how to write a article class 10

• Article Writing

Article Writing Format: Explore How To Write, Example Topics and Tips

Have some great ideas, opinions and suggestions you wish you could share so that it could reach readers all around the world? One of the best ways to get your thoughts across the globe is by writing an article. There are techniques you can use to write the different types of articles. This piece on article writing will give you all the tips and tricks you need to master before you start writing your article.

Table of Contents

The art of writing an article, how do i write a good article – tips and techniques, article writing samples, faqs on article writing.

An article is a piece of writing which explicates ideas, thoughts, facts, suggestions and/or recommendations based on a particular topic. There are different kinds of articles, namely:

• Expository article – The most common type of article which allows the writer to put out information on any particular topic without the influence of their opinions.
• Argumentative article – An article in which an author poses a problem or an issue, renders a solution to the proposed problem and provides arguments to justify why their suggestions/solutions are good.
• Narrative article – An article in which the author has to narrate mostly in the form of a story.
• Descriptive article – An article written with the aim of providing a vivid description that would allow the readers to visualise whatever is being described. Using the right adjectives / adjective phrases is what will help you write a descriptive article.
• Persuasive article – An article aimed at persuading or convincing the readers to accept an idea or a point of view.

Writing an article takes a lot of effort on the side of the writer. Content writers/creators, bloggers, freelance writers and copywriters are people who have mastered the art of article writing, without which they would not be able to make their mark as a writer of any kind.

In order to be able to write an article that makes sense in the first place, you have to keep a few things in mind.

• The first and foremost thing that you have to take care of when you are sitting down to write your article is to check if you are well aware of the topic you are going to write on.
• The second thing that you have to ask yourself is why you are writing the article.
• The next thing that you have to focus on is the kind of audience you are writing the article for because unless you know your audience, you will not be able to write it in a way that makes them want to read it.
• The language you use is very important because, without the right spelling, correct grammar , punctuation and sensible sentence structure , the article would not be able to sell itself.
• Use keywords so that you get a good number of reading audiences.
• Maintain coherence within and between paragraphs.
• Double-check the data and information you provide, irrespective of the type of article.
• Keep the title and description as short and catchy as possible.
• Edit and proofread before it is published.

To help you understand better and practise the art of article writing, read through the articles given below:

Can I write a good article?

If you know all the information about the topic you are going to write about, a good hand over the language, a knack to keep it simple and interesting throughout, you can write a good article.

What is the format of an article?

The article should have a title/heading and a description that states what the article is about. The body of the article can be split into 3 to 5 paragraphs according to the volume of content with respect to the topic you are discussing. You can have subheadings and use bullet points wherever possible. Make sure your introduction makes people want to read the whole article and your conclusion leaves them satisfied.

How many paragraphs should there be in an article?

An article should have a minimum of 3 to 4 paragraphs. The writer is, however, given the choice to present the content in more than four paragraphs, if it would be better for the article.

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Article Writing Class 10 Format, Topics, Examples

Article writing is an important part of the English language curriculum in Class 10. It requires a student to express their thoughts, opinions, and ideas on a given topic in a concise and clear manner. Here is the format, topics, and examples for article writing in Class 10.

Also Read: Article Writing For Class 8 

1. Title: The title should be creative and catchy. It should give the reader an idea of what the article is about. 2. Introduction: The introduction should be interesting and engaging. It should grab the reader’s attention and introduce the topic. 3. Body: The body of the article should contain the main points and arguments. Each paragraph should focus on a specific point and provide supporting details. 4. Conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the main points of the article and provide a final thought or opinion. 5. Word Limit: The word limit for an article in Class 10 is usually between 350 to 500 words.

Here are some topics that students can write articles on:

1. The Importance of Education 2. Cyberbullying: Causes and Solutions 3. Environmental Pollution: Causes, Effects, and Solutions 4. Social Media: Boon or Bane 5. Health is Wealth 6. Women Empowerment: Challenges and Opportunities 7. Road Safety: Importance and Ways to Promote it 8. Digital India: Opportunities and Challenges 9. Impact of Technology on Society 10. Importance of Sports in Life

Examples Of Article Writing Class 10:

1. Article on the Importance of Education

Title: Education: A Pathway to Success

Introduction: Education is one of the most important things in life. It is a pathway to success and a key to a better future. Education is not only about gaining knowledge, but it also helps in developing various skills like communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

Body: Education opens up various opportunities for individuals. It helps in acquiring knowledge and skills that are necessary to succeed in life. Education also helps in building confidence and self-esteem. It enables individuals to make informed decisions and take responsibility for their actions.

Conclusion: In conclusion, education is a crucial aspect of our lives. It not only helps in personal growth but also contributes to the overall development of the nation. Therefore, it is important to promote education and provide equal opportunities to everyone.

2. Article on Cyberbullying: Causes and Solutions

Title: Cyberbullying: A Silent Killer

Introduction: Cyberbullying is a growing concern in today’s world. It refers to the use of technology to harass, intimidate, or threaten someone. Cyberbullying can cause severe emotional and psychological damage to individuals.

Body: The causes of cyberbullying are diverse. It can be due to jealousy, revenge, or just for fun. The anonymity provided by technology makes it easier for individuals to bully others without any fear of consequences. However, there are various solutions to tackle cyberbullying. Education and awareness programs can help in preventing cyberbullying. Parents, teachers, and guardians can also play a crucial role in monitoring their children’s online activities.

Conclusion: Cyberbullying is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. It not only affects the individual but also has a negative impact on society as a whole. Therefore, it is important to take preventive measures and create a safe and secure environment for everyone.

Article writing is an essential skill that Class 10 students need to master as part of their English language curriculum. The format of an article includes a catchy title, an engaging introduction, a well-structured body, and a concise conclusion. Students can choose from a variety of topics, including education, cyberbullying, environmental pollution, and more, to express their thoughts and opinions. The examples provided above demonstrate how to write effective articles on these topics. By developing their article writing skills, students can improve their communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, which are essential for their personal growth and success in life.

• Syllabus 2024-25
• CBSE Class X SQP 2023-24
• CBSE Class XII SQP 2023-24
• Class X SQP 2022-23
• Class XII SQP 2022-23
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Article Writing: CBSE Class 10 English Grammar

• Post last modified: 14 February 2023
• Post category: School Grammar

An article is a piece of non-fiction prose writing that evaluates students’ skills in expressing ideas, planning and organising, presenting ideas with supportive examples, comprehending ideas and arriving at a conclusion. It is written to express personal opinions, present information on a variety of themes and to inform, persuade, entertain or convince people.

Article Writing CBSE Class 10

Steps to write an article.

To be able to write an effective article, one must follow the correct format and the following steps given below.

• To begin with writing an article, one should be very clear of the ideology that needs to be followed throughout. It is also important to given an apt TITLE/HEADING to the article. The title can be given after completing the body of the article, to deliver justice to the content.
• Next comes the name of the writer (you, in this case). It should be mentioned just below the heading.
• The most complex part of the article is the establishment of the context. It should be descriptive of the viewpoints of the writer. The direction of the article needs to be maintained throughout.
• While creating the body of the article, the writer should include the required information covering the aspects such as cause, effect, solution and steps to be taken.
• It is very important for an article to consist of a conclusion. An open-ended article is often confusing and incomplete.
• The conclusion should be a point of balance reached after comparison of contrasting ideas and views. It should convince/ persuade the readers in some way.

Despite covering above mentioned aspects, it is important to write simple, readable, and engaging text. For writers who face problems with any of these, it is a good idea for them to use an online paraphrasing tool by  Editpad  to improve the quality and readability of their texts. “

Points to Keep in Mind While Writing Article

• An article is a single idea explained in detail.
• The title of the article should be supportive of the content.
• The ideas presented should be planned in a chronological order.
• Contrasting views related to the topic must be mentioned.
• Points should not be repeated.
• Simple language and short sentences should be used to avoid grammatical mistakes.
• Stick to the word limit of 100-150 words.
• Conclusion should be short and clear.
• Always go through the article again to ensure qualitative content.

Marking Scheme for Article Writing

Title: 1 Mark Content: 4 Marks Accuracy: 1.5 Marks Fluency: 1.5 Marks

Total: 8 Marks

Format of an Article

You are Ashima/Ankit of class X, the Head of the Innovative Science Club. Write an article in about 100-150 words to the topic, ‘Recycle Your Trash’. You can use the following inputs.

• Recycle electronics
• Save planet

Questions Based on Article Writing

Q.1. you are ronika/ronika. head of a health club. write an article in about 100-500 words, highlighting the benefits of a balanced diet and regular exercise..

• Nutritionally rich diet
• Better performance
• Stimulates brain
• Good health
• Healthy lifestyle
• Strong immune system

A Balanced Lifestyle By Ronika

A combination of balanced diet and regular exercises offer numerous benefits. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables is essential to maintain good health and longevity.

A balanced diet accompanied by regular exercise leads to a host of benefits. Exercise stimulates brain chemicals that not only enhance our performance but also instil a feeling of contentment. A healthy lifestyle boosts our physical appearance, protects our brain and ward off mental disorders by keeping our immune system strong. It also has the potential to alter and enhance our cognitive abilities.

Therefore, regular exercise and balanced diet are pivotal for determining a person’s overall health, and making them a part of your lifestyle may reap countless benefits in your life.

Q.2. You are Parul/Rahul of Class X. Write an article in 100-150 words on ‘Ill effects on students of too much of television.’ You can use the following clues:

• Increased addiction
• Easy availability
• Drop in academic performance
• A great variety of programmes
• Neglect of studies
• Result – poor physical and mental health

Answer: 

Ill Effects on Students of Too Much of Television by Rahul

Due to a great variety of programmes easily available currently on the various television channels, students are getting increasingly addicted to viewing too much television. As a result, they neglect their studies, resulting in a drop in academic performance.

Many students have been known to fail their final examinations by watching every episode of their favourite serials even during exam time. Further, due to this sedentary activity which does not involve any exercise, their physical health is affected adversely. It can cause obesity and inadequate development of the muscles in the body. In addition, their mental development gets limited, as it is well said, “A healthy mind resides in a healthy body”.

So, students should limit their viewing of television programmes to only one or two hours in a day. The balance time should be devoted to games and sports outside the home to ensure proper physical development. Any spare time may be spent in intellectual activities like reading books, playing chess or Scrabble etc.

Q.3. The English language has acquired a privileged position in India. It has caused the neglect of other Indian languages, including Hindi. Is there a need to pause and reflect on the situation? Write an article, in about 100-150 words, expressing your views on the same. Sign yourself as Priyanka.

• Official languages
• Multi-linguistic nation
• Prominence of English
• Helped in country’s development

Is English Surpassing Indian languages? by Priyanka

English and Hindi, are two official languages in India. North Indians are fluent in English, Hindi and other regional languages, whereas South Indians do not speak Hindi language at all but are good in English. The fact that India is a multi-linguistic nation, supports the prominence of English. More than half the country, by virtue of their education, is proficient in English. English language is surpassing Hindi and other languages also because of an inferiority complex influenced by our colonial past.

English has acquired this privileged position because of its contribution in shaping India’s development and changing its fortunes radically.

To calm the nerves of the nation, we should promote the use of our mother tongue rather than putting an end to the primacy of English language in India.

Q.4. You’re Rekha. Look at the picture given below. Taking hints from the visual and adding some of your own ideas, write an article 100-150 words on the theme ‘We Are What We Eat’.

We Are What We Eat by Rekha

It is rightly said that “We Are What We Eat”. Our health is the reflection of our diet and it is believed that a healthy mind exists in a healthy body.

We should take extra care about the food we eat. To stay healthy, we should take extra care about the food we eat. To stay healthy, we should include green vegetables, fresh fruits, fresh milk and home-cooked food in our diet. A glass of warm water with honey and lemon should be consumed early in the morning.

But all this is useless if we continue to eat outside. Fast food should be avoided at every cost as it is the root cause of various health problems and offers no nutritional value. Eating healthy food will make us healthy not only on the inside of our body, but also on the outside.

Q.5. You are Sugandha. Your school has an efficient system of rainwater harvesting. Write an article for your school magazine in about 100-150 words highlighting the advantages of the system using the inputs given below.

• Water conservation
• Eco-friendly system
• Negligible cost
• Efficient and cheap
• Reduces demand of piped water
• Reduces water bill

Rainwater Harvesting by Sugandha

Water conservation has become an essential and inevitable practice all over the world, even in areas where water is abundant.

Rainwater harvesting is the accumulation and deposition of rainwater on-site for reuse rather than allowing it to run off. With an efficient system, one can be sure of water reserves at times of water shortage. The overall cost of the system is less than a water purifier. It reduces the demand for groundwater, thus reducing the water bills, as the saved water can be used for irrigation, toilet flushing and for other needs. It can also be used as drinking water if adequately treated.

A switch to this eco-friendly system is a step towards a greener and more sensible world.

Q.6. You are Vivek. You feel that practical education easily fits into all aspects of teaching nowadays. Write an article titled ‘Practical Education: A Better Step Towards Learning’, in about 100-150 words expressing how practical education is better than theoretical education using inputs given below.

• Quick learning/understanding
• Interactive sessions
• Enhanced ability to learn
• Introduction to industrial qualities

Practical Education: A Better Step Towards Learning by Vivek

Education is the key to develop a generation of responsible citizens. It is the foundation of a strong intellect. Our primary education has a great impact on our future. Theoretical education is the commonly used way of imparting knowledge in our country. It usually employs teaching in a plain manner without any interactive exercises, whereas, the new practical aspect of imparting education involves inputs from students in interactive sessions. Exercises and experiments are common features of practical education.

Most of the activities involve team projects or programmes where students are required to work in groups or teams, where students are required to work in groups or teams, which introduces them to the industrial qualities of leadership and team spirit as well.

Practically sound students not only have an enhanced ability of grasping things but also have the potential to shape their future in a better way.

Q.7. You are Sonali, member of the School Heritage Club. You are shocked to see poor living conditions of villagers in a remote village in your district. Write an article in about 150 words for a local newspaper discussing the problem and measures that can improve the unhygienic and unhealthy conditions of villages.

• No in-house toilets or dispensaries
• Lack of drinking water
• Health problems
• Modification in government policies required
• Awareness campaign
• A step towards healthy India

The Plight of Villagers by Sonali

Villagers in India are a living story of economic deprivation, places devoid of basic facilities such as in-house toilets, adequate drinking water, dispensaries etc. The lack of these facilities in rural areas poses a threat to the health of India as a whole.

Although access to sanitation in improving, the increase is still not equitable. Also, the health burden due to poor water quality is enormous. Water quality problems are also a result of open defecation due to lack of in-house toilets. The lives of villagers are nothing short of a living hell.

Government policies and programmes have undergone a series of transitions, but modification of these is again the need of the hour. Investment in improving sanitation, awareness campaigns, setting up dispensaries, water quality monitoring and infrastructure review can be drivers towards the path of a healthy India.

Q.8.  You are Poonam Negi. With the help of the visual input given below, write an article in about 150 words on the topic ‘Renewable Energy: Promise for the Future’.

Renewable Energy: Promise for the Future by Poonam Negi

Renewable energy is an inexhaustible source of energy, and India has a great potential for generating as well as using this source.

Use of biomass is already prevalent in the villages of India. Hydroelectric power plants and wind power plants producing electricity can diminish the electricity woes of the villages. Solar cookers, heaters and other products can bring down the energy consumption of cities. Moreover, these are environment friendly and have no waste products. These alternate sources of energy can help India save a lot of money spent in foreign exchange to buy petroleum products.

Although India has initiated steps to harness these resources, there is a long way to go for a promising future for the planet.

Q.9. You are Kartik of class X. You have noticed the rise in number of students flying abroad for higher education. Write an article in about 100-150 words expressing your concern over this issue and suggest ways to control it.

• Flight of raw and native talent
• High quality education
• Better job opportunities
• Better scope and recognition of international graduates
• Setting up quality educational institutions
• Relief from government policies and reservations of seats.

Going Abroad for Good Quality Education by Kartik

The status of internationally mobile Indian students is changing. With newer and a wider number of courses being offered abroad, the preferences of students for professional/higher education is changing.

An important reason for many Indians’ choosing to study abroad is lack of good institutions in India. Students turned professionals seek recognition on a global platform and feel the sole way to achieve it is high quality education. Scanning of job opportunities, scope and growth analysis through an eagle eye acts as magnets to our native talent.

India will have an upper hand only when the polished talent shines in the motherland, which is now a rarity. To control this drain of talent, quality educational institutions should be set up in order to restrict the outgo of students. Good quality foreign institutions should be encouraged to set up their institutions in India. Along with this, removal of government constraints like reservations of seats in educational institutions and public companies may also prove to be a good measure to combat the problem.

Q.10. We have travelled the stone age to the age of computers. There has been an explosion of technology in the field of science. Write an article in about 100-150 words on the topic, ‘The Future of Information Technology’. You’re Monika/Mohan.

• Easy and cheap
• Various benefits under one roof
• Information at doorsteps

The Future of Information Technology by Monika

Information technology (IT), in the first instance, beings to us the latest developments in science and technology. With advancement in technology, we can communicate with anyone, anywhere in the world in a matter of a few seconds. Due to IT, we are having very fast and cheap worldwide connectivity. There are more sophisticated machines to help us disseminate knowledge. Cell phones enable us to send or receive messages, listen to songs, watch movies and other videos, do net-surfing, send e-mails, create presentations and do many other things. Computers provide us with all information and act as our brains. The internet has become more expensive and intensive. Nanochips are now introduced in our bodies to monitor and control body functions.

The world can, thus, hope for a truly bright and glorious future for IT. It also holds the key to the solution of our most pressing problems like poverty, ignorance and backwardness

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Article Writing Format Class 10: Write Articles Like a Pro

In the field of writing, articles hold a special place. Mastering article writing is an important skill that can make you a professional writer. It is just like a letter writing to your class teacher or a letter writing to a friend . It can help you establish respectful and effective communication. Let us explore the important things to know about article writing for CBSE board 10th-standard students, including the purpose, structure, and essential elements of an article.

Table of Contents

What is an Article?

A written content that presents information, ideas, opinions, or arguments about any specific topic is known as an Article, distinct from notice writing . It can be informative, persuasive, or even entertaining. Articles have many purposes, from educating to prompting anything to your readers, unlike the concise and informative nature of notice writing. The creativity of articles makes them a valuable medium for communication and expression, allowing writers to delve deeply into their topics, unlike the straightforward and precise nature of notice and the structured format for report writing .

What is the Purpose of an Article?

Articles serve multiple purposes. They can:

• Inform : Articles provide information on a specific subject, offering readers an opportunity to gain knowledge on the topic.
• Persuade : Some articles are meant to persuade readers to agree with the author’s point of view or take a particular action.
• Entertain : Articles can also be entertaining, offering a delightful reading experience by sharing stories, anecdotes, or humour.
• Express : Authors use articles to voice their opinions and viewpoints on subjects that matter to them.
• Awareness : Articles can be written to spread awareness about social, environmental, or any other problems.

The purpose of your article will determine the tone, style, and content that you need to employ.

What is the Structure of an Article?

Now that you understand what an article is and its potential purposes, let’s explore its typical structure. A well-structured article generally consists of three main components: the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

How to Write a Strong Introduction for Your Article Class 10

The introduction of your article plays a pivotal role in grabbing the reader’s attention. A strong introduction should:

• Start with a Hook: Start with a captivating hook, such as a question, quote, anecdote, or a surprising fact. This will intrigue your readers and encourage them to continue reading.
• Give Background: Offer a brief overview of the topic to set the context for your readers. This helps them understand the relevance of your article.
• Give Statements: Clearly state your main idea. This tells the reader what to expect in the article and what your central argument is.
• Provide Structure: Briefly outline the main points you’ll cover in the article. This helps the reader anticipate the flow of your content.

How to Write a Body Paragraph for Your Article Class 10

The body paragraphs are the heart of your article, where you elaborate on your main points, provide evidence, and build your argument. Here’s how to structure an effective body paragraph:

• Topic : Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea of that paragraph.
• Details : Provide supporting details, examples, or evidence that strengthen your argument or convey your message.
• Transition Sentences : Use transition sentences to ensure a smooth flow between paragraphs and ideas. This helps the reader follow your train of thought.
• Stay on Topic : Keep each paragraph focused on a single point. This makes your article organized and easy to follow.
• Conclusion : Wrap up each paragraph with a concluding sentence that summarizes the key point and connects it to your thesis.

How to Write a Conclusion for Your Article Class 10

The conclusion is where you wrap up your article and leave a lasting impression. To write an effective conclusion:

• Summarize : Recap the key points you’ve made in the body of your article.
• Reiterate : Restate your thesis or main argument to remind the reader of your central message.
• End Nicely : End with a nice statement or a call to action.
• Avoid New Information : The conclusion is not the place to introduce new ideas or information. Stick to what you’ve already discussed.

Do’s and Don’ts in Article Writing

Do’s :.

• Research : Do proper research on the topic before writing.
• Revise : Proofread and edit your article to avoid grammatical errors and other mistakes.
• Sentence Structure : Vary your sentence structure to make your writing more engaging. Use a mix of short and long sentences.
• Be Concise : Write clearly and concisely. Avoid unnecessary jargon or overly complex language.

Don’ts

• Plagiarize : Never copy content from other sources without proper information. 
• Rambling : Avoid going off-topic or including irrelevant information. Stick to the main theme of your article.
• Excessive Opinions : It is important to express your opinions but avoid excessive opinions.
• Neglect Proofreading : Skipping the proofreading can lead to error writing.

Article writing is a valuable skill for Class 10 students, offering a platform to express thoughts, opinions, and knowledge on a variety of subjects. Remember the importance of a strong introduction, well-structured body paragraphs, and a memorable conclusion. Pick up your pen and start crafting your masterpiece. 

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How to Write an Article

 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.

A COMPLETE UNIT ON TEACHING NEWS REPORTING

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?

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

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…

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

TUTORIAL VIDEO ON HOW TO WRITE AN ARTICLE