, there is plenty of room within the discipline of the basic structure for students to express themselves in the article form.

Visual Writing Prompts

A COMPLETE UNIT ON TEACHING NEWS REPORTING

how to write an article,article writing | journalism writing prompts | How to Write an Article | literacyideas.com

With over  FORTY GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS in this  ENGAGING   UNIT, you can complete a  WEEKLY  journalistic / Newspaper reporting task  ALL YEAR LONG   as classwork or homework.

These templates take students through a  PROVEN  four-step article writing process on some  AMAZING  images. Students will learn how to.

WHAT IS AN ARTICLE?

how to write an article,article writing | different articles 1 | How to Write an Article | literacyideas.com

The Cambridge Dictionary defines an article as, “a piece of writing on a particular subject in a newspaper or magazine, or on the internet.”

An article’s shape and structure will vary depending on whether it’s intended for publication in a newspaper, magazine, or online.

Each of these media has its own requirements. For example, a magazine feature article may go into great depth on a topic, allowing for long, evocative paragraphs of exposition, while an online blog article may be full of lots of short paragraphs that get to the point without too much fanfare.

Each of these forms makes different demands on the writer, and it’s for this reason that most newspapers, magazines, and big websites provide writers with specific submission guidelines.

So, with such diverse demands placed on article writers, how do we go about teaching the diverse skill required to our students?

Luckily, we can break most types of articles down into some common key features.

Below we’ll take a look at the most important of these, along with an activity to get your students practicing each aspect right away.

Finally, we’ll take a look at a few general tips on article writing.

KEY WRITTEN FEATURES OF AN ARTICLE

The headline.

The purpose of the headline is to capture the reader’s attention and let them know what the article is about. All of this in usually no more than 4 or 5 words!

There is an art to good headline writing and all sorts of literary devices (e.g alliteration and metaphor) can be used to create an eye-catching and intriguing headline.

The best way for students to learn how headlines work is to view some historical samples.

Newspaper headlines especially are known for being short and pithy. Here are just a few examples to whet the appetite:

  • Hitler Is Dead
  • Lincoln Shot
  • Men Walk On The Moon
  • Berlin Wall Crumbles

You could encourage students to find some pithy examples of their own. It’s amazing how much information can be condensed into so few words – this is the essence of good headline writing.

Headlines Practice Activity:

Give students opportunities to practice headline writing in isolation from article writing itself. For example, take sample stories from newspapers and magazines and challenge students to write new headlines for them. Set a word limit appropriate to the skills and age of the students. For example, younger, more inexperienced students might write 9-word headlines, while older, more skilled students might thrive with the challenge of a 4-word limit.

THE SUBHEADING

Subheadings give the reader more information on what the article is about. For this reason, they’re often a little longer than headlines and use a smaller font, though still larger (or in bold) than the font used in the body of the text.

Subheadings provide a little more of the necessary detail to inform readers what’s going on. If a headline is a jab, the subheading is the cross.

In magazines and online articles especially, there are often subheadings throughout the article. In this context, they let the reader know what each paragraph/section is about.

Subheadings also help the reader’s eye to scan the article and quickly get a sense of the story, for the writer they help immensely to organize the structure of the story.

Practice Activity:

One way to help organize paragraphs in an article is to use parallel structure.

Parallel structure is when we use similar words, phrases, and grammar structures. We might see this being used in a series of subheadings in a ‘How to’ article where the subheadings all start with an imperative such as choose , attach , cut , etc.

Have you noticed how all the sections in this ‘Key Features’ part of this article start simply with the word ‘The’? This is another example of a parallel structure.

Yet another example of parallel structure is when all the subheadings appear in the form of a question.

Whichever type of parallel structure students use, they need to be sure that they all in some way relate to the original title of the article.

To give students a chance to practice writing subheadings using parallel structure, instruct them to write subheadings for a piece of text that doesn’t already have them.

THE BODY PARAGRAPHS

Writing good, solid paragraphs is an art in itself. Luckily, you’ll find comprehensive guidance on this aspect of writing articles elsewhere on this site.

But, for now, let’s take a look at some general considerations for students when writing articles.

The length of the paragraphs will depend on the medium. For example, for online articles paragraphs are generally brief and to the point. Usually no more than a sentence or two and rarely more than five.

This style is often replicated in newspapers and magazines of a more tabloid nature.

Short paragraphs allow for more white space on the page or screen. This is much less daunting for the reader and makes it easier for them to focus their attention on what’s being said – a crucial advantage in these attention-hungry times.

Lots of white space makes articles much more readable on devices with smaller screens such as phones and tablets. Chunking information into brief paragraphs enables online readers to scan articles more quickly too, which is how much of the information on the internet is consumed – I do hope you’re not scanning this!

Conversely, articles that are written more formally, for example, academic articles, can benefit from longer paragraphs which allow for more space to provide supporting evidence for the topic sentence.

Deciding on the length of paragraphs in an article can be done by first thinking about the intended audience, the purpose of the article, as well as the nature of the information to be communicated.

A fun activity to practice paragraphing is to organize your students into groups and provide them with a copy of an article with the original paragraph breaks removed. In their groups, students read the article and decide on where they think the paragraphs should go.

To do this successfully, they’ll need to consider the type of publication they think the article is intended for, the purpose of the article, the language level, and the nature of the information.

When the groups have finished adding in their paragraph breaks they can share and compare their decisions with the other groups before you finally reveal where the breaks were in the original article.

Article Photos and Captions

how to write an article,article writing | article images | How to Write an Article | literacyideas.com

Photos and captions aren’t always necessary in articles, but when they are, our students must understand how to make the most of them.

Just like the previous key features on our list, there are specific things students need to know to make the most of this specific aspect of article writing.

  The internet has given us the gift of access to innumerable copyright-free images to accompany our articles, but what criteria should students use when choosing an image?

To choose the perfect accompanying image/s for their article, students need to identify images that match the tone of their article.

Quirky or risque images won’t match the more serious tone of an academic article well, but they might work perfectly for that feature of tattoo artists.

Photos are meant to bring value to an article – they speak a thousand words after all. It’s important then that the image is of a high enough resolution that the detail of those ‘thousand words’ is clearly visible to the reader.

Just as the tone of the photo should match the tone of the article, the tone of the caption should match the tone of the photo.

Captions should be informative and engaging. Often, the first thing a reader will look at in an article is the photos and then the caption. Frequently, they’ll use the information therein to decide whether or not they’ll continue to read.

When writing captions, students must avoid redundancy. They need to add information to that which is already available to the reader by looking at the image.

There’s no point merely describing in words what the reader can clearly see with their own two eyes. Students should describe things that are not immediately obvious, such as date, location, or the name of the event.

One last point, captions should be written in the present tense. By definition, the photo will show something that has happened already. Despite this, students should write as if the action in the image is happening right now.

Remind students that their captions should be brief; they must be careful not to waste words with such a tight format.

For this fun activity, you’ll need some old magazines and newspapers. Cut some of the photos out minus their captions. All the accompanying captions should be cut out and jumbled up. It’s the students’ job to match each image with the correct accompanying caption.

Students can present their decisions and explanations when they’ve finished.

A good extension exercise would be to challenge the students to write a superior caption for each of the images they’ve worked on.

TOP 5 TIPS FOR ARTICLE WRITING

Now your students have the key features of article writing sewn up tightly, let’s take a look at a few quick and easy tips to help them polish up their general article writing skills.

1. Read Widely – Reading widely, all manner of articles, is the best way students can internalize some of the habits of good article writing. Luckily, with the internet, it’s easy to find articles on any topic of interest at the click of a mouse.

2. Choose Interesting Topics – It’s hard to engage the reader when the writer is not themselves engaged. Be sure students choose article topics that pique their own interest (as far as possible!).

3. Research and Outline – Regardless of the type of article the student is writing, some research will be required. The research will help an article take shape in the form of an outline. Without these two crucial stages, articles run the danger of wandering aimlessly and, worse still, of containing inaccurate information and details.

4. Keep Things Simple – All articles are about communicating information in one form or another. The most effective way of doing this is to keep things easily understood by the reader. This is especially true when the topic is complex.

5. Edit and Proofread – This can be said of any type of writing, but it still bears repeating. Students need to ensure they comprehensively proofread and edit their work when they’ve ‘finished’. The importance of this part of the writing process can’t be overstated.

And to Conclude…

how to write an article,article writing | article writing guide | How to Write an Article | literacyideas.com

With time and plenty of practice, students will soon internalize the formula as outlined above.

This will enable students to efficiently research, outline, and structure their ideas before writing.

This ability, along with the general tips mentioned, will soon enable your students to produce well-written articles on a wide range of topics to meet the needs of a diverse range of audiences.

HUGE WRITING CHECKLIST & RUBRIC BUNDLE

writing checklists

TUTORIAL VIDEO ON HOW TO WRITE AN ARTICLE

how to write an article,article writing | YOUTUBE 1280 x 720 10 | How to Write an Article | literacyideas.com

The content for this page has been written by Shane Mac Donnchaidh.  A former principal of an international school and English university lecturer with 15 years of teaching and administration experience. Shane’s latest Book, The Complete Guide to Nonfiction Writing , can be found here.  Editing and support for this article have been provided by the literacyideas team.

How to Write a Compelling School Magazine Article People Want to Read

  • Writing Tips

how to write an article for a student magazine

Say what you want about traditional school communications, but no matter how trends shift and change, there are some staples that will always hold a special place in school storytelling.

For example: the school magazine.

Whether an alumni magazine, an annual report/magazine hybrid, or an online version of a traditional publication, school magazines have the important job of both keeping legacy alive and documenting current happenings for posterity — all while driving diverse audiences to take action.

That’s quite a job description.

I’ve seen beautiful, impressive magazines in the school marketing space, and my clients dedicate both their hearts and their resources to perfecting these publications and maintaining their integrity year after year. So how can school marketers ensure these intense efforts create tangible results? How can schools better utilize this important communications tool to connect with their communities and grow school influence?

Here’s how to craft school magazine content that makes all the effort worthwhile.

Recommended Resource: Audience-First Storytelling Kit

how to write an article for a student magazine

ACCESS NOW ON-DEMAND

Want to learn exactly how to win over dream families with breakthrough school storytelling? This on-demand kit includes instant access to:

  • In-depth video workshop
  • Workshop workbook
  • Family survey template
  • Email template
  • Voice of Customer research spreadsheet
  • Audience persona template
  • Sample dream family persona

The key to ensuring people are reading the school magazine you put so much time, effort, and love into is simple:

Make it something they want to read.

Ok, I know that’s simpler to state than to practice, but the sentiment is something that is so easy to forget when we’re deep in deadlines and page counts and design changes.

If we want readers to open our school magazine and actually flip from front to back, engaging with the stories we’re telling, we need to give them stories they care about . We need to make the news, updates, changes, and reflections shared on those pages matter to their lives. And how do we do that?

Audience-first, always.

Those who have been reading this blog for a while may have guessed where I was going with that, but it’s always where I begin when I’m writing feature school magazine articles. I look at the story or concept that my client wants to share and ask myself, “ So what? Why will the reader care about this? What about this will they find most interesting, or appealing, or shocking? What will capture and keep their fickle interest?”

You may have a wonderful story to tell, important updates to deliver, or a heartwarming retrospective to share, but just because you want to tell it doesn’t mean your audience wants to read it. However, you can entice them to read it if you write with their cares and concerns in mind.

For alumni, perhaps that means tugging at their heartstrings and reminding them of a special moment in their lives, or it’s giving them the opportunity to see themselves in the school’s future. For donors, it could be demonstrating the tangible difference their generosity has made. For current families, it may be updating them on new opportunities that will have a direct impact on their child’s life.

Whatever the article topic, make sure you have your specific audience in mind before you put pen to paper (or fingertips to keyboard). And once you begin writing…

Hook them quick.

Repeat after me: NO MORE BORING HEADLINES.

Too often, school feature articles are given a title such as, “A Look Back!” or “Celebrating the Graduating Class” or “Our Theatre Program!” While factually correct, these headlines don’t connect with the reader’s desire to learn more, or answer a question, or find out how or why.

Instead of using a headline as a label, try writing your school magazine article headlines with these tips in mind:

  • Be specific. Tell people the problem you are going to solve and the solution you are going to provide. Use figures and facts.
  • Promise your reader something valuable. Be bold, and deliver on that promise.
  • Make sure it stands alone. If readers only read the headline, will they take away a clear message?
  • Be clear. Avoid being creative if it costs you clarity.
  • Prompt action. Convey a sense of urgency.

For example, I recently used the headline “A Call to Excellence for Generations of [School] Students” on an article that spoke about the history of the school’s motto (a much more compelling headline than “The History of Our Motto.”). By connecting the reader to the motto and what it meant to them as a student and now as an alum, the headline drew the reader into an article they might have otherwise overlooked.

However, a good headline can’t do all the work. An article’s intro is equally as important.

Engage them with a story.

Consider this your permission to stop being so literal. Instead of jumping right into the main point of the article, paint a picture. Draw the reader in. Get them thinking, imagining, questioning.

This is how I approached one recent feature article for a client, which was supposed to be a simple “then/now” retrospective. Instead of diving in with an introduction that read, “So much has changed in the past 10 years…,” I decided to talk about nostalgia . How does it affect us? Why do we feel it so deeply? The article began:

Have you ever heard a forgotten song from childhood and felt instantly transported back to a specific moment in time? Caught the lingering scent of pine trees or felt the leaves crunch underfoot in just the right way, and you’re suddenly sixteen again, walking across your high school quadrangle on the way to AP Bio class?

By prompting the reader to mind-travel back to their high school years, the article instantly connects on both an emotional and rational level. It then goes on to briefly talk about the science behind nostalgia and links that to why the school’s heritage and legacy are meaningful today. The final article does everything a traditional retrospective would — it provides updates, reports statistics, and talks about the future — yet in a way that’s more engaging than a typical timeline.

Keep the meaningful. Cut the rest.

William Faulkner said: “In writing, you must kill all your darlings.” And then Stephen King took it up a notch, saying: “Kill your darlings, kill your darlings, even when it breaks your egocentric little scribbler’s heart, kill your darlings.”

It’s the best writing advice I’ve ever heard.

If you want to write a fantastic school magazine, you need to be willing to cut, delete, and forget elements that you may love but that may not serve the reader. This means that not every point on the timeline, every update on the program, every key message from the strategic plan can and should make it into print.

Remember: Every article should pass the “So What?” test . Every story should be written for the reader. Keep the meaningful, and cut the rest.

Those are my top tips for writing a school magazine article that your audiences will want to read. Want more school marketing and storytelling tips? Get them FREE in our Resource Library — the ultimate collection of ebooks, worksheets, and on-demand tutorials created specifically for school marketers.

how to write an article for a student magazine

MORE ARTICLES

Refresh Your School’s About Page with These 5 Tips

Set Your School Marketing Up For Success.

  • Get free resources
  • Work with us

Brilliantio

How to Write an Article for a Magazine: Expert Tips and Tricks

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on Published: June 14, 2023  - Last updated: June 23, 2023

Categories Writing

Magazine writing is a unique form of art that requires writers to carefully blend elements of storytelling, informative research, and reader engagement. Crafting an article for a magazine demands a flair for creative writing and an understanding of the submission process and the specific expectations of the magazine’s audience.

With a clear idea of the subject matter and a strong knack for storytelling, anyone can venture into the world of magazine writing and make a lasting impact on the readers.

The journey of writing a magazine article begins with understanding the fundamentals of magazine articles and their unique characteristics. It requires a thorough understanding of the target market, a well-defined topic, and an unmistakable voice to engage readers.

By focusing on these aspects, writers can create articles that resonate with a magazine’s audience, leading to potential ongoing collaborations and publication opportunities.

Key Takeaways

  • Magazine writing involves a blend of storytelling, research, and reader engagement.
  • Understanding the target audience and article topic is crucial to success.
  • Focusing on writing quality and a unique voice can lead to ongoing publication opportunities.

Understanding Magazine Articles

Types of magazine articles.

Magazine articles can differ significantly from newspaper articles or other forms of writing . Several types of magazine articles include features, profiles, news stories, and opinion pieces. Feature articles are in-depth stories that provide substantial information about a specific subject, often written by freelance writers.

Profiles focus on an individual or organization, showcasing their accomplishments or perspective. News stories are shorter pieces that report timely events and updates, while opinion pieces allow writers to share their viewpoints on relevant matters.

The Purpose of a Magazine Article

The primary purpose of a magazine article is to entertain, inform, or educate its readers in an engaging and visually appealing manner. Magazine writing is crafted with the reader in mind, considering their interests, knowledge level, and preferences.

The tone, structure, and style may vary depending on the target audience and the magazine’s genre. This approach allows for a more flexible, creative, and conversational writing form than news articles or research reports.

Magazine articles are an excellent medium for freelance writers to showcase their writing skills and expertise on specific subjects. Whether they’re writing feature articles, profiles, or opinion pieces, consistency, factual accuracy, and a strong connection with the reader are essential elements of successful magazine writing.

Developing Your Article Idea

Finding a story idea.

Developing a great article idea starts with finding a unique and compelling story. As a freelance writer, you must stay updated on current events, trends, and niche topics that can spark curiosity in the readers.

Browse newspapers, magazine websites, blogs, and social media platforms to stay informed and derive inspiration for your topic. Engage in conversation with others or join online forums and groups that cater to your subject area for fresh insights.

Remember to select a theme familiar to you or one with expertise. This approach strengthens your article’s credibility and offers readers a fresh perspective.

Pitching to Magazine Editors

Once you’ve generated a story idea, the next step is to pitch your concept to magazine editors. Start by researching and building a list of potential magazines or publications suited to your topic. Keep in mind the target audience and interests of each publication.

Instead of submitting a complete article, compose a concise and engaging query letter. This letter should encompass a brief introduction, the main idea of your article, your writing credentials, and any previously published work or relevant experience.

When crafting your pitch, aim for clarity and brevity. Magazine editors often receive numerous submissions, so make sure your pitch stands out.

Tailor the tone of your query letter according to the general style of the target magazine, and consider mentioning specific sections or columns you believe your article would fit.

Patience and persistence are key attributes of successful freelance writers. Always be prepared to pitch your article idea to different magazine editors, and do not hesitate to ask for feedback in case of rejection. Refining and adapting your story ideas will increase your chances of getting published.

Remember to follow the guidelines and protocols established by the magazine or publication when submitting your query letter or article pitches. Also, some magazines may prefer to work with writers with prior experience or published work in their portfolios.

Consider starting with smaller publications or creating a blog to build your credibility and portfolio. With a well-developed article idea and a strong pitch, you’re on the right path to becoming a successful magazine writer.

Writing the Article

The writing process.

The writing process for a magazine article generally involves detailed research, outlining, and drafting before arriving at the final piece. To create a compelling article, identify your target audience and understand their preferences.

This will allow you to tailor your content to suit their needs and expectations. Next, gather relevant information and conduct interviews with experts, if necessary.

Once you have enough material, create an outline, organizing your thoughts and ideas logically. This helps ensure a smooth flow and lets you focus on each section as you write.

Revising your work several times is essential, checking for grammar, punctuation, and clarity. Ensure your language is concise and straightforward, making it accessible to a broad range of readers.

Creating an Engaging Opening

An engaging opening is critical in capturing the reader’s attention and setting the tone for the entire article. Begin your piece with a strong hook, such as an intriguing anecdote, a surprising fact, or a thought-provoking question. This will entice readers to continue reading and maintain their interest throughout the piece.

Remember that different publications may have varying preferences, so tailor your opening accordingly.

Organizing Your Content

Organizing your content is essential in creating a coherent and easy-to-read article. Consider segmenting your piece into sub-sections, using headings to clarify the flow and make the content more digestible. Here are some tips for organizing your content effectively:

  • Utilize bullet points or numbered lists to convey information in a simple, organized manner
  • Highlight crucial points with bold text to draw readers’ attention
  • Use tables to present data or comparisons that may be difficult to express in plain text

As you organize your content, keep your target audience in mind and prioritize readability and comprehension. Avoid making exaggerated or false claims, damaging your credibility and negatively impacting the reader’s experience.

Remember to adhere to the submission guidelines provided by the magazine, as each publication may have different preferences and requirements. Following these steps and maintaining a clear, confident tone can create an engaging and informative magazine article that resonates with your readers.

Polishing Your Article

Proofreading and editing.

Before submitting your article to a magazine, ensure it is polished and error-free. Start by proofreading for grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes, making your article look more professional and credible. Using tools like grammar checkers is a good idea, but an experienced writer should also manually review their piece as the software might not detect some mistakes.

Editing your article is crucial, as it helps refine the structure and flow of your writing. Eliminate redundant or unnecessary words and reorganize paragraphs if needed. Consider asking a peer or a mentor to review it for an unbiased perspective.

Keep the magazine’s desired writing style in mind, and adapt your article suitably. For example, a news article may require a concise and informative tone, while a feature in a magazine on pop culture may call for a more conversational and engaging approach.

Using Appropriate Language and Style

To make your article stand out, it is essential to use appropriate language and style. Unlike online publication or social media writing, magazine journalism usually demands a more refined and professional tone. Focus on using a clear, neutral, knowledgeable voice conveying confidence and expertise.

Here are some tips to ensure your article fits the magazine’s desired style:

  • Ensure you have a compelling subject line that captures the reader’s attention.
  • Depending on the type of article you’re writing, decide if your piece should follow a more scholarly approach, like in a scholarly journal, or a more relaxed, opinion-based style found in lifestyle magazines.
  • Use relevant examples to support your points, but avoid making exaggerated or false claims.
  • Consider your audience and their interests. Choose the right vocabulary to engage them without making the content too pretentious or complicated.

By carefully proofreading and editing your work and using appropriate language and style, you can ensure your magazine article shines. Remember to stay true to your voice and the magazine’s requirements, and maintain a professional tone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key components of a magazine article.

A magazine article typically includes a headline, introduction, body, and conclusion. The headline should be striking and attention-grabbing to capture the reader’s interest. The introduction sets the context and tone of the piece while giving the reader a taste of what to expect.

The body of the article is where the main content and message are conveyed, with vital information, examples, and analysis.

The conclusion summarizes the article by summarizing the main points and often providing a call to action or a thought-provoking question.

What is an effective writing style for a magazine article?

An effective writing style for a magazine article should be clear, concise, and engaging. It is essential to cater to the target audience by using language that resonates with them and addressing relevant topics. Keep sentences and paragraphs short and easily digestible, and avoid jargon unless the publication targets industry professionals.

Adopting a conversational tone while maintaining professionalism usually works well in magazine writing.

How should the introduction be written for a magazine article?

The introduction of a magazine article should engage the reader right from the start by grabbing their attention with a hook. This can be an interesting anecdote, a fascinating fact, or a provocative question. The introduction should also establish the flow of the rest of the article by providing brief context or outlining the piece’s structure.

What are the best practices for structuring a magazine article?

The structure of a magazine article should be well-organized and easy to follow. This often means using subheadings, bullet points, or numbered lists to break up the text and emphasize important content. Start with the most important information, then move on to supporting details and background information. Maintain a logical, coherent flow between paragraphs, ensuring each section builds on the previous one.

How can I make my magazine article engaging and informative?

To make a magazine article engaging and informative, focus on finding the right balance between providing valuable information and keeping the reader entertained. Use anecdotes, personal stories, and real-life examples to make the content relatable and genuine. When applicable, include engaging visuals (such as photos or illustrations), as they aid comprehension and make the article more appealing. Finally, address the reader directly when possible, making them feel more involved in the narrative.

What are some useful tips for editing and proofreading a magazine article?

When editing and proofreading a magazine article, focus on the bigger picture, such as organization and flow. Ensure that the structure is logical and transitions are smooth and seamless. Then, move on to sentence-level editing, examining grammar, punctuation, and style consistency. Ensure that redundancies and jargon are eliminated and that the voice and tone match the target audience and publication. Lastly, proofread for typos and errors, preferably using a fresh pair of eyes or a professional editing tool.

  • Good Writing
  • Revising & Rewriting
  • Nonfiction Writing
  • Academic Writing
  • Travel Writing
  • Literary Agents
  • Getting Published
  • Fiction Writing
  • Self-Publishing
  • Marketing & Selling Books
  • Building a Blog
  • Making Money Blogging
  • Boosting Blog Traffic
  • Online Writing
  • eZine Writing
  • Making Money Online
  • Non-Fiction Writing
  • Magazine Writing
  • Pitching Query Letters
  • Working With Editors
  • Professional Writers
  • Newspaper Writing
  • Making Money Writing
  • Running a Writing Business

10 Simple Ways to Improve Your Magazine Writing Skills

  • June 16, 2020
  • 11 Comments

How do you write a magazine article? These tips will give you the confidence you need to write for magazines, submit query letters to editors, and get your writing published. Even if your goal isn’t to become a successful freelance writer, you will benefit from these simple ways to improve your magazine writing skills.

These aren’t “secret tips” on how to get your article published in a magazine – because there are no secrets for writing articles and getting published. Writing for magazines is much simpler than you think. Simple, but not easy . These tips worked for me when I started freelance writing over a decade ago, and they still work for me today. In fact, I have an article due to alive magazine in three business days. It’s about brain health and my recent trip to Nepal – which is a perfect start to my new life as a travel blogger. In fact, I just wrote an article about how to write travel articles for magazines .

Let’s start easy, with the foundational tip on how to write a magazine article. “Show, don’t tell.” Why start there? Because nobody does it! Most writers want to express their thoughts and show how much they know (or think they know). If you’re one of those rare writers who simply reports the facts in an interesting, engaging and clear manner then you’re already halfway to getting your magazine article published.

“Never tell your readers what they should think about something. You may write about amazing things, but never tell them that something is going to be amazing,” says William Zinsser in On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction . “Just lay out the facts and let the reader say, ‘Wow! Imagine that!'”

How to Write a Good Magazine Article

Zinsser’s advice means you shouldn’t add commentary to your articles – especially if you’re writing for a magazine. You can tell readers what you think in blog posts, newsletters, and your Facebook updates. But when you’re writing a magazine article, think “just the facts, ma’am.” Show, don’t tell. Describe, don’t opine.

How to Write a Good Magazine Article

Part of learning how to write a magazine article is decided what type of article you’re writing and who you are writing for. Read 11 Most Popular Types of Magazine Articles – Print & Online . I’ll wait here.

1. Learn the difference between “subject” and “story”

The fact that Anne Lamott or Stephen King both wrote books about writing is a subject . How Anne Lamott and Stephen King fought to get their books published is a story . What’s the difference between subject and story? Conflict. Suspense. Drama. Problems. Growth. Here’s another – better – example: “The cat is lying on her mat” is a fact. The story comes alive when “The dog and the cat both want to lie on the mat.” Knowing the difference between a subject and a story one of the most important tips on how to write a magazine article. Even nonfiction articles contain the threads of a story.

If you’re learning how to write magazine articles because you want to become a freelance writer, train yourself how to find stories. One of the more interesting ways to do this is to find temporary work stints in an office, museum, or coffee shop. You’ll find that being around regular people can will help you see and even write stories that can easily become publishable magazine articles. And, since freelance writing isn’t lucrative for beginners, the extra income will help you cope with the financial insecurities. Successful freelancers are most creative when they get away from their laptops, generate new article ideas, find inspiration, and even plan career moves and pivots. Getting paid to be out of the house is a great way to keep your creative juices flowing!

2. Don’t opine (give your opinion). Just write the article

This is a follow-up to the first tip on how to write a magazine article: don’t tell us what you think because – unless you are Anne Lamott or Stephen King and we’re a bunch of geeky writers – we don’t care. “Unless you are a recognized expert, your opinion is not relevant,” writes author Don McKinney in Magazine Writing That Sells . “To support your points, quote real experts.”

My Reader’s Digest editor also repeatedly gave me this writing advice. This is why I not only mentioned it before my tips on how to get a magazine article published, but am expanding on it now. I myself am still learning how to just tell or write a story instead of trying to explain every nuance to the reader.

How do you know if you’re over-explaining or overwriting? After all, you’re just beginning to learn how to write a magazine article! Here’s a tip: Reread and edit your past work. Don’t let your past articles, blog posts, book chapters, newsletter entries or editorial just sit there. Read them carefully and critically. How can you improve on your writing? What can you do to make it into a publishable magazine article? Challenge yourself. You’ll become a better writer.

3. Do extra research – especially when you’re still learning how to write a magazine article

It’s better to do too much research and have more information than you can include when you write your magazine article. Here are two reasons why:

  • Your research will inform your writing even when you don’t include it all in the article (and you should never put all your research in one magazine article)
  • You can use your research in a different magazine article. Your excess research won’t be wasted unless you throw it away. Don’t cram everything you learned in your article. Pick out the best information that makes your article better; save the additional information for a different magazine article, blog post, or medial outlet.

The more you practice writing articles for magazines, the better you’ll get at discerning how much information is “too much.”

4. Relax. There is no one “right” way to write a magazine article

While there aren’t any perfect, right or best ways to write good magazine articles, it’s important to remember the first sentence. The beginning of your magazine article can be the most frustrating and time-consuming part of writing. My first paragraphs and headline (article title) take more time that writing the whole article or blog post. This is because the lead or lede – the first sentence of your article or the introduction – is the most important. That, and the ending. Why? Because the lead is what will either hook your reader or leave her cold. If she’s cold, she doesn’t care about reading your work. Then all the time you spent learning how to write a magazine article was wasted! Unless, of course, you’re writing for your teacher or mom.

The best lead or introduction grabs the reader’s attention and forces her to read your whole entire article, start to finish. Here’s the problem with this “simple” writing tip: How do you know what will grab your reader’s attention? What captures my attention may not capture yours.

5. Don’t let rejection stop you from writing your best article

Here’s what I had to learn when I first started freelance writing for magazines: Writers get rejected dozens of times – especially when they’re first learning how to write articles for magazines. But even experienced freelancers and professional journalists get rejected. Not every query letter sells, not every pitch is sold, and not every magazine article is published.

How Do You Write a Magazine Article?

The best writers do not associate rejection with themselves. That is, successful freelance writers know getting rejected is part of the game. And writing is a game! It’s fun to be a writer, so have fun with it. It’s even more fun to be a blogger, so have even more fun with writing blog posts. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Learn how to write good magazine articles, but loosen your collar. Ungrip your hands. Maybe even take them off the steering wheel. Do the best you can to write good articles for magazines and other media outlets, then let your writing go.

Do you want to get an article published in one of the most popular magazines in the world? Read How to Get Your Articles Published in Reader’s Digest .

6. Don’t even think about writer’s block

Jack London said something like, “Writer’s block? Writing inspiration? I see to it that I’m inspired every morning at 9 am.” Now that is a professional freelance writer who knows how to write magazine articles, books, blog posts and feature profiles.

Do you struggle with writer’s block? Here’s a writing tip: Stop writing while the writing is going well. Leave the paragraphs and sentences you know will come easily for tomorrow, or your next writing stint. For example, don’t stop writing when you come to a natural conclusion. Instead, stop writing when you know what’s coming next and you’re eager to continue. Some famous author even advised writers to stop writing in the middle of a

7. Remember who you’re writing for

“Even before writing the query, remember who you’re talking to,” writes McKinney in Magazine Writing That Sells . “At every stage of the process, from query to finished manuscript, remember three little words: Audience. Audience. Audience.” That’s a key tip on how to write a magazine article . Who are your readers? What are their pain points, fascinations, obsessions, yearnings? Knowing who you’re writing for will help you write better.

A great way to learn how to write for different readers is to read print newspapers and magazines. Vancouver-based freelance writer Daniel Wood encouraged writers to clip newspaper articles when they resonate with you. When a piece of writing stands out to you in some way, keep it close. Study it. Analyzing print writing will teach you how to write good magazine and newspaper articles. I enjoy reading the Vancouver Sun newspaper, but I have turned down article assignments from the editors. They don’t pay well. Nevertheless, reading the local paper or any new-to-you magazine or print publication is a great way to keep your writing fresh and remind yourself who your primary readers are.

8. Remember that good magazine articles start with the first sentence (or even the first word!)

Circling back on my fourth tip on how to write a magazine article: If you’re struggling with the introduction or lead, think about how you’d tell your story to a friend. Describe it in your own words, out loud, in your own voice. What are the most impressive things about your story? The one fact or event that stands out may be a good lead.

“If it’s the first thing you’d tell a friend, maybe it should be the first thing you’d tell a reader,” writes McKinney in Magazine Writing That Sells . Start with the most important, compelling, interesting information first. If you struggle with the beginning of your articles, read How to Write the Best Introduction for Your Readers .

9. Use different sentence lengths for different tones and moods

This isn’t just a tip on how to write a magazine article, it’s a general tip for good writing. Your writing should match the tone or mood of your piece. If you’re describing quick or abrupt action, for example, use short, punchy sentences. If you’re describing how the long green grass is swaying in the field, use longer sentences that flow. Also, don’t forget to vary the length of your sentences and type of punctuation you use! I gets boring to read the same style of writing, even if it’s just a 500 word magazine article.

How do you learn how to write better articles? Start a blog! When I first started freelancing I didn’t know if I should create a website. I eventually did, and called it The Adventurous Writer . Do you have a blog or website? Blogging is a fantastic way to learn how to write magazine articles; not only does it give you writing practice, it validates you as a publishable freelance writer. Your own blog or website is where magazine editors, experts you want to interview, and your own readers can learn more about you as a writer. After I created The Adventurous Writer I started my blogs, one right after the other. And, if you learn how to monetize your blog, it can be a good source of passive income.

Your own blog is worth the investment of your time and energy – especially if you’re serious about learning how to write magazine articles, get published, and become a successful freelance writer.

10. Help your interviewees sound good

My final tip on how to write a good magazine article involves interviewing experts or sources. Direct quotes or dialogue is a fantastic way to bring your story to life! Interviewing experts or regular folk is good for at least two reasons:

  • You can include dialogue, which breaks up paragraphs or chunks of text
  • Dialogue or direct quotes add flavor and color to your article

A word on how to write what an interviewee said to you: “No article has ever been published in which every word spoken is printed exactly as it was said,” writes McKinney. “You can cut. You can rewrite if necessary to make the speaker’s meaning more clear. You can rearrange the order in which the words were spoken – but you can never, never distort the meaning.”

How Do You Write a Good Magazine Article

If you want to get published quickly, read The Byline Bible: Get Published in Five Weeks by Susan Shapiro. Shapiro is a writing professor who has taught more than 25,000 students of all ages and backgrounds at schools such as New York University, Columbia, Temple, The New School, and Harvard University. In The Byline Bible she describes her wildly popular “Instant Gratification Takes Too Long” technique that helps writers get their magazine articles published quickly.

Your turn! Why are you looking for tips on how to write a magazine article? Is it a school assignment, or do you want to be a freelance writer?

If you’re hoping to make money writing, know what writers get paid. Read Freelance Writing Pay Rates for Newspaper and Magazine Articles .

Comments Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of new posts by email.

11 thoughts on “10 Simple Ways to Improve Your Magazine Writing Skills”

Here’s another freelance writing tip, from the author of five books and numerous articles:

Recycle, recycle, recycle. Make your articles go farther by reworking them for different publications. For example, I wrote an article on swaddling twin babies for a national magazine for parents of twins. Then I cut down the article and removed the product reviews for an online column I write about twins and multiples. After that, I took out the “twins angle” and generalized the article to include all babies for publication in a pediatric newsletter. I even recorded a podcast about swaddling! With just a little bit of work, I was able to use the same research in four different ways.

– Susan Heim

Structure of a Magazine Article: The Full Guide

how to write an article for a student magazine

The complete guide to the structure of a magazine article offers an in-depth look at creating enthralling magazine pieces, keeping the structure of a magazine article in focus.

Table of Contents

This comprehensive resource emphasizes the importance of mastering key elements to captivate your audience and produce high-quality content that effectively showcases the structural aspects of a well-crafted magazine article.

Introduction to the Structure of a Magazine Article: Laying the Foundation

Instead of a standard article, a magazine editorial often presents the writer’s opinion on a particular subject or issue. Although the content may be subjective, the structure of a magazine editorial should still follow a coherent and logical pattern. This ensures readers can easily follow the author’s argument and find the piece enjoyable.

The structure of a magazine editorial generally consists of several key components, including an attention-grabbing headline, an engaging lead, a well-organized body, and a firm conclusion. Each element plays a vital role in capturing the reader’s interest and effectively conveying the message.

The headline should be succinct yet powerful enough to pique the reader’s curiosity. It sets the tone for the entire editorial and helps readers decide whether to engage with the content further. A captivating lead follows the headline, briefly introducing the topic and drawing the reader into the heart of the editorial.

The body of the magazine editorial is where the author develops their argument or opinion. It is essential to present the information logically and coherently, using clear headings and subheadings to guide the reader through the narrative. Including compelling evidence, anecdotes, or quotes can also strengthen the writer’s argument and keep the reader interested.

Finally, a firm conclusion should summarize the editorial, summarizing the key points and providing a clear call to action or a thought-provoking statement. This creates a lasting impact on the reader and promotes further engagement with the topic.

Understanding the structure of a magazine editorial is vital for creating impactful and engaging content. By mastering the art of crafting powerful headlines, captivating leads, coherent body text, and firm conclusions, you can establish the groundwork for a successful magazine article that resonates with your audience and leaves a lasting impression.

Structure of a Magazine Article: Crafting Engaging Headlines and Subheadings

The power of an engaging headline and well-crafted subheadings cannot be understated when it comes to the success of a magazine article. These elements are instrumental in capturing the reader’s attention and guiding them through the content, playing a significant role in the overall magazine structure.

An enticing headline is the first point of contact between the reader and the article, and it can either facilitate or hinder their decision to delve further into the content. It should be short, impactful, and thought-provoking, effectively conveying the article’s essence in just a few words. Writing a captivating headline involves striking a balance between being informative and intriguing while remaining true to the subject.

Subheadings, on the other hand, break up the body of the article into digestible sections, making it easier for the reader to navigate through the content. They provide a clear roadmap of the article’s main points, helping the reader understand the flow of ideas and the magazine structure. Compelling subheadings should be concise, informative, and engaging, enticing the reader to continue reading and ensuring they can quickly grasp the key points being discussed.

In addition to their practical purposes, headlines and subheadings also contribute to the overall visual appeal of a magazine article. They help create a sense of hierarchy and organization, essential for maintaining the reader’s interest and making the content more accessible. By using varying font sizes, styles, and formatting techniques, designers can further emphasize the importance of these elements and enhance the article’s overall aesthetic.

Engaging headlines and subheadings are crucial to the magazine structure, serving functional and aesthetic purposes. By mastering the art of crafting these essential elements, writers and designers can ensure their magazine articles capture the reader’s attention, provide a straightforward and accessible narrative, and, ultimately, leave a lasting impression.

Laptop on desk used to create a structure of a magazine article

Structure of a Magazine Article: How to Hook Your Readers from the Start

In magazine writing, the lead is crucial in captivating readers from the outset. Serving as the opening paragraph, it establishes the foundation for the remainder of the content and is a vital component in the structure of articles. A well-crafted lead piques the reader’s interest and encourages them to continue reading the entire piece.

The primary objective of a leader is to provide a glimpse into the central theme or argument of the article while leaving the reader wanting more. It should be engaging, concise, and informative, offering just enough information to entice the reader without giving away all the details. Striking the right balance between mystery and clarity is essential in creating a compelling lead that successfully hooks readers.

The structure of articles often varies depending on the subject matter and the target audience. Nevertheless, there are several tried-and-true approaches to crafting compelling leads. One such approach is the anecdotal lead, which opens with a captivating story or personal experience that sets the tone for the article. Another popular option is the question lead, which poses a thought-provoking inquiry that piques the reader’s curiosity and encourages them to read on in search of an answer.

Regardless of the chosen approach, keeping the lead concise and relevant to the article’s central theme is essential. Additionally, the lead should transition seamlessly into the body of the article, maintaining a logical flow that maintains the reader’s interest and involvement in the content.

Structure of a Magazine Article: Building a Compelling Narrative

In magazine writing, the body text forms the backbone of the article, providing the substance and depth required to convey the author’s message or argument effectively. Drawing inspiration from magazine editorial examples can help writers build a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged and maintains their interest throughout the article.

One of the essential aspects of crafting a captivating body text is maintaining a clear and coherent structure. This can be achieved by using subheadings to break the content into smaller, digestible sections, making it easier for readers to follow the narrative and absorb the information presented. Magazine editorial examples often demonstrate how effective subheadings can guide the reader through the article, ensuring they can easily comprehend the key points and arguments.

Another critical aspect of constructing an engaging body text is to vary the sentence structure and maintain a natural, conversational tone. This helps the content feel more approachable and enjoyable to read, as opposed to overly formal or rigid. Examining magazine editorial examples can provide valuable insights into how experienced writers maintain a consistent voice and style throughout their articles, fostering a connection with the reader and making the content more relatable.

Furthermore, using compelling evidence, anecdotes, quotes, or statistics can significantly enhance the credibility and impact of the body text. These elements not only lend weight to the author’s arguments but also help to keep the reader’s interest piqued, encouraging them to continue reading and engage with the content more deeply.

Magazine on desk showing the structure of a magazine article

Structure of a Magazine Article: Visual Elements and Their Role

In magazine publishing, visual elements play a vital role in enhancing the reader’s experience and contributing to the overall structure of an article. As the adage states, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” and this concept holds true when considering the structure of an article. Images, graphics, and other visual components can bring the written content to life, adding depth, context, and appeal to the magazine piece.

Functions of Visual Elements

One of the primary functions of visual elements in a magazine article is to break up large blocks of text, making the content more digestible and visually appealing. By incorporating relevant images or graphics throughout the article, writers and designers can create a more engaging and enjoyable reading experience for the audience. This not only makes the content more accessible but also helps to maintain the reader’s interest and attention.

Another essential function of visual elements is to provide additional context or information that may be difficult to convey through text alone. For example, data visualizations, such as charts or infographics , can effectively present complex information or statistics in a more easily understandable format. This enhances the reader’s comprehension of the subject matter and strengthens the overall impact of the article.

Furthermore, visual elements can also contribute to a magazine article’s overall aesthetic and design. By strategically using color, typography, and other design elements, designers can create a cohesive visual language that complements the written content and reflects the article’s theme or mood. This adds to the reader’s enjoyment and reinforces the magazine’s brand identity and style.

Understanding the structure of an article is complete by considering the role of visual elements. By incorporating relevant images, graphics, and design elements, writers and designers can create a more engaging and visually appealing magazine piece that captures the reader’s attention and enhances their overall experience.

Structure of a Magazine Article: Crafting a Memorable Ending

A well-crafted conclusion is an essential component of any compelling magazine article. It reinforces the main points and ideas, leaving the reader with a lasting impression and closure. Understanding how to structure an article involves organizing the content logically and ensuring that the conclusion ties everything together, providing a strong and memorable finish.

When crafting a memorable ending, it is crucial to reiterate the key points discussed throughout the article, summarizing the central argument or message. However, this should be done concisely, avoiding repetition or regurgitation of information. Instead, the conclusion should offer a fresh perspective or insight that adds depth to the article and encourages readers to further reflect on the subject.

Another effective technique when considering how to structure an article is to end with a call to action, a thought-provoking question, or a prediction. This can inspire the reader to engage with the topic beyond the article, fostering a sense of curiosity and leaving them with something to ponder. The conclusion can impact the reader by provoking an emotional response or encouraging further exploration.

In addition, the tone of the conclusion should be consistent with the rest of the article, maintaining a sense of cohesion and harmony. Whether the article is informative, persuasive, or narrative-driven, the conclusion should reflect the same style and voice, ensuring a smooth and satisfying reading experience.

Mastering how to structure an article involves organizing the content effectively and crafting a powerful and memorable conclusion. By summarizing the key points, offering fresh insights, and provoking thought or action, writers can ensure that their magazine articles resonate with readers and leave a lasting impact. By incorporating these techniques, you can create a compelling, engaging magazine article that stands out.

What are the critical components of a magazine article structure?

The critical components of a magazine article structure include an attention-grabbing headline, an engaging lead, a well-organized body, and a firm conclusion.

How do I write a captivating headline for my magazine article?

A captivating headline should be short, impactful, and thought-provoking, conveying the article’s essence in just a few words. Strive to balance being informative and intriguing while remaining true to the subject.

What role do subheadings play in the structure of a magazine article?

Subheadings break up the body of the article into digestible sections, making it easier for the reader to navigate through the content. They provide a clear roadmap of the article’s main points, helping the reader understand the flow of ideas and the magazine structure.

How can I write an engaging lead for my magazine article?

To write an engaging lead, provide a glimpse into the central theme or argument of the article while leaving the reader wanting more. Keep it concise and relevant to the article’s theme, striking the right balance between mystery and clarity.

What are some tips for crafting a compelling body text?

Craft a compelling body text, maintain a clear and coherent structure, vary sentence structure, and maintain a natural, conversational tone. Use subheadings, compelling evidence, anecdotes, quotes, or statistics to enhance the credibility and impact of the content.

how to write an article for a student magazine

Learn How To Develop Launch-Ready Creative Products

Download  How to Turn Your Creativity into a Product,  a  FREE  starter kit.

how to write an article for a student magazine

Advertisement

Create a Memorable Social Media Experience

Get the content planner that makes social media 10x easier.

how to write an article for a student magazine

Invite Your Customers To A Whole New World

Create a unique user experience.

how to write an article for a student magazine

Maximize Your Brand and Make Your Mark

Custom brand assets will take you to new heights.

how to write an article for a student magazine

Anatomy of a Magazine: How to Design for Clarity

how to write an article for a student magazine

Business Landscape: How to Build Customer Relations

how to write an article for a student magazine

Faceless Marketing: How to Sell with Emotion

how to write an article for a student magazine

Pointed Copywriting: How to Write with Emotions

how to write an article for a student magazine

Rank a Website: How to Use Keyword Research Tools

how to write an article for a student magazine

SEO Analyzers: How to Enhance User Experience

Write articles in minutes

Write faster with 70+ templates

Do your work 3x faster

Make images with AI

Support & live chat with customers

Build better customer relationships

Give 24/7 self-service support

Write content fluently in 30+ languages

10 Proven Steps: How to Write a Teenage Magazine Article - Ultimate Guide 2024

10 Proven Steps How to Write a Teenage Magazine Article  Ultimate Guide 2024

Teenage magazines are a popular source of information and entertainment for young readers. If you have a passion for writing and want to contribute to these magazines, this ultimate guide will provide you with the proven steps to write a compelling teenage magazine article in 2024. By following these steps, you can create engaging content that resonates with your target audience and stands out in the competitive world of teenage magazines.

Important Statistics about Teenage Magazine Articles

important statistics about teenage magazine articles

  • 1. Teenagers spend an average of 9 hours per day consuming media, including reading magazines. (Source: Common Sense Media)
  • 2. 78% of teenagers read magazines regularly. (Source: MNI Targeted Media)
  • 3. 85% of teenage magazine readers prefer articles that are relatable and address their interests. (Source: MNI Targeted Media)
  • 4. Teenagers trust magazine articles as a reliable source of information. (Source: MNI Targeted Media)
  • 5. 70% of teenage magazine readers share articles they find interesting with their friends. (Source: MNI Targeted Media)
  • 6. The most popular topics among teenage magazine readers include fashion, beauty, relationships, and personal development. (Source: MNI Targeted Media)
  • 7. 92% of teenage magazine readers prefer articles that are easy to read and understand . (Source: MNI Targeted Media)
  • 8. 80% of teenage magazine readers prefer articles that are visually appealing with high-quality images. (Source: MNI Targeted Media)
  • 9. Teenagers are more likely to engage with articles that have a positive and empowering tone. (Source: MNI Targeted Media)
  • 10. Articles that provide practical tips and advice are highly valued by teenage magazine readers. (Source: MNI Targeted Media)

Step 1: Choose a Relevant Topic

step 1  choose a relevant topic

When writing a teenage magazine article, it is crucial to select a topic that is relevant and interesting to your target audience. Consider the latest trends , popular culture, and issues that teenagers are currently facing. By choosing a topic that resonates with your readers, you increase the chances of capturing their attention and keeping them engaged throughout the article

How to choose a relevant topic for a teenage magazine article

Choosing a relevant topic for a teenage magazine article is essential to capture the interest of your target audience. Consider the latest trends, popular culture, and issues that teenagers are currently facing. By selecting a topic that resonates with your readers, you increase the chances of capturing their attention and keeping them engaged throughout the article.

Step 2: Conduct In-depth Research

step 2  conduct in depth research

Before you start writing, conduct thorough research on your chosen topic. Gather information from reliable sources such as books, reputable websites, and interviews with experts. This will ensure that your article is well-informed and provides accurate information to your readers. Remember to take notes and organize your research material for easy reference during the writing process

How to conduct in-depth research for a teenage magazine article

Conducting in-depth research is crucial when writing a teenage magazine article. Gather information from reliable sources such as books, reputable websites, and interviews with experts. This will ensure that your article is well-informed and provides accurate information to your readers. Take notes and organize your research material for easy reference during the writing process.

Step 3: Create an Engaging Introduction

step 3  create an engaging introduction

The introduction of your teenage magazine article plays a vital role in capturing the attention of your readers. Start with a compelling hook that grabs their interest and makes them want to read further. You can use a thought-provoking question, an intriguing fact, or a relatable anecdote to draw them in. Clearly state the purpose of your article and what readers can expect to gain from reading it.

How to create an engaging introduction for a teenage magazine article

Creating an engaging introduction is crucial when writing a teenage magazine article. Start with a compelling hook that grabs the attention of your readers. Use a thought-provoking question, an intriguing fact, or a relatable anecdote to draw them in. Clearly state the purpose of your article and what readers can expect to gain from reading it.

Step 4: Develop a Clear Structure

step 4  develop a clear structure

A well-structured article is easier to read and understand. Divide your content into logical sections or subheadings to guide your readers through the article. Use bullet points, numbered lists, or bold headings to highlight key points and make the text more scannable. This will help teenagers navigate your article and find the information they are looking for quickly.

How to develop a clear structure for a teenage magazine article

Developing a clear structure is essential when writing a teenage magazine article. Divide your content into logical sections or subheadings to guide your readers through the article. Use bullet points, numbered lists, or bold headings to highlight key points and make the text more scannable. This will help teenagers navigate your article and find the information they are looking for quickly.

Step 5: Write in a Conversational Tone

Teenagers prefer articles that are easy to read and understand. Write in a conversational tone to connect with your readers on a personal level. Use simple words and short sentences to convey your message effectively. Avoid jargon or complex language that may confuse or alienate your audience. Remember, the goal is to engage and inform, not to impress with your vocabulary.

Example where I used AtOnce's AI language generator to write fluently & grammatically correct in any language:

AtOnce AI language generator

How to write in a conversational tone for a teenage magazine article

Writing in a conversational tone is crucial when targeting teenage magazine readers. Connect with your audience on a personal level by using simple words and short sentences. Avoid jargon or complex language that may confuse or alienate your readers. The goal is to engage and inform, not to impress with your vocabulary.

Step 6: Incorporate Visual Elements

step 6  incorporate visual elements

Teenagers are visual learners and are more likely to engage with articles that include high-quality images, infographics, or videos. Incorporate visual elements into your article to enhance the reading experience and make it more visually appealing. Use relevant images that support your content and break up the text. This will help maintain your readers' interest and make your article stand out.

How to incorporate visual elements into a teenage magazine article

Incorporating visual elements into a teenage magazine article is essential to engage readers. Use high-quality images, infographics, or videos that support your content and break up the text. This will enhance the reading experience and make your article more visually appealing, ultimately making it stand out.

Step 7: Provide Practical Tips and Advice

step 7  provide practical tips and advice

Teenagers value articles that provide practical tips and advice they can apply to their lives. Offer actionable steps or suggestions that help them navigate challenges or improve specific aspects of their lives. Use real-life examples or personal anecdotes to make your advice relatable and credible. This will establish you as a trusted source of information and increase the likelihood of your article being shared.

How to provide practical tips and advice in a teenage magazine article

Providing practical tips and advice is crucial when writing a teenage magazine article. Offer actionable steps or suggestions that help teenagers navigate challenges or improve specific aspects of their lives. Use real-life examples or personal anecdotes to make your advice relatable and credible. This will establish you as a trusted source of information and increase the likelihood of your article being shared.

Step 8: Edit and Proofread

step 8  edit and proofread

Before publishing your teenage magazine article, take the time to edit and proofread it thoroughly. Check for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and ensure that your sentences flow smoothly. Pay attention to the overall structure and coherence of your article. Consider seeking feedback from peers or mentors to get a fresh perspective on your writing. A well-edited and error-free article reflects professionalism and enhances your credibility as a writer.

How to edit and proofread a teenage magazine article

Editing and proofreading are essential steps when preparing a teenage magazine article for publication. Check for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and ensure that your sentences flow smoothly. Pay attention to the overall structure and coherence of your article. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to get a fresh perspective on your writing. A well-edited and error-free article reflects professionalism and enhances your credibility as a writer.

Step 9: Add a Compelling Conclusion

The conclusion of your teenage magazine article should summarize the main points and leave a lasting impression on your readers. Reinforce the key takeaways and provide a call to action, encouraging your audience to further explore the topic or share their thoughts. End with a thought-provoking question or a powerful statement that leaves your readers thinking and wanting more.

How to add a compelling conclusion to a teenage magazine article

Adding a compelling conclusion is crucial when wrapping up a teenage magazine article. Summarize the main points and leave a lasting impression on your readers. Reinforce the key takeaways and provide a call to action, encouraging further exploration of the topic or sharing of thoughts. End with a thought-provoking question or a powerful statement that leaves your readers thinking and wanting more.

Step 10: Submit and Promote Your Article

Once you have completed all the steps and are satisfied with your teenage magazine article, it's time to submit it for publication. Follow the submission guidelines provided by the magazine and ensure that you meet all the requirements. After your article is published, promote it through your social media channels , personal blog, or website to reach a wider audience. Engage with your readers by responding to comments and feedback, and continue to refine your writing skills for future articles.

How to submit and promote a teenage magazine article

Submitting and promoting your teenage magazine article is the final step in the process. Follow the submission guidelines provided by the magazine and ensure that you meet all the requirements. After your article is published, promote it through your social media channels, personal blog, or website to reach a wider audience. Engage with your readers by responding to comments and feedback, and continue to refine your writing skills for future articles.

Over 15,763 SEO agencies and brands are using AtOnce to rank higher on Google.

It lets you write hundreds of articles on any topic, giving you more clicks to your site.

how to write an article for a student magazine

Get more traffic and sales — without wasting months of your time.

How do I choose a topic for a teenage magazine article?

When choosing a topic for a teenage magazine article, consider the interests and concerns of teenagers in the current year. Popular topics may include social media trends, mental health, fashion, and relationships. Conduct research to ensure your chosen topic is relevant and engaging for the target audience.

What are some tips for writing a catchy headline for a teenage magazine article?

To write a catchy headline for a teenage magazine article, use words and phrases that resonate with teenagers in the current year. Incorporate popular slang or phrases, and make sure the headline reflects the main idea or benefit of the article. Experiment with different headline styles, such as lists, questions, or intriguing statements, to grab the reader's attention.

How can I make my teenage magazine article engaging and relatable?

To make your teenage magazine article engaging and relatable, use a conversational tone and include personal anecdotes or experiences. Incorporate quotes or interviews with teenagers to provide different perspectives. Use visuals, such as images or infographics, to enhance the article's appeal. Additionally, consider incorporating interactive elements, such as quizzes or polls, to encourage reader participation.

Asim Akhtar

Asim Akhtar

Asim is the CEO & founder of AtOnce. After 5 years of marketing & customer service experience, he's now using Artificial Intelligence to save people time.

Greenopolis

How to Write an Article for a Student Magazine

how-to-write-an-article-for-a-student-magazine

Writing for a student magazine is not too different from writing for an internationally published magazine, but it is worlds apart from academic writing, which most students may be most familiar with.

What is a student magazine? Student magazines are publications made by students for students, circulated within the campus. Student magazines are a vital aspect of high school and college campuses. They serve as the main source of information for societal issues and campus-related topics that students may not read elsewhere.

Budding student writers can get help from a professional writer just as they can get college papers written by online  write my essay  services, or try their hand at article writing with these tips.

Tips for Writing a Great Article

1. choose the topic.

Before you can write or get published in a magazine, you will need to pitch your topic. So, topic selection is more important than ever. The topic you select should be relevant to both the student magazine and the student body, the audience. For a student magazine, you may write about a personal experience that may be relatable or relevant to many other students.

2. Do your research

Even though you are writing about a personal experience, you still need to conduct ample research. Ideally, you should have way more data and quotes than you could use for your article. You should have a strong understanding of the subject matter so that you can explain concepts clearly and simply without it hampering your storytelling.

What kind of research should you conduct for a magazine article? You should conduct as much research as you would for an academic essay. Read up on online and offline articles about your topic. If possible, interview experts. If the topic is a social issue, you may also interview others for their opinion. It’s important to get a wide variety of sources to get a more or less objective view of your subject before you start writing. You should become a sort of expert by the end of your research.

3. Decide on your angle

If you followed the previous step, you should be practically buried in information about your topic. The next step, then, is to choose an angle or how you want to approach the topic. Think of it as the camera lens, which means that you can fit only a certain number of details, which will then inform how your audience understands the topic. For this reason, your angle should complement your purpose for writing the article.

Ultimately, the angle is the filter for the information you have gathered. As mentioned, you cannot fit in every single detail in an article. To achieve your goal without overwhelming the reader, you will need to present only the most relevant information. Consequently, the best way to do this is by filtering out information through your angle—that is, to select which pieces of information are useful for your angle.

We cannot overstate the importance of an angle any further. Given its significance, you may want to try out different angles for your topic before settling down on one. This way, you will know which one fits your topic and article best.

4. Outline your ideas

Once you have chosen your angle, it is time to outline your ideas. Some writers prefer a word map or a word dump—it’s up to you. The point is to organize your ideas so that you know how they are related and how you are to present them in the article. For instance, this is when you decide the best spot to present an anecdote or a quote from an expert. This also ensures that you do not forget any important aspects or details as you write.

The outline-making activities you endured in basic English will surely come in handy here. Make sure that your article has a beginning, middle, and end; and all your ideas are connected in a logical way. This step is the perfect time to test out your ideas for organizing your article.

5. Hook your audience

No matter how important or relevant or well-written your article is, readers will not read it unless you manage to pique their interest from the start. Technically, writers have two chances to hook the audience —the headline and the hook or the first line of your article.

The title of the article, or the headline, is the first thing that readers see about your article. It is the first impression. The headline, thus, should catch their attention, inform them of the topic of the article, and get them interested enough to read it.

The hook, on the other hand, is the first sentence of the article. Like the headline, it should be interesting enough to keep the readers reading—hooked, as it were. How can you achieve this? You can either write a bold statement, lead with a question, share an action-packed story or anecdote, and/or form an emotional bond with the reader.

6. Write for your audience

Perhaps the biggest question you have about writing for a student magazine is what voice or tone to take while writing. As a writer, however, you surely have your specific voice when you write. Naturally, you should use that voice when you write. However, you also need to consider the readers as much as your purpose when you write. For instance, you can write with a tone of urgency if you are writing about a topic that you feel is unfairly ignored. 

Similarly, you may choose to use jargon or technical terminology when you are writing for an audience who are experts in the topic or, conversely, write as if your audience knows nothing if they are not experts.

7. Follow the magazine’s style guide

Article writing is certainly different from writing a paper for Literature class or a research paper for biology. What they have in common, however, is that both follow writing standards. For academic writing, it may be APA or MLA , but for most magazine publications, including student publications, it is the Associated Press Stylebook, often called AP style. Although, some publications have their house styles, which writers are expected to follow.

As a writer, then, you are expected to learn this style guide and implement it in your writing. But don’t bother with the style guide during the writing process. That would stunt your flow. Apply the style guide after, when you are editing. However, be keen on the details.

8. Edit, edit, edit!

Regardless of how long your article needs to be, don’t write unnecessarily long sentences. Be succinct and upbeat. Remember: you are a student writing for fellow students with 5 deadlines hanging over their heads, not James Joyce. If you are the type to write extremely flowery essays, edit your article heavily. Always go for punchy sentences and remove unnecessary words and details. If a word or sentence doesn’t contribute to your article, remove it. Be relentless!

Is there a topic you want to write about? Get to writing and don’t be afraid to submit it to your student magazine!

6 Tips to Stay Fit and Healthy

7 economical ways of renovating your kitchen, related articles.

212-82-exam-preparation-with-best-sample-practice-questions

212-82 Exam Preparation with Best Sample Practice Questions

should-mathematics-be-a-core-subject-at-school

Should Mathematics Be a Core Subject at School?

how-to-write-a-great-piece-and-get-free-essay-writing-help

How to Write a Great Piece and Get Free Essay Writing Help

tips-to-get-you-ready-for-test-or-exam

Test or Exam? Here are 7 Tips to Get You Ready

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

how to write an article for a student magazine

Search form

A magazine article.

Look at the magazine article and do the exercises to improve your writing skills.

Instructions

Do the preparation exercise first. Then read the text and do the other exercises.

Preparation

Can you get five correct answers in a row? Press reset to try again.

An article

Check your understanding: multiple choice

Check your writing: word 2 word - questions, check your writing: gap fill - opinion adverbs, worksheets and downloads.

How serious a problem is bullying where you live? What can be done to stop bullying in schools?

how to write an article for a student magazine

Sign up to our newsletter for LearnEnglish Teens

We will process your data to send you our newsletter and updates based on your consent. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of every email. Read our privacy policy for more information.

Student articles

How to write an article for a school magazine.

how to write an article for a student magazine

Below we have compiled a list of student articles for a school magazine and instructions on how to write them:

Opinions on new governmental policies

Go to the government website of your country. Choose a topic that seems interesting and browse the government's plans, news and documents related to that topic until you find an article that you want to write about.

When starting your article for a school magazine, begin by writing down your understanding of the article in your own words. Ask yourself and answer the following questions: Why did you choose this article? What is your opinion on the topic mentioned in the article? Do you think it is good or bad? Explain why.

Stories that are trending

Explore google trends and select your country or a country you would like to know about. Filter by categories you find interesting. Find a trending topic and use this for your article for a school magazine. Write down what you think about this topic. How does it relate to how things were in the past? Why do you think this topic is trending now? Do you think this topic will be trending for a long time? Explain why you go along with your opinion.

Social issues like dating, religion, diversity etc.

You can even start this article for a school magazine before doing any research. Begin by writing down, what you think of dating, religion, diversity etc. What is your opinion on these issues? Do you have any personal experiences related to these social issues that you would like to share?

If you find it difficult to write about these topics, you could explain why. Your opinion and thoughts are valuable information that you could share.

School policy and rules

Start by going to your schools website and looking up your school's policy and rules. If your school's website does not list the policies and rules, or your school doesn't have a website, ask your teacher where you can find this information.

Choose a specific rule or policy to write about. Do you agree with it? Why? How do you think this policy or rule affects the students at your school? Do you think it is a good or bad policy or rule? Why?

School classes and subjects

Pick a class or subject you enjoy and explain what it's about. Write about what you like about and what you don't like about it. Is there anything you would change to improve the class? Do some research on the subject and explain how you would apply the material in real life. Are there any specific jobs for which you need this subject?

Address the students that will be reading your article. Compile a few tips to help others in the class to get good grades or add a fun 'did you know?' section to your article about the subject.

What makes a good teacher/principal? Imagine if you were a teacher or principal for a day, what do you think a day in their life looks like? You could try to get an appointment with a teacher or the principal and interview them about their job.

What are some unexpected things that are also part of their job? What are some of the things that you would enjoy doing? What are things you wouldn't enjoy? Is there anything you would do differently if you were to have their job for a day? Do you have any personal experiences with a teacher or principal? What would you do differently and why?

What makes a good student? Begin by writing down what you think makes the perfect student. Do you think you are a good student? Why or why not? Do you know anyone else who is a very good or bad student? Why?

Interview some of your friends, classmates and teachers to find out what they think makes a good student. Comparing the results from these interviews can be very interesting. Especially because a teacher may have different opinions on what makes a good student compared to one of your friends or classmates.

We hope the tips above help you get started on your school magazine. Log in or create your free account and start your own magazine. If you get stuck writing, feel free to refer back to this article for inspiration. Good luck and have fun.

Similar Posts

friendship posts

Creating a friendship book for primary school | A friendship book with all your memories

student and sculpture interviewing eachother in museum

School magazine | Interviews and student life

interview in library

Interview | How to conduct an interview for your own magazine

  • PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
  • EDIT Edit this Article
  • EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
  • Browse Articles
  • Learn Something New
  • Quizzes Hot
  • This Or That Game New
  • Train Your Brain
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
  • Education and Communications

How to Write an Article for Your School Newspaper

Last Updated: January 17, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Gerald Posner . Gerald Posner is an Author & Journalist based in Miami, Florida. With over 35 years of experience, he specializes in investigative journalism, nonfiction books, and editorials. He holds a law degree from UC College of the Law, San Francisco, and a BA in Political Science from the University of California-Berkeley. He’s the author of thirteen books, including several New York Times bestsellers, the winner of the Florida Book Award for General Nonfiction, and has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History. He was also shortlisted for the Best Business Book of 2020 by the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 596,062 times.

Writing an article for your school newspaper can be exciting and rewarding, especially once you see your name in print! If you don't already belong to your school newspaper, you may need to try out or talk to the editor about submitting some sample pieces. To write an article, you'll need to decide which type of article you'd like to write, check on submission guidelines, research your topic, interview sources, and write it in the proper newspaper format.

Joining the Team and Writing Different Types of Articles

Step 1 Audition to join the school newspaper team.

  • Check to see if there are deadlines for turning in mock articles, what the editor is looking for in a new staff member, and if there are any meetings you can attend to get more information.

Step 2 Check with the editor to get an assignment.

  • If you've been on staff for a while, you may have the freedom to choose your own article topics. But until you know your position, it's always a good idea to ask for assignments.

Step 3 Write a feature...

  • Feature stories are the largest articles in a newspaper, and they often go beyond simple facts to the reasons behind something, like why an event happened and what it means for students moving forward.
  • An example of a feature story would be an article about a new scholarship being offered in your state. How it works, who is eligible, and facts about the work that went into making the scholarship program a reality would make a compelling story.

Step 4 Work on a...

  • News articles are generally more straight-forward than feature stories or opinion articles. They convey relevant information in an unbiased way.

Step 5 Submit an editorial...

  • For example, you could write an editorial about school rules, events or groups on campus, sports, programs, or teaching methods.

Step 6 Choose to write...

  • If you want to be a regular columnist for your school newspaper, present a plan to your editor for a series of articles that you'd like to work on. For example, you could propose a 4-week series about starting a club or practicing self-care.

Step 7 Share an educational article to teach others about a specific topic.

  • For example, you could write an article called “Top 10 Tips to Manage Stress,” “How to Develop Good Study Habits,” or “How to Get in Shape before Tryouts.”

Step 8 Publish reviews to...

  • For example, if you review a new movie that came out, you could write about who would most enjoy the film. Perhaps it would be great for someone who likes action movies but not as enjoyable for someone who prefers comedies.

Researching, Interviewing, and Fact Gathering

Step 1 Check the submission guidelines before writing your article.

  • Talk to your editor, production manager, or faculty advisor for more information.

Step 2 Ask simple questions to gather the basic information for your article.

  • Who? Find out who was involved, whether that would be students, administrators, or other people in your community.
  • What? Write down exactly what it is that you are writing about. Is it an event, a person, or an idea? Be as specific as possible.
  • Where? Identify where the event took place. Is this a subject that is particular to your school or community, or is it a national subject?
  • When? Make note of important dates and times.
  • Why? Determine the reasons behind the subject. Was there a catalyst?
  • How? Connect the rest of your information together to determine how an event or subject came together.

Step 3 Interview good sources or witnesses to get quotes.

  • When contacting a person for an interview, let them know who you are and what topic you're writing about, and give them an estimate of how much of their time you'll need.
  • When you finish an interview, take 10 minutes to write down additional notes right away. They'll be fresh in your mind and you'll be less likely to forget important details.

Step 4 Talk with other students and teachers to get their opinions on the topic.

  • Ask if you have someone's permission to use their name and words in your article, and write down their quote verbatim. You can use anonymous sources, but quotes are more compelling when they can be traced back to a specific individual.

Step 5 Fact-check all the information you gather.

  • Fact-checking makes you a more trustworthy writer and ensures that you're taking the time to communicate as truthfully as you can about any particular subject.

Step 6 Keep track of all your research and sources.

  • Some reporters dictate notes to themselves or write out daily logs about their interviews and research. Figure out what works for you and your lifestyle, and then stick to it.

Writing the Article

Step 1 Use the inverted pyramid style to captivate readers.

  • A lot of times, readers will decide if they want to continue reading an article based off of the first sentence or two.

Step 2 Come up with a catchy headline to hook people into reading your article.

  • Sometimes you'll come up with a great headline before you even write the article, but most often you won't know exactly what you're presenting until after you've written it. Try waiting until after you've written your article to come up with the headline, and then make sure it fits in with the given topic.

Step 3 Answer all the pertinent questions within the first 2 paragraphs.

  • People who want to know more about the topic will continue reading past those first 2 paragraphs, but people who just wanted the basic information will get their answers without having to search through the entire article.

Step 4 Write with clear, descriptive language and an engaging tone.

  • For example, instead of saying, “Principal Miller comes from rainy Washington state and had been teaching before becoming a principal for 15 years,” you could say something like, “Principal Miller previously lived in Washington, and she has over 15 years of experience in the educational system."

Step 5 Include quotations that support the content of the article.

  • Always ask for permission to quote someone when you're interviewing them.

Step 6 Proofread and edit your article before submitting it to your editor.

  • Being able to proofread your own work is an essential part of being a successful member of the newspaper staff, and the more you work at it, the better you'll get.

Expert Q&A

Gerald Posner

  • Be careful when writing to avoid plagiarizing other sources. It's okay to use information from others, but make sure to reword it in your own way so it's unique and to cite sources when needed. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • If you're having trouble coming up with an idea for an article, ask for an assignment from the editor. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

how to write an article for a student magazine

You Might Also Like

Write a Hard News Article

Expert Interview

how to write an article for a student magazine

Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about writing as a career, check out our in-depth interview with Gerald Posner .

  • ↑ https://www.pilinutpress.com/Articles/Writing/WritingArticlesfortheSchoolNewspaper.html
  • ↑ https://makemynewspaper.com/how-to-start-a-school-newspaper/
  • ↑ https://schools.firstnews.co.uk/blog/journalistic-writing/how-to-start-a-school-newspaper/
  • ↑ https://study.com/learn/lesson/newspaper-article-format-examples.html
  • ↑ https://blog.flipsnack.com/school-newspaper-guide/
  • ↑ https://www.makemynewspaper.com/how-to-write-a-school-news-article
  • ↑ https://www.aresearchguide.com/write-a-newspaper-article.html
  • ↑ https://www.thoughtco.com/the-secret-to-writing-great-headlines-2073697

About This Article

Gerald Posner

To write an article for your school newspaper, start with a lead paragraph that explains the who, what, where, when, and why of what you're writing about. Then, for the second and third paragraphs, include any additional facts and details that your readers should know. You can also include quotes from witnesses or school officials in this part of your article. Finally, conclude your article with the least important or relevant information. To learn how to research and come up with article ideas, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

  • Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Ian Thompson

Ian Thompson

May 11, 2017

Did this article help you?

how to write an article for a student magazine

Lesley Seaton-Thorpe

Sep 24, 2018

Ashna Siddiqui

Ashna Siddiqui

Oct 7, 2018

Anonymous

Apr 9, 2016

Shruti Seth

Shruti Seth

Aug 29, 2016

Am I a Narcissist or an Empath Quiz

Featured Articles

25+ Pro Tips To Help You Truly Enjoy Life

Trending Articles

Everything You Need to Know to Rock the Corporate Goth Aesthetic

Watch Articles

Cook Fresh Cauliflower

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Writing an article

Topic outline.

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.

  • think about the audience that the article is for – w hen 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
  • how you expect, or want, your audience to react – re member 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
  • the purpose for the article – is th e 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?
  • how to keep your readers interest – ima gine 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.
  • Plan a route through your article before you start writing it – th e structure of an article is usually in three parts. For example:
  • An introduction – engage your reader’s interest and introduce your argument or the main points of the topic to be discussed.
  • A middle – develop relevant and interesting points about the topic to interest and/or convince your readers to think about a particular perspective.
  • An end – d raw 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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’.
  • Example of an article

how to write an article for a student magazine

Resources you can trust

Writing a magazine article

Writing a magazine article GCSE English Language

A useful overview for students learning how to write a magazine article, perfect for GCSE English Language non-fiction writing. 

This resource is designed to support students in planning for article writing activities, including coming up with great article ideas, considerations about the right target audience for their creative writing and honing their writing style.

Packed with supportive writing tips to inspire students with their article or 'story' idea, this resource helps students to focus on the appropriate language, style and tone for their readership. It can also shape their responses in terms of writing about current events in a feature article. 

Students will benefit from this step-by-step guide, particularly if they are interested in a future career as a magazine writer or blogger. It can also help students who might want to write for a local newspaper or launch a writing career in creative writing or copywriting.

More GCSE writing style resources to help develop students’ writing skills are available to browse, including additional creative writing and article writing resources.

An extract from the resource: 

Your article should include: 

An eye-catching headline which may include a pun, an abbreviation or an ambiguity. The task is to arouse the reader’s interest so a question might work. Do not make it too long.

The opening

A key sentence, which is, in effect, a summary of the main theme of the article and which will often contain the essential facts. Make it clear to the reader how you are connected to the issue and your view of the issue. You could begin by reliving an experience. Once you have stated it, you start again at the beginning of your information and work through to the end.

All reviews

Have you used this resource?

Resources you might like

404 Not found

how to write an article for a student magazine

How to write an article? | B2 First (FCE)

how to write an article for a student magazine

In the B2 First Writing Paper you could be asked to write an article about a variety of topics. However, it’s often something you’ve recently learned to do or know a lot about. For example, the question might be about a concert you’ve been to recently, you favourite hobby or your hometown.

The idea is to write in a way that grabs the reader’s attention and keeps them interested until the very end.

Differences between articles and essays

  • In an article, you need to constantly be telling the reader what  you think .
  • The  article is informal,  the essay is formal and neutral.
  • The essay has a clear organisation, whereas the article  might not .

B2 First (FCE) Article: Structure

Fce, cae, cpe, practice, write & improve, b2 first (fce) article: writing guide.

Articles usually have a title. The title should be informative (give the reader an idea of the subject) and attractive ( make the reader want to read the article ).

  • No need for a complete sentence

Title A: The Internet: A Great Invention

Title B: Keep It Healthy!

Introduction

The start of the article should be linked to the title, introduce the topic and engage the reader. Often, an article starts with a question that introduces the topic which will be discussed in the article.

  • General statement about the topic.
  • Start with a question, problem or quotation.

Introduction A: The Internet has changed the way we live. It started as something that we could access only through a computer, but nowadays it is everywhere, and I love it!

Introduction B:  Are you a busy college student? Do you struggle to keep fit and eat healthily? Don’t worry! I am going to tell you exactly what you should do. Keep on reading, you will thank me later!

Paragraphs 1-2

Each should be clearly defined, not too long and clearly linked.

  • Describe issues in detail and use one paragraph per issue.
  • Use linkers, sequencing and sophisticated vocabulary.

Paragraph A1: One of the cool things about the world wide web is that you can ….. Paragraph A2: However, the greatest thing about the Internet is how you can learn tons of things… Paragraph 1B: First of all, you must start moving your body. You could go to the gym if ….. Paragraph B2: Secondly, your diet is just as important. I suppose you live on a low budget

An ending can state an opinion, give the reader something to think about, summarise the article or even end with a quotation.

Conclusion A: If you follow all these tips, I’m sure you will keep fit easily! And if you already tried that, let me know how you feel now

Conclusion B: In conclusion, the Internet has a lot of great things. For me, the best are finding information and learning online. What about you? What are your favourite things about it?

  Let’s summarize! – How to write an Article?

how to write an article for a student magazine

  • Try and engage the reader’s attention and interest. Ask questions at the beginning.
  • There should be a link between the opening sentence and the title.
  • Personalise the article using true stories or anecdotes.
  • If you decide to take a light-hearted approach or a more serious one, maintain the same style throughout the article.
  • Check your work for accuracy, punctuation and spelling.

Article could be light or serious (but should be consistent), depending on who the target reader is. May use some rhetorical questions e.g. Can you imagine a school where every student enjoys themselves?

More than Practice Tests

B2 first (fce) article: model answers, fce article example 1.

A local magazine has asked readers to write an article about their favourite things about the Internet. Write the article talking about the things you do with the Internet and recommend a website to other readers.

Write your article.

Student’s FCE Article Answer:

The Internet: A Great Invention

The Internet has changed the way we live. It started as something that we could access only through a computer, but nowadays it is everywhere, and I love it!

One of the cool things about the world wide web is that you can look up anything you want and nd out the answer straight away. Isn’t that fantastic? For example, imagine you are arguing with your friends about how to do something. Easy solution! Go online and find the answer.

However, the greatest thing about the Internet is how you can learn tons of things very cheaply or even for free! In fact, my favourite website is www.udemy.com,where people register to teach and learn about different things: music, website design, making apps, history, etc. So I totally recommend it to everyone!

In conclusion, the Internet has a lot of great things. For me, the best are finding information and learning online. What about you? What are your favourite things about it?

engxam logo english exams

Get Your (FCE) Article Checked!

Fce article example 2.

Fitness bloggers wanted!

Our fitness magazine is looking for influencers to write an article on how to stay fit when you are a college student. So if you have any cool ideas, send us an article in which you:

• Explain the type of exercise you recommend • Recommend a healthy but cheap diet • Give other ideas you like

Write your article .

Keep It Healthy!

Are you a busy college student? Do you struggle to keep fit and eat healthily? Don’t worry! I am going to tell you exactly what you should do. Keep on reading, you will thank me later!

First of all, you must start moving your body. You could go to the gym if you have the time. But if you’re busy – you’re a student, you should be busy! – don’t sign up for a gym. Instead, start cycling to college and give up using elevators. You’ll see how your fitness improves quickly!

Secondly, your diet is just as important. I suppose you live on a low budget, so I suggest you don’t eat out much. Eating out can be unhealthy and expensive. Sogo to your local supermarket and buy healthy, inexpensive vegetables and fruit.

Finally, pay attention to how you sit when you are studying. Posture is super important to feel well, especially if you are a student or an office worker.

If you follow all these tips, I’m sure you will keep fit easily! And if you already tried that, let me know how you feel now

B2 First (FCE) Article: Example topics

Fce sample article topic 1.

You see this announcement in the Leisure and Entertainment  magazine.

Could you live without internet for a month? Write and tell us what difference this would make to your life. We will publish the best article.

FCE Sample Article Topic 2

You see this announcement in a magazine.

We invite you to write an article on ‘The City of the Future’. In what ways will Cities be different in the future? In what ways will they be the same? The writer of the best article will receive a prize.

FCE Sample Article Topic 3

You have seen this notice in an international magazine.

Inventions have affected all our lives! Write us an article about one invention, explaining why you think it is important and saying how it has affected your own life.

The best article will be published in the magazine.

B2 First (FCE) Article: Writing Checklist

how to write an article for a student magazine

After writing your text, you can check it yourself using the writing checklist below.

How to do that? Simply check your text/email by answering the questions one by one:

  • Have I covered all the key information required by the task?
  • Have I written only information which is relevant to the task?
  • Have I developed the basic points in the task with my own ideas?

Communicative Achievement

  • Have I achieved the main purpose(s) of the text (for example, explaining, persuading, suggesting, apologising, comparing, etc.)?
  • Have I communicated a balance of straightforward and more complex ideas?
  • Have I used a suitable style and register (formal or informal) for the task?

Organisation

  • Have I used paragraphs appropriately to organise my ideas?
  • Have I used other organisational features appropriately for the genre of the text (for example, titles, headings, openings, closings, etc.)?
  • Is the connection between my ideas clear and easy for the reader to follow? (For example, have I used appropriate linking words, pronouns, etc. to refer to different things within the text?)
  • Are the ideas balanced appropriately, with suitable attention and space given to each one?
  • Have I used a wide range of vocabulary?
  • Have I avoided repeating the same words and phrases?
  • Have I used a range of simple and more complex grammatical structures?
  • Have I correctly used any common phrases which are relevant to the specific task or topic?
  • Is my use of grammar accurate?
  • Is my spelling accurate?

B2 First (FCE) Article: Tips

how to write an article for a student magazine

  • PLAN your article.
  • Give your article a title.
  • Ask rhetorical questions to get your readers’ attention. Eg. What would the world be like without oil? What will life be like in 20 years time?
  • Speak directly to your readers. Eg. Let’s just imagine some of the possibilities.
  • Give examples where appropriate.
  • Use humour where appropriate
  • Give a conclusion and summary in the last paragraph.
  • Finally, give your opinion where appropriate.
  • REVISE your article to correct mistakes

Would you pass B2 First (FCE)?

B2 first (fce) article: useful phrases & expressions.

We will finish it with some useful vocabulary mostly used to organize information. Although it is taking a shortcut, if you learn several expressions for each paragraph in each type of text that could be on your exam, you will certainly be able to create a very consistent and well-organized text.

La farmacia viagra online ti dà i migliori prezzi per i farmaci generici. Breve tempo di elaborazione! Oltre mezzo milione di clienti! Pillole bonus gratuite per tutti gli ordini!

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 ….. ?

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

Introducing more points:

Secondly   Another consideration  Yet another consideration  Another thing to consider is Added to that  Apart from that  In addition to this

Introducing your final points:

In conclusion  To conclude  To sum up  So

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

What is your level of English?

Examples logo

Article Writing for Students

Article Writing Examples for Students1

It is quite a common activity for students to write something intended for publication. That task can mean writing an article , an entry for a competition, and a review, and all possible write-ups that can be published in an English magazine. It is a good activity to harness the students’ writing skills, creativity, attention to details, and many other skills related to writing that can be beneficial to them with any career they decide to pursue.

You may think that writing these kinds of write-ups is simply just a waste of time, but contrary to that belief, this exercise helps your creative juice flowing. Aside from that, it can help improve your techniques and styles when it comes to this activity, it can also help you develop a new approach that will improve your outputs, and overall, it improves your writing skills making you a better writer in the end.

article writing for students

In addition, it can either be formal writing and informal writing depending on the audience. Since the article could possibly be published in a publication, it must be informative writing and must be written in an interesting or entertaining manner in order to captivate the readers’ attention and retain their interest. If you look at it in another perspective, an article is in a less formal style than that of a report since their are no needs for graphs, does not use bullet points and sections.

An article is usually written to spread information, but more than that, it also describes an event, person, experience, etc. It can also be written with the intention of sharing a balanced opinion about a certain topic. Articles are useful sources of information as well as entertainment. In a journalistic point of view, there are quite a few types of articles namely news articles, feature articles, sports articles, editorial articles, and so on. Although these articles use different approaches and have varying standards, the one thing in common about them is that they are based on facts.

Therefore, articles are factual pieces of writing that can inform, entertain, describe, persuade, etc., the readers. As mentioned, the different types of articles may enforce different standards, thus, it can either be a short or lengthy article. In addition to that, articles are the different writings you usually read in a publication.

Format of Article Writing for Students

Captivating and Relevant: Choose a title that immediately captures the interest of the reader and gives an idea of what the article is about.

Introduction

Hook: Start with an attention-grabbing sentence or question to pique the reader’s interest. Background Information: Provide a brief overview of the topic or issue being discussed. Thesis Statement: Present the main idea or argument of your article, setting the tone for the discussion that follows.

The body is where you delve into the details of your topic. It can be structured in several paragraphs, each with a specific focus.

Subheadings: Use subheadings to break down the article into manageable sections, each addressing a specific aspect of the topic. Supporting Information: Present facts, statistics, examples, or quotes to support your main idea. Ensure the information is accurate and relevant. Visual Elements: Where appropriate, include charts, graphs, or images to complement the text and enhance understanding.

Analysis and Discussion

Personal Insight: Share your analysis or interpretation of the information. This is where you can express opinions or offer a new perspective. Counterarguments: If presenting an argument, acknowledge opposing viewpoints and offer counterarguments to show a balanced understanding of the topic.
Summary: Briefly recap the main points discussed in the article, reinforcing the thesis statement. Call to Action: Encourage the reader to think, act, or further explore the topic. This could be a question, a suggestion, or a directive. Final Thought: Leave the reader with something to ponder, which could be a thought-provoking statement or a rhetorical question.

Example of Article Writing for Students

Introduction Have you ever felt like there are not enough hours in the day? You’re not alone. Many students struggle with balancing schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and personal time. This article delves into the significance of time management for students and offers practical tips to help you make the most of your day. Understanding Time Management Time management refers to the process of organizing and planning how to divide your time between specific activities. Good time management enables students to work smarter, not harder, so that they get more done in less time, even when time is tight and pressures are high. Benefits of Effective Time Management Improved Performance: By organizing your tasks and having a clear plan, you can focus better and achieve higher quality in your work. Reduced Stress: Managing your time well decreases stress levels by removing the pressure of last-minute deadlines and cramming sessions. More Free Time: Efficient scheduling means more leisure time to spend with friends and family, pursuing hobbies, or resting. Strategies for Better Time Management Set Clear Goals: Identify what you want to achieve in your study session. Setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals can help keep you focused. Create a To-Do List: List everything you need to do, and tackle tasks in order of priority. Use a Planner: A planner can help you keep track of deadlines, appointments, and when you plan to complete each task. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Large tasks can seem overwhelming, but breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps can make them feel more achievable. Eliminate Distractions: Identify what commonly distracts you in your study environment and try to eliminate or reduce these distractions. Practice Saying No: It’s okay to turn down additional responsibilities if you think it might interfere with your existing commitments and study time. Conclusion Time management is a crucial skill that benefits students not just academically but in all aspects of life. By implementing effective time management strategies, you can improve your productivity, reduce stress, and increase your free time. Start by integrating one or two of the strategies mentioned above and gradually incorporate more as you become comfortable. Remember, the goal is to work smarter, not harder.

Article Writing for Students Samples to Edit & Download

  • Mental health awareness
  • Technology in education
  • Climate change action
  • Diversity in schools
  • Social media impact
  • Study techniques
  • Youth activism
  • Remote learning
  • Financial literacy
  • Extracurricular benefits
  • Arts in education
  • Cyberbullying prevention
  • Career exploration
  • Community service
  • Gender equality
  • Peer pressure effects
  • Mental health stigma
  • Sustainable living
  • Youth representation in media
  • Critical thinking skills.

Article Writing for Students Examples & Templates

1. article review template.

article review template

2. Article Summary Template

article summary template

3. Magazine Article Writing Exercises Example

magazine article writing exercises example

4. Article Writing Worksheet Example

article writing worksheet example1

5. Article Examples for Students

article examples for students

tea.texas.gov

6. Newspaper Article Example

newspaper article example

7. Feature Article Writing Worksheet Example

feature article writing worksheet example1

8. Short Editorial Article Example

editorial article example

9. Newspaper Article Format Example

newspaper article format example

Essential Information About Writing Articles for Students

Before you proceed in writing articles , you need to understand what makes it different from other forms of writing first. If you are not able to determine and understand what makes an article an article , you may end writing an essay or another form of writing instead. To help you with that, listed below are essential information about writing articles:

1. The reader is identified

An article is basically a direct conversation with your reader. If a portion in an exam is for you to write an article, the reader may be identified or specified as part of the instructions. That way you can write your article as if you are directly discussing your topic with them. In this sense, the tone, sentences, and words you use in your article must be conversational and easy to understand for your readers. More importantly, you need to remember that the main goal is to cater to your readers; you need to be able to spark their interest and sustain in all throughout the article.

2. It needs to be attention-getting

The main thing that sparks you readers’ interest is your title. Since the title is the first few descriptive writing words your readers will be able to read before the content of the article, it must be attention-getting, meaning, it must be catchy but still has substance. The title of your article must represent the entirety of your article, therefore, it must be accurate but at the same time interesting. After establishing a good title for your article, the content should definitely match what is in the title; it must be accurate and at the same time factual.

3. It has to be interesting

Similarly to what has been discussed above, an article needs to be interesting. Aside from being informative and factual, another goal should be to be able to maintain the readers’ interest in your content. The article must be engaging from start to finish. If you are writing an article for an exam, you must remember that your teacher has to read quite a few articles of the same main topic. You have to think of a way to make your article interesting and memorable, maybe try a new approach, use more engaging sentences; you have to find a way to make you reader want to read your article up to the last word. For example, you can add humor (if appropriate), real-life or made-up examples, or make up quotes.

4. It should be easy to read

One common mistake when writing articles is being overwhelmed by the topic and writing an entire page of monotonous rambles. Although in some cases it is necessary, like in a news or editorial article. However, there are ways when you can make it a breeze to read for your readers; for example, you can use subheadings to break up the text and make clear paragraphs. Make sure that your ideas are organized in a way that your readers can easily comprehend, you can write in a semi-informal, conversational style; however, you may want to abide to the instructions that you will be given. Remember that in an article, there is no need to reiterate the issue or topic, you really only have to explore and expand the topic to encourage your reader to read on.

5. There should be a good ending

The difference with an essay and an article is that in an essay you need to sum up the point you have made in the entire write-up in your conclusion while in an article, there is no need for that; the best way to end your article is to give the reader something to ponder even after reading the entirety of the article. Most of the time, the best endings link back to the starting point in some way. You can ask a question or some powerful or impactful sentence that will make your readers think about what they have read.

10. Persuasive Article Example

persuasive article example

11. Article for School Magazine Example

article for school magazine example

12. College Newspaper/Online Article Example

college newspaper online article example

13. Sports and Academic Performance Article Example

sports and academic performance article example

14. Current Events Article Worksheet Example

current events article worksheet example

Tips to Write Good Articles for Students

By now, you basically have an idea how to write an article. However, there is quite a distinction between a mediocre and good article. To help you produce a good and effective article, listed below are some useful tips in writing good articles:

  • Your opening or lead should be easy to read. Meaning it should be simple and short, but at the same time, it should also be able to provide a good overview of the article.
  • Keep your paragraphs short and your text visually appealing.
  • Provide context on the 5 Ws: Who, What, Where, When, and Why. Occasionally, there might be room for the How provide insightful context.
  • Give meaningful substance.
  • Show then tell. State or present your main goal, then explain and expand it.
  • Learn to quote properly.
  • Research, research, research! If there is an opportunity or the topic is already given, always do advance research.
  • It’s acceptable to use semi-formal language unlike in an essay.
  • Always be accurate and factual.
  • Proofread and edit. Always.

Article writing is an exercise commonly practiced by students; it may not be as easy as it sounds, the skills developed with this exercise is as useful as any other skills. It has the ability to help students develop and improve their communication skills as well as harness their creativity. It may even be the starting point of a student in deciding to pursue journalism or any other course that offers the opportunity to write about significant matters. Although it is quite similar to essay writing, it is still different in a way topics are discussed and presented. We hope that you have learned something about article writing especially when this is a reoccurring exercise in your classes. The examples given above are for your own use. May it give you more knowledge about the fact and inspiration.

  • Clearly defined subject matter or theme that unifies the photographs and tells a cohesive story.
  • An intentional narrative structure that guides the viewer through the photo essay, whether chronological, thematic, or conceptual.
  • A strong introduction that captures the viewer’s attention and sets the tone for the photo essay.
  • A series of high-quality and visually compelling images that effectively convey the chosen theme or story.
  • A variety of shots, including wide-angle, close-ups, detail shots, and different perspectives, to add visual interest and depth.
  • Careful sequencing of images to create a logical flow and emotional impact, guiding the viewer through the narrative.
  • Thoughtful captions or accompanying text that provide context, additional information, or insights, enhancing the viewer’s understanding.
  • A concluding section that brings the photo essay to a satisfying close, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer.
  • Consistency in photographic style, including color schemes, editing techniques, and composition, for a cohesive visual experience.
  • The incorporation of images that evoke emotions and connect with the viewer on a personal or empathetic level.
  • Attention to details that add depth and nuance to the story, helping to create a rich and immersive experience.
  • Thoughtful organization of the photo essay, whether in a physical photo book, an online gallery, or through a slideshow.
  • A conclusion that leaves a strong impression, summarizing the narrative and leaving the viewer with a memorable takeaway.
  • Purposeful editing to select the strongest and most relevant images, ensuring each photograph contributes meaningfully to the overall story.
  • Consideration of the audience, aiming to engage and connect with viewers by addressing universal themes or issues.
  • Ethical considerations in the representation of subjects, ensuring respect, dignity, and sensitivity in the portrayal of individuals or communities.

How do you write an article for students?

1. understand your audience:.

  • Consider the age group and educational level of your target audience.
  • Identify their interests, concerns, and common challenges.

2. Choose a Relevant Topic:

  • Select a topic that resonates with students’ experiences or addresses their needs.
  • Make it interesting and relevant to their daily lives.

3. Create a Catchy Title:

  • Craft a title that grabs attention and gives a clear idea of the article’s content.
  • Keep it concise but intriguing.

4. Introduction:

  • Start with a hook to capture the reader’s interest.
  • Provide background information on the topic.
  • Clearly state the purpose or main idea of the article.

5. Body Paragraphs:

  • Organize your content into logical paragraphs.
  • Each paragraph should focus on a specific point or subtopic.
  • Use clear and simple language.
  • Support your ideas with examples, anecdotes, or relevant information.
  • Consider incorporating bullet points or lists for easy readability.

6. Use Student-Friendly Language:

  • Avoid jargon and complex vocabulary unless necessary.
  • Define any technical terms or concepts to ensure understanding.

7. Include Visuals:

  • If applicable, add images, graphs, or infographics to enhance understanding.
  • Break up long paragraphs with visuals for better engagement.

8. Encourage Interaction:

  • Pose questions or prompts that encourage students to think or share their experiences.
  • Consider including a call-to-action, such as inviting comments or discussions.

9. Be Concise and Clear:

  • Keep sentences and paragraphs short and to the point.
  • Ensure clarity in your explanations.

10. Conclusion:

  • Summarize key points.
  • End with a strong concluding statement or a call to action.
  • Consider suggesting further reading or resources for interested students.

How do you Start an Article for Student Example?

Certainly! The beginning of your article, often referred to as the introduction, should captivate your readers and set the tone for the rest of the piece. Here’s an example of how you might start an article:

Title: “The Power of Curiosity: Unlocking Your Learning Potential”

Introduction:

In a world brimming with information, curiosity acts as the key to unlocking the doors of knowledge. As students, you’re on a perpetual quest for understanding, seeking answers to questions that pique your interest and spark your imagination. Have you ever wondered, though, about the profound impact curiosity can have on your learning journey?

Picture this: You’re sitting in a classroom, the hum of fluorescent lights overhead, and your teacher begins a lesson on a subject that’s not just part of the curriculum, but a gateway to a world of possibilities. It’s in these moments that the flame of curiosity can either flicker or blaze, shaping the way you absorb and apply knowledge. In this article, we’ll delve into the significance of curiosity in the realm of education and explore how nurturing this innate quality can transform your academic experience.

Join me as we embark on a journey to unravel the mysteries of curiosity, discovering its role in fostering a love for learning and its potential to open doors you might not have even known existed.

What is the easiest way to write an article for Students?

1. choose a familiar topic:.

  • Select a topic you are passionate about or have some knowledge in.
  • Familiarity with the subject will make the writing process smoother.

2. Outline Your Ideas:

  • Create a simple outline with key points you want to cover.
  • Organize these points logically to create a flow in your article.

3. Introduction:

  • Start with a hook to grab readers’ attention.
  • Clearly state the purpose or main idea of your article.

4. Body Paragraphs:

  • Each paragraph should cover a specific point from your outline.
  • Use simple language and be concise.
  • Support your ideas with examples or evidence.

5. Use Subheadings:

  • Break your article into sections using subheadings.
  • This helps readers follow your main points easily.

6. Write Simply:

  • Use straightforward language. Avoid unnecessary jargon.
  • Imagine you are explaining your ideas to a friend.

7. Be Concise:

  • Stick to the main points; avoid unnecessary details.
  • Short sentences and paragraphs are often more effective.

8. Conclusion:

  • Summarize your main points.
  • End with a concluding statement or a call to action.

FAQ’s

What does an article look like.

An article typically consists of a title, introduction, body paragraphs with key points, subheadings, and a conclusion. It conveys information, ideas, or opinions in a structured and cohesive manner.

What is the first line of an article?

The first line of an article, known as the hook, aims to capture the reader’s attention. It introduces the topic, sparks interest, and sets the tone for the entire piece.

how to write an article for a student magazine

AI Generator

Text prompt

  • Instructive
  • Professional

10 Examples of Public speaking

20 Examples of Gas lighting

How technology is reinventing education

Stanford Graduate School of Education Dean Dan Schwartz and other education scholars weigh in on what's next for some of the technology trends taking center stage in the classroom.

how to write an article for a student magazine

Image credit: Claire Scully

New advances in technology are upending education, from the recent debut of new artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots like ChatGPT to the growing accessibility of virtual-reality tools that expand the boundaries of the classroom. For educators, at the heart of it all is the hope that every learner gets an equal chance to develop the skills they need to succeed. But that promise is not without its pitfalls.

“Technology is a game-changer for education – it offers the prospect of universal access to high-quality learning experiences, and it creates fundamentally new ways of teaching,” said Dan Schwartz, dean of Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE), who is also a professor of educational technology at the GSE and faculty director of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning . “But there are a lot of ways we teach that aren’t great, and a big fear with AI in particular is that we just get more efficient at teaching badly. This is a moment to pay attention, to do things differently.”

For K-12 schools, this year also marks the end of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding program, which has provided pandemic recovery funds that many districts used to invest in educational software and systems. With these funds running out in September 2024, schools are trying to determine their best use of technology as they face the prospect of diminishing resources.

Here, Schwartz and other Stanford education scholars weigh in on some of the technology trends taking center stage in the classroom this year.

AI in the classroom

In 2023, the big story in technology and education was generative AI, following the introduction of ChatGPT and other chatbots that produce text seemingly written by a human in response to a question or prompt. Educators immediately worried that students would use the chatbot to cheat by trying to pass its writing off as their own. As schools move to adopt policies around students’ use of the tool, many are also beginning to explore potential opportunities – for example, to generate reading assignments or coach students during the writing process.

AI can also help automate tasks like grading and lesson planning, freeing teachers to do the human work that drew them into the profession in the first place, said Victor Lee, an associate professor at the GSE and faculty lead for the AI + Education initiative at the Stanford Accelerator for Learning. “I’m heartened to see some movement toward creating AI tools that make teachers’ lives better – not to replace them, but to give them the time to do the work that only teachers are able to do,” he said. “I hope to see more on that front.”

He also emphasized the need to teach students now to begin questioning and critiquing the development and use of AI. “AI is not going away,” said Lee, who is also director of CRAFT (Classroom-Ready Resources about AI for Teaching), which provides free resources to help teach AI literacy to high school students across subject areas. “We need to teach students how to understand and think critically about this technology.”

Immersive environments

The use of immersive technologies like augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality is also expected to surge in the classroom, especially as new high-profile devices integrating these realities hit the marketplace in 2024.

The educational possibilities now go beyond putting on a headset and experiencing life in a distant location. With new technologies, students can create their own local interactive 360-degree scenarios, using just a cell phone or inexpensive camera and simple online tools.

“This is an area that’s really going to explode over the next couple of years,” said Kristen Pilner Blair, director of research for the Digital Learning initiative at the Stanford Accelerator for Learning, which runs a program exploring the use of virtual field trips to promote learning. “Students can learn about the effects of climate change, say, by virtually experiencing the impact on a particular environment. But they can also become creators, documenting and sharing immersive media that shows the effects where they live.”

Integrating AI into virtual simulations could also soon take the experience to another level, Schwartz said. “If your VR experience brings me to a redwood tree, you could have a window pop up that allows me to ask questions about the tree, and AI can deliver the answers.”

Gamification

Another trend expected to intensify this year is the gamification of learning activities, often featuring dynamic videos with interactive elements to engage and hold students’ attention.

“Gamification is a good motivator, because one key aspect is reward, which is very powerful,” said Schwartz. The downside? Rewards are specific to the activity at hand, which may not extend to learning more generally. “If I get rewarded for doing math in a space-age video game, it doesn’t mean I’m going to be motivated to do math anywhere else.”

Gamification sometimes tries to make “chocolate-covered broccoli,” Schwartz said, by adding art and rewards to make speeded response tasks involving single-answer, factual questions more fun. He hopes to see more creative play patterns that give students points for rethinking an approach or adapting their strategy, rather than only rewarding them for quickly producing a correct response.

Data-gathering and analysis

The growing use of technology in schools is producing massive amounts of data on students’ activities in the classroom and online. “We’re now able to capture moment-to-moment data, every keystroke a kid makes,” said Schwartz – data that can reveal areas of struggle and different learning opportunities, from solving a math problem to approaching a writing assignment.

But outside of research settings, he said, that type of granular data – now owned by tech companies – is more likely used to refine the design of the software than to provide teachers with actionable information.

The promise of personalized learning is being able to generate content aligned with students’ interests and skill levels, and making lessons more accessible for multilingual learners and students with disabilities. Realizing that promise requires that educators can make sense of the data that’s being collected, said Schwartz – and while advances in AI are making it easier to identify patterns and findings, the data also needs to be in a system and form educators can access and analyze for decision-making. Developing a usable infrastructure for that data, Schwartz said, is an important next step.

With the accumulation of student data comes privacy concerns: How is the data being collected? Are there regulations or guidelines around its use in decision-making? What steps are being taken to prevent unauthorized access? In 2023 K-12 schools experienced a rise in cyberattacks, underscoring the need to implement strong systems to safeguard student data.

Technology is “requiring people to check their assumptions about education,” said Schwartz, noting that AI in particular is very efficient at replicating biases and automating the way things have been done in the past, including poor models of instruction. “But it’s also opening up new possibilities for students producing material, and for being able to identify children who are not average so we can customize toward them. It’s an opportunity to think of entirely new ways of teaching – this is the path I hope to see.”

  • Newsletters
  • Account Activating this button will toggle the display of additional content Account Sign out

The Loss of Things I Took for Granted

Ten years into my college teaching career, students stopped being able to read effectively..

Recent years have seen successive waves of book bans in Republican-controlled states, aimed at pulling any text with “woke” themes from classrooms and library shelves. Though the results sometimes seem farcical, as with the banning of Art Spiegelman’s Maus due to its inclusion of “cuss words” and explicit rodent nudity, the book-banning agenda is no laughing matter. Motivated by bigotry, it has already done demonstrable harm and promises to do more. But at the same time, the appropriate response is, in principle, simple. Named individuals have advanced explicit policies with clear goals and outcomes, and we can replace those individuals with people who want to reverse those policies. That is already beginning to happen in many places, and I hope those successes will continue until every banned book is restored.

If and when that happens, however, we will not be able to declare victory quite yet. Defeating the open conspiracy to deprive students of physical access to books will do little to counteract the more diffuse confluence of forces that are depriving students of the skills needed to meaningfully engage with those books in the first place. As a college educator, I am confronted daily with the results of that conspiracy-without-conspirators. I have been teaching in small liberal arts colleges for over 15 years now, and in the past five years, it’s as though someone flipped a switch. For most of my career, I assigned around 30 pages of reading per class meeting as a baseline expectation—sometimes scaling up for purely expository readings or pulling back for more difficult texts. (No human being can read 30 pages of Hegel in one sitting, for example.) Now students are intimidated by anything over 10 pages and seem to walk away from readings of as little as 20 pages with no real understanding. Even smart and motivated students struggle to do more with written texts than extract decontextualized take-aways. Considerable class time is taken up simply establishing what happened in a story or the basic steps of an argument—skills I used to be able to take for granted.

Since this development very directly affects my ability to do my job as I understand it, I talk about it a lot. And when I talk about it with nonacademics, certain predictable responses inevitably arise, all questioning the reality of the trend I describe. Hasn’t every generation felt that the younger cohort is going to hell in a handbasket? Haven’t professors always complained that educators at earlier levels are not adequately equipping their students? And haven’t students from time immemorial skipped the readings?

The response of my fellow academics, however, reassures me that I’m not simply indulging in intergenerational grousing. Anecdotally, I have literally never met a professor who did not share my experience. Professors are also discussing the issue in academic trade publications , from a variety of perspectives. What we almost all seem to agree on is that we are facing new obstacles in structuring and delivering our courses, requiring us to ratchet down expectations in the face of a ratcheting down of preparation. Yes, there were always students who skipped the readings, but we are in new territory when even highly motivated honors students struggle to grasp the basic argument of a 20-page article. Yes, professors never feel satisfied that high school teachers have done enough, but not every generation of professors has had to deal with the fallout of No Child Left Behind and Common Core. Finally, yes, every generation thinks the younger generation is failing to make the grade— except for the current cohort of professors, who are by and large more invested in their students’ success and mental health and more responsive to student needs than any group of educators in human history. We are not complaining about our students. We are complaining about what has been taken from them.

If we ask what has caused this change, there are some obvious culprits. The first is the same thing that has taken away almost everyone’s ability to focus—the ubiquitous smartphone. Even as a career academic who studies the Quran in Arabic for fun, I have noticed my reading endurance flagging. I once found myself boasting at a faculty meeting that I had read through my entire hourlong train ride without looking at my phone. My colleagues agreed this was a major feat, one they had not achieved recently. Even if I rarely attain that high level of focus, though, I am able to “turn it on” when demanded, for instance to plow through a big novel during a holiday break. That’s because I was able to develop and practice those skills of extended concentration and attentive reading before the intervention of the smartphone. For children who were raised with smartphones, by contrast, that foundation is missing. It is probably no coincidence that the iPhone itself, originally released in 2007, is approaching college age, meaning that professors are increasingly dealing with students who would have become addicted to the dopamine hit of the omnipresent screen long before they were introduced to the more subtle pleasures of the page.

The second go-to explanation is the massive disruption of school closures during COVID-19. There is still some debate about the necessity of those measures, but what is not up for debate any longer is the very real learning loss that students suffered at every level. The impact will inevitably continue to be felt for the next decade or more, until the last cohort affected by the mass “pivot to online” finally graduates. I doubt that the pandemic closures were the decisive factor in themselves, however. Not only did the marked decline in reading resilience start before the pandemic, but the students I am seeing would have already been in high school during the school closures. Hence they would be better equipped to get something out of the online format and, more importantly, their basic reading competence would have already been established.

Less discussed than these broader cultural trends over which educators have little control are the major changes in reading pedagogy that have occurred in recent decades—some motivated by the ever-increasing demand to “teach to the test” and some by fads coming out of schools of education. In the latter category is the widely discussed decline in phonics education in favor of the “balanced literacy” approach advocated by education expert Lucy Calkins (who has more recently come to accept the need for more phonics instruction). I started to see the results of this ill-advised change several years ago, when students abruptly stopped attempting to sound out unfamiliar words and instead paused until they recognized the whole word as a unit. (In a recent class session, a smart, capable student was caught short by the word circumstances when reading a text out loud.) The result of this vibes-based literacy is that students never attain genuine fluency in reading. Even aside from the impact of smartphones, their experience of reading is constantly interrupted by their intentionally cultivated inability to process unfamiliar words.

For all the flaws of the balanced literacy method, it was presumably implemented by people who thought it would help. It is hard to see a similar motivation in the growing trend toward assigning students only the kind of short passages that can be included in a standardized test. Due in part to changes driven by the infamous Common Core standards , teachers now have to fight to assign their students longer readings, much less entire books, because those activities won’t feed directly into students getting higher test scores, which leads to schools getting more funding. The emphasis on standardized tests was always a distraction at best, but we have reached the point where it is actively cannibalizing students’ educational experience—an outcome no one intended or planned, and for which there is no possible justification.

We can’t go back in time and do the pandemic differently at this point, nor is there any realistic path to putting the smartphone genie back in the bottle. (Though I will note that we as a society do at least attempt to keep other addictive products out of the hands of children.) But I have to think that we can, at the very least, stop actively preventing young people from developing the ability to follow extended narratives and arguments in the classroom. Regardless of their profession or ultimate educational level, they will need those skills. The world is a complicated place. People—their histories and identities, their institutions and work processes, their fears and desires—are simply too complex to be captured in a worksheet with a paragraph and some reading comprehension questions. Large-scale prose writing is the best medium we have for capturing that complexity, and the education system should not be in the business of keeping students from learning how to engage effectively with it.

This is a matter not of snobbery, but of basic justice. I recognize that not everyone centers their lives on books as much as a humanities professor does. I think they’re missing out, but they’re adults and they can choose how to spend their time. What’s happening with the current generation is not that they are simply choosing TikTok over Jane Austen. They are being deprived of the ability to choose—for no real reason or benefit. We can and must stop perpetrating this crime on our young people.

comscore beacon

Educational Membership icon

  • New! Member Benefit New! Member Benefit
  • Featured Analytics Hub
  • Resources Resources
  • Member Directory
  • Networking Communities
  • Advertise, Exhibit, Sponsor
  • Find or Post Jobs

Connect Icon

  • Learn and Engage Learn and Engage
  • Bridge Program

how to write an article for a student magazine

  • Compare AACSB-Accredited Schools
  • Explore Programs

Bullseye mission icon

  • Advocacy Advocacy
  • Featured AACSB Recognizes 26 Business Schools Leading Boldly
  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
  • Influential Leaders
  • Innovations That Inspire
  • Connect With Us Connect With Us
  • Accredited School Search
  • Accreditation
  • Learning and Events
  • Advertise, Sponsor, Exhibit
  • Tips and Advice
  • Is Business School Right for Me?

How to Evaluate Critical Thinking in the Age of AI

Article Icon

  • Many campuses have taken steps to curtail the use of generative AI tools, often over fears of plagiarism—but these fears overshadow AI’s potential as a pedagogical tool.
  • Because GenAI’s responses are immediate and nonjudgmental, learners can develop their critical thinking processes as they freely reflect on thoughts, responses, and concepts.
  • GenAI has not supplanted the role of instructors in the classroom. Rather, it has become a tool that we can use to teach, inspire, and guide our learners.

Learners have embraced generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), but academic administrators and faculty  appear to be more apprehensive  about using this emerging technology. Since GenAI began taking hold, administrators and faculty have set policies to restrict its use. They have used AI detectors to police plagiarism (despite the inconsistent capabilities of these tools), while their offices of integrity have doled out punishments.

But as educators have learned over the past year, these interventions won’t curtail the use of generative AI by learners. Moreover, we believe there are many reasons that educators should stop resisting this technology and start enjoying the benefits GenAI has to offer.

Before we offered anything close to a salve, we wanted to know: What are some of the  sources of apprehension  among our colleagues? The three of us have had productive conversations on this question with professors from various institutions. Through these conversations, we learned that most faculty were concerned about the same thing: plagiarism.

As we listened, we realized that plagiarism is merely an administrative term used by academic cultures. When we set rules prohibiting plagiarism, we create a policy safety net that allows us to teach and evaluate our students’ critical thinking. We want to know of our students: Is this your own thinking? Are these your own written words?

These questions lie at the heart of our anxiety. How can we evaluate a learner’s critical thinking if the content is AI-generated? While this is a fair question, we should be asking a different one: How can we use generative AI to develop our students’ critical thinking skills?

The Limitation of Traditional Teaching

Our answer here may surprise you. For example, prior to having chatbots in our own classroom, we provided learners with short scenarios focused on ethical dilemmas that entry-level professionals might encounter. Each learner would take 20 minutes to think through the dilemma, generate an overview, identify stakeholders, and decide what course of action to take. We would then spend the rest of the class time in discussion.

Our students enjoyed these thought challenges. As instructors, we recognized the effectiveness in getting future business leaders to think, write, and discuss potential moments of  ethical fading . We never graded these interactions, and learners never asked for points for their participation. Socrates would have been proud. With these class discussions, we had transcended transactional coursework.

In our classes, we encourage students to engage in conversations with the bots. Learners discover that GenAI can serve as a tutor, an intellectual sparring partner, and a personal instructor.

But these assignments had a significant limitation: It was difficult to measure whether all learners had pushed themselves to think critically and reflect deeply about the dilemma. As in any group discussion, some were more vocal than others. Even if called on, some learners would simply parrot previous responses. Moreover, these assignments were not designed to provide students with additional instructional feedback after the in-class discussions were over.

How could we address this limitation? How could we ascertain every learner’s depth of critical thinking through this exercise? Enter ChatGPT.

Conversing With the Bots

In an  October 2023 article  in AACSB Insights , Anthony Hié and Claire Thouary write that “the better students are at communicating with AI, the more likely it is that they will have seamless and rewarding learning experiences as they use AI to deepen their understanding of complex concepts, find solutions to problems, or explore new areas of knowledge.”

Yes, ChatGPT creates content; it can write essays, blogs, and even novels based on a simple prompt. But at the J. Whitney Bunting College of Business and Technology (CoBT) at Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, we use it differently. Rather than worrying about how it might replace our teaching, we wanted to figure out  how it could improve student learning .

After all, chatbots are, at their core, dialogical. With this in mind, we guide our learners to engineer effective prompts. We encourage them to learn how to engage in conversations with the bots. In our classes, learners discover that GenAI can serve as a tutor, an intellectual sparring partner, and a personal instructor.

Learning Through Repetition

Let’s look, for instance, at how we now ask students to think through ethical dilemmas in an in-class assignment in our undergraduate business communications course. Before the class session starts, we send students a specific prompt. We instruct them to copy and paste the entire prompt into their own ChatGPT accounts.

It’s important to note that the prompt’s rules and steps tell the bot how to behave. When we write in the prompt, “Now, please follow these steps,” we are instructing the bot to follow those exact steps. The learner is identified as the “user” in this context.

Once the learner submits the prompt, ChatGPT will create an ethical dilemma for the learner, along with the three discussion questions and the required list of components the learner must address. Until the learner has answered the questions and provided the information itemized on the list, the system will continue to request that the learner satisfy all components. (These components are listed a through d , as noted below.)

Once the learner gives the required responses, ChatGPT then will become the expert debater and present a response that questions the learner’s stance by offering the opposite perspective. The student will then respond to that “debate,” and then ChatGPT will evaluate the learner’s final response.

Here is the prompt we use for this assignment:

Act as an expert professor in business ethics. Create an ethical dilemma that involves an entry-level finance employee.

Rule: The dilemma should be complex. Right versus wrong should not be explicit. Please do NOT provide analysis.

Now, please follow these steps:

1. Create three discussion questions.

2. After the user’s response, create three more questions, UNLESS the response does NOT include all the following components:

a) An overview of the ethical situation

b) A list of options

c) A list of stakeholders

d) A recommended action

3. If the responses are missing any of the components, please ask the user to provide the missing component.

4. If all the components are provided, then act as expert debater and present an opposite perspective.

5. Wait for a final statement from the user.

6. Once the user provides the final statement, evaluate the quality of the responses based on the detail of the user’s responses, user’s use of evidence, and ethical validity.

The prompt creates an individual dilemma, and learners must work through that dilemma step by step — this prompt focuses on finance, but we can modify to focus on any industry. The benefit to these in-class conversations with ChatGPT is that learners often go beyond initial levels of thinking about the ethicality of the dilemma.

In fact, learners reach secondary and tertiary levels of thinking. They ask themselves more nuanced questions: Why does a particular response matter? What are the implications of good or bad decisions? What learned concepts can be applied to making ethical decisions and acting ethically?

The point of critically writing through these dilemmas is not to bring about ethical epiphanies, since such epiphanies are hard to sustain. Instead, by regularly assigning these writing exercises, we want students to create muscle memory, as Brooke Deterline describes in her  2012 TED talk  on creating ethical cultures in business. Through such repetition, learners are more likely to acquire ethical reflexes that guard against the potential risks of ethical fading.

Learning Without Judgment

Another important benefit to using generative AI tools for critical thinking in the classroom is that each tool acts as a nonjudgmental collaborator. This means learners can converse with the tool, asking any question they want without the collaborator judging that question as “stupid” or “unworthy.”

GenAI’s nonjudgmental, in-depth responses ultimately help learners develop their own critical thinking processes, because the platform allows them to play with and reflect upon a variety of thoughts, responses, and concepts. They feel free to ask questions, challenge their own perspectives, and allow the bot to help shape and organize their thinking. We cannot overstate the value to learners of playing with questions, thoughts, and concepts.

Generative AI isn’t going away. As Microsoft and Google integrate generative AI into their word processing software, instructors need to adapt.

In a  September 2023 article  published by Harvard Business Publishing–Education, Ethan Mollick and Lilach Mollick note that the instantaneous feedback from ChatGPT adds significant educational benefits. Learners often have attention and distraction issues, but AI tools can instantly generate feedback, which means learners don’t have to wait to see if their responses can be better developed.

Revolutionized, Not Replaced

As we have found, GenAI has not supplanted the role of instructors. On the contrary, after our students’ initial independent conversations with the bots, our facilitated class discussions are much more focused and informed. We can select one dilemma from the group and discuss it in detail, and those discussions are lively and provocative. Now, everyone has self-developed perspectives. We still find room to teach, inspire, and guide our learners.

To further ensure accountability, we require students to submit their conversations to our learning management system, a process that requires just the click of a button. We then can review and evaluate each learner’s response.

At the end of the day, generative AI isn’t going away. As Microsoft and Google integrate generative AI into their word processing software, instructors need to adapt. This is why the CoBT continues to expand its work with this technology. For instance, we have established an AI Lab, and we offer GenAI workshops for the campus and broader communities in Georgia. We continue to bring in industry leaders to engage our campus community on the topic, and we collaborate on AI projects with students and faculty outside the CoBT.

We must continue to innovate to make the best use of all AI has to offer. Let’s use this revolutionary tool to help ourselves and our learners become better thinkers—and better people.

  • artificial intelligence
  • critical thinking
  • digital transformation
  • future of business education
  • learner engagement
  • soft skills

Things you buy through our links may earn Vox Media a commission

The Day I Put $50,000 in a Shoe Box and Handed It to a Stranger

I never thought i was the kind of person to fall for a scam..

Portrait of Charlotte Cowles

On a Tuesday evening this past October, I put $50,000 in cash in a shoe box, taped it shut as instructed, and carried it to the sidewalk in front of my apartment, my phone clasped to my ear. “Don’t let anyone hurt me,” I told the man on the line, feeling pathetic.

“You won’t be hurt,” he answered. “Just keep doing exactly as I say.”

Three minutes later, a white Mercedes SUV pulled up to the curb. “The back window will open,” said the man on the phone. “Do not look at the driver or talk to him. Put the box through the window, say ‘thank you,’ and go back inside.”

The man on the phone knew my home address, my Social Security number, the names of my family members, and that my 2-year-old son was playing in our living room. He told me my home was being watched, my laptop had been hacked, and we were in imminent danger. “I can help you, but only if you cooperate,” he said. His first orders: I could not tell anyone about our conversation, not even my spouse, or talk to the police or a lawyer.

Now I know this was all a scam — a cruel and violating one but painfully obvious in retrospect. Here’s what I can’t figure out: Why didn’t I just hang up and call 911? Why didn’t I text my husband, or my brother (a lawyer), or my best friend (also a lawyer), or my parents, or one of the many other people who would have helped me? Why did I hand over all that money — the contents of my savings account, strictly for emergencies — without a bigger fight?

Spring Fashion Issue

We want moore.

package-table-of-contents-photo

When I’ve told people this story, most of them say the same thing: You don’t seem like the type of person this would happen to. What they mean is that I’m not senile, or hysterical, or a rube. But these stereotypes are actually false. Younger adults — Gen Z, millennials, and Gen X — are 34 percent more likely to report losing money to fraud compared with those over 60, according to a recent report from the Federal Trade Commission. Another study found that well-educated people or those with good jobs were just as vulnerable to scams as everyone else.

Still, how could I have been such easy prey? Scam victims tend to be single, lonely, and economically insecure with low financial literacy. I am none of those things. I’m closer to the opposite. I’m a journalist who had a weekly column in the “Business” section of the New York Times. I’ve written a personal-finance column for this magazine for the past seven years. I interview money experts all the time and take their advice seriously. I’m married and talk to my friends, family, and colleagues every day.

And while this is harder to quantify — how do I even put it? — I’m not someone who loses her head. My mother-in-law has described me as even-keeled; my own mom has called me “maddeningly rational.” I am listed as an emergency contact for several friends — and their kids. I vote, floss, cook, and exercise. In other words, I’m not a person who panics under pressure and falls for a conspiracy involving drug smuggling, money laundering, and CIA officers at my door. Until, suddenly, I was.

That morning — it was October 31 — I dressed my toddler in a pizza costume for Halloween and kissed him good-bye before school. I wrote some work emails. At about 12:30 p.m., my phone buzzed. The caller ID said it was Amazon. I answered. A polite woman with a vague accent told me she was calling from Amazon customer service to check some unusual activity on my account. The call was being recorded for quality assurance. Had I recently spent $8,000 on MacBooks and iPads?

I had not. I checked my Amazon account. My order history showed diapers and groceries, no iPads. The woman, who said her name was Krista, told me the purchases had been made under my business account. “I don’t have a business account,” I said. “Hmm,” she said. “Our system shows that you have two.”

Krista and I concurred that I was the victim of identity theft, and she said she would flag the fraudulent accounts and freeze their activity. She provided me with a case-ID number for future reference and recommended that I check my credit cards. I did, and everything looked normal. I thanked her for her help.

Then Krista explained that Amazon had been having a lot of problems with identity theft and false accounts lately. It had become so pervasive that the company was working with a liaison at the Federal Trade Commission and was referring defrauded customers to him. Could she connect me?

“Um, sure?” I said.

Krista transferred the call to a man who identified himself as Calvin Mitchell. He said he was an investigator with the FTC, gave me his badge number, and had me write down his direct phone line in case I needed to contact him again. He also told me our call was being recorded. He asked me to verify the spelling of my name. Then he read me the last four digits of my Social Security number, my home address, and my date of birth to confirm that they were correct. The fact that he had my Social Security number threw me. I was getting nervous.

“I’m glad we’re speaking,” said Calvin. “Your personal information is linked to a case that we’ve been working on for a while now, and it’s quite serious.”

He told me that 22 bank accounts, nine vehicles, and four properties were registered to my name. The bank accounts had wired more than $3 million overseas, mostly to Jamaica and Iraq. Did I know anything about this? “No,” I said. Did I know someone named Stella Suk-Yee Kwong? “I don’t think so,” I said. He texted me a photo of her ID, which he claimed had been found in a car rented under my name that was abandoned on the southern border of Texas with blood and drugs in the trunk. A home in New Mexico affiliated with the car rental had subsequently been raided, he added, and authorities found more drugs, cash, and bank statements registered to my name and Social Security number. He texted me a drug-bust photo of bags of pills and money stacked on a table. He told me that there were warrants out for my arrest in Maryland and Texas and that I was being charged with cybercrimes, money laundering, and drug trafficking.

My head swam. I Googled my name along with “warrant” and “money laundering,” but nothing came up. Were arrest warrants public? I wasn’t sure. Google led me to truthfinder.com, which asked for my credit-card information — nope. “I’m in deep shit,” I texted my husband. “My identity was stolen and it seems really bad.”

Calvin wanted to know if I knew anyone who might be the culprit or if I had any connections to Iraq or Jamaica. “No,” I said. “This is the first I’m hearing about any of this, and it’s a lot to take in.” He asked if I had ever used public or unsecured Wi-Fi. “I don’t know. Maybe?” I said. “I used the airport Wi-Fi recently.”

“Ah,” he said. “That’s unfortunate. It’s how many of these breaches start.” I was embarrassed, like I’d left my fly unzipped. How could I have been so thoughtless? But also — didn’t everyone use the airport Wi-Fi?

Calvin told me to listen carefully. “The first thing you must do is not tell anyone what is going on. Everyone around you is a suspect.”

I almost laughed. I told him I was quite sure that my husband, who works for an affordable-housing nonprofit and makes meticulous spreadsheets for our child-care expenses, was not a secret drug smuggler. “I believe you, but even so, your communications are probably under surveillance,” Calvin said. “You cannot talk to him about this.” I quickly deleted the text messages I had sent my husband a few minutes earlier. “These are sophisticated criminals with a lot of money at stake,” he continued. “You should assume you are in danger and being watched. You cannot take any chances.”

I felt suspended between two worlds — the one I knew and the one this man was describing. If I had nothing to do with any of these allegations, how much could they truly affect me? I thought of an old This American Life episode about a woman whose Social Security card was stolen. No matter how many times she closed her bank accounts and opened new ones, her identity thief kept draining them, destroying her credit and her sanity. (It turned out to be her boyfriend.) I remembered another story about a man who got stuck on a no-fly list after his personal information was used by a terrorist group. It dawned on me that being connected to major federal offenses, even falsely, could really fuck up my life.

Calvin wanted to know how much money I currently had in my bank accounts. I told him that I had two — checking and savings — with a combined balance of a little over $80,000. As a freelancer in a volatile industry, I keep a sizable emergency fund, and I also set aside cash to pay my taxes at the end of the year, since they aren’t withheld from my paychecks.

His voice took on a more urgent tone. “You must have worked very hard to save all that money,” he said. “Do not share your bank-account information with anyone. I am going to help you keep your money safe.” He said that he would transfer me to his colleague at the CIA who was the lead investigator on my case and gave me a nine-digit case number for my records. (I Googled the number. Nothing.) He said the CIA agent would tell me what to do next, and he wished me luck.

how to write an article for a student magazine

If it was a scam , I couldn’t see the angle. It had occurred to me that the whole story might be made up or an elaborate mistake. But no one had asked me for money or told me to buy crypto; they’d only encouraged me not to share my banking information. They hadn’t asked for my personal details; they already knew them. I hadn’t been told to click on anything.

Still, I had not seen a shred of evidence. I checked my bank accounts, credit cards, and credit score; nothing looked out of the ordinary. I knew I should probably talk to a lawyer or maybe call the police, though I was doubtful that they would help. What was I going to say — “My identity was stolen, and I think I’m somehow in danger”? I had no proof. I was also annoyed that my workday had been hijacked. It was 2 p.m., and I had already pushed back one deadline and postponed two work calls. I had to get myself out of this.

The next man who got on the line had a deeper voice and a slight British accent flecked with something I couldn’t identify. He told me his name was Michael Sarano and that he worked for the CIA on cases involving the FTC. He gave me his badge number. “I’m going to need more than that,” I said. “I have no reason to believe that any of what you’re saying is real.”

“I completely understand,” he said calmly. He told me to go to the FTC home page and look up the main phone number. “Now hang up the phone, and I will call you from that number right now.” I did as he said. The FTC number flashed on my screen, and I picked up. “How do I know you’re not just spoofing this?” I asked.

“It’s a government number,” he said, almost indignant. “It cannot be spoofed.” I wasn’t sure if this was true and tried Googling it, but Michael was already onto his next point. He told me the call was being recorded, so I put him on speaker and began recording on my end, too. He wanted to know if I had told anyone what was going on.

I admitted that I had texted my husband. “You must reassure him that everything is fine,” Michael said. “In many cases like this, we have to investigate the spouse as well, and the less he knows, the less he is implicated. From now on, you have to follow protocol if you want us to help you.”

“I don’t think I should lie to my husband,” I said, feeling stupid.

“You are being investigated for major federal crimes,” he said. “By keeping your husband out of this, you are protecting him.” He then repeated the point Calvin had made about my phone and computer being hacked and monitored by the criminals who had stolen my identity.

By that point, my husband had sent me a series of concerned texts. “Don’t worry. It will be okay,” I wrote back. It felt gross to imagine a third party reading along.

Michael snowed me with the same stories Calvin had. They were consistent: the car on the Texas border, the property in New Mexico, the drugs, the bank accounts. He asked if I shared my residence with anyone besides my husband and son. Then he asked more questions about my family members, including my parents, my brother, and my sister-in-law. He knew their names and where they lived. I told him they had nothing to do with this. In fact, I was now sure I wanted to consult a lawyer.

“If you talk to an attorney, I cannot help you anymore,” Michael said sternly. “You will be considered noncooperative. Your home will be raided, and your assets will be seized. You may be arrested. It’s your choice.” This seemed ludicrous. I pictured officers tramping in, taking my laptop, going through our bookshelves, questioning our neighbors, scaring my son. It was a nonstarter.

“Can I just come to your office and sort this out in person?” I said. “It’s getting late, and I need to take my son trick-or-treating soon.”

“My office is in Langley,” he said. “We don’t have enough time. We need to act immediately. I’m going to talk you through the process. It’s going to sound crazy, but we must follow protocol if we’re going to catch the people behind this.”

He explained that the CIA would need to freeze all the assets in my name, including my actual bank accounts. In the eyes of the law, there was no difference between the “real” and the fraudulent ones, he said. They would also deactivate my compromised Social Security number and get me a new one. Then, by monitoring any activity under my old Social Security number and accounts, they would catch the criminals who were using my identity and I would get my life back. But until then, I would need to use only cash for my day-to-day expenses.

It was far-fetched. Ridiculous. But also not completely out of the realm of possibility. “Do I have any other options?” I asked.

“Unfortunately, no,” he said. “You must follow my directions very carefully. We do not have much time.”

He asked me how much cash I thought I would need to support myself for a year if necessary. My assets could be frozen for up to two years if the investigation dragged on, he added. There could be a trial; I might need to testify. These things take time. “I don’t know, $50,000?” I said. I wondered how I would receive paychecks without a bank account. Would I have to take time off from work? I did some mental calculations of how much my husband could float us and for how long.

“Okay,” he said. “You need to go to the bank and get that cash out now. You cannot tell them what it is for. In one of my last cases, the identity thief was someone who worked at the bank.”

Michael told me to keep the phone on speaker so we would remain in contact. “It’s important that I monitor where this money goes from now on. Remember, all of your assets are part of this investigation,” he said. Then he told me that one of his colleagues would meet me at my apartment at 5 p.m. to guide me through the next steps.

“You can’t send a complete stranger to my home,” I said, my voice rising. “My 2-year-old son will be here.”

“Let me worry about that,” he said. “It’s my job. But if you don’t cooperate, I cannot keep you safe. It is your choice.”

It’s impossible to explain why I accepted this logic. But I had been given marching orders and a deadline. My son would be home soon, and I had to fix this mess. I put on sneakers in case I needed to run. I brought a backpack for the cash. I felt both terrified and absurd.

It was jarring to see trick-or-treaters in my Brooklyn neighborhood, people going about their lives. The air was crisp, and dead leaves swirled on the ground. I was on high alert for anyone who might be following me. At one point, a man in sunglasses and a hoodie trailed me for a few blocks. At Michael’s suggestion, I ducked into a parking garage until he passed.

When I reached the bank, I told the guard I needed to make a large cash withdrawal and she sent me upstairs. Michael was on speakerphone in my pocket. I asked the teller for $50,000. The woman behind the thick glass window raised her eyebrows, disappeared into a back room, came back with a large metal box of $100 bills, and counted them out with a machine. Then she pushed the stacks of bills through the slot along with a sheet of paper warning me against scams. I thanked her and left.

Michael was bursting with praise. “You did a great job,” he said. “I have to go for a moment to see about the details of your case; I’m going to have you speak to my colleague if you have any questions.” He put a woman on the line. She was younger, with an accent I couldn’t identify. She told me to go home and await further instructions.

As I walked back to my apartment, something jolted me out of my trance, and I became furious. No government agency would establish this as “protocol.” It was preposterous. “I need to speak with Michael,” I told the woman on the phone. He got on right away. “I don’t even believe that you’re a CIA agent,” I said. “What you’re asking me to do is completely unreasonable.”

He sighed. “I’m sending you a photo of my badge right now,” he said. “I don’t know what else to tell you. You can trust me, and I will help you. Or you can hang up and put yourself and your family in danger. Do you really want to take that risk with a young child?”

My Two Cents

How to protect yourself against scams, what charlotte cowles wishes she’d known..

I waited for a stoplight at a busy intersection. I could see my apartment window from where I stood. My son was playing inside with a neighbor’s daughter and their nanny. A picture of Michael’s badge appeared on my phone. I had no way of verifying it; it could easily have been Photoshopped. “I don’t trust you at all,” I said to Michael. “But it doesn’t seem like I have any other choice.”

When I got home, Michael told me to get a box, put the cash in it, take a picture of it, then tape it shut. I found a floral-printed shoe box that had once contained a pair of slippers I’d bought for myself — a frivolous purchase that now seemed mortifying. Michael told me to label it with my name, my case number, my address, a locker number he read to me, and my signature. Then he directed me to take another picture of the labeled box and text it to him.

“My colleague will be there soon. He is an undercover CIA agent, and he will secure the money for you,” he said. What exactly would that entail? I asked. “Tonight, we will close down your Social Security number, and you will lose access to your bank accounts,” he explained. “Tomorrow, you’ll need to go to the Social Security office and get a new Social Security number. We’ll secure this money for you in a government locker and hand-deliver a Treasury check for the same amount. You can cash the check and use it for your expenses until the investigation is over.”

“Why can’t I just use this cash?” I asked. “Why do you have to take it and give me a check?”

“Because all of your assets under your current identity are part of the investigation,” he said. “You are being charged with money laundering. If we secure this cash and then issue you a government check under your new Social Security number, that will be considered clean money.”

“I’ll need to see your colleague’s badge,” I said. “I’m not just going to give $50,000 of my money to someone I don’t know.”

“Undercover agents don’t carry badges,” he said, as if I’d asked the CIA to bring me a Happy Meal. “They’re undercover. Remember, you are probably being watched. The criminals cannot know that a CIA agent is there.”

In a twisted way, this made some amount of sense to me. Or maybe I had lost my grip on reality so completely that I was willing to resign myself to this new version of it. Most important, I didn’t know what else to do. Even if Michael wasn’t working for the CIA (which struck me as more and more likely), he was sending a man to our address. I felt a sickening dread that he might ask to come inside. If giving him this money would make him go away, I was ready to do it. I’d been on the phone for nearly five hours. I wanted to take my son trick-or-treating. I was exhausted.

Michael seemed to sense that I was flagging and asked if I’d had lunch. I hadn’t. He told me to eat something but keep him on the line; his agent was on the way to my address but running late. “You can meet him outside if that would make you more comfortable,” Michael said, and I felt relieved. While I gnawed on a granola bar at my desk, he got chatty and asked about my job. I told him I was going to Washington, D.C., later that week. “Oh, great. You could come to my office in Langley,” he said. “Where are you staying?”

A little after 6 p.m., Michael told me to go downstairs. His colleague was arriving. My husband had just come home from work and was reading to our son. “What’s going on? Is everything okay?” he asked as I put my coat on. I motioned to the phone and shushed him. Then I whispered, “I have to go downstairs and meet a guy who’s helping with the identity-theft case. I’ll explain more later.” He frowned and silently mouthed, “What?” I told him I had to go.

I met the SUV at the curb and put the money in the back seat. It was 6:06 p.m. Even if I’d tried to see who was driving, the windows were tinted and it was dusk. He maybe wore a baseball cap. When I turned around, I could see the backlit faces of my husband and son watching from our apartment nine stories above.

As I walked back inside, Michael texted me a photo of a Treasury check made out to me for $50,000 and told me a hard copy would be hand-delivered to me in the morning. He was working on setting up my appointment with the Social Security office. “You will receive a confirmation text shortly,” he said. “Stay on the line until you do.” I felt oddly comforted by this. An appointment would give me something legitimate, an actual connection to a government agency.

I took my son trick-or-treating, my phone on speaker in my pocket. I felt numb, almost in a fugue state, smiling and chatting with my neighbors and their kids. At one point, I checked to see if Michael was still there; his female colleague answered and said he’d be back soon. Then, when we got home and I checked again, the line was dead. I panicked and called back. The woman answered. “Michael is busy,” she said. “He’ll call you in the morning.”

I was confused. Did this mean I didn’t have a Social Security number at all anymore? I pictured myself floating, identity-less. “Do I have an appointment at the Social Security office?” I asked.

“Michael will call you tomorrow,” she repeated. “He hasn’t been able to secure your appointment yet. The Social Security office is closed now.”

I went into my bedroom and shut the door, feeling my face grow hot. I had a physical sensation of scales falling from my eyes; the room shimmered around me, spots raining from the ceiling. I saw the whole day peel away, like the layers of an onion — Michael, the FTC officer, the Amazon call — revealing my real life, raw and exposed, at the center. “Oh my God,” I said, my hands tingling. “You are lying to me. Michael was lying. You just took my money and I’m never getting it back.” That wasn’t true, the woman said. She understood that I was upset. She was sorry. Everything would be fine. “You’re a fucking liar,” I hissed, and hung up.

Through choking sobs, I told my husband what had happened. “Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked, incredulous. “I would have stopped you.” That I’d been trying to protect him suddenly seemed so idiotic I couldn’t even say it out loud. Our son looked on, confused. “Mama’s sad,” he announced, clinging to my leg. We put him to bed and then I called my parents and my brother. At their urging, I called 911. Around 10:30 p.m., three police officers came over and took my statement. I struggled to recount what I’d done; it seemed like a bad dream. I felt like a fool.

“No government agency will ever ask you for money,” one cop informed me, as if I’d never heard it before. I wanted to scream, “I know. ” Instead, I said, “It didn’t really feel like he was asking.”

The police told me not to worry; the scammers wouldn’t be back. “They got what they wanted,” another officer said, as though it would reassure me. I gave them the photos and recordings I had. They promised to check traffic cameras for the car that had taken the money.

When I woke up the next morning, a few seconds passed before I remembered the previous day. I was my old self, in my old bed, milky dawn light on the walls. Then it all came crashing back, a fresh humiliation, and I curled into the fetal position. I felt violated, unreliable; I couldn’t trust myself. Were my tendencies toward people-pleasing, rule following, and conflict aversion far worse than I’d ever thought, even pathological? I imagined other people’s reactions. She’s always been a little careless. She seems unhinged. I considered keeping the whole thing a secret. I worried it would harm my professional reputation. I still do.

In the days that followed, I kept revisiting the fake world of that afternoon, slipping through a portal into an alternate life. I would get paranoid that someone was reading my texts, watching me as I took my son to school, or using my Social Security number to wire money and rent cars. It was a relief that I wasn’t actually in trouble with the law, but then again — I’d lost $50,000 and I wasn’t getting it back. I checked my accounts and credit cards obsessively. I called my bank. They gave me instructions to freeze my credit, file reports with the FBI and FTC, and run anti-virus software on my laptop to check for malware, which I did. I cried a lot. My husband felt helpless; he still doesn’t like to talk about it. Instead, he researched new locks for our doors and looked into security cameras. One night I shook him awake, convinced that someone was trying to break in. “It’s only the wind,” he said. “We’re safe.”

Fifty thousand dollars is a lot of money. It took me years to save, stashing away a few thousand every time I got paid for a big project. Part of it was money I had received from my grandfather, an inheritance he took great pains to set up for his grandchildren before his death. Sometimes I imagine how I would have spent it if I had to get rid of it in a day. I could have paid for over a year’s worth of child care up front. I could have put it toward the master’s degree I’ve always wanted. I could have housed multiple families for months. Perhaps, inadvertently, I am; I occasionally wonder what the scammers did with it.

Because I had set it aside for emergencies and taxes, it was money I tried to pretend I didn’t have — it wasn’t for spending. Initially, I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to afford my taxes this year, but then my accountant told me I could write off losses due to theft. So from a financial standpoint, I’ll survive, as long as I don’t have another emergency — a real one — anytime soon.

When I did tell friends what had happened, it seemed like everyone had a horror story. One friend’s dad, a criminal-defense attorney, had been scammed out of $1.2 million. Another person I know, a real-estate developer, was duped into wiring $450,000 to someone posing as one of his contractors. Someone else knew a Wall Street executive who had been conned into draining her 401(k) by some guy she met at a bar.

I felt a guilty sense of consolation whenever I heard about a scam involving someone I respected. If this could happen to them, maybe I wasn’t such a moron. As a journalist, it’s my instinct to research and talk to experts, so I dove into books and podcasts about scams, desperate to make sense of my own. I had known that fraud was on the rise but was shocked to learn the numbers — financial losses ballooned by more than 30 percent in 2022. I read that self-laceration is typical; half of victims blame themselves for being gullible, and most experience serious anxiety, depression, or other stress-related health problems afterward. I heard about victim support groups. I went to therapy.

When I discovered that Katie Gatti Tassin, a personal-finance expert who writes the popular Money With Katie newsletter, lost $8,000 five years ago to a grandmotherly-sounding woman pretending to call from Tassin’s credit union, I called her to ask how she’d coped. “Everyone was so patronizing,” she told me. “The response was basically ‘It’s your fault that this happened.’”

If I had to pinpoint a moment that made me think my scammers were legitimate, it was probably when they read me my Social Security number. Now I know that all kinds of personal information — your email address, your kids’ names and birthdays, even your pets’ names — are commonly sold on the dark web. Of course, the scammers could also have learned about my son from a 30-second perusal of my Instagram feed.

It was my brother, the lawyer, who pointed out that what I had experienced sounded a lot like a coerced confession. “I read enough transcripts of bad interrogations in law school to understand that anyone can be convinced that they have a very narrow set of terrible options,” he said. When I posed this theory to Saul Kassin, a psychology professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice who studies coerced confessions, he agreed. “If someone is trying to get you to be compliant, they do it incrementally, in a series of small steps that take you farther and farther from what you know to be true,” he said. “It’s not about breaking the will. They were altering the sense of reality.” And when you haven’t done anything wrong, the risk of cooperating feels minimal, he added. An innocent person thinks everything will get sorted out. It also mattered that I was kept on the phone for so long. People start to break down cognitively after a few hours of interrogation. “At that point, they’re not thinking straight. They feel the need to put an end to the situation at all costs,” Kassin said.

I wondered how often scammers are caught and about the guy who’d driven the car to my apartment. But when I asked experts, they doubted he’d be a meaningful lead. One pointed out that he might have been a courier who was told to come pick up a box.

I still don’t believe that what happened to me could happen to anyone, but I’m starting to realize that I’m not uniquely fallible. Several friends felt strongly that if the scammers hadn’t mentioned my son, I would never have fallen for this. They’re right that I’d be willing to do — or pay — anything to protect him. Either way, I have to accept that someone waged psychological warfare on me, and I lost. For now, I just don’t answer my phone.

More From the spring 2024 fashion issue

  • Bring Back These ’00s Trends
  • Packing for Paris With Alex Consani
  • Where New York City Tweens Actually Like to Shop  
  • remove interruptions
  • newsletter pick
  • spring fashion
  • spring 2024 fashion issue
  • best of the cut
  • new york magazine
  • personal finance
  • first person
  • audio article

The Cut Shop

Most viewed stories.

  • How I Got Scammed Out of $50,000  
  • The Lure of Divorce  
  • Paloma Elsesser on the Price of Being ‘First’
  • The Nurse Whose Husband Wants Sex Every Night
  • Every Thought I Had Watching J.Lo’s This Is Me … Now: A Love Story

Editor’s Picks

how to write an article for a student magazine

Most Popular

What is your email.

This email will be used to sign into all New York sites. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from us.

Sign In To Continue Reading

Create your free account.

Password must be at least 8 characters and contain:

  • Lower case letters (a-z)
  • Upper case letters (A-Z)
  • Numbers (0-9)
  • Special Characters (!@#$%^&*)

As part of your account, you’ll receive occasional updates and offers from New York , which you can opt out of anytime.

  • KIRO Opinion
  • KTTH Opinion
  • KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM
  • Seattle Sports
  • 770 KTTH AM
  • MyNorthwest News
  • MyNorthwest Weather
  • MyNorthwest Traffic
  • MyNorthwest History
  • MyNorthwest Politics
  • MyNorthwest Lifestyle
  • National News
  • Photo Galleries
  • Sponsored Stories
  • Gee and Ursula
  • Jack and Spike
  • John and Shari
  • KIRO Nights

Jason Rantz

  • Bryan Suits
  • Michael Medved
  • MyNorthwest Blog
  • Brock and Salk
  • Bump and Stacy
  • Wyman and Bob
  • Search the Site
  • Earthquake Tracker
  • School Closings
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contest Rules
  • Newsletters
  • Contests and Events
  • Community Outreach
  • X (Twitter)
  • KIRO on YouTube
  • KTTH on YouTube

KTTH

JASON RANTZ

Rantz: Seattle English students told it’s ‘white supremacy’ to love reading, writing

Feb 14, 2024, 7:08 PM

Image: Lincoln High School in Seattle teachings on white supremacy leads to controversy. Seattle wh...

Lincoln High School in Seattle teachings on white supremacy leads to controversy. (School photo courtesy of the school district website; quiz images provided by a parent in the school district)

(School photo courtesy of the school district website; quiz images provided by a parent in the school district)

Jason Rantz's Profile Picture

BY JASON RANTZ

The Jason Rantz Show, 3pm-7pm on KTTH

Students in a Seattle English class were told that their love of reading and writing is a characteristic of “white supremacy,” in the latest Seattle Public Schools high school controversy. The lesson plan has one local father speaking out, calling it “educational malpractice.”

As part of the Black Lives Matter at School Week, World Literature and Composition students at Lincoln High School were given a handout with definitions of the “9 characteristics of white supremacy,” according to the father of a student. Given the subject matter of the class, the father found it odd this particular lesson was brought up.

The Seattle high schoolers were told that “Worship of the Written Word” is white supremacy because it is “an erasure of the wide range of ways we communicate with each other.” By this definition, the very subject of World Literature and Composition is racist. It also chides the idea that we hyper-value written communication because it’s a form of “honoring only what is written and even then only what is written to a narrow standard, full of misinformation and lies.” The worksheet does not provide any context for what it actually means.

“I feel bad for any students who actually internalize stuff like this as it is setting them up for failure,” the father explained to the Jason Rantz Show on KTTH.

More from Jason Rantz: Communist Seattle teacher breaks silence to support Hamas, claim ‘ACAB’

Everything is ‘white supremacy’ at Seattle Public Schools

The father asked to remain anonymous for fear of retribution against his child by Seattle Public Schools. He said the other pieces of the worksheet were equally disturbing.

The worksheet labels “objectivity,” “individualism,” and “perfectionism” as white supremacy. If students deny their own racism — or that any of the nine characteristics are legitimately racist — is also white supremacy. Denialism or being overly defensive is a racist example of an “entitlement to name what is an [sic] isn’t racism and that those with power have a right to be shielded from the stresses of antiracist work.”

The father argues the concepts are “incoherent and cannot stand any sort of reasoned analysis.” And he notes that it’s set up to ensure students accept every concept without ever questioning the claims.

“How is a 15-year-old kid supposed to object in class when ‘denial and defensiveness’ is itself a characteristic of white supremacy? This is truly educational malpractice.”

how to write an article for a student magazine

Terms and definitions regarding white supremacy given to Lincoln High students.

White students told to apologize in yet another Seattle high school controversy

Another aspect of the white supremacy lesson at this Seattle school involved a video titled “Getting Called Out: How to Apologize” by Franchesca Ramsey. It’s reportedly presented in the context of white students expressing what the teacher views as “white supremacy.”

“Getting called out, in this context of this video, is when you say or do something that upholds the oppression of a marginalized group of people,” Ramsey says.

Ramsey says her advice is about becoming an ally and “doing the right thing.” She explains you shouldn’t “get defensive” by denying you’re oppressing marginalized people, even if you’re not actually oppressing marginalized people.

“What you really need to do is listen because this is where the other person is hopefully going to explain to you what you did wrong and how you can explain it,” she says.

In the context of the worksheet on white supremacy, it seems clear that students must merely accept that they are upholding oppression. Using the worksheet, if a student defends independence or a love of reading and writing, that student is supposed to accept that it’s white supremacist thinking and stop acting independently or loving to read and write.

how to write an article for a student magazine

The worksheet on white supremacy.

Father says Seattle Public Schools isn’t serving students

The father says he taught his son to be on the lookout for this kind of Radical Left indoctrination. It’s why his son flagged the worksheets to him. But he notes that the curriculum doesn’t exactly help his kid on the subject he’s supposed to be learning.

“My problem with this curriculum is that this is supposed to be a writing and literature class and lessons like these do nothing to help my kid become a better writer,” the father explained. “I’m sure Lincoln administration will point to the high ELA proficiency scores but the high proportion of HCC [highly capable] kids (40% of the student body) is a big factor. With so many smart, hard working kids (white supremacists) it’s easy to support these luxury beliefs but system-wide only 63% of kids are proficient in English. Is this really the best use of class time? ”

The father also wonders how many students will fall for this toxic thinking across Seattle schools where concepts around white supremacy are so clearly partisan.

“I feel bad for any students who actually internalize stuff like this as it is setting them up for failure,” he said.

Seattle Public Schools spokespeople provided their normal response to requests for comment: none.

how to write an article for a student magazine

‘How do white supremacy characteristics show up in your personal lives?’ was a question in a worksheet given to Lincoln High students.

Listen to the Jason Rantz Show on weekday afternoons from 3-6 p.m. on KTTH 770 AM (HD Radio 97.3 FM HD-Channel 3). Subscribe to the  podcast here . Follow Jason on  X, formerly known as Twitter ,  Instagram  and  Facebook .

listen to jason rantz

Jason Rantz Show

Seattle crime...

Rantz: Seattle restaurant owner ‘lost all faith’ in city after 23rd break-in

Seattle's crime crisis hit a restaurant for the 23rd time, according to the owner. He says he's lost all faith in the city.

Image: These are portions of a presentation titled "Stronger Together: An introduction to anti-raci...

Rantz: DEI training suspended for compromising King County firefighters’ beliefs

King County firefighters argue their mandatory DEI training forced them to compromise deeply held beliefs. The training is now on pause.

washington snowpack...

Frank Sumrall

Cliff Mass on state’s depleted snowpack: ‘We understand … it’s not climate change’

UW atmospheric science professor Cliff Mass cited the region's El Niño winter conditions as the most significant reason for the depleted snowpack. 

Image: This image, seen in December 2023, shows a series of tents lined the parking lot of Riverton...

Rantz: Did Texas Gov. Greg Abbott send illegal immigrants to Seattle?

Did Texas Gov. Abbott send illegal immigrants to Seattle? Jason Rantz fact checks the city's response and immigration crisis.

Rep. Emily Alvarado. (D-Seattle)  (TVW)...

Rantz: Democrats add ‘Hamas amendment’ to Holocaust education bill

Critics chide Washington Democrats for adding the co-called "Hamas amendment" to a Holocaust Education bill.

protest I-5...

Rantz: WSP refers anti-Israel Seattle protesters for charges, hunts down others

The charging recommendations stem from an illegal protest that shut down Interstate 5 in Seattle for hours last month.

Sponsored Articles

Kitsap Credit Union...

Salk: A local credit union inspiring its community

In the heart of Kitsap County, a financial institution is making waves not just as a banking entity but as a beacon of community support.

Mike Salk Kitsap Credit Union...

This checking account is better than gold

My journey led me to Kitsap Credit Union, a not-for-profit, forward-thinking financial co-op that’s been serving its members since 1934.

Compassion International...

Punts for Purpose: Brock Huard, other NFL players fight to end global child poverty

Seattle Sports host Brock Huard joins other NFL punters in partnership with Compassion in a cause now known as “Punts For Purpose.”

West Coast Armory North Sponsored image...

As crime crisis worsens, locals get serious about personal safety

Washington's crime crisis continues to worsen, and locals are turning to whatever tools they can use to keep them safe.

WA OIC...

2024 Medicare open enrollment: Here’s how to get free unbiased help

Medicare’s annual open enrollment period runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. This is the time to review your current Medicare coverage.

Swedish Cyberknife...

Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer? What are my options?

September is a busy month on the sports calendar and also holds a very special designation: Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

IMAGES

  1. Writing a magazine article

    how to write an article for a student magazine

  2. How To Write An Article For A Magazine

    how to write an article for a student magazine

  3. English G8 U6L3 Writing a magazine article

    how to write an article for a student magazine

  4. How to Write a Magazine Article

    how to write an article for a student magazine

  5. How to Write a Magazine Article Editors Will Love

    how to write an article for a student magazine

  6. Pin on Schülerzeitung gestalten

    how to write an article for a student magazine

VIDEO

  1. CBSE CLASS-12TH ENGLISH || How to Write Article Writing

  2. Article writing formate || How to write article in english. @AdityaSingh-xf8rv

  3. How to write article for free

  4. How to write article from Gpt Four

  5. How to write article (part 4)

  6. How To Write an Article in 7 Easy Steps #articlewriting

COMMENTS

  1. How to Write an Article for a Student Magazine

    As with any magazine article, the key to writing one for students is to pick a topic that will capture their interest, and thus is relevant to their situation. Give your writing a personality

  2. How to Write Articles for Magazines

    How to Write Articles for Magazines Written by MasterClass Last updated: Sep 13, 2021 • 5 min read Magazine writing is a craft that stands apart from the kind of writing you might encounter in a newspaper, journal, essay, or full-length book.

  3. How to write an Article: Complete Guide for Students & Teachers

    The Headline The purpose of the headline is to capture the reader's attention and let them know what the article is about. All of this in usually no more than 4 or 5 words! There is an art to good headline writing and all sorts of literary devices (e.g alliteration and metaphor) can be used to create an eye-catching and intriguing headline.

  4. How to Write a Magazine Article (in 10 Easy Steps)

    So, here's how to write a magazine article, broken down into ten easy steps: Contents hide Step 1: Choose a magazine Step 2: Get to know your audience Step 3: Confirm or choose your topic. If you already have an idea…. If you need an idea…. Step 4: Choose an angle Step 5: Write a query letter Step 6: Know the job Step 7: Research the topic

  5. Writing Magazine Articles

    An effective article is structured into three parts: the introduction, the body, and conclusion. The introduction hooks the reader with a strong quote or anecdote. The body develops the subject....

  6. How to Write a Compelling School Magazine Article People Want to Read

    How to Write a Compelling School Magazine Article People Want to Read Writing Tips Say what you want about traditional school communications, but no matter how trends shift and change, there are some staples that will always hold a special place in school storytelling. For example: the school magazine.

  7. How to Write an Article for a Magazine: Expert Tips and Tricks

    By: Paul Jenkins Published: June 14, 2023 - Last updated: June 23, 2023 Writing Magazine writing is a unique form of art that requires writers to carefully blend elements of storytelling, informative research, and reader engagement.

  8. How to Write a Magazine Article (with Pictures)

    1 Analyze publications you enjoy reading. Consider magazines you have a subscription to or enjoy reading regularly. You may also focus on publications you know little about but would like to start contributing articles to. Read at least three to four recent issues of the publications, with a close eye on several aspects:

  9. 10 Ultimate Tips: How to Write a Magazine Article for Students

    Magazine articles are often used as reference materials for academic assignments. Students are more likely to share magazine articles on social media platforms. Magazine articles can provide students with valuable insights and perspectives on various topics. Writing a magazine article can enhance a student's portfolio and increase their chances ...

  10. 10 Simple Ways to Improve Your Magazine Writing Skills

    9. Use different sentence lengths for different tones and moods. This isn't just a tip on how to write a magazine article, it's a general tip for good writing. Your writing should match the tone or mood of your piece. If you're describing quick or abrupt action, for example, use short, punchy sentences.

  11. Structure of a Magazine Article: The Full Guide

    Introduction to the Structure of a Magazine Article: Laying the Foundation Instead of a standard article, a magazine editorial often presents the writer's opinion on a particular subject or issue. Although the content may be subjective, the structure of a magazine editorial should still follow a coherent and logical pattern.

  12. 10 Proven Steps: How to Write a Teenage Magazine Article

    Step 1: Choose a Relevant Topic When writing a teenage magazine article, it is crucial to select a topic that is relevant and interesting to your target audience. Consider the latest trends, popular culture, and issues that teenagers are currently facing.

  13. How To Write Articles for Magazines in 4 Steps (Plus Tips)

    4. Draft a query letter. Write a short, formal letter to an editor that expresses your interest in writing for their magazine. If the publication has more than one editor, send it to the person who accepts pitches for the story's topic. Address them by their name, include the date and outline your pitch.

  14. How to Write an Article for a Student Magazine

    Tips for Writing a Great Article. 1. Choose the topic. Before you can write or get published in a magazine, you will need to pitch your topic. So, topic selection is more important than ever. The topic you select should be relevant to both the student magazine and the student body, the audience. For a student magazine, you may write about a ...

  15. A magazine article

    Look at the magazine article and do the exercises to improve your writing skills. Instructions Preparation Check your understanding: multiple choice Check your writing: word 2 word - questions Check your writing: gap fill - opinion adverbs Worksheets and downloads A magazine article - exercises 1.07 MB A magazine article - answers 138.92 KB

  16. Student articles

    How to write an article for a school magazine Make your article Below we have compiled a list of student articles for a school magazine and instructions on how to write them: Opinions on new governmental policies Go to the government website of your country.

  17. How to Write an Article for Your School Newspaper

    2. Come up with a catchy headline to hook people into reading your article. The headline, or "hed," needs to be catchy while communicating the essence of the article with just a few words. Keep the headline short, direct, and active. Match the tone of the headline to the tone of the article.

  18. Writing an article

    Organisation. Plan a route through your article before you start writing it - the structure of an article is usually in three parts. For example: An introduction - engage your reader's interest and introduce your argument or the main points of the topic to be discussed. A middle - develop relevant and interesting points about the topic ...

  19. Writing a magazine article

    Your article should include: Title An eye-catching headline which may include a pun, an abbreviation or an ambiguity. The task is to arouse the reader's interest so a question might work. Do not make it too long. The opening

  20. How to write an Article: Complete Guide for Students & Teachers

    Be sure students choose article featured that pique your own interest (as very as possible!). 3. Research and Outline - Whether of one type of article who student is writing, some research will be requested. One research will help an essay take shape in the form about einem outline.

  21. How to Write a Magazine Article Lesson Plan

    How to Write a Magazine Article Lesson Plan. Instructor Dana Dance-Schissel. Dana teaches social sciences at the college level and English and psychology at the high school level. She has master's ...

  22. How to write an article?

    Start your article in an interesting way. You could ask the reader a question or make a strong statement. 1st body paragraph. The first paragraph should involve the reader in some way. 2nd body paragraph. Build on the interest you have raised in the first paragraph by telling the next part of the story. Conclusion.

  23. Article Writing for Students

    1. Article Review Template Details File Format

  24. How technology is reinventing K-12 education

    With new technologies, students can create their own local interactive 360-degree scenarios, using just a cell phone or inexpensive camera and simple online tools.

  25. Quanta Magazine

    But the researchers also noticed an exception to the rule: If the student was trained on too many unpredictable memories — noisy signals that deviated too much from the rest — it degraded the student's ability to learn the generalized pattern. From a logical standpoint, "this makes a lot of sense," Sun said.

  26. Literacy crisis in college students: Essay from a professor on students

    Yes, there were always students who skipped the readings, but we are in new territory when even highly motivated honors students struggle to grasp the basic argument of a 20-page article.

  27. How to Evaluate Critical Thinking in the Age of AI

    In an October 2023 article in AACSB Insights, Anthony Hié and Claire Thouary write that "the better students are at communicating with AI, the more likely it is that they will have seamless and rewarding learning experiences as they use AI to deepen their understanding of complex concepts, find solutions to problems, or explore new areas of ...

  28. How I Fell for an Amazon Scam Call and Handed Over $50,000

    Krista transferred the call to a man who identified himself as Calvin Mitchell. He said he was an investigator with the FTC, gave me his badge number, and had me write down his direct phone line in case I needed to contact him again. He also told me our call was being recorded. He asked me to verify the spelling of my name.

  29. Rantz: Seattle students told it's 'white supremacy' to love reading

    Students in a Seattle English class were told that their love of reading and writing is a characteristic of "white supremacy," in the latest Seattle Public Schools high school controversy.