• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Over 170 Prompts to Inspire Writing and Discussion

Here are all of our Student Opinion questions from the 2020-21 school year. Each question is based on a different New York Times article, interactive feature or video.

questions to write an article

By The Learning Network

Each school day we publish a new Student Opinion question, and students use these writing prompts to reflect on their experiences and identities and respond to current events unfolding around them. To introduce each question, we provide an excerpt from a related New York Times article or Opinion piece as well as a free link to the original article.

During the 2020-21 school year, we asked 176 questions, and you can find them all below or here as a PDF . The questions are divided into two categories — those that provide opportunities for debate and persuasive writing, and those that lend themselves to creative, personal or reflective writing.

Teachers can use these prompts to help students practice narrative and persuasive writing, start classroom debates and even spark conversation between students around the world via our comments section. For more ideas on how to use our Student Opinion questions, we offer a short tutorial along with a nine-minute video on how one high school English teacher and her students use this feature .

Questions for Debate and Persuasive Writing

1. Should Athletes Speak Out On Social and Political Issues? 2. Should All Young People Learn How to Invest in the Stock Market? 3. What Are the Greatest Songs of All Time? 4. Should There Be More Gender Options on Identification Documents? 5. Should We End the Practice of Tipping? 6. Should There Be Separate Social Media Apps for Children? 7. Do Marriage Proposals Still Have a Place in Today’s Society? 8. How Do You Feel About Cancel Culture? 9. Should the United States Decriminalize the Possession of Drugs? 10. Does Reality TV Deserve Its Bad Rap? 11. Should the Death Penalty Be Abolished? 12. How Should Parents Support a Student Who Has Fallen Behind in School? 13. When Is It OK to Be a Snitch? 14. Should People Be Required to Show Proof of Vaccination? 15. How Much Have You and Your Community Changed Since George Floyd’s Death? 16. Can Empathy Be Taught? Should Schools Try to Help Us Feel One Another’s Pain? 17. Should Schools or Employers Be Allowed to Tell People How They Should Wear Their Hair? 18. Is Your Generation Doing Its Part to Strengthen Our Democracy? 19. Should Corporations Take Political Stands? 20. Should We Rename Schools Named for Historical Figures With Ties to Racism, Sexism or Slavery? 21. How Should Schools Hold Students Accountable for Hurting Others? 22. What Ideas Do You Have to Improve Your Favorite Sport? 23. Are Presidential Debates Helpful to Voters? Or Should They Be Scrapped? 24. Is the Electoral College a Problem? Does It Need to Be Fixed? 25. Do You Care Who Sits on the Supreme Court? Should We Care? 26. Should Museums Return Looted Artifacts to Their Countries of Origin? 27. Should Schools Provide Free Pads and Tampons? 28. Should Teachers Be Allowed to Wear Political Symbols? 29. Do You Think People Have Gotten Too Relaxed About Covid? 30. Who Do You Think Should Be Person of the Year for 2020? 31. How Should Racial Slurs in Literature Be Handled in the Classroom? 32. Should There Still Be Snow Days? 33. What Are Your Reactions to the Storming of the Capitol by a Pro-Trump Mob? 34. What Do You Think of the Decision by Tech Companies to Block President Trump? 35. If You Were a Member of Congress, Would You Vote to Impeach President Trump? 36. What Would You Do First if You Were the New President? 37. Who Do You Hope Will Win the 2020 Presidential Election? 38. Should Media Literacy Be a Required Course in School? 39. What Are Your Reactions to the Results of Election 2020? Where Do We Go From Here? 40. How Should We Remember the Problematic Actions of the Nation’s Founders? 41. As Coronavirus Cases Surge, How Should Leaders Decide What Stays Open and What Closes? 42. What Is Your Reaction to the Inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris? 43. How Worried Should We Be About Screen Time During the Pandemic? 44. Should Schools Be Able to Discipline Students for What They Say on Social Media? 45. What Works of Art, Culture and Technology Flopped in 2020? 46. How Do You Feel About Censored Music? 47. Why Do You Think ‘Drivers License’ Became Such a Smash Hit? 48. Justice Ginsburg Fought for Gender Equality. How Close Are We to Achieving That Goal? 49. How Well Do You Think Our Leaders Have Responded to the Coronavirus Crisis? 50. To What Extent Is the Legacy of Slavery and Racism Still Present in America in 2020? 51. How Should We Reimagine Our Schools So That All Students Receive a Quality Education? 52. How Concerned Do You Think We Should Be About the Integrity of the 2020 Election? 53. What Issues in This Election Season Matter Most to You? 54. Is Summer School a Smart Way to Make Up for Learning Lost This School Year? 55. What Is Your Reaction to the Senate’s Acquittal of Former President Trump? 56. What Is the Worst Toy Ever? 57. How Should We Balance Safety and Urgency in Developing a Covid-19 Vaccine? 58. What Are Your Reactions to Oprah’s Interview With Harry and Meghan? 59. Should the Government Provide a Guaranteed Income for Families With Children? 60. Should There Be More Public Restrooms? 61. Should High School-Age Basketball Players Be Able to Get Paid? 62. Should Team Sports Happen This Year? 63. Who Are the Best Musical Artists of the Past Year? What Are the Best Songs? 64. Should We Cancel Student Debt? 65. How Closely Should Actors’ Identities Reflect the Roles They Play? 66. Should White Writers Translate a Black Author’s Work? 67. Would You Buy an NFT? 68. Should Kids Still Learn to Tell Time? 69. Should All Schools Teach Financial Literacy? 70. What Is Your Reaction to the Verdict in the Derek Chauvin Trial? 71. What Is the Best Way to Stop Abusive Language Online? 72. What Are the Underlying Systems That Hold a Society Together? 73. What Grade Would You Give President Biden on His First 100 Days? 74. Should High Schools Post Their Annual College Lists? 75. Are C.E.O.s Paid Too Much? 76. Should We Rethink Thanksgiving? 77. What Is the Best Way to Get Teenagers Vaccinated? 78. Do You Want Your Parents and Grandparents to Get the New Coronavirus Vaccine? 79. What Is Your Reaction to New Guidelines That Loosen Mask Requirements? 80. Who Should We Honor on Our Money? 81. Is Your School’s Dress Code Outdated? 82. Does Everyone Have a Responsibility to Vote? 83. How Is Your Generation Changing Politics?

Questions for Creative and Personal Writing

84. What Does Your Unique Style Say About You? 85. How Do You Spend Your Downtime? 86. Would You Want to Live to 200? 87. How Do You Connect to Your Heritage? 88. What Do You Think Are the Secrets to Happiness? 89. Are You a Sneakerhead? 90. What Role Have Mentors Played in Your Life? 91. If You Could Make Your Own Podcast, What Would It Be About? 92. Have You Ever Felt Pressure to ‘Sell Your Pain’? 93. Do You Think You Make Good Climate Choices? 94. What Does TikTok Mean to You? 95. Do Your Parents Overpraise You? 96. Do You Want to Travel in Space? 97. Do You Feel You’re Friends With Celebrities or Influencers You Follow Online? 98. Would You Eat Food Grown in a Lab? 99. What Makes You Cringe? 100. What Volunteer Work Would You Most Like to Do? 101. How Do You Respond When People Ask, ‘Where Are You From?’ 102. Has a School Assignment or Activity Ever Made You Uncomfortable? 103. How Does Your Identity Inform Your Political Beliefs and Values? 104. Are You an Orchid, a Tulip or a Dandelion? 105. Are You Having a Tough Time Maintaining Friendships These Days? 106. How Is Your Mental Health These Days? 107. Do You Love Writing or Receiving Letters? 108. What Has Television Taught You About Social Class? 109. Are You Easily Distracted? 110. What Objects Bring You Comfort? 111. What Is Your Favorite Memory of PBS? 112. Have You Ever Felt Embarrassed by Your Parents? 113. What Are You Doing to Combat Pandemic Fatigue? 114. Have You Ever Worried About Making a Good First Impression? 115. What Do You Want Your Parents to Know About What It’s Like to Be a Teenager During the Pandemic? 116. How Have You Collaborated From a Distance During the Pandemic? 117. How Important Is It to You to Have Similar Political Beliefs to Your Family and Friends? 118. How Are You Feeling About Winter This Year? 119. Which Celebrity Performer Would You Like to Challenge to a Friendly Battle? 120. How Mentally Tough Are You? 121. What Smells Trigger Powerful Memories for You? 122. What Are You Thankful for This Year? 123. Do You Miss Hugs? 124. Are You a Good Conversationalist? 125. What Habits Have You Started or Left Behind in 2020? 126. What Was the Best Art and Culture You Experienced in 2020? 127. What’s Your Relationship With Masks? 128. What Role Does Religion Play in Your Life? 129. How Will You Be Celebrating the Holidays This Year? 130. What Is Something Good That Happened in 2020? 131. What New Flavor Ideas Do You Have for Your Favorite Foods? 132. What Are Your Hopes and Concerns for the New School Year? 133. How Has 2020 Challenged or Changed You? 134. What Do You Hope for Most in 2021? 135. How Do You View Death? 136. What Is Your Favorite Fact You Learned in 2020? 137. What Are the Places in the World That You Love Most? 138. Have You Ever Experienced ‘Impostor Syndrome’? 139. How Well Do You Get Along With Your Siblings? 140. Do You Talk to Your Family About the Cost of College? 141. Do You Have a Healthy Diet? 142. How Do You Feel About Mask-Slipping? 143. Do You Believe in Manifesting? 144. How Do You Express Yourself Creatively? 145. What Are Your Family’s House Rules During the Covid Crisis? 146. What Online Communities Do You Participate In? 147. Have You Experienced Any Embarrassing Zoom Mishaps? 148. What Does Your Country’s National Anthem Mean to You? 149. Are Sports Just Not the Same Without Spectators in the Stands? 150. Would You Volunteer for a Covid-19 Vaccine Trial? 151. What ‘Old’ Technology Do You Think Is Cool? 152. Have You Ever Tried to Grow Something? 153. How Has the Pandemic Changed Your Relationship to Your Body? 154. How Do You Find New Books, Music, Movies or Television Shows? 155. Are You Nervous About Returning to Normal Life? 156. How Do You Celebrate Spring? 157. How Do You Talk With People Who Don’t Share Your Views? 158. Would You Want to Be a Teacher Someday? 159. What Would You Recommend That Is ‘Overlooked and Underappreciated’? 160. What Children’s Books Have Had the Biggest Impact on You? 161. What Is Your Gender Identity? 162. Have You Hit a Wall? 163. What Is the Code You Live By? 164. Do You Think You Have Experienced ‘Learning Loss’ During the Pandemic? 165. What Are the Most Memorable Things You’ve Seen or Experienced in Nature? 166. Do You Want to Have Children Someday? 167. What Have You Learned About Friendship This Year? 168. What Seemingly Mundane Feats Have You Accomplished? 169. Has a Celebrity Ever Convinced You to Do Something? 170. How Have You Commemorated Milestones During the Pandemic? 171. How Often Do You Read, Watch or Listen to Things Outside of Your Comfort Zone? 172. Do You Think You Live in a Political Bubble? 173. What Is Your Relationship With the Weight-Loss Industry? 174. What Have You Made This Year? 175. How Are You Right Now? 176. What Are You Grateful For?

Want more writing prompts?

You can find even more Student Opinion questions in our 300 Questions and Images to Inspire Argument Writing , 550 Prompts for Narrative and Personal Writing and 130 New Prompts for Argumentative Writing . We also publish daily Picture Prompts , which are image-centered posts that provide space for many different kinds of writing. You can find all of our writing prompts, added as they publish, here .

How to Write an Article: A Proven Step-by-Step Guide

Tom Winter

Are you dreaming of becoming a notable writer or looking to enhance your content writing skills? Whatever your reasons for stepping into the writing world, crafting compelling articles can open numerous opportunities. Writing, when viewed as a skill rather than an innate talent, is something anyone can master with persistence, practice, and the proper guidance.

That’s precisely why I’ve created this comprehensive guide on ‘how to write an article.’ Whether you’re pursuing writing as a hobby or eyeing it as a potential career path, understanding the basics will lead you to higher levels of expertise. This step-by-step guide has been painstakingly designed based on my content creation experience. Let’s embark on this captivating journey toward becoming an accomplished article writer!

What is an Article?

what is an article

An article is more than words stitched together cohesively; it’s a carefully crafted medium expressing thoughts, presenting facts, sharing knowledge, or narrating stories. Essentially encapsulating any topic under the sun (or beyond!), an article is a versatile format meant to inform, entertain, or persuade readers.

Articles are ubiquitous; they grace your morning newspaper (or digital equivalents), illuminate blogs across various platforms, inhabit scholarly journals, and embellish magazines. Irrespective of their varying lengths and formats, which range from news reports and features to opinion pieces and how-to guides, all articles share some common objectives. Learning how to write this type of content involves mastering the ability to meet these underlying goals effectively.

Objectives of Article Writing

Objectives of Article Writing

The primary goal behind learning how to write an article is not merely putting words on paper. Instead, you’re trying to communicate ideas effectively. Each piece of writing carries unique objectives intricately tailored according to the creator’s intent and the target audience’s interests. Generally speaking, when you immerse yourself in writing an article, you should aim to achieve several fundamental goals.

First, deliver value to your readers. An engaging and informative article provides insightful information or tackles a problem your audience faces. You’re not merely filling up pages; you must offer solutions, present new perspectives, or provide educational material.

Next comes advancing knowledge within a specific field or subject matter. Especially relevant for academic or industry-focused writings, articles are often used to spread original research findings and innovative concepts that strengthen our collective understanding and drive progress.

Another vital objective for those mastering how to write an article is persuasion. This can come in various forms: convincing people about a particular viewpoint or motivating them to make a specific choice. Articles don’t always have to be neutral; they can be powerful tools for shifting public opinion.

Finally, let’s not forget entertainment – because who said only fictional work can entertain? Articles can stir our emotions or pique our interest with captivating storytelling techniques. It bridges the gap between reader and writer using shared experiences or universal truths.

Remember that high-quality content remains common across all boundaries despite these distinct objectives. No matter what type of writer you aspire to become—informative, persuasive, educational, or entertaining—strive for clarity, accuracy, and stimulation in every sentence you craft.

What is the Format of an Article?

What is the Format of an Article?

When considering how to write an article, understanding its foundation – in this case, the format – should be at the top of your list. A proper structure is like a blueprint, providing a direction for your creative construction.

First and foremost, let’s clarify one essential point: articles aren’t just homogenous chunks of text. A well-crafted article embodies different elements that merge to form an engaging, informative body of work. Here are those elements in order:

  • The Intriguing Title

At the top sits the title or heading; it’s your first chance to engage with a reader. This element requires serious consideration since it can determine whether someone will continue reading your material.

  • Engaging Introduction

Next comes the introduction, where you set expectations and hint at what’s to come. An artfully written introduction generates intrigue and gives readers a compelling reason to stick around.

  • Informative Body

The main body entails a detailed exploration of your topic, often broken down into subtopics or points for more manageable consumption and better flow of information.

  • Impactful Conclusion

Lastly, you have the conclusion, where you tie everything neatly together by revisiting key points and offering final thoughts.

While these components might appear straightforward on paper, mastering them requires practice, experimentation with writing styles, and a good understanding of your target audience. 

By putting in the work to familiarize yourself with how to create articles and how they’re structured, you’ll soon discover new ways to develop engaging content each time you put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard!). Translating complex concepts into digestible content doesn’t need to feel daunting anymore! Now that we’ve tackled the format, our focus can shift to what should be included in an article.

What Should Be in an Article?

What Should Be in an Article?

Understanding that specific items should be featured in your writing is crucial. A well-crafted article resembles a neatly packed suitcase – everything has its place and purpose.

Key Information

First and foremost, you need essential information. Start by presenting the topic plainly so readers can grasp its relevance immediately. This sets the tone of why you are writing the article. The degree of depth at this point will depend on your audience; be mindful not to overwhelm beginners with too much jargon or over-simplify things for experts.

Introduction

Secondly, every article must have an engaging introduction—this acts as the hook that reels your audience. Think of it as a movie trailer—it offers a taste of what’s to come without giving away all the details.

Third is the body, wherein you get into the crux of your argument or discussion. This is the point at which you present your ideas sequentially, along with supporting evidence or examples. Depending on the nature of your topic and personal style, this may vary from storytelling forms to more analytical breakdowns.

Lastly, you’ll need a fitting conclusion that wraps up all previously discussed points, effectively tying together every loose thread at the end. This helps cement your main ideas within the reader’s mind even after they’ve finished reading.

To summarize:  

  • Critical Information: Provides context for understanding
  • Introduction: Sheds further light on what will follow while piquing interest  
  • Body: Discusses topic intricacies using narratives or case studies
  • Conclusion: Ties up loose ends and reemphasizes important takeaways

In my experience writing articles for beginners and experts alike, I found these elements indispensable when conveying complex topics articulately and professionally. Always keep them at hand when looking to produce written material.

How should you structure an article?

How should you structure an article?

Crafting a well-structured article is akin to assembling a puzzle – every piece has its place and purpose. Let’s look at how to create the perfect skeleton for your content.

The introduction is your article’s welcome mat. It should be inviting and informative, briefly outlining what a reader can expect from your writing. Additionally, it must instantly grab the readers’ attention so they feel compelled to continue reading. To master the art of creating effective introductions, remember these key points:

  • Keep it short and precise.
  • Use compelling hooks like quotes or intriguing facts.
  • State clearly what the article will cover without revealing everything upfront.

Moving on, you encounter the body of your piece. This segment expands on the ideas outlined in the introduction while presenting fresh subtopics related to your core story. If we compare article writing to crossing a bridge, each paragraph represents a step toward the other side (the conclusion). Here are some tips for maintaining orderliness within your body:

  • Stick closely to one idea per paragraph as it enhances readability.
  • Ensure paragraphs flow logically by utilizing transitional words or sentences.
  • Offer evidence or examples supporting your claims and reinforce credibility.

As you approach the far side of our imaginary bridge, we reach an equally essential section of the article known as the conclusion. At this point, you should be looking to wrap your message up neatly while delivering on what was initially promised during the introduction. This section summarizes the main points, providing closure and ensuring readers feel satisfied.

Remember this golden rule when writing the conclusion: follow the  “Describe what you’re going to tell them (Introduction), tell them (Body), and then summarize what you told them (Conclusion).”  It’s a proven formula for delivering informative, engaging, and well-structured articles. 

One final tip before moving on: maintaining an active voice significantly enhances clarity for your readers. It makes them feel like they’re participating actively in the story unfolding within your article. In addition, it helps ensure easy readability, which is vital for keeping your audience engaged.

Tips for Writing a Good Article

Tips for Writing a Good Article

A persuasive, engaging, and insightful article requires careful thought and planning. Half the battle won is by knowing how to start writing and make content captivating. Below are vital tips that can enhance your article writing skills.

Heading or Title

An audience’s first impression hinges on the quality of your title. A good heading should be clear, attention-grabbing, and give an accurate snapshot of what’s contained in the piece’s body. Here are a few guidelines on how to create an impactful title:

  • Make it Compelling: Your title needs to spark interest and motivate readers to delve further into your work.
  • Keep it concise: You want to have a manageable heading. Aim for brevity yet inclusiveness.
  • Optimize with keywords: To boost search engine visibility, sprinkle relevant keywords naturally throughout your title.

By applying these techniques, you can increase reader engagement right from the get-go.

Body of the Article

After winning over potential readers with your catchy title, it’s time to provide substantial content in the form of the body text. Here’s how articles are typically structured:

Introduction:  Begin by providing an appealing overview that hooks your audience and baits them to read more. You can ask poignant questions or share interesting facts about your topic here.

Main Content:  Build on the groundwork set by your introduction. Lay out detailed information in a logical sequence with clear articulation.

Conclusion:  This reemphasizes the critical points discussed in the body while delivering a lasting impression of why those points matter.

Remember that clarity is critical when drafting each part because our objective here is to share information and communicate effectively. Properly understanding this approach ensures that the writing experience becomes creative and productive.

Step By Step Guide for Article Writing

Step By Step Guide for Article Writing

How do you write an article that engages your readers from the first line until the last? That’s what most writers, whether beginners or seasoned pros are trying to achieve. I’ll describe a step-by-step process for crafting such gripping articles in this guide.

Step 1: Find Your Target Audience

First and foremost, identify your target readers. Speaking directly to a specific group improves engagement and helps you craft messages that resonate deeply. To pinpoint your audience:

  • Take note of demographic attributes like age, gender, and profession.
  • Consider their preferences and needs.
  • Look into how much knowledge they are likely to possess concerning your topic.

Knowing this will help you decide what tone, language, and style best suits your readers. Remember, by understanding your audience better, you make it much easier to provide them with engaging content.

Step 2: Select a Topic and an Attractive Heading

Having understood your audience, select a relevant topic based on their interests and questions. Be sure it’s one you can competently discuss. When deciding how to start writing an article, ensure it begins with a captivating title.

A title should hint at what readers will gain from the article without revealing everything. Maintain some element of intrigue or provocation. For example, ‘6 Essentials You Probably Don’t Know About Gardening’ instead of just ‘Gardening Tips’.

Step 3: Research is Key

Good research is crucial to building credibility for beginners and experts alike. It prevents errors that could tarnish your piece immensely.

Thoroughly explore relevant books, scholarly articles, or reputable online resources. Find facts that build authenticity while debunking misconceptions that relate to your topic. Take notes on critical points discovered during this process—it’ll save you time when creating your first draft.

Step 4: Write a Comprehensive Brief

Having done your research, it’s time to write an outline or a brief—a roadmap for your article. This conveys how articles are written systematically without losing track of the main points.

Begin by starting the introduction with a punchy opener that draws readers in and a summary of what they’ll glean from reading. Section out specific points and ideas as separate headings and bullet points under each section to form the body. A conclusion rounds things up by restating key takeaways.

Step 5: Write and Proofread

Now comes the bulk of the work—writing. Respect the brief created earlier to ensure consistency and structure while drafting content. Use short, clear sentences while largely avoiding jargon unless absolutely necessary.

Post-writing, proofread ardently to check for typographical errors, inconsistent tenses, and poor sentence structures—and don’t forget factual correctness! It helps to read aloud, which can reveal awkward phrases that slipped through initial edits.

Step 6: Add Images and Infographics

To break text monotony and increase comprehension, introduce visuals such as images, infographics, or videos into your piece. They provide aesthetic relief while supporting the main ideas, increasing overall engagement.

Remember to source royalty-free images or get permission for copyrighted ones—you don’t want legal battles later!

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Article Writing

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Article Writing

Regarding article writing, a few pitfalls can compromise the quality of your content. Knowing these and how to avoid them will enhance your work’s clarity, depth, and impact.

The first mistake often made is skimping on research. An article without solid underpinnings won’t merely be bland – it might mislead readers. Therefore, prioritize comprehensive investigation before penning down anything. Understanding common misconceptions or misinterpretations about your topic will strengthen your case. 

Next, sidestep unnecessary jargon or excessively complex language. While showcasing an impressive vocabulary might seem appealing, remember that your primary objective is imparting information efficiently and effectively.

Moreover, failing to structure articles effectively represents another standard error. A structured piece aids in delivering complex ideas coherently. Maintaining a logical sequence facilitates reader comprehension, whether explaining a detailed concept or narrating an incident.

A piece lacking aesthetic allure can fail its purpose regardless of the value of its text. That’s where images come into play. Neglecting them is an all-too-common mistake among beginners. Relevant pictures inserted at appropriate junctures serve as visual breaks from texts and stimulate interest among readers.

Lastly, proofreading is vital in determining whether you can deliver a well-written article. Typos and grammatical errors can significantly undermine professional credibility while disrupting a smooth reading experience.

So, when pondering how articles are written, avoiding these mistakes goes a long way toward producing high-quality content that embodies both substance and style. Remember: practice is paramount when learning how to write excellent material!

How to Write an Article with SEOwind AI Writer?

How to Write an Article with SEOwind AI Writer

Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence has been a major step in many industries. One such significant tool is SEOwind AI Writer, which is critical for those curious about how to write an article leveraging AI. In this section, I’ll cover how you can effectively use SEOwind AI writer to create compelling articles.

Step 1: Create a Brief and Outline

The first step in writing an article revolves around understanding your audience’s interests and then articulating them in a comprehensive brief that outlines the content’s framework.

  • Decide on the topic: What ideas will you share via your article?
  • Define your audience: Knowing who will read your text significantly influences your tone, style, and content depth.
  • Establish main points: Highlight the key points or arguments you wish to exhibit in your drafted piece. This helps create a skeleton for your work and maintain a logical flow of information.

With SEOwind:

  • you get all the content and keyword research for top-performing content in one place,
  • you can generate a comprehensive AI outline with one click,
  • users can quickly create a title, description, and keywords that match the topic you’re writing about.

As insightful as it might seem, having a roadmap doubles as a guide throughout the creative process. SEOwind offers a user-friendly interface that allows the easy input of essential elements like keywords, title suggestions, content length, etc. These provide an insightful outline, saving time with an indispensable tool that demonstrates the practicality of article writing.

Step 2: Write an AI Article using SEOwind

Once you have a brief ready, you can write an AI article with a single click. It will consider all the data you provided and much more, such as copywriting and SEO best practices , to deliver content that ranks.

Step 3: Give it a Human Touch

Finally, SEOwind’s intuitive platform delivers impeccably constructed content to dispel any confusion about writing an article. The result is inevitably exceptional, with well-structured sentences and logically sequenced sections that meet your demands.

However, artificial intelligence can sometimes miss the unique personal touch that enhances relatability in communication—making articles more compelling. Let’s master adding individualistic charm to personalize articles so that they resonate with audiences.

Tailoring the AI-generated piece with personal anecdotes or custom inputs helps to break the monotony and bolster engagement rates. Always remember to tweak essential SEO elements like meta descriptions and relevant backlinks.

So, whether it’s enhancing casual language flow or eliminating robotic consistency, the slightest modifications can breathe life into the text and transform your article into a harmonious man-machine effort. Remember – it’s not just about technology making life easy but also how effectively we utilize this emerging trend!

Common Questions on how to write an article

Delving into the writing world, especially regarding articles, can often lead to a swarm of questions. Let’s tackle some common queries that newbies and seasoned writers frequently stumble upon to make your journey more comfortable and rewarding.

What is the easiest way to write an article?

The easiest way to write an article begins with a clear structure. Here are five simple steps you can follow:

  • Identify your audience: The first thing you should consider while planning your article is who will read it? Identifying your target audience helps shape the article’s content, style, and purpose.
  • Decide on a topic and outline: Determining what to write about can sometimes be a formidable task. Try to ensure you cover a topic you can cover effectively or for which you feel great passion. Next, outline the main points you want to present throughout your piece.
  • Do the research: Dig deep into resources for pertinent information regarding your topic and gather as much knowledge as possible. An informed writer paves the way for a knowledgeable reader.
  • Drafting phase: Begin with an engaging introduction followed by systematically fleshing out each point from your outline in body paragraphs before ending with conclusive remarks tying together all the earlier arguments.
  • Fine-tune through editing and proofreading: Errors happen no matter how qualified or experienced a writer may be! So make sure to edit and proofread before publishing.

Keep these keys in mind and remain patient and persistent. There’s no easier alternative for writing an article.

How can I write an article without knowing about the topic?

We sometimes need to write about less familiar subjects – but do not fret! Here’s my approach:

  • First off, start by thoroughly researching subject-centric reliable sources. The more information you have, the better poised you are to write confidently about it.
  • While researching, take notes and highlight the most essential points.
  • Create an outline by organizing these points logically – this essentially becomes your article’s backbone.
  • Start writing based on your research and outlined structure. If certain aspects remain unclear, keep investigating until clarity prevails.

Getting outside your comfort zone can be daunting, but is also a thrilling chance to expand your horizons.

What is your process for writing an article quickly?

In terms of speed versus quality in writing an article – strikingly enough, they aren’t mutually exclusive. To produce a high-quality piece swiftly, adhere to the following steps:

  • Establish purpose and audience: Before cogs start turning on phrase-spinning, be clear on why you’re writing and who will likely read it.
  • Brainstorm broadly, then refine: Cast a wide net initially regarding ideas around your topic. Then, narrow down those areas that amplify your core message or meet objectives.
  • Create a robust outline: A detailed roadmap prevents meandering during actual writing and saves time!
  • Ignore perfection in the first draft: Speed up initial drafting by prioritizing getting your thoughts on paper over perfect grammar or sentence compositions.
  • Be disciplined with edits and revisions: Try adopting a cut, shorten, and replace mantra while trimming fluff without mercy!

Writing quickly requires practice and strategic planning – but rest assured, it’s entirely possible!

Tom Winter

Seasoned SaaS and agency growth expert with deep expertise in AI, content marketing, and SEO. With SEOwind, he crafts AI-powered content that tops Google searches and magnetizes clicks. With a track record of rocketing startups to global reach and coaching teams to smash growth, Tom's all about sharing his rich arsenal of strategies through engaging podcasts and webinars. He's your go-to guy for transforming organic traffic, supercharging content creation, and driving sales through the roof.

Table of Contents

  • 1 What is an Article?
  • 2 Objectives of Article Writing
  • 3 What is the Format of an Article?
  • 4 What Should Be in an Article?
  • 5 How should you structure an article?
  • 6 Tips for Writing a Good Article
  • 7 Step By Step Guide for Article Writing
  • 8 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Article Writing
  • 9 How to Write an Article with SEOwind AI Writer?
  • 10 Common Questions on how to write an article

Related Posts

ghostwriting ai

  • AI Ghostwriting: Craft Perfect Content Fast!

Kate Kandefer

  • 18+ Top Demand Generation Tactics – Boost Sales Now

how to write blogs that rank on google in 2024

How to write blogs that rank on Google in 2024

Tom Winter

  • #100Posts30DaysChallenge
  • Affiliate program
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions

Latest Posts

  • Discover Top Rytr Alternatives: Write Smarter in 2024!
  • Best Byword Alternatives for AI Content Writing [2024 Guide]
  • SEOwind vs MarketMuse vs Frase
  • SEOwind vs Marketmuse vs Clearscope
  • SEOwind vs Clearscope vs Frase
  • SEOwind vs Surfer SEO vs Clearscope
  • SEOwind vs Surfer SEO vs MarketMuse

© 2024 SEOwind.

Privacy Overview

The New York Times

The learning network | 184 questions to write or talk about.

The Learning Network - Teaching and Learning With The New York Times

184 Questions to Write or Talk About

A word cloud created from all the questions compiled below.

Questions about issues in the news for students 13 and older.

  • See all Student Opinion »

We’ve posted a fresh Student Opinion question nearly every weekday for the last five academic years. Every June, just as we do with that year’s lesson plans , we round them all up and post them in one place.

Below, the 184 questions we asked in 2013-14, all still open to comment by any student 13 or older:

Questions for Debate and Persuasive Writing Questions for Creative and Personal Writing PDF of the Questions

Teachers tell us they use our questions to help students practice writing persuasively or creatively; as inspiration for lessons; as jumping-off points for class discussions; or just to encourage student engagement with current events and with young people from around the world.

Each question is based on content from The New York Times, and each Times article is accessible without a digital subscription.

How will you use them? Tell us below.

Questions for Debate and Persuasive Writing

Is it unethical for a zoo to kill a healthy giraffe? <a href="//learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/02/11/is-it-unethical-for-a-zoo-to-kill-a-giraffe/">Here's what students said.</a>

1. Does Technology Make Us More Alone? 2. Is Smoking Still a Problem Among Teenagers? 3. What Criteria Should Be Used in Awarding Scholarships for College? 4. When Is the Use of Military Force Justified? 5. What Local Problems Do You Think Your Mayor Should Try to Solve? 6. Should Tablet Computers Become the Primary Way Students Learn in Class? 7. Does Keeping a Messy Desk Make People More Creative? 8. What Is More Important: Our Privacy or National Security? 9. Should Parents Let Their Children Play Football? 10. Does Gym Help Students Perform Better in All Their Classes? 11. Do We Give Children Too Many Trophies? 12. Do Schools Provide Students With Enough Opportunities to Be Creative? 13. Is It Principled, or Irresponsible, for Politicians to Threaten a Shutdown? 14. Should Colleges Use Admissions Criteria Other Than SAT Scores and Grades? 15. Is There Too Much Pressure on Girls to Have ‘Perfect’ Bodies? 16. Should Video Games Be Considered a Sport? 17. Who Should Be Able to See Students’ Records? 18. Is It Offensive for Sports Teams to Use Native American Names and Mascots? 19. Are Some Youth Sports Too Intense? 20. Will Musical Training Make You More Successful? 21. Are Women Better at Compromising and Collaborating? 22. How Much Does Your Neighborhood Define Who You Are? 23. Why Do We Take Selfies? 24. Has Baseball Lost Its Cool? 25. How Young Is Too Young for an iPhone? 26. Should We Rethink How Long Students Spend in High School? 27. Should the U.S. Be Spying on Its Friends? 28. Does TV Capture the Diversity of America Yet? 29. Is It an Unaffordable Luxury to Major in the Humanities in College? 30. When Do Pranks Cross the Line to Become Bullying? 31. How Important Are Parent-Teacher Conferences? 32. Has Facebook Lost Its Edge? 33. Why Aren’t More Girls Choosing to Pursue Careers in Math and Science? 34. Do We Need Art in Our Lives? 35. Should Scientists Try to Help People Beat Old Age So We Can Live Longer Lives? 36. How Seriously Should We Take Standardized Tests? 37. What Do You Think of the Police Tactic of Stop-and-Frisk? 38. How Important Is Keeping a Clean House? 39. Does Your School Hand Out Too Many A’s? 40. Do Rich People Get Off Easier When They Break the Law? 41. What Musician, Actor or Author Should Be a Superstar, but Hasn’t Quite Made It Yet? 42. What Words or Phrases Should Be Retired in 2014? 43. Should College Football Players Get Paid? 44. Do You Worry We Are Filming Too Much? 45. How Can a Reputation Be Improved? 46. Do TV Shows Like ‘16 and Pregnant’ Promote or Discourage Teenage Pregnancy? 47. Do Parents Have Different Hopes and Standards for Their Sons Than for Their Daughters? 48. Why Do We Like to Watch Rich People on TV and in the Movies? 49. Do Laws That Ban Offensive Words Make the World a Better Place? 50. Who Does Hip-Hop Belong To? 51. How Long Is It O.K. to Linger in a Cafe or Restaurant? 52. Should Sports Betting Be Legal Everywhere? 53. If You Were Governor of Your State, How Would You Spend a Budget Surplus? 54. Is It Unethical for a Zoo to Kill a Healthy Giraffe? 55. Is Hookup Culture Leaving Your Generation Unhappy and Unprepared for Love? 56. Do Kids Need Recess? 57. Should Felons Be Allowed to Vote After They Have Served Their Time? 58. Should Terminally Ill Patients Be Allowed to Die on Their Own Terms? 59. Is It O.K. to Refuse to Serve Same-Sex Couples Based on Religious Beliefs? 60. How Much Control Do You Think You Have Over Your Fate? 61. Is Your Generation Really ‘Postracial’? 62. Does Reading a Book Count More Than Listening to One? 63. Does a Championship Game Always Need to Have a Winner (and a Loser)? 64. Is Teenage ‘Voluntourism’ Wrong? 65. Should Colleges Ban Fraternities? 66. Who Are the Characters That Authors Should Be Writing About? 67. Should the School Day Start Later? 68. Should Employers Be Able to Review Job Applicants’ SAT Scores? 69. What Makes a Good TV Show Finale? 70. Does It Matter Where You Go to College? 71. Should the United States Care That It’s Not No. 1? 72. Should the United States Stop Using the Death Penalty? 73. When You Are Old Enough to Vote, Will You? 74. Should Society Support Artists and Others Pursuing Creative Works? 75. Do You Support Affirmative Action in College Admissions? 76. Should Certain Animals Have Some of the Same Legal Rights As People? 77. Do We Need New Ways to Identify Gender and Sexuality? 78. Do Girls Get Better Grades Than Boys in Your School? 79. Does Suffering Make Us Stronger and Lead to Success? 80. Should Discomfort Excuse Students From Having to Complete an Assignment? 81. What Can You Predict About the Future of the Music Industry? 82. Does Live Theater Offer Something You Just Can’t Get Watching Movies or TV? 83. Does the Way Your Classroom Is Decorated Affect Your Learning?

Questions for Creative, Personal or Reflective Writing

What crazy adventure would you want to take? <a href="//learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/02/19/what-crazy-adventure-would-you-want-to-take/">Here's what students said.</a>

84. What Memorable Experiences Have You Had in Learning Science or Math? 85. What Rites of Passage Have You Participated In? 86. What Are Your Favorite Internet Spoofs? 87. How Big a Problem Is Bullying or Cyberbullying in Your School or Community? 88. Do You Always Have Your Phone or Tablet at Your Side? 89. How Much Do You Trust Online Reviews? 90. Would You Most Want to Live in a City, a Suburb or the Country? 91. Do Your Television Viewing Habits Include ‘Binge-Watching’? 92. What Would You Do With a Gap Year? 93. What Does Your Hairstyle Say About You? 94. Do You Believe in Ghosts? 95. How Good Are You at Time Management? 96. When Is the Last Time You Did Something Nice for a Stranger? 97. What’s Your Favorite Restaurant? 98. Will You Be Wearing a Halloween Costume This Year? 99. What Kind of Robot Would You Want? 100. What Personal Essay Topic Would You Assign to College Applicants? 101. What Can Older People Learn From Your Generation? 102. What Are the Best Ways to Learn About History? 103. Do You Worry Colleges or Employers Might Read Your Social Media Posts Someday? 104. What Would You Outsource if You Could? 105. What Would You Invent to Make the World a Better Place? 106. How Good Are You at Waiting for What You Really Want? 107. Who Is the ‘Mayor’ of Your School or Neighborhood? 108. What Are Your Thanksgiving Traditions? 109. How Are You and Your Parents Alike and Different? 110. Who Is Your Family? 111. How Can People Make the Most of Long Holiday Weekends? 112. What Are the Best Things You’ve Read, Watched, Heard or Played This Year? 113. Who Are Your Heroes? 114. How Do You Know if What You Read Online Is True? 115. What Is Your Relationship With Guns? 116. Do You Have ‘Instagram Envy’? 117. What Will You Remember Most From 2013? 118. What Are Your Predictions for 2014? 119. What Hobbies Have Been Passed Down in Your Family? 120. When Do You Choose Making a Phone Call Over Sending a Text? 121. How Do You Handle the Cold? 122. How Closely Do You Listen to Lyrics? 123. Where in the World Would You Travel If You Could? 124. How Much of a Priority Do You Make Sleep? 125. What Were the Best Movies You Saw in the Past Year? 126. Do You Apologize Too Much? 127. What Is Your Reaction to Richard Sherman’s Postgame Interview? 128. Do You Ever Feel Overlooked and Underappreciated? 129. What Are Your Secret Survival Strategies? 130. What Memorable Experiences Have You Had on Facebook? 131. Will You Be Watching the Sochi Olympics? 132. What Are Five Everyday Problems That Bother You, and What Can You Do About Them? 133. What Event in the Past Do You Wish You Could Have Witnessed? 134. How Well Do You Perform Under Pressure? 135. What Crazy Adventure Would You Want to Take? 136. How Much of a Daredevil Are You? 137. Do You Pay Attention to Nutrition Labels on Food? 138. Do You Ever Eavesdrop? 139. What Have You Learned in Your Teens? 140. What Challenges Have You Overcome? 141. What Did You Once Hate but Now Like? 142. How Much Does the SAT or ACT Matter in Your Life? 143. How Much Time Do You Spend Outdoors? 144. What Qualities Would You Look For in a College Roommate? 145. Have You Ever ‘Paid It Forward’? 146. How Concerned Are You About Climate Change? 147. What Do You Think Happened to Malaysia Airlines Flight 370? 148. How Do You Find Peace in Your Life? 149. What Do You Want to Be Doing When You’re 80? 150. How Comfortable Are You With Lying? 151. Have You Ever Posted, Emailed or Texted Something You Wish You Could Take Back? 152. What Do You Wish Your Teachers Knew? 153. What Pranks, Jokes, Hoaxes or Tricks Have You Ever Fallen for or Perpetrated? 154. Why Do So Many People Say ‘Like’ and ‘Totally’ All the Time? 155. To Whom, or What, Would You Like to Write a Thank-You Note? 156. Do You Like to Exercise? 157. What Are Your Longtime Interests or Passions? 158. What Have You Learned Playing Video Games? 159. How Common Is Drug Use in Your School? 160. Do You Take More Risks When You Are Around Your Friends? 161. What Movies Do You Watch, or Reference, Over and Over? 162. Do You Set Rules for Yourself About How You Use Your Time? 163. What Messages About Food and Eating Have You Learned From Your Family? 164. How Well Do You Take Criticism? 165. If You Had Your Own Talk Show, Whom Would You Want to Interview? 166. Who in Your Life Introduces You to New Music? 167. What Career or Technical Classes Do You Wish Your School Offered? 168. What Are the Most Memorable Works of Visual Art You Have Seen? 169. Do You Read for Pleasure? 170. What Rules Would You Like to See Changed in Your Favorite Sports? 171. Does Your School Seem Integrated? 172. How Have You Handled Being the ‘New Kid’? 173. What Would You Most Like to Learn to Cook or Bake? 174. Can Students at Your School Talk Openly About Their Mental Health Issues? 175. How Has Exercise Changed Your Health, Your Body or Your Life? 176. Do You Think You Will Have a Career That You Love? 177. Do You Consider Yourself a Feminist? 178. Are Your Parents Too Overprotective? 179. Do You Like School? 180. When Do You Write by Hand? 181. Who Is Your Favorite Pop Diva? 182. What Was Your Favorite Field Trip? 183. What Are Your Experiences With Internet-Based Urban Legends? 184. Will You Be Watching the World Cup?

Not Enough? Here are 182 Student Opinion questions from 2013, as well as 163 from 2012, 150 from 2011, and 55 and another 40 from 2010.

Please note: From June 13 through Aug. 15, we’ll ask only one Student Opinion question: What Interested You Most in The Times This Week? Posting an answer any week will automatically enter anyone 13 to 19 years old in our Summer Reading Contest .

Comments are no longer being accepted.

In the article, “Anger Erupts After Danish Zoo Kills a “Surplus” Giraffe,” Nelson D. Schwartz states how a healthy giraffe in the Copenhagen Zoo was killed due to a surplus of the species. Schwartz shows utter disgust in his article, animals should be cared for and protected when they are held in captivity, not judged by humans who control their lives. The giraffe’s name was Marius, he was 2 years old,11 feet and 6 inches tall. Schwartz reported that the Copenhagen Zoo stated that Marius’s genes were common in Africa, and that preserving this animal was not important due to typical genes. Marius was “put down” on Sunday, February 9, 2014, and instead of euthanizing the animal, he was shot in the head by the zoo’s veterinarian. I believe that it is completely inhumane to kill an able-bodied animal in a zoo, where they are supposed to protect animals, they should not be allowed to kill an “extra” animal on the premise of a common gene that will reproduce naturally, “A CAPS study found that at least 7,500 animals -and possibly as many as 200,000- in European zoos are “surplus” at any one time” (“10 facts about zoos”). The Copenhagen Zoo also killed four lions during the same time they put down Marius. After Marius was killed, his carcass was fed to the zoo’s large cats, such as the lions. I cannot understand why after brutally killing an animal that a zoo would feed the body to the other animals. The killing of Marius sparked worldwide anger among animal activists and the Animal RIghts Sweden Association this led to protests against and boycotting of the Copenhagen Zoo. There were online petitions with 30,000 signatures to stop the unorthodox killing and some made adoption offers for Marius. There was even a single bid of 500,000 euros or 682,000 U.S. dollars for Marius’s adoption or his transfer to another zoo. However, all requests were denied by the zoo’s administrators and Marius was shot early that Sunday morning. I believe that the Copenhagen Zoo should have handled this differently by allowing the adoption or transfer of Marius, doing so the zoo could have avoided the scrutiny of worldwide animal rights activists.

Bekoff, Marc. Opinion: Killing Healthy Zoo Animals Is Wrong—And the Public Agrees. National Geographic, 2014. Web. 27 March 2014.

“10 Facts About Zoos.” Captive Animals Protection Society. CAPS. 3 March 2010. Web. 27 October 2014.

In the article, “ Use of the Death Penalty is Rare and Decreasing”, Richard Dieter explains how the death penalty is becoming uncommon in the United States. While 32 states still have the death penalty as a law, it is still rarely used. Texas is the leading state in capital punishment, but the rate of executions as decreased over 80% since the 1990’s. Many people in today’s society that are put to death are African Americans and foreign citizens. I believe that death sentences should be banned in all states because it is inhuman and no one should be killed for their crime, no matter how horrible it can be. I do not understand how someone can live with themselve if they have to make the decision to put a criminal in a electric chair or give them a lethal injection. Most death penalties in today’s society are based on race and severity of the crime. “…irrelevant factors such as race, geography and the quality of legal representation play a larger role than the severity of the crime” (Dieter 1). If a criminal commits a murder, they should be imprisoned and receive professional help to find out why they did the crime and what he /she can do to help the criminal become a better citizen. When society looks at someone that has murdered someone or committed a very serious crime they believe they should not have the right to live anymore. I believe there is good in everyone, but in this society it is very hard overcome personal frustrations and anger.

What's Next

Breakout English

Breakout English Logo (1)

Writing an Article – Rhetorical Questions

Writing rhetorical questions is a literary device that professional writers love to hate, but if you’re writing an article for an exam, they can be a very useful tool. You may need to write an article in Cambridge Preliminary (PET) or First (FCE) and in Trinity ISE I, II, or III. Writing an article is a new addition to the Preliminary (PET) exam in 2020, but personally, I think it is a nice option for B1 candidates to show their ability. So why are rhetorical questions a good option for writing articles?

Writing rhetorical questions cambridge PET

What is a rhetorical question?

A rhetorical question is a question which is asked for effect and doesn’t need to be answered. Sometimes the answer to rhetorical questions is obvious or sometimes the asker will go on to answer it themselves.

As you can see by the way I used a rhetorical question in the introduction to this blog, they encourage a reader to keep reading. The psychological effect of rhetorical questions can be quite powerful because you can spark interest, intrigue and even controversy if used effectively.

When and how often should you be writing rhetorical questions?

They are a great tool for articles and possibly reviews or letters , but that’s where I would draw the line. A rhetorical question has no place in formal writing, which means avoid them in essays, reports and proposals. Articles are generally neutral or informal in exams, so I think they are a great place to show off a few questions.

Use rhetorical questions sparingly . The best place for them is at the end of your 1st paragraph and in the final paragraph as a way to make the ending interesting. One or two questions throughout the text is more than enough.

The materials: Rhetorical question cards

These rhetorical question cards have sentence stems on them so that you can practice writing questions for different topics that could come up in the exam. Brainstorm a series of topics and then try writing a question for each one.

writing an article cambridge

Possible procedure:

  • Cut up question cards and give one set to each pair
  • On the board, have a list of six possible article topics (like the example above)
  • One student rolls a dice which determines the topic everyone has to write about
  • Each pair turns over a question card and writes a rhetorical question related to the topic
  • Compare and contrast, correct errors and put the best on the board
  • Replace the used topic with a new one
  • Rinse and repeat

EXAM PART : Writing Part 2 – Article, Preliminary (PET), FIrst (FCE), ISE I, ISE II, ISE III

EXAM SKILLS : Creating cohesion and maintaining reader’s interest

TIME: 20 minutes

PREPARATION: One set of question cards per pair of students, list of article topics appropriate for the level

Breakout English

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.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your Mobile number and Email id will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Request OTP on Voice Call

Post My Comment

questions to write an article

  • Share Share

Register with BYJU'S & Download Free PDFs

Register with byju's & watch live videos.

Live Support

Eight questions to ask before writing an article

Affiliation.

  • 1 Author and trainer, Tim Albert Training, 5 Cobham Road, Surrey KT22 9AU.
  • PMID: 28614016
  • DOI: 10.12968/hmed.2017.78.6.341

Health professionals often have to write articles for publication in academic journals. Many of them find this difficult and suffer from one or more variations of writer's block. A good way of avoiding these setbacks is to prepare thoroughly for the writing project, and this article proposes eight different questions writers can ask before they start. The first is whether they are in a good position to complete the task, and if not whether they should try to negotiate their way out of the project. If they commit to going ahead, writers should work out where they will find the necessary time, and set deadlines for ensuring that they do. They should also decide on their co-authors, because getting them involved early should make the rewriting more straightforward as well as reducing the danger of ghost authors emerging once the work has been done. Writers should put their research away and reflect on the most appropriate message - a simple sentence that sums up the main implication of the paper. Armed with this message, they can identify a suitable journal for publication - and thereafter can use articles in this journal to guide them on matters of substance and style. If the article is published in that target journal authors can consider that they have written a successful paper.

Publication types

  • Health Personnel*
  • Medical Writing*
  • Periodicals as Topic*
  • Publishing*

Oxford House

  • How to Write a Great Article in the Cambridge B2 First Exam

questions to write an article

  • Posted on 11/12/2019
  • Categories: Blog
  • Tags: B2 First , Cambridge Exams , Writing

Writing in your only language can be a challenge, but writing in another language can be a complete nightmare ! Where do you even begin?

If you are taking your Cambridge B2 First exam you’ll have to write two texts in an 80-minute period. In part 1 you must write an essay but in part 2 you will be able to choose between a number of options. This could be could be an email, a letter, a report, a review or an article.

Read more about the format of the Cambridge B2 First exam .

In this writing guide, we’ll focus on how to write an article for the Cambridge B2 First Writing paper – part 2. We’ll also share with you some tricks and tips for passing this part of the exam. You’ll learn how to plan your article, structure it, use rhetorical questions , exclamation marks – and lots more. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to write an amazing article in English!

What is an article and how do you write one for the B2 First?

You’ll find lots of examples of articles in magazines, newspapers and internet blogs. In these texts, writers share information, guides and opinions on specific topics. The idea is to write in a way that grabs the reader’s attention and keeps them interested until the very end.

In the Cambridge B2 First Writing Paper – part 2, you could be asked to write 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.

Here’s an example of a B2 First article question.

How to write an article - Cambridge B2 First | Oxford House Barcelona

Now let’s look at how to get started!

How to write an article in three simple steps

You’ve got the question in front of you, so now it’s time to start writing your article, right?

Wrong! If you do that, you’ve missed an essential stage: planning.

You can compare writing an article to preparing your favourite meal. No good tortilla de patatas was ever made without carefully preparing the ingredients first. It’s exactly the same with your writing – only, you’ll need fewer onions. Time management is also important. You only have about 40 minutes total so you need to plan your time carefully.

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Make a plan (10 minutes)

Think about the question.

Really focus on the question. Decide who your role model is. Is he or she a sporting hero you really admire? Or someone closer to home? It could be a family member that you look up to or a person in the community who’s done something amazing. Think about why they inspire you and make some notes on your ideas.

Think about the tone

Consider the best blogs you read on the internet. Are they relaxed and friendly? Or do they sound like boring school essays? The truth is most articles are quite conversational. They are somewhere between semi-formal and informal. They are often informative, whilst entertaining and engaging the reader. You can also try to add some humour in too!

Think about the structure

Structuring your article is key and there’s normally more than one way to do it. Decide which structure makes sense for the question. Try to keep it logical and include different ideas in different paragraphs.

Here’s an example structure:

  • Paragraph 1 Introduction Start with a catchy opening line to hook the readers. Then introduce your role model.
  • Paragraph 2 – Describe what makes them special Giving examples and developing your answer.
  • Paragraph 3 – Why you chose them as your role model This should be like a conclusion and give the reader a lasting comment or a question to think about.

Note: For many articles four paragraphs will be more appropriate – it depends on the question you are given.

Linkers are a fantastic way to organise your ideas. Experiment with some of these in your next article:

For a start…

Not to mention…

On top of that…

*Remember, you don’t need headings or titles in the article it should read as one continuous piece of work.

Think about vocabulary

Brainstorming vocabulary is a great way to get your ideas flowing . What are some great words related to the topic? List some adjectives for being a good role model. Pick out some verbs related to motivation or any good nouns or collocations you think would work. Throw some phrasal verbs and idioms in there too!

Here’s an example for the question above:

Write an amazing Article - B2 First | Oxford House Barcelona

Think about ways to personalise your writing

Articles tend to have a personal touch. You can be a lot more familiar with the reader addressing them personally with pronouns like ‘you’ and ‘I’. Give your own opinion and also use contractions. Here are some more ways to sound personal:

Have you ever wondered…?

I’m sure you can imagine…

Can you believe…?

I will never forget…

There’s nothing more amazing than…

If you ask me…

Step Two: Write it (25 minutes)

An interesting introduction is the key to a first-rate article. You want to capture your audience’s attention whilst making it clear what it’s going to be about. Start with an opening line that sets the tone of the topic. Try to catch the attention from the first word. Here’s an example:

Firefighters and superheroes are obvious role models. But sometimes the person that inspires us the most is so much closer to home. I have never had a favourite singer or sports star but my father has always been an important inspiration for me.

Next, think about the original question. What makes your role model special? Remember to keep it interesting and include some personal feelings. Use exclamation marks like this:

One of the things that makes my father so special is that he always does everything for his family, and he’s an excellent listener too. Whenever we have a problem he’s always there for us. Not to mention the fact that he’s also really fun-loving! If there’s a party, my dad is the first person on the dancefloor.

But only include one or two exclamation marks in the article or they’ll lose their impact.

Finally you want to tackle the last question. Why did you choose him as your role model? A great technique here would be to address your reader personally and even include a rhetorical question at the end. This gives them something to think about. A little bit like this:

I think my father is the best role model because he is the most hardworking person I know. He has a really difficult job as a doctor and is always saving lives. That’s so inspiring for me!

I really look up to him and he really pushes me to be the best I can be. Wouldn’t you want a role model like my dad?

Step Three: Check it (5 minutes)

Everything has come together and you’ve got your final article. Now you can sit back, relax and put your feet up until the examiner says stop. Wait, not quite!

You’re missing the last important step. Always check your writing. You’d hate for all your hard work to be wasted at the last moment. Here are some things to check for.

  • You included everything in the question
  • You’ve used a variety of sentence lengths
  • The spelling is correct
  • It’s personal and engaging
  • You haven’t repeated the same vocabulary too often
  • It’s not too formal

What are the examiners looking out for?

To get the very best results, you need to know what the examiners are looking out for when they are marking your writing.

These are the four most important things to consider:

How to write an article - B2 First - What are the examiners looking for | Oxford House Barcelona

Ask yourself these questions when checking your work and make any necessary changes before the time is up!

Any other advice for writing an article?

Read, read, read. Go online and search for blogs in English that interest you. If you love sports, look at the sports news. If you prefer fashion, find fashion articles. Whatever it is read real examples for real inspiration!

If you’re still not confident about writing in English, or you want some help preparing for the B2 First exam, take a look at our exam courses .

You can also check out our articles on how to write an Essay or a Review in the Cambridge B2 First.

Glossary for Language Learners

Find the following words in the article and then write down any new ones you didn’t know.

Nightmare (n): : a bad dream.

Rhetorical question (n): a question that doesn’t need to be answered, for dramatic effect.

Time management (n): the way to use your time effectively.

Look up to somebody (pv) : to admire someone.

Humour (n): something amusing or funny.

To hook (v): to attract and captivate your attention.

To flow (v): to move steadily and constantly.

First-rate (adj): excellent, top quality, well made or done.

An exclamation mark (n): this punctuation symbol: !.

To tackle (v): dealing with a challenge or something difficult.

To put your feet up (exp): to rest and relax.

pv = phrasal verb

adj = adjective

exp = expression

Leave a Reply

Name (required)

Email (required)

A Black Friday Guide to Shopping in English

  • By: oxfordadmin
  • Posted on 26/11/2019

Telephone Interviews In English, Advice And Tips For Success

  • Posted on 19/12/2019

Related Post

questions to write an article

The Importance of English For

No matter where you live, you’ve probably experienced record-breaking temperatures and severe weather. You may have se... Read More

questions to write an article

Discovering Barcelona Through

We all know that Barcelona is a fantastic city to live in. You only need to spend the afternoon wandering around one of ... Read More

questions to write an article

8 New Words To Improve Your Vo

The arrival of a new year presents an ideal opportunity to work on your language goals. Whether you’re preparing for a... Read More

questions to write an article

Learning English through Chris

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! If you resisted the urge to sing that line instead of saying it, then, we... Read More

questions to write an article

24 Christmas Phrases for Joyfu

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to get ready for the festive period than by learning some typical Chr... Read More

questions to write an article

3 Easy Ways To Use Music To Im

Are you ready to embark on your latest journey towards mastering the English language? We all know that music is there f... Read More

questions to write an article

Grammar Guide – Understandin

Do you sometimes feel a bit lost when deciding which tense to use? Are you a little unsure of the differences between th... Read More

questions to write an article

Halloween Humour: Jokes, Puns

We all need a break from time to time. Sometimes we’re up to our eyeballs in projects at work, and we just need a mome... Read More

questions to write an article

English for Business: 7 Ways L

If you’re interested in getting a promotion at work, earning a higher salary or landing your dream job, then working o... Read More

questions to write an article

A Beginner’s Guide to Ch

Understanding the need for exams   An official exam is a fantastic way to demonstrate your English. Why? Firstly,... Read More

questions to write an article

English Tongue Twisters to Imp

One of the most fun ways to practise and improve your pronunciation is with tongue twisters. That’s because they’re ... Read More

questions to write an article

25 years of Oxford House – O

We all know that fantastic feeling we have after completing an academic year: nine months of English classes, often twic... Read More

questions to write an article

Guide to the Cambridge C2 Prof

Are you working towards the Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) exam? Have you been having sleepless nights thinking about wh... Read More

questions to write an article

9 Tips For Communicating With

When travelling to or living in an English-speaking country, getting to know the local people can greatly enhance your e... Read More

questions to write an article

Are you preparing for the Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) writing exam? If those pre-exam jitters have started to appear,... Read More

questions to write an article

English Vocabulary For Getting

Are you feeling bored of the way your hair looks? Perhaps it’s time for a new you. All you need to do is make an appoi... Read More

questions to write an article

5 Spelling Rules For Comparati

Messi or Ronaldo? Pizza or sushi? Going to the cinema or bingeing on a series at home? A beach holiday or a walking trip... Read More

questions to write an article

Are you preparing for the Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) writing exam? If so, you may be feeling a little nervous and co... Read More

questions to write an article

Improve your English pronuncia

What are some of the trickiest words to pronounce in English? Well, we’ve compiled a useful list of ten of the most di... Read More

questions to write an article

Using Language Reactor To Lear

If you love watching Netflix series and videos on YouTube to learn English, then you need to download the Language React... Read More

questions to write an article

Are you preparing for the Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) exam? Would you like to know some tips to help you feel more at... Read More

questions to write an article

How to use ChatGPT to practise

Are you on the lookout for an extra way to practise your English? Do you wish you had an expert available at 2 a.m. that... Read More

questions to write an article

Well done. You’ve been moving along your English language journey for some time now. You remember the days of telling ... Read More

questions to write an article

Tips for the IELTS listening s

Are you preparing for the IELTS exam and need some help with the listening section? If so, then you’ll know that the l... Read More

questions to write an article

7 new English words to improve

A new year is a perfect opportunity to focus on your language goals. Maybe you are working towards an official exam. Per... Read More

questions to write an article

How to Write a C1 Advanced Ema

Did you know that there are two parts to the C1 Advanced Writing exam? Part 1 is always a mandatory . Part 2 has ... Read More

questions to write an article

5 Interesting Christmas tradit

When you think of the word Christmas, what springs to mind? For most people, it will be words like home, family and trad... Read More

questions to write an article

How to write a C1 Advanced Rep

Are you preparing for the Cambridge C1 Advanced exam and need a hand with writing your report/proposal for Part 2 of the... Read More

questions to write an article

5 of the best apps to improve

Would you like to improve your English listening skills? With all the technology that we have at our fingertips nowadays... Read More

questions to write an article

Tips for the IELTS Reading sec

Looking for some tips to get a high band score in the IELTS Academic Reading exam? If so, then you’re in the right pla... Read More

questions to write an article

The 5 best Halloween movies to

Boo! Are you a fan of Halloween? It’s that scary time of year again when the creepy creatures come out to play, and th... Read More

questions to write an article

How to Write a Review for Camb

Are you planning to take the Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) exam? If so, you will need to complete two pieces of writin... Read More

questions to write an article

How To Use Relative Pronouns i

Today we’re taking a look at some English grammar that sometimes trips up language learners. In fact, we’ve just use... Read More

questions to write an article

How To Get Top Marks: Cambridg

So you’re taking the ? If so, you’ll know that you have four sections to prepare for: speaking, reading and use of E... Read More

questions to write an article

Travel Vocabulary To Get Your

Summer is here and we can’t wait to go on our summer holidays! If you’re thinking about travelling overseas this yea... Read More

questions to write an article

How To Get A High Score In The

So you’re preparing for the ! From wanting to live and work abroad to going to university in an English-speaking count... Read More

questions to write an article

10 English Idioms To Take To T

Is there anything better than cooling off in the sea on a hot summer’s day? Well, if you live in Barcelona you hav... Read More

questions to write an article

Tips for IELTS speaking sectio

Are you preparing for the IELTS test? If so, you’ll need to do the speaking section. While many people find speaking t... Read More

questions to write an article

How to use 6 different English

Just when you think English couldn’t get any more confusing, we introduce you to English pronouns! The reason why peop... Read More

questions to write an article

How to get top marks: B2 First

Congratulations – you’ve made it to the B2 First Reading and Use of English Part 7! Yet, before we get too excited, ... Read More

questions to write an article

5 Of The Best Apps For Improvi

Speaking is often thought to be the hardest skill to master when learning English. What’s more, there are hundreds of ... Read More

questions to write an article

Do you like putting together puzzles? If so, your problem solving skills can actually help you with B2 First Reading and... Read More

questions to write an article

8 Vocabulary Mistakes Spanish

If you ask a Spanish speaker what they find difficult about English language learning, they may mention false friends an... Read More

questions to write an article

How To Get Top Marks: B2 First

Picture this: You’re in your B2 First exam and you’ve finished the Use of English part. You can put it behind you fo... Read More

questions to write an article

12 Business Phrasal Verbs to K

Want to improve your English for professional reasons? You’re in the right place. When working in English, it’s comm... Read More

questions to write an article

How to use articles (a, an, th

Knowing what articles are and when to use them in English can be difficult for language learners to pick up. Especially ... Read More

questions to write an article

Are you preparing for ? Reading and Use of English Part 4 may not be your cup of tea – in fact most students feel quit... Read More

questions to write an article

Passing B2 First Part 3: Readi

Are you studying for the B2 First exam? You’re in the right place! In this series of blogs we want to show you al... Read More

questions to write an article

8 new English words you need f

New words spring up each year! They often come from popular culture, social and political issues, and innovations in tec... Read More

questions to write an article

7 of the Best Apps for Learnin

If you find yourself commuting often and spending a lot of time on the bus, you’ll most likely turn towards playing ga... Read More

questions to write an article

The B2 First is one of the most popular English exams for students of English. It is a recognised qualification that can... Read More

questions to write an article

4 Different Types Of Modal Ver

What are modal verbs? They are not quite the same as regular verbs such as play, walk and swim. Modal verbs are a type o... Read More

questions to write an article

So you’ve decided to take the ! Formerly known as FCE or the First Certificate, this is by far most popular exam. Whe... Read More

questions to write an article

Useful Expressions For Negotia

A lot of our global business is conducted in English. So, there’s a strong chance you may have to learn how to negotia... Read More

questions to write an article

Passing C1 Advanced Part 8: Re

If you’re wondering how to do Part 8 of the Reading and Use of English paper, you’re in the right place! After s... Read More

questions to write an article

The Difference Between IELTS G

You’ve probably heard of . It’s the world’s leading test for study, work and migration after all. And as the world... Read More

questions to write an article

Passing C1 Advanced Part 7: Re

Welcome to Part 7 of the Reading and Use of English paper. This task is a bit like a jigsaw puzzle. One where you have ... Read More

questions to write an article

The Benefits Of Learning Engli

Who said learning English was just for the young? You're never too old to learn something new. There are plenty of benef... Read More

questions to write an article

So, you’re preparing to take the . You’ve been studying for each of the four sections; reading, writing, speaking an... Read More

questions to write an article

6 Reels Accounts to Learn Engl

Are you looking for ways to learn English during the summer holidays? We’ve got you covered – Instagram Reels is a n... Read More

questions to write an article

Passing Cambridge C1 Advanced

Well done you! You’ve made it to Part 6 of the Reading and Use of English exam. Not long to go now – just three mor... Read More

questions to write an article

8 Resources To Help Beginner E

Learning a new language is hard, but fun. If you are learning English but need some help, our monthly course is what y... Read More

questions to write an article

5 Famous Speeches To Help you

Everyone likes listening to inspiring speeches. Gifted speakers have a way of making people want to listen and take acti... Read More

questions to write an article

How To Write A B2 First Formal

Dear reader… We sincerely hope you enjoyed our previous blog posts about the Writing section of the B2 First. As promi... Read More

questions to write an article

4 Conditionals In English And

Conditionals? Is that something you use after shampooing your hair? Not quite. You may have heard your English teacher t... Read More

questions to write an article

After racing through the first four parts of the Cambridge English Reading and Use of English paper, you’ve managed t... Read More

questions to write an article

7 Of The Best Apps For Learnin

There are roughly 170,000 words in use in the English language. Thankfully, most native English speakers only have a voc... Read More

questions to write an article

How to write a B2 First inform

You're probably very familiar with sending emails (and sometimes letters) in your first language. But how about in Engli... Read More

questions to write an article

How can I teach my kids Englis

Keep kids’ minds sharp over the Easter holidays with some entertaining, educational activities in English. There are l... Read More

questions to write an article

How Roxana went from Beginner

Roxana Milanes is twenty five and from Cuba. She began English classes back in May 2019 at Oxford House, and since then ... Read More

questions to write an article

4 Future Tenses In English And

“Your future is whatever you make it, so make it a good one.” - Doc Brown, Back to the future. Just like the and... Read More

questions to write an article

10 Business Idioms For The Wor

Business idioms are used throughout the workplace. In meetings, conversations and even whilst making at the coffee mac... Read More

questions to write an article

5 Tips For Reading The News In

We spend hours consuming the news. With one click of a button we have access to thousands of news stories all on our pho... Read More

questions to write an article

How To Write a Report: Cambrid

Imagine the scene. It’s exam day. You’re nearly at the end of your . You’ve just finished writing Part 1 - , and n... Read More

questions to write an article

8 English Words You Need For 2

Back in December 2019, we sat down and attempted to make a list of . No one could have predicted the year that was about... Read More

questions to write an article

5 Christmas Movies On Netflix

Christmas movies are one of the best things about the holiday season. They’re fun, they get you in the mood for the ho... Read More

questions to write an article

MigraCode: An Inspiring New Pa

Oxford House are extremely proud to announce our partnership with MigraCode - a Barcelona-based charity which trains ref... Read More

questions to write an article

The Ultimate Guide To Video Co

The age of telecommunication is well and truly here. Most of our business meetings now take place via video conferencing... Read More

questions to write an article

6 Pronunciation Mistakes Spani

One of the biggest challenges for Spanish speakers when learning English is pronunciation. Often it’s a struggle to pr... Read More

questions to write an article

6 Ways You Can Learn English w

“Alexa, what exactly are you?” Alexa is a virtual AI assistant owned by Amazon. She is voice-activated - like Sir... Read More

questions to write an article

Passing Cambridge C1 Advanced:

Okay, take a deep breath. We’re about to enter the danger zone of the Cambridge exam - Reading and Use of English Par... Read More

questions to write an article

What’s new at Oxford House f

Welcome to the new school year! It’s great to have you back. We’d like to remind you that , and classes are all st... Read More

questions to write an article

European Languages Day: Where

The 26th of September is . It’s a day to celebrate Europe’s rich linguistic diversity and show the importance of lan... Read More

questions to write an article

Back To School: 9 Tips For Lan

It’s the start of a new academic term and new courses are about to begin. This is the perfect opportunity to set your ... Read More

questions to write an article

How to Maximise Your Online Co

If there’s one good thing to come out of this year, it’s that learning a language has never been so easy or accessib... Read More

questions to write an article

How To Learn English With TikT

Are you bored of Facebook? Tired of Instagram? Don’t feel part of the Twitter generation? Perhaps what you’re lookin... Read More

questions to write an article

A Brief Guide To Different Bri

It’s a fact! The UK is obsessed with the way people talk. And with , it’s no surprise why. That’s right, accents a... Read More

questions to write an article

Study English This Summer At O

Summer is here! And more than ever, we’re in need of a bit of sunshine. But with travel restrictions still in place, m... Read More

questions to write an article

5 Reasons To Learn English Out

As Barcelona and the rest of Spain enters the ‘new normality’, it’s time to plan ahead for the summer. Kids and te... Read More

questions to write an article

5 Free Online Resources For Ca

Are you preparing for a Cambridge English qualification? Have you devoured all of your past papers and need some extra e... Read More

questions to write an article

6 Different Uses Of The Word �

The word ‘get’ is one of the most common and versatile verbs in English. It can be used in lots of different ways, a... Read More

questions to write an article

What Are The 4 Present Tenses

There are three main verb tenses in English - , the present and the future - which each have various forms and uses. Tod... Read More

questions to write an article

5 Of The Best Netflix Series T

On average, Netflix subscribers spend streaming their favourite content. With so many binge-worthy series out there, it... Read More

questions to write an article

Continue Studying Online At Ox

Due to the ongoing emergency lockdown measures imposed by the Spanish Government . We don’t know when we will be a... Read More

questions to write an article

Five Ways To celebrate Sant Jo

The feast of Sant Jordi is one of Barcelona’s most popular and enduring celebrations. Sant Jordi is the patron saint o... Read More

questions to write an article

What’s It Like To Study Onli

Educational institutions all over the world have shut their doors. From nurseries to universities, business schools to l... Read More

questions to write an article

6 Benefits of Learning English

Whatever your new year’s resolution was this year, it probably didn’t involve staying at home all day. For many of u... Read More

questions to write an article

9 Tips For Studying A Language

With the recent outbreak of Covid-19, many of us may have to gather our books and study from home. Schools are clos... Read More

questions to write an article

10 Ways To Learn English At Ho

Being stuck inside can make you feel like you’re going crazy. But why not use this time to your advantage, and work on... Read More

questions to write an article

Important Information –

Dear students, Due to the recent emergency measures from the Government concerning COVID-19, Oxford House premises wi... Read More

questions to write an article

7 Books You Should Read To Imp

Reading is one of the best ways to practice English. It’s fun, relaxing and helps you improve your comprehension skill... Read More

questions to write an article

Your Guide To Moving To The US

So that’s it! It’s decided, you’re moving to the USA. It’s time to hike the soaring mountains, listen to country... Read More

questions to write an article

How to write a C1 Advanced Ess

The is an excellent qualification to aim for if you’re thinking of studying or working abroad. It’s recognised by u... Read More

questions to write an article

Small Talk For Business Englis

Like it or not, small talk is an important part of business. Whether it’s in a lift, at a conference, in a meeting roo... Read More

questions to write an article

English Vocabulary For Going O

It’s time for that famous celebration of love and romance - Valentine’s Day! It is inspired by the sad story of Sain... Read More

questions to write an article

IELTS: Writing Part 2 –

When it comes to exams, preparation is the key to success - and the IELTS Writing Paper Part 2 is no exception! It is wo... Read More

questions to write an article

5 Unmissable Events at Oxford

At Oxford House, we know learning a language extends beyond the classroom. It’s important to practise your skills in m... Read More

questions to write an article

Am I ready for the C1 Advanced

Congratulations! You’ve passed your Cambridge B2 First exam. It was a hard road but you did it. Now what’s next? Som... Read More

questions to write an article

Everything You Need To Know Ab

Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle. When you see its lush green landscape and breathtaking views, it’s easy to see w... Read More

questions to write an article

How SMART Goals Can Help You I

New year, new you. As one year ends and another begins, many of us like to set ourselves goals in order to make our live... Read More

questions to write an article

15 New English Words You Need

Each year new words enter the English language. Some are added to dictionaries like . Others are old words that are give... Read More

questions to write an article

Our Year In Review: Top 10 Blo

2019 went by in a flash - and what a year it’s been! We’re just as excited to be looking back on the past 12 months ... Read More

questions to write an article

Telephone Interviews In Englis

Telephone interviews in English can seem scary. Employers often use them to filter-out candidates before the face-to-fa... Read More

questions to write an article

A Black Friday Guide to Shoppi

Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving. Traditionally, it signals the start of the Christmas shopping period. Expect... Read More

questions to write an article

Passing C1 Advanced: Part 3 Re

The (CAE) is a high-level qualification, designed to show that candidates are confident and flexible language users who... Read More

questions to write an article

AI Translators: The Future Of

Many people believe that artificial intelligence (AI) translators are surpassing human translators in their ability to a... Read More

questions to write an article

8 Of The Best Apps For Learnin

Apps are a great tool for learning English. They are quick, easy to access and fun. It’s almost like having a mini cla... Read More

questions to write an article

6 Ways To Improve Your Speakin

There are four linguistic skills that you utilise when learning a new language: reading, writing speaking and listening.... Read More

questions to write an article

Passing Cambridge C2 Proficien

So, you’ve moved onto Part 3, and after completing Part 2 it’s probably a welcome relief to be given some help with ... Read More

questions to write an article

8 Resources To Build Your Busi

Whether it’s in meetings, telephone conversations or networking events, you’ll find specific vocabulary and buzzword... Read More

questions to write an article

5 Ways to Become a Better Lear

It’s time for some back-to-school motivation. The new school year is about to start and everyone is feeling refreshed ... Read More

questions to write an article

Our 10 Favourite YouTubers To

Haven’t you heard? Nobody is watching the TV anymore - 2019 is the year of the YouTuber! If you’re an English langu... Read More

questions to write an article

So, you’ve completed the of your Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE). Now it’s time to sit back and enjoy the rest of the e... Read More

questions to write an article

The Secret French Words Hidden

“The problem with the French is that they have no word for entrepreneur.” This phrase was attributed to George W. B... Read More

questions to write an article

The Ultimate Guide To Gràcia

The Gràcia Festival, or , is an annual celebration taking place in the lovely, bohemian neighbourhood of Gràcia in upt... Read More

questions to write an article

5 Things To Do In Barcelona In

Barcelona residents will often tell you than nothing happens in August. It’s too hot and everyone escapes to little vi... Read More

questions to write an article

4 Past Tenses and When to Use

Do you have difficulty with the past tenses in English? Do you know the difference between the past simple and past perf... Read More

questions to write an article

How To Write A Review: Cambrid

Students who are taking their B2 First Certificate exam (FCE) will be asked to do two pieces of writing within an 80 min... Read More

questions to write an article

8 Hidden Benefits of Being Bil

Unless you were raised to be bilingual, speaking two languages can require years of study and hard work. Even once you�... Read More

questions to write an article

7 Films to Practise Your Engli

What’s better than watching a fantastic, original-language movie in a theatre? Watching a fantastic, original-language... Read More

questions to write an article

The 10 Best Instagram Accounts

Ever wonder how much time you spend on your phone a day? According to the latest studies, the average person spends on ... Read More

questions to write an article

Challenge Yourself This Summer

Here comes the sun! That’s right, summer is on its way and, for many, that means a chance to take a well-deserved brea... Read More

questions to write an article

You’ve done the hard part and finally registered for your , congratulations! Now all you need to do is pass it! H... Read More

questions to write an article

These 5 Soft Skills Will Boost

Everyone is talking about soft skills. They are the personal traits that allow you to be mentally elastic, to adapt to n... Read More

questions to write an article

Which English Exam Is Right Fo

Are you struggling to decide which English language exam to take? You’re not alone: with so many different options on ... Read More

questions to write an article

Passing C2 Proficiency: A Guid

We’re sure you’ve done a great job answering the questions for of your . But now you’re faced with a completely d... Read More

questions to write an article

Sant Jordi – Dragons, Bo

Imagine you have woken up in Barcelona for the first time in your life. You walk outside and you notice something unusua... Read More

questions to write an article

5 Ways To Improve Your Listeni

Have you ever put on an English radio station or podcast and gone to sleep, hoping that when you wake up in the morning ... Read More

questions to write an article

The Simple Guide To Communicat

What’s the most challenging thing about going on holiday in an English speaking country? Twenty years ago you might ha... Read More

questions to write an article

Stop Making These 7 Grammar Mi

No matter how long you've been learning a language, you're likely to make a mistake every once in a while. The big ones ... Read More

questions to write an article

How To Pass Your First Job Int

Passing a job interview in a language that’s not your mother tongue is always a challenge – but however daunting i... Read More

questions to write an article

5 Ways To Practise Your Speaki

“How many languages do you speak?” This is what we ask when we want to know about someone’s language skills... Read More

questions to write an article

You have survived the Use of English section of your , but now you are faced with a long text full of strange language, ... Read More

questions to write an article

Improve Your English Accent Wi

Turn on a radio anywhere in the world and it won’t take long before you’re listening to an English song. And, if you... Read More

questions to write an article

10 English Expressions To Fall

It’s nearly Valentine’s day and love is in the air at Oxford House. We’ll soon be surrounded by heart-shaped ballo... Read More

questions to write an article

7 Graded Readers To Help You P

Graded readers are adaptations of famous stories, or original books aimed at language learners. They are written to help... Read More

questions to write an article

6 Tools To Take Your Writing T

Written language is as important today as it has ever been. Whether you want to prepare for an , to respond to or it’... Read More

questions to write an article

EF Report: Do Spanish Schools

The new year is here and many of us will be making promises about improving our language skills in 2019. However, how ma... Read More

questions to write an article

Our 10 Most Popular Blog Posts

It’s been a whirlwind 2018. We’ve made so many amazing memories - from our twentieth-anniversary party to some enter... Read More

questions to write an article

Time For A Career Change? Here

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to get a job in an international company? Perhaps you’ve thought about tr... Read More

questions to write an article

Eaquals Accreditation: A Big S

We are delighted to be going through the final stages of our accreditation, which will help us provide the best languag... Read More

questions to write an article

A Guide To The Cambridge Engli

Making the decision to do a Cambridge English language qualification can be intimidating. Whether you’re taking it bec... Read More

questions to write an article

8 Top Tips To Get The Most Out

A language exchange (or Intercambio in Spanish) is an excellent way to practise English outside of the classroom. The a... Read More

questions to write an article

The Haunted History And Terrib

The nights are drawing in and the leaves are falling from the trees. As our minds turn to the cold and frosty winter nig... Read More

questions to write an article

Why Oxford House Is More Than

If you’re a student at , you’ll know it is far more than just a language academy. It’s a place to socialise, make ... Read More

questions to write an article

10 Crazy Things You Probably D

From funny bananas, super long words and excitable foxes, our latest infographic explores 10 intriguing facts about the ... Read More

questions to write an article

Meet our Director of Studies &

If you’ve been studying at Oxford House for a while there’s a good chance that you’ll recognise Judy - with her bi... Read More

questions to write an article

Which English Course Is Right

The new school year is about to begin and many of you are probably thinking that it’s about time to take the plunge an... Read More

questions to write an article

5 Ways To Get Over The Holiday

We head off on vacation full of excitement and joy. It’s a time to explore somewhere new, relax and spend time with ou... Read More

questions to write an article

10 Essential Aussie Expression

Learning English is difficult! With its irregular verbs, tricky pronunciation and even harder spelling, lots of students... Read More

questions to write an article

5 Great Apps To Give Your Engl

The next time you’re walking down the street, in a waiting room, or on public transport in Barcelona take a look aroun... Read More

questions to write an article

Here’s Why You Should Move T

Many students have aspirations to move abroad. This might be for a number of reasons such as to find a new job, to impro... Read More

questions to write an article

Improving Your Pronunciation W

What do English, Maori, Vietnamese and Zulu have in common? Along with another , they all use the . If your first la... Read More

questions to write an article

How To Improve Your English Us

Netflix has changed the way we spend our free time. We don’t have to wait a week for a new episode of our favourite TV... Read More

questions to write an article

Oxford House Community: Meet O

The year has flown by and we are already into the second week of our summer intensive courses. Today we look back at th... Read More

questions to write an article

6 Amazing Events to Make It an

Things are hotting up in Barcelona. There’s so much to see and do during the summer months that it’s hard to know wh... Read More

questions to write an article

How to Improve Your English Ov

The long summer holiday is almost here and we’ve got some top tips on how you can keep up your English over the summer... Read More

questions to write an article

World Cup Vocabulary: Let’s

Football, football, football: the whole world is going crazy for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar! The beautiful game i... Read More

questions to write an article

The 10 Characteristics Of A �

Learning a second language has a lot in common with learning to play an instrument or sport. They all require frequent p... Read More

questions to write an article

Catch Your Child’s Imaginati

Imagine, for a moment, taking a cooking class in a language you didn’t know - it could be Japanese, Greek, Russian. It... Read More

questions to write an article

Exam Day Tips: The Written Pap

Exams are nerve-wracking. Between going to class, studying at home and worrying about the results, it’s easy to forget... Read More

questions to write an article

10 Reasons to Study English at

Learning a second language, for many people, is one of the best decisions they ever make. Travel, work, culture, educati... Read More

questions to write an article

Shadowing: A New Way to Improv

Speech shadowing is an advanced language learning technique. The idea is simple: you listen to someone speaking and you ... Read More

questions to write an article

The Best Websites to Help Your

Our children learn English at school from a young age - with some even starting basic language classes from as early as ... Read More

questions to write an article

15 Useful English Expressions

When was the last time you painted the town red or saw a flying pig? We wouldn’t be surprised if you are scratchin... Read More

questions to write an article

Help Your Teens Practise Engli

Teenagers today are definitely part of the smartphone generation and many parents are concerned about the amount of time... Read More

questions to write an article

IELTS: Writing Part 1 –

Are you taking an IELTS exam soon? Feeling nervous about the writing paper? Read this article for some top tips and usef... Read More

questions to write an article

Business skills: How to delive

Love them or hate them, at some point we all have to give a business presentation. Occasionally we have to deliver them ... Read More

questions to write an article

10 phrasal verbs to help you b

A lot of students think English is easy to learn - that is until they encounter phrasal verbs! We are sure you have hear... Read More

questions to write an article

6 Unbelievably British Easter

Have you heard of these fascinating British Easter traditions? Great Britain is an ancient island, full of superstition... Read More

questions to write an article

Guide to getting top marks in

Your is coming to an end and exam day is fast approaching. It’s about time to make sure you are prepared for what man... Read More

questions to write an article

4 Ways English Words are Born

Have you ever wondered where English words come from? There are a whopping 171,476 words in the . From aardvark to zyzz... Read More

questions to write an article

Writing an effective essay: Ca

Students take language certifications like the Cambridge B2 First qualification for lots of different reasons. You might... Read More

questions to write an article

5 Powerful Tools to Perfect Yo

Foreign accent and understanding When you meet someone new, what’s the first thing you notice? Is it how they look?... Read More

questions to write an article

Essential Ski Vocabulary [Info

Are you a ski-fanatic that spends all week dreaming about white-capped peaks, fluffy snow and hearty mountain food? ... Read More

questions to write an article

5 Tips to Get the Best Out of

Quizlet, Duolingo, Busuu...there are lots of apps on the market nowadays to help you learn and improve your English. But... Read More

questions to write an article

10 False Friends in English an

Is English really that difficult? English is a Germanic language, which means it has lots of similarities with Germa... Read More

questions to write an article

How to Improve your English wi

If you’ve been studying English for a long time, you’ve probably tried lots of different ways of learning the langua... Read More

questions to write an article

Myths and Mysteries of the Eng

Learning another language as an adult can be frustrating. We’re problem-solvers. We look for patterns in language and ... Read More

questions to write an article

10 Ways to Improve your Englis

Every year is the same. We promise ourselves to eat more healthily, exercise more and save money. It all seems very easy... Read More

questions to write an article

10 English words you need for

Languages are constantly on the move and English is no exception! As technology, culture and politics evolve, we’re fa... Read More

questions to write an article

Catalan Christmas Vs British C

All countries are proud of their quirky traditions and this is no more evident than . In South Africa they eat deep-fri... Read More

questions to write an article

9 Ideas To Kickstart Your Read

You’ve heard about the four skills: reading, writing, and . Some might be more important to you than others. Although... Read More

questions to write an article

How to Write the Perfect Busin

Business is all about communication. Whether it’s colleagues, clients or suppliers, we spend a big chunk of our workin... Read More

questions to write an article

10 Phrasal Verbs You Should Le

Why are phrasal verbs so frustrating? It’s like they’ve been sent from the devil to destroy the morale of English la... Read More

questions to write an article

How to Ace the Cambridge Speak

Exams are terrifying! The big day is here and after all that studying and hard work, it’s finally time to show what y... Read More

questions to write an article

7 Podcasts To Improve Your Lis

Speaking in a foreign language is hard work. Language learners have to think about pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary... Read More

questions to write an article

IELTS: Your Ticket to the Worl

Have you ever thought about dropping everything to go travelling around the world? Today, more and more people are quit... Read More

questions to write an article

6 Language Hacks to Learn Engl

It’s October and you’ve just signed up for an English course. Maybe you want to pass an official exam. Maybe you nee... Read More

questions to write an article

5 Reasons to Learn English in

Learning English is more fun when you do it in a fantastic location like Barcelona. Find out why we think this is the pe... Read More

questions to write an article

FAQ Cambridge courses and Exam

  Is it better to do the paper-based or the computer-based exam? We recommend the computer-based exam to our stud... Read More

questions to write an article

Cambridge English Exams or IEL

What exactly is the difference between an IELTS exam and a Cambridge English exam such as the First (FCE) or Advanced (C... Read More

Oxford House Language School C/Diputació 279, Bajos (entre Pau Claris y Passeig de Gràcia). 08007 - Barcelona (Eixample) Tel: 93 174 00 62 | Fax: 93 488 14 05 [email protected]

Oxford TEFL SL C.I.F.: B61740551

Inscrita en el R.M. de Barcelona: Tomo 30959, Folio 0037, Hoja B182188, Inscripción 2ª Oxford TEFL Barcelona Oxford House Prague

questions to write an article

  • Remember Me

Privacy Overview

questions to write an article

Weaving Influence

12 questions to ask yourself before/during/after you write an article

by Guest Author | Aug 22, 2011 | Social Media | 7 comments

questions to write an article

The next time you’re going to write an article, take 12 minutes (or maybe a little more) and go through these questions:

1) Why are you writing this article?

  • Is it to instruct people on a new way of doing business or of using your product or service?
  • To increase the value of your site’s archives?
  • To sell something?
  • To give your clients some new information?
  • To increase awareness of something or someone?
  • To be seen as more of an expert in your field?
  • Because you feel you have to do write an article this week (bad reason: Read If it’s not fun, why are you doing it? for why this is a bad idea).

Think about the reason why, as if it’s a compelling one, the article will be much more interesting than if you’re just writing to write.

2) Who are you writing the article for?

  • Yourself – – sometimes you need to write out what’s in your head to clarify something you’ve been thinking about. Sometimes you think you need to rant about something. Be VERY careful when writing these posts.
  • Your customers
  • Your prospects

Every audience has very different needs. When you’re writing an article, keep the needs of WHO the article is written for  in mind throughout the article so you can write for what THEY need, not what YOU need.

Watch out writing for your peers, as they likely will NEVER do business with you, though getting their approval and/or feedback may be good for your business.

Or maybe not.

3) What specific action are you hoping the audience does as a result of your post?

Think about the specific action you want people to take.

  • Clicking a link?
  • Entering a contest?
  • Emailing you?
  • Calling you?
  • Being better educated about something so they are one step closer to making a buying decision?

Is this clear from your post?

Say exactly what you want folks to do as a result of the article.

Is it dead easy to do this from your post? You’d be surprised the number of times the call to action is impossible to actually do from where the action is requested.

4) Where can you share the article to get it maximum exposure?

Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Google+ are no brainers. But where else could you share the article?

What about:

  • StumbleUpon
  • Delicious or other social bookmarking sites
  • An industry forum
  • In your email signature

Think of where your audience hangs out and would benefit from reading this particular post, and share the link there.

5) Who in your close network could benefit most from this post?

If you have someone you know could benefit, send them a quick note and let them know you were thinking of them, and include a link to your article.

6) What existing articles on your site could you link to inside the article to give it more depth?

Think about where you could add more value by sharing a link inside the article to additional resources, thus driving up your visitors time on site, and helping them get even deeper into your article.

7) How easy is your article to read? Does it have short paragraphs and is it free from buzz words?

8) How long will it take to read your article (read it out loud if you’re not sure)?

9) Is there an image that could go with your article to make it even more impactful?

If you can find an impactful image, include it and you’ll drive the point home even more.

10) Is there a way to turn it into a list?

If so, make it a list. People love lists, even if you have to expand on some points.

11) What overused words could be removed to make the article even more powerful?

I frequently remove the word “that” from my articles because I’m apt to overuse it and it doesn’t add much, if any, value to my article. Look at the words you use and change or remove any that are overused or that don’t add value.

12) Are there any questions you can ask to help your readers add value to your article? If so, ask them.

What are the questions you ask yourself before writing a post? Leave a comment below so we can all learn from your experiences.

How many of the above tips did you find in THIS article?

Tommy Johnson

Thanks for the tips Phil. This will be a tremendous help in points to focus on.

Being in a niche market like I am I know exactly who my articles are written for. My readers want to know my honest opinions and how they relate to my business.

By simply explaining how I made it work they can take those products or techniques and successfully apply them to their own business.

Phil Gerbyshak

You’re VERY welcome Tommy. Glad to share. Hope it helps!

Jen Welton

Great list, Phil! Having this handy will take away those impromptu posts that have no meaning or depth (not that I can do that in my sleep or anything…).

You’re welcome Jen.

I can’t do those mindless posts either. Never 🙂

Elizabeth @ DogFurandDandelions

Great list. This one’s getting bookmarked!

Becky Robinson

Elizabeth — Could this comment be from before I knew you personally? 🙂

Kelly

I have been asked to write an article for a small magazine. The articles would only be a few paragraphs each. I am a recovering alcoholic and my articles will be based on my journey, including all aspects during my active addition through how I came to overcome my addiction. I was thinking of writing this in a way that captures my audience in such that a way they want to pick up the next magazine to read more (isn’t what it’s supposed to do). Or I could simply pick a topic/struggle that most addicts (no matter what choice of addiction, maybe to reach an even greater audience) struggle with. What would be your suggestions in this matter?

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

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

  • Link to facebook
  • Link to linkedin
  • Link to twitter
  • Link to youtube
  • Writing Tips

How to Write Up an Interview-Based Article

How to Write Up an Interview-Based Article

  • 5-minute read
  • 26th May 2021

You’ve interviewed someone and had it transcribed. But what happens next? How do you turn a raw interview transcript into an article people will want to read? There are five key steps to writing up an interview-based article:

  • Review the transcript and plan what you want to include.
  • Decide how you’re going to structure your article.
  • Write up the interview, editing for clarity and concision as appropriate.
  • Consider whether reorganizing parts of the interview will help it make sense.
  • Proofread your finished interview article to ensure it is error free.

For more on how to write up an interview-based article, read on below.

1. Review the Transcript

A transcript is a written, word-for-word copy of what was said in an interview. This provides the starting point for any interview-based article. Before you start writing, then, you will want to review your transcript. This will help you identify:

  • What to include and what to leave out when you write up the interview.
  • Key details or recurring themes that you want to highlight in your article.
  • Any details that need checking with your subject before publication.

It is a good idea to listen to the recorded interview again, too. Hearing the interviewee’s voice will help you capture the tone of their responses. If you haven’t yet transcribed your interview, you can use an audio-to-text transcription tool .

2. Decide How to Structure Your Article

There are two common ways of structuring an interview-based article. One is a literal question-and-answer format, where each question is presented in turn, with the subject’s answers following. For example:

What made you approach writing you latest book in this way? I wanted to play with narrative forms and decided to experiment. To be honest, I was still prepared to scrap the whole idea and start again, though!

Alternatively, you can use a narrative form. This is where you describe what happened during the interview, using quotes to relay what the subject said, but giving extra detail about what they do, the surroundings, and even your own thoughts and feelings as the interviewer (if appropriate):

Taylor shrugs when asked about the writing style of her next, saying she “wanted to play with narrative forms and decided to experiment,” though she “was still prepared to scrap the whole idea and start again” if she had to.

You can even use a hybrid of the two, framing a question-and-answer piece with narrative sections or your own thoughts at the beginning and end.

3. Edit for Clarity and Concision

When we speak, we often use more words than necessary. Sentences become garbled. We use all sorts of linguistic fillers and crutch words . Sometimes we lose confidence in what we say and trail off. And none of this makes for a great read!

As a result, most interview-based articles will be edited for clarity and concision. This might involve making changes along the following lines, for instance:

Original So, um, I was going to start writing…when I started writing the book, I just knuckled down and worked really hard for two months, basically.

Find this useful?

Subscribe to our newsletter and get writing tips from our editors straight to your inbox.

Edited When I started writing the book, I worked really hard for two months.

The second version is much clearer and easier to read, picking out the key parts of the original to communicate the same thought more effectively.

It’s important to be careful when editing a transcript, though. You won’t want to accidentally twist the subject’s words or misrepresent them, so keep changes minimal where possible and make sure to preserve the meaning of the original.

If you need to rephrase something more thoroughly for clarity, moreover, you may want to check that the interviewee is okay with any changes you’ve made.

Always check your style guide or publisher’s instructions, too, as some are quite restrictive regarding the changes you can make. AP style , for example, suggests only making very minor changes to quotations (e.g., cutting out “umms” and “aahs”).

4. Consider Reorganizing Parts of the Transcript

Interviews can go in unexpected directions. The interviewee might go off on tangents. Or the same topic might come up at different points. To make sure your interview article reads smoothly, then, you might need to reorganize slightly.

For example, perhaps your subject speaks about their early years at the start of an interview, but slips in an extra childhood anecdote later on in a context where it doesn’t fit. Or perhaps you are thinking of cutting part of a response but want to keep an insightful statement that would work elsewhere in the article.

In these cases, it is often fine to move things around as long as the change of context doesn’t misrepresent what your subject has said. However, this is another case where you may need to get the interviewee’s approval for any changes.

5. Proofread Your Interview Article

Whether you are publishing an article yourself or submitting it for publication, always proofread your finished interview to make sure it is clear and error free. You should also check you haven’t changed the meaning of anything your subject said.

You could even use a proofreading service at this stage. Our expert editors are always available, so learn more about our article proofreading service and our transcript proofreading service today.

Share this article:

' src=

Post A New Comment

Got content that needs a quick turnaround? Let us polish your work. Explore our editorial business services.

3-minute read

How to Come Up With Newsletter Ideas

If used strategically, email can have a substantial impact on your business. In fact, according...

4-minute read

Free Online Peer Review Template

Having your writing peer-reviewed is a valuable process that can showcase the strengths and weaknesses...

How to Embed a Video in PowerPoint

Including a video in your PowerPoint presentation can make it more exciting and engaging. And...

What Is a Patent?

A patent is a form of intellectual property that restricts who can copy your invention....

How to Add Speaker Notes in PowerPoint

Adding speaker notes to your PowerPoint allows you to present with confidence while avoiding information...

How to Download a PowerPoint Presentation

PowerPoint is Microsoft’s presentation software. It’s frequently used by families, students, and businesses to create...

Logo Harvard University

Make sure your writing is the best it can be with our expert English proofreading and editing.

How to Write Discussion Questions That Actually Spark Discussions

Person who is having a conversation with someone else is making hand gestures behind a computer and a notebook.

🎁 In addition to this blog post, we have created a whole free course on this topic. The course includes new material, actual discussions between real learners, knowledge checks, a certification, and access to an exclusive community of people working in education. Check out the course here .

Running an online discussion board is a very different challenge from having a classroom discussion. In-person instructors can ask discussion questions on the fly, rephrase themselves for clarity, and direct the flow of a conversation with follow-ups. Online, you only have one shot to ask a discussion question that catches students’ interest and compels them to speak up. The stakes are higher than you think. Sad, empty discussion boards, just like a reliance on dry online lectures, lead to disengaged students and lackluster online experiences .

On the flip side, active discussion boards can elevate an online class from okay to extraordinary. Studies show that participating in classroom discussions reinforces knowledge retention through active learning and strengthens students’ critical-thinking skills.

If you can get a real discussion going between students, then you can reap the benefits of community and collaborative learning , even if your class never meets face-to-face. To do this, you will have to look beyond the dry writing prompts and uninspired reading-comprehension questions that so often sink a conversation before it begins. You’ll have to craft questions that inspire students to actually engage and interact with each other in a lively discussion.

Here’s how.

Promote Divergent Thinking

Divergent thinking, the ability to consider many possible solutions instead of just one, is the key to a lively discussion board. While it’s important to assess students’ comprehension of the course materials, creating questions with a single right answer shuts down discussion before it starts. Consider Bloom’s Taxonomy of knowledge, which illustrates different levels of learning and understanding. The bottom of the pyramid represents the most basic levels of learning, where thinkers converge on one correct answer. The top of the pyramid, the higher level of learning, is where learners’ diverge to create their own unique answers.

questions to write an article

Avoid questions that utilize only the bottom three layers of the pyramid: remember (fact recall), understand (explain concepts), and apply (use information to solve or interpret). These techniques are great for tests or essay assignments, but they won’t create debate, conversation, or original thought. Great discussion questions do more than just test comprehension: They turn students from passive receptors of knowledge into active participants in their education. To push students into exercising higher-level thinking, write discussion questions that pull from the top of the pyramid:

  • Analyze: Ask students to examine, classify, or question course materials to draw their own conclusions.
  • Evaluate: Ask students to form an opinion and defend it; critique or appraise course materials.
  • Create: Ask students to use what they’ve learned to construct something new.

Avoid closed-ended questions, such as those that ask students to list characteristics, define terms, explain concepts, or recall facts. Once the correct answer has been given, there isn’t much more to say, so the discussion fizzles out. Instead, create open-ended questions that don’t have a right or wrong answer. That way, each student can give their own unique perspective as they respond to and build on their classmates’ answers.

Have Learners Share What They Already Know

Discussion questions don't just have to focus on the creation or analysis of new information. Discussion questions that ask learners to share what they already know about a new idea, problem, or related concept, can be an equally impactful way to get the conversation flowing.

Discussion questions focused on uncovering what learners already know have several solid advantages:

  • Position learners as active participants in knowledge creation and sharing, rather than passive receptacles waiting to be taught new information
  • Reduce barriers to participation in the discussion; you don't have to come up with an innovative idea to have something worth sharing
  • Give instructors an insight into existing knowledge, so we can tailor upcoming exercises accordingly

These kind of discussion questions work best when framed similar to a think-pair-share exercise, according to the Designing for Learning blog . Ask learners to share "what they think and where, when, or how they might have heard about a concept, person, idea or related event".

For example, questions that ask learners to share prior knowledge might be framed as:

  • "What do you already know about this topic? What do you want to know?"
  • "Agree or disagree with the following statement, and explain why your prior knowledge justifies your opinion"

These kind of questions work best at the beginning of a new module or topic.

Encourage Analysis

Tap into students’ higher reasoning skills by posing questions that require them to critically think about course materials to draw their own conclusions. Instead of just regurgitating information, students will have to first apply what they’ve learned to the problem and then make connections by questioning, comparing, and organizing their ideas. To create analytical discussion questions, root your query in the required readings and lectures. Be careful not to slide into questions with a single right or wrong answer; instead, give students room to interpret and evaluate facts as they craft an argument. This will also create space for discussion as students compare their conclusions. Here are some examples of discussion questions that encourage analytical thinking: Ask students to critique an author’s argument: Are the theories that Darwin presented in 'On the Origin of Species' anti-religion? Ask students to compare two theories: Jean-Jacques Rousseau believed that human beings are inherently good. Thomas Hobbes disagreed, calling the human condition “nasty, brutish, and short.” Do you believe that humans are inherently good? Why or why not? Use causal reasoning : Based on the materials we’ve studied this semester, what do you believe is responsible for global warming? Ask questions that promote metacognition : How has your thinking about early childhood psychology changed since you began this course? ‍

Help All Learners Engage

Low engagement is not the only reason for empty discussion boards in online courses. In some cases, learners are eager to participate but don't feel comfortable doing so.

It's not hard to see why. The internet isn't always the kindest place, and sharing new ideas or opinions can make people vulnerable to a Twitter-style pile-on. As instructors we need to find ways to help the less confident share their thoughts.

The way we phrase our discussion questions and prompts can help achieve that aim:

Set Ground Rules Up Front

At the start of your discussion exercise, or at the top of the discussion board, make the rules of engagement clear. You may want to ask participants to avoid 'personalizing' an issue, or state what kind of language is unacceptable.

Use Unbiased Language in Your Questions

Gender neutral language ('salesperson' rather than 'salesman') and inclusive pronouns ('they/them') might help some people feel more welcome in the discussion. Remove any gender-specific or race-specific phrases in your discussion questions to make sure no one feels like they're not qualified to join the discussion.

Leverage Smaller Discussion Groups

Regardless of how confident your learners are, sometimes discussion boards just get too unruly to engage with. To avoid a situation in which the discussion becomes confused, try breaking your learners into smaller discussion groups and asking them to answer questions that way. Eduflow's discussion activity , for example, allows you to separate learners into smaller groups to create a safer learning environment.

Ask for Opinions

If the internet has taught us anything, it’s that everyone has opinions, and people love sharing them. Tap into this almost primal instinct by getting students talking not just about what they know but also about what they believe. Asking for opinions forces students to employ higher-level evaluation skills to justify their arguments. These questions require students to evaluate materials, create arguments, and defend those stances with facts and theories. To create questions that require students to take a stance: Ask them to compare two things: Who was the more influential Victorian poet, Tennyson or Hardy? Have them find a better way to do something: Traditionally, election polling has been conducted solely over the phone. How could this process be updated for the modern era while still maintaining poll integrity? Encourage them to argue why something is great (or terrible): Is there value in funding drug-prevention programs in public elementary schools? Why or why not? ‍

Ask Relational Questions

Get students invested in course materials by tying them to their everyday lives. Likewise, you can encourage discussion participation by writing questions that tie to current events or issues that are important to students. These questions draw students in because they allow them to apply their own perspectives and personal histories to the course materials. The answers can bring out strongly held opinions, which are usually the basis of healthy debates. A productive discussion can encourage students to question their assumptions and learn about alternate perspectives.   To help students relate to the discussion questions: Ask for examples from students’ lives: Give an example of a time that you witnessed racial inequality. How did it shape or alter your worldview? Discuss timely issues: Last year, over 5,000 species were moved to the list of endangered animals. What role should biologists play in conservation? Brainstorm solutions to societal problems: What could be changed to improve clean-water regulations in the United States? ‍

Introduce Controversy

Give students something to argue about. Questions designed to create dissent encourages to construct arguments and formulate opinions, and students will have to actively synthesize the material to form and support an opinion. While controversy is the quickest way to spark a long and passionate online discussion, be careful when introducing sensitive subjects. Learning forums should be a safe space for all students to express ideas without feeling threatened or subjugated due to their race, gender, orientation, or religious beliefs. Controversial questions will require heavier instructor moderation to ensure that the conversations stay civil. To introduce an element of controversy into your discussions: Create questions that challenge common orthodoxies: Traditionally, law enforcement has served as the community’s first line of defense against criminal behavior, but many are beginning to question this model. What would an alternate approach to community policing look like, and how effective do you think it would be? Relate questions to current events: Should hospitals keep formula on site, or should they promote breastfeeding above all other options? Reference major debates in your academic field: Will humanity ever discover extraterrestrial life? What form might it take? ‍

Ask Fewer Questions, but Better Ones

It can be hard to know which questions will resonate with students and which will fall flat, but avoid the temptation to pepper the discussion board with questions to see what will stick. This will overwhelm students and result in less participation, not more. Instead, ask fewer questions , but spend your time crafting truly great ones that appeal to students’ higher reasoning skills and spur meaningful discussion. Great discussion questions:

  • Are clear and easy to understand. Avoid acronyms and scholarly language. Most students will not spend five minutes just trying to decipher what you’re asking.
  • Foster a dialogue. Beyond just having no single right answer, a good discussion question leaves room for people to not just answer the question differently but build on those answers to create a back-and-forth discussion as well.
  • Are inclusive. Everyone in the class should be equally prepared to answer the question, no matter what their background. Avoid questions that include details that are specific to only one culture, economic class, or gender. For example, if you’re teaching a class to a group of international students, don’t write questions based on the concept of American Thanksgiving.
  • Align with the course objectives. Just because something is interesting or would spark a lively debate doesn’t necessarily mean it’s relevant to the course. Your ultimate goal is to encourage students to use and apply the course materials, so your questions should align with that aim. ‍

Writing Great Discussion Questions Is Only Half the Battle

For most students, participating in class discussions is a calculated risk. They’re putting their carefully constructed arguments and deeply held opinions on the line, with a real possibility of criticism from their peers. You can encourage more participation and discussion by mitigating that risk and creating a welcoming space for students to share. After you’ve posed your killer question, continue to moderate and guide the discussion to keep it flowing civilly. This can be daunting in a very large online class, but an LMS with good moderation features, like the ability to section students into smaller discussion groups , can help. For more materials on collaborative learning, pedagogy, and creating fruitful online discussions, join our newsletter .

Quick navigation

Talk to us the way you prefer, request a demo, get a quote, email sales.

questions to write an article

  • 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
  • Critical Reviews

How to Write an Article Review

Last Updated: September 8, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Jake Adams . Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University. There are 13 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 3,069,070 times.

An article review is both a summary and an evaluation of another writer's article. Teachers often assign article reviews to introduce students to the work of experts in the field. Experts also are often asked to review the work of other professionals. Understanding the main points and arguments of the article is essential for an accurate summation. Logical evaluation of the article's main theme, supporting arguments, and implications for further research is an important element of a review . Here are a few guidelines for writing an article review.

Education specialist Alexander Peterman recommends: "In the case of a review, your objective should be to reflect on the effectiveness of what has already been written, rather than writing to inform your audience about a subject."

Things You Should Know

  • Read the article very closely, and then take time to reflect on your evaluation. Consider whether the article effectively achieves what it set out to.
  • Write out a full article review by completing your intro, summary, evaluation, and conclusion. Don't forget to add a title, too!
  • Proofread your review for mistakes (like grammar and usage), while also cutting down on needless information. [1] X Research source

Preparing to Write Your Review

Step 1 Understand what an article review is.

  • Article reviews present more than just an opinion. You will engage with the text to create a response to the scholarly writer's ideas. You will respond to and use ideas, theories, and research from your studies. Your critique of the article will be based on proof and your own thoughtful reasoning.
  • An article review only responds to the author's research. It typically does not provide any new research. However, if you are correcting misleading or otherwise incorrect points, some new data may be presented.
  • An article review both summarizes and evaluates the article.

Step 2 Think about the organization of the review article.

  • Summarize the article. Focus on the important points, claims, and information.
  • Discuss the positive aspects of the article. Think about what the author does well, good points she makes, and insightful observations.
  • Identify contradictions, gaps, and inconsistencies in the text. Determine if there is enough data or research included to support the author's claims. Find any unanswered questions left in the article.

Step 3 Preview the article.

  • Make note of words or issues you don't understand and questions you have.
  • Look up terms or concepts you are unfamiliar with, so you can fully understand the article. Read about concepts in-depth to make sure you understand their full context.

Step 4 Read the article closely.

  • Pay careful attention to the meaning of the article. Make sure you fully understand the article. The only way to write a good article review is to understand the article.

Step 5 Put the article into your words.

  • With either method, make an outline of the main points made in the article and the supporting research or arguments. It is strictly a restatement of the main points of the article and does not include your opinions.
  • After putting the article in your own words, decide which parts of the article you want to discuss in your review. You can focus on the theoretical approach, the content, the presentation or interpretation of evidence, or the style. You will always discuss the main issues of the article, but you can sometimes also focus on certain aspects. This comes in handy if you want to focus the review towards the content of a course.
  • Review the summary outline to eliminate unnecessary items. Erase or cross out the less important arguments or supplemental information. Your revised summary can serve as the basis for the summary you provide at the beginning of your review.

Step 6 Write an outline of your evaluation.

  • What does the article set out to do?
  • What is the theoretical framework or assumptions?
  • Are the central concepts clearly defined?
  • How adequate is the evidence?
  • How does the article fit into the literature and field?
  • Does it advance the knowledge of the subject?
  • How clear is the author's writing? Don't: include superficial opinions or your personal reaction. Do: pay attention to your biases, so you can overcome them.

Writing the Article Review

Step 1 Come up with...

  • For example, in MLA , a citation may look like: Duvall, John N. "The (Super)Marketplace of Images: Television as Unmediated Mediation in DeLillo's White Noise ." Arizona Quarterly 50.3 (1994): 127-53. Print. [10] X Trustworthy Source Purdue Online Writing Lab Trusted resource for writing and citation guidelines Go to source

Step 3 Identify the article.

  • For example: The article, "Condom use will increase the spread of AIDS," was written by Anthony Zimmerman, a Catholic priest.

Step 4 Write the introduction....

  • Your introduction should only be 10-25% of your review.
  • End the introduction with your thesis. Your thesis should address the above issues. For example: Although the author has some good points, his article is biased and contains some misinterpretation of data from others’ analysis of the effectiveness of the condom.

Step 5 Summarize the article.

  • Use direct quotes from the author sparingly.
  • Review the summary you have written. Read over your summary many times to ensure that your words are an accurate description of the author's article.

Step 6 Write your critique.

  • Support your critique with evidence from the article or other texts.
  • The summary portion is very important for your critique. You must make the author's argument clear in the summary section for your evaluation to make sense.
  • Remember, this is not where you say if you liked the article or not. You are assessing the significance and relevance of the article.
  • Use a topic sentence and supportive arguments for each opinion. For example, you might address a particular strength in the first sentence of the opinion section, followed by several sentences elaborating on the significance of the point.

Step 7 Conclude the article review.

  • This should only be about 10% of your overall essay.
  • For example: This critical review has evaluated the article "Condom use will increase the spread of AIDS" by Anthony Zimmerman. The arguments in the article show the presence of bias, prejudice, argumentative writing without supporting details, and misinformation. These points weaken the author’s arguments and reduce his credibility.

Step 8 Proofread.

  • Make sure you have identified and discussed the 3-4 key issues in the article.

Sample Article Reviews

questions to write an article

Expert Q&A

Jake Adams

You Might Also Like

Write a Feature Article

  • ↑ https://writing.wisc.edu/handbook/grammarpunct/proofreading/
  • ↑ https://libguides.cmich.edu/writinghelp/articlereview
  • ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4548566/
  • ↑ Jake Adams. Academic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist. Expert Interview. 24 July 2020.
  • ↑ https://guides.library.queensu.ca/introduction-research/writing/critical
  • ↑ https://www.iup.edu/writingcenter/writing-resources/organization-and-structure/creating-an-outline.html
  • ↑ https://writing.umn.edu/sws/assets/pdf/quicktips/titles.pdf
  • ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_works_cited_periodicals.html
  • ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4548565/
  • ↑ https://writingcenter.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/593/2014/06/How_to_Summarize_a_Research_Article1.pdf
  • ↑ https://www.uis.edu/learning-hub/writing-resources/handouts/learning-hub/how-to-review-a-journal-article
  • ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/editing-and-proofreading/

About This Article

Jake Adams

If you have to write an article review, read through the original article closely, taking notes and highlighting important sections as you read. Next, rewrite the article in your own words, either in a long paragraph or as an outline. Open your article review by citing the article, then write an introduction which states the article’s thesis. Next, summarize the article, followed by your opinion about whether the article was clear, thorough, and useful. Finish with a paragraph that summarizes the main points of the article and your opinions. To learn more about what to include in your personal critique of the article, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you? Yes No

  • Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Prince Asiedu-Gyan

Prince Asiedu-Gyan

Apr 22, 2022

Did this article help you?

questions to write an article

Sammy James

Sep 12, 2017

Juabin Matey

Juabin Matey

Aug 30, 2017

Kristi N.

Oct 25, 2023

Vanita Meghrajani

Vanita Meghrajani

Jul 21, 2016

Am I a Narcissist or an Empath Quiz

Featured Articles

Make Blueberry Pancakes

Trending Articles

How to Take the Perfect Thirst Trap

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round Gift

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

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

questions to write an article

Articles – examples & model answers | B2 First (FCE)

Fce example article:  topic (learning) .

You see this announcement on an English-language website.

Example Answer (Grade: 3-4)

The most useful thing I have ever learned

The most useful thing i have learned is surely speaking English. I’ve been studing English for nine years till now. I used to take regular classes in these language which i found very interesting. Also, i learn English in school, my teacher is awesome but strict, so i have to study constantly. But most of all, i learn English, watching movies, TV shows. Allso cartoons when i was younger. When i came across a movie which was subtitled i turned the subtitle off. I enjoy wathing TV and movies on English.

English is the most spoken language across the world. It is studied all over the world. In order to get in a conversation with a stranger from other country, you need to speak English. I’m a swimmer, so i go on competissions in many countries, and in all of those countries i speak English. I want to study abroad when i finish highschool, so i’ll defenetly need English.

All in all, i enjoy speaking it, writing it, and I’m very glad I got to learn it, i find it very useful.

engxam logo english exams

Get Your FCE Article Checked!

Fce example article:  topic (music) .

You see this announcement on an English-language website:

Example Answer (Grade: 3)

I always listen to music, wherever I go I have my headphones on my ears. Listening to what I like satisfy’s me and makes me calm all the time. When the bus is taking me to school I listen to the music so I could wake up.

I love to listen to classical music, jazz, rock, hip-hop, dubstep, pop music. But I can’t listen to Serbian folk, any rap, techno or K-pop music. It just anoy’s me. Of all the songs I can listen, I adore pop and dubstep the most. I’m glad that my parents listened to roc and ninetees serbian songs which I like to listen sometimes.

Everybody has his own taste for music, somebody likes rock, somebody likes rap or something else, and that’s ok. I’m proud of myself that I’m listening to what I’m listening.

FCE Example Article:  Topic (Ambition) 

I think you would agree that ambition has a big influance on our lifes. But what really mean to be ambitious? How important is ambition in a daily life?

From my point of view it is very hard to talk about ambition. I have many ambitions. I want to be well-educated and sporty. I believe that these aims are good for me because I have to try to achieve them all the time. They make that I am not a lazy person. Good ambitions do not let us stop working and learning.

But what happen when we are too ambitious? I know many people who think that their ambitions, ideas and aims are the most important think in their life. It is a beautiful idea but we have to know where is the border. We cannot forget about other people when we are intending to achieve our ambition we must remember to stay a human for example, I spend a lot of time learning but I often prefer to go for a trip with my parents even if I will get a bad mark.

To sum up, ambition is very important in my life but I know there are many things which I value more like my family. I want to achieve my ambitions but it would not be a big loss for me do not do it.

FCE Model Article:  Topic (Holidays) 

You see this announcement in an international travel magazine.

Model Answer (Grade: 5)

I don’t know If I have found the perfect holiday destination but I’m sum that Watamu is the beet place I have ever visited.

Watamu Is a small village on the coastline of Kenya. It takes three hours to arrive there by car from the capital Nairobi but it’s a trip that is worth to be done.

When I booked the holiday I thought I was going to spend all the time laying on the beach. I was wrong! Once arrived there I discovered a lots of way to have fun. The sea and the white beaches with the palms am stunning but them something mom you can enjoy. The countryside is also Interesting and people are friendly and sell the products of their poor country always smiling.

And you cannot imagine how amazing is to make a safari In the park. Because of the very hot temperature, you have to set out very early in the morning if you want to see all the animals. The landscape of the park is fascinating, everything seems to very dry, them are no trees Just bushes. Driving on yourjeep you discover something real& special: a wild world full of life.

What is your level of English?

Brightly colored threads in the outline of a brain shape float against a dark background with constellation-like patterns.

Several companies are testing brain implants – why is there so much attention swirling around Neuralink? Two professors unpack the ethical issues

questions to write an article

Professor of Bioethics and Humanities, School of Medicine, University of Washington

questions to write an article

Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Washington

Disclosure statement

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

University of Washington provides funding as a member of The Conversation US.

View all partners

Putting a computer inside someone’s brain used to feel like the edge of science fiction. Today, it’s a reality . Academic and commercial groups are testing “brain-computer interface” devices to enable people with disabilities to function more independently. Yet Elon Musk’s company, Neuralink, has put this technology front and center in debates about safety, ethics and neuroscience.

In January 2024, Musk announced that Neuralink implanted its first chip in a human subject’s brain. The Conversation reached out to two scholars at the University of Washington School of Medicine – Nancy Jecker, a bioethicst , and Andrew Ko, a neurosurgeon who implants brain chip devices – for their thoughts on the ethics of this new horizon in neuroscience.

How does a brain chip work?

Neuralink’s coin-size device, called N1, is designed to enable patients to carry out actions just by concentrating on them, without moving their bodies.

Subjects in the company’s PRIME study – short for Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface – undergo surgery to place the device in a part of the brain that controls movement. The chip records and processes the brain’s electrical activity, then transmits this data to an external device, such as a phone or computer.

The external device “decodes” the patient’s brain activity, learning to associate certain patterns with the patient’s goal: moving a computer cursor up a screen, for example. Over time, the software can recognize a pattern of neural firing that consistently occurs while the participant is imagining that task, and then execute the task for the person.

Neuralink’s current trial is focused on helping people with paralyzed limbs control computers or smartphones . Brain-computer interfaces, commonly called BCIs, can also be used to control devices such as wheelchairs .

A few companies are testing BCIs. What’s different about Neuralink?

Noninvasive devices positioned on the outside of a person’s head have been used in clinical trials for a long time , but they have not received approval from the Food and Drug Administration for commercial development.

A young woman in a green shirt sits with a wired contraption on her head as four other people look on.

There are other brain-computer devices, like Neuralink’s, that are fully implanted and wireless . However, the N1 implant combines more technologies in a single device: It can target individual neurons, record from thousands of sites in the brain and recharge its small battery wirelessly. These are important advances that could produce better outcomes.

Why is Neuralink drawing criticism?

Neuralink received FDA approval for human trials in May 2023. Musk announced the company’s first human trial on his social media platform, X – formerly Twitter – in January 2024.

Information about the implant, however, is scarce , aside from a brochure aimed at recruiting trial subjects. Neuralink did not register at ClinicalTrials.gov , as is customary, and required by some academic journals .

Some scientists are troubled by this lack of transparency . Sharing information about clinical trials is important because it helps other investigators learn about areas related to their research and can improve patient care. Academic journals can also be biased toward positive results , preventing researchers from learning from unsuccessful experiments.

Fellows at the Hastings Center, a bioethics think tank, have warned that Musk’s brand of “ science by press release, while increasingly common, is not science .” They advise against relying on someone with a huge financial stake in a research outcome to function as the sole source of information.

When scientific research is funded by government agencies or philanthropic groups , its aim is to promote the public good. Neuralink, on the other hand, embodies a private equity model , which is becoming more common in science . Firms pooling funds from private investors to back science breakthroughs may strive to do good, but they also strive to maximize profits, which can conflict with patients’ best interests .

A phone screen shows a white page that says 'Elon Musk,' positioned below an abstract black design and the word 'NEURALINK.'

In 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture investigated animal cruelty at Neuralink, according to a Reuters report, after employees accused the company of rushing tests and botching procedures on test animals in a race for results. The agency’s inspection found no breaches, according to a letter from the USDA secretary to lawmakers, which Reuters reviewed. However, the secretary did note an “adverse surgical event” in 2019 that Neuralink had self-reported.

In a separate incident also reported by Reuters, the Department of Transportation fined Neuralink for violating rules about transporting hazardous materials, including a flammable liquid.

What other ethical issues does Neuralink’s trial raise?

When brain-computer interfaces are used to help patients who suffer from disabling conditions function more independently, such as by helping them communicate or move about, this can profoundly improve their quality of life. In particular, it helps people recover a sense of their own agency or autonomy – one of the key tenets of medical ethics.

However well-intentioned, medical interventions can produce unintended consequences. With BCIs, scientists and ethicists are particularly concerned about the potential for identity theft, password hacking and blackmail . Given how the devices access users’ thoughts, there is also the possibility that their autonomy could be manipulated by third parties.

The ethics of medicine requires physicians to help patients, while minimizing potential harm. In addition to errors and privacy risks, scientists worry about potential adverse effects of a completely implanted device like Neuralink, since device components are not easily replaced after implantation.

When considering any invasive medical intervention, patients, providers and developers seek a balance between risk and benefit. At current levels of safety and reliability, the benefit of a permanent implant would have to be large to justify the uncertain risks.

What’s next?

For now, Neuralink’s trials are focused on patients with paralysis. Musk has said his ultimate goal for BCIs, however, is to help humanity – including healthy people – “ keep pace” with artificial intelligence .

This raises questions about another core tenet of medical ethics: justice . Some types of supercharged brain-computer synthesis could exacerbate social inequalities if only wealthy citizens have access to enhancements.

What is more immediately concerning, however, is the possibility that the device could be increasingly shown to be helpful for people with disabilities, but become unavailable due to loss of research funding. For patients whose access to a device is tied to a research study, the prospect of losing access after the study ends can be devastating. This raises thorny questions about whether it is ever ethical to provide early access to breakthrough medical interventions prior to their receiving full FDA approval.

Clear ethical and legal guidelines are needed to ensure the benefits that stem from scientific innovations like Neuralink’s brain chip are balanced against patient safety and societal good.

  • Neuroscience
  • Neurotechnology
  • Neuroethics
  • Brain-computer interface
  • Ethical question

questions to write an article

Research Assistant in Immunology and Virology

questions to write an article

General Manager | La Trobe University, Sydney Campus

questions to write an article

Lecturer / Senior Lecturer - Business Law & Taxation

questions to write an article

Industrial Officer (Senior)

questions to write an article

Supply Chain Management – Open Rank (Tenure-Track)

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

  • Backchannel
  • Wired World
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Newsletters
  • Wired Insider

David Nield

17 Tips to Take Your ChatGPT Prompts to the Next Level

5 blue balls riding on 5 randomly arranged curved black tubes against a bright green backdrop

ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and other tools like them are making artificial intelligence available to the masses. We can now get all sorts of responses back on almost any topic imaginable. These chatbots can compose sonnets, write code, get philosophical, and automate tasks.

However, while you can just type anything you like into ChatGPT and get it to understand you. There are ways of getting more interesting and useful results out of the bot. This "prompt engineering" is becoming a specialized skill of its own.

Sometimes all it takes is the addition of a few more words or an extra line of instruction and you can get ChatGPT responses that are a level above what everyone else is seeing—and we've included several examples below.

While there's lots you can do with the free version of ChatGPT, a few of these prompts require a paid ChatGPT Plus subscription —where that's the case, we've noted it in the tip.

ChatGPT can give you responses in the form of a table if you ask. This is particularly helpful for getting information or creative ideas. For example, you could tabulate meal ideas and ingredients, or game ideas and equipment, or the days of the week and how they're said in a few different languages.

Using follow-up prompts and natural language, you can have ChatGPT make changes to the tables it has drawn and even produce the tables in a standard format that can be understood by another program (such as Microsoft Excel).

If you provide ChatGPT with a typed list of information, it can respond in a variety of ways. Maybe you want it to create anagrams from a list of names, or sort a list of products into alphabetical order, or turn all the items in a list into upper case. If needed, you can then click the copy icon (the small clipboard) at the end of an answer to have the processed text sent to the system clipboard.

Screenshot of ChatGPT

Get ChatGPT to respond as your favorite author.

With some careful prompting, you can get ChatGPT out of its rather dull, matter-of-fact, default tone and into something much more interesting—such as the style of your favorite author, perhaps.

You could go for the searing simplicity of an Ernest Hemingway or Raymond Carver story, the lyrical rhythm of a Shakespearean play, or the density of a Dickens novel. The resulting prose won't come close to the genius of the actual authors themselves, but it's another way of getting more creative with the output you generate.

ChatGPT can really impress when it's given restrictions to work within, so don't be shy when it comes to telling the bot to limit its responses to a certain number of words or a certain number of paragraphs.

It could be everything from condensing the information in four paragraphs down into one, or even asking for answers with words of seven characters or fewer (just to keep it simple). If ChatGPT doesn't follow your responses properly, you can correct it, and it'll try again.

Another way of tweaking the way ChatGPT responds is to tell it who the intended audience is for its output. You might have seen WIRED's videos in which complex subjects are explained to people with different levels of understanding. This works in a similar way.

For example, you can tell ChatGPT that you are speaking to a bunch of 10-year-olds or to an audience of business entrepreneurs and it will respond accordingly. It works well for generating multiple outputs along the same theme.

Tech Job Interviews Are Out of Control

Lauren Goode

Nvidia Hardware Is Eating the World

Dhruv Mehrotra

What Would Happen if Every American Got a Heat Pump

Tell ChatGPT the audience it's writing for.

ChatGPT is a very capable prompt engineer itself. If you ask it to come up with creative and effective inputs for artificial intelligence engines such as Dall-E and Midjourney , you'll get text you can then input into other AI tools you're playing around with. You're even able to ask for tips with prompts for ChatGPT itself.

When it comes to generating prompts, the more detailed and specific you are about what you're looking for the better: You can get the chatbot to extend and add more detail to your sentences, you can get it to role-play as a prompt generator for a specific AI tool, and you can tell it to refine its answers as you add more and more information.

While ChatGPT is based around text, you can get it to produce pictures of a sort by asking for ASCII art. That's the art made up of characters and symbols rather than colors. The results won't win you any prizes, but it's pretty fun to play around with.

The usual ChatGPT rules apply, in that the more specific you are in your prompt the better, and you can get the bot to add new elements and take elements away as you go. Remember the limitations of the ASCII art format though—this isn't a full-blown image editor.

Screenshot of ChatGPT

A ChatGPT Plus subscription comes with image generation.

If you use ChatGPT Plus , it's got the DALL-E image generator right inside it, so you can ask for any kind of photo, drawing, or illustration you like. As with text, try to be as explicit as possible about what it is you want to see, and how it's shown; do you want something that looks like a watercolor painting, or like it was taken by a DSLR camera? You can have some real fun with this: Put Columbo in a cyberpunk setting, or see how Jurassic Park would look in the Victorian era. The possibilities are almost endless.

You don't have to do all the typing yourself when it comes to ChatGPT. Copy and paste is your friend, and there's no problem with pasting in text from other sources. While the input limit tops out at around 4,000 words, you can easily split the text you're sending the bot into several sections and get it to remember what you've previously sent.

Perhaps one of the best ways of using this approach is to get ChatGPT to simplify text that you don't understand—the explanation of a difficult scientific concept, for instance. You can also get it to translate text into different languages, write it in a more engaging or fluid style, and so on.

If you want to go exploring, ask ChatGPT to create a text-based choose-your-own adventure game. You can specify the theme and the setting of the adventure, as well as any other ground rules to put in place. When we tried this out, we found ourselves wandering through a spooky castle, with something sinister apparently hiding in the shadows.

Screenshot of ChatGPT

ChatGPT is able to create text-based games for you to play.

Another way to improve the responses you get from ChatGPT is to give it some data to work with before you ask your question. For instance, you could give it a list of book summaries together with their genre, then ask it to apply the correct genre label to a new summary. Another option would be to tell ChatGPT about activities you enjoy and then get a new suggestion.

There's no magic combination of words you have to use here. Just use natural language as always, and ChatGPT will understand what you're getting at. Specify that you're providing examples at the start of your prompt, then tell the bot that you want a response with those examples in mind.

You can ask ChatGPT for feedback on any of your own writing, from the emails you're sending to friends, to the short story you're submitting to a competition, to the prompts you're typing into the AI bot. Ask for pointers on spelling, grammar, tone, readability, or anything else you want to scrutinize.

ChatGPT cleared the above paragraph as being clear and effective, but said it could use a call to action at the end. Try this prompt today!

Screenshot of ChatGPT

Get ChatGPT to give you feedback on your own writing.

In the same way that ChatGPT can mimic the style of certain authors that it knows about, it can also play a role: a frustrated salesman, an excitable teenager (you'll most likely get a lot of emoji and abbreviations back), or the iconic western film star John Wayne.

There are countless roles you can play around with. These prompts might not score highly in terms of practical applications, but they're definitely a useful insight into the potential of these AI chatbots.

You can type queries into ChatGPT that you might otherwise type into Google, looking for answers: Think "how much should I budget for a day of sightseeing in London?" or "what are the best ways to prepare for a job interview?" for example. Almost anything will get a response of some sort—though as always, don't take AI responses as being 100 percent accurate 100 percent of the time.

If you're using the paid ChatGPT Plus tool, it will actually search the web (with Bing) and provide link references for the answers it gives. If you're using the free version of ChatGPT, it'll mine the data its been trained on for answers, so they might be a little out of date or less reliable.

Your answers can be seriously improved if you give ChatGPT some ingredients to work with before asking for a response. They could be literal ingredients—suggest a dish from what's left in the fridge—or they could be anything else.

So don't just ask for a murder mystery scenario. Also list out the characters who are going to appear. Don't just ask for ideas of where to go in a city; specify the city you're going to, the types of places you want to see, and the people you'll have with you.

Your prompts don't always have to get ChatGPT to generate something from scratch: You can start it off with something, and then let the AI finish it off. The model will take clues from what you've already written and build on it.

This can come in handy for everything from coding a website to composing a poem—and you can then get ChatGPT to go back and refine its answer as well.

You've no doubt noticed how online arguments have tended toward the binary in recent years, so get ChatGPT to help add some gray between the black and the white. It's able to argue both sides of an argument if you ask it to, including both pros and cons.

From politics and philosophy to sports and the arts, ChatGPT is able to sit on the fence quite impressively—not in a vague way, but in a way that can help you understand tricky issues from multiple perspectives.

You Might Also Like …

📩 Get the long view on tech with Steven Levy’s Plaintext newsletter

“Over time the trust will come”: an exclusive interview with TikTok’s CEO

I stopped using passwords . It’s great—and a total mess

Inside the beef industry’s campaign to influence kids

Meet the pranksters behind Goody-2 , the world’s “most responsible” AI chatbot

Is there lead in your reusable water bottle ?

🌲 Our Gear team has branched out with a new guide to the best sleeping pads and fresh picks for the best coolers and binoculars

OpenAI Gives ChatGPT a Memory

Steven Levy

The Skilled Workers Training AI to Take Their Jobs

Morgan Meaker

OpenAI’s Sora Turns AI Prompts Into Photorealistic Videos

Reece Rogers

Meta Will Crack Down on AI-Generated Fakes&-but Leave Plenty Undetected

Vittoria Elliott

100 Million People Pay Google for Extra Storage. Can It Get Them to Pay More for Smarter AI?

Paresh Dave

'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form .

How to use Copilot Pro to write, edit, and analyze your Word documents

lance-31.png

Microsoft's Copilot Pro AI offers a few benefits for $20 per month. But the most helpful one is the AI-powered integration with the different Microsoft 365 apps. For those of you who use Microsoft Word, for instance, Copilot Pro can help you write and revise your text, provide summaries of your documents, and answer questions about any document.

First, you'll need a subscription to either Microsoft 365 Personal or Family . Priced at $70 per year, the Personal edition is geared for one individual signed into as many as five devices. At $100 per year, the Family edition is aimed at up to six people on as many as five devices. The core apps in the suite include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote.

Also: Microsoft Copilot vs. Copilot Pro: Is the subscription fee worth it?

Second, you'll need the subscription to Copilot Pro if you don't already have one. To sign up, head to the Copilot Pro website . Click the Get Copilot Pro button. Confirm the subscription and the payment. The next time you use Copilot on the website, in Windows, or with the mobile apps, the Pro version will be in effect.

How to use Copilot Pro in Word

1. open word.

Launch Microsoft Word and open a blank document. Let's say you need help writing a particular type of document and want Copilot to create a draft. 

Also: Microsoft Copilot Pro vs. OpenAI's ChatGPT Plus: Which is worth your $20 a month?

A small "Draft with Copilot" window appears on the screen. If you don't see it, click the tiny "Draft with Copilot icon in the left margin."

 width=

2. Submit your request

At the text field in the window, type a description of the text you need and click the "Generate" button.

 width=

Submit your request.

3. Review the response and your options

Copilot generates and displays its response. After reading the response, you're presented with a few different options.

 width=

Review the response and your options.

4. Keep, regenerate, or remove the draft

If you like the draft, click "Keep it." The draft is then inserted into your document where you can work with it. If you don't like the draft, click the "Regenerate" button, and a new draft is created. 

Also: What is Copilot (formerly Bing Chat)? Here's everything you need to know

If you'd prefer to throw out the entire draft and start from scratch, click the trash can icon.

 width=

Keep, regenerate, or remove the draft.

5. Alter the draft

Alternatively, you can try to modify the draft by typing a specific request in the text field, such as "Make it more formal," "Make it shorter," or "Make it more casual."

 width=

Alter the draft.

6. Review the different versions

If you opt to regenerate the draft, you can switch between the different versions by clicking the left or right arrow next to the number. You can then choose to keep the draft you prefer.

 width=

7. Revise existing text

Copilot will also help you fine-tune existing text. Select the text you want to revise. Click the Copilot icon in the left margin and select "Rewrite with Copilot."

 width=

Revise existing text.

8. Review the different versions

Copilot creates a few different versions of the text. Click the arrow keys to view each version.

 width=

Review the different versions.

9. Replace or Insert

If you find one you like, click "Replace" to replace the text you selected. 

Also: ChatGPT vs. Microsoft Copilot vs. Gemini: Which is the best AI chatbot?

Click "Insert below" to insert the new draft below the existing words so you can compare the two.

 width=

Replace or Insert.

10. Adjust the tone

Click "Regenerate" to ask Copilot to try again. Click the "Adjust Tone" button and select a different tone to generate another draft.

 width=

Adjust the tone.

11. Turn text into a table

Sometimes you have text that would look and work better as a table. Copilot can help. Select the text you wish to turn into a table. Click the Copilot icon and select "Visualize as a Table."

 width=

Turn text into a table.

12. Respond to the table

In response, click "Keep it" to retain the table. Click "Regenerate" to try again. Click the trash can icon to delete it. Otherwise, type a request in the text field, such as "remove the second row" or "make the last column wider."

 width=

Respond to the table.

13. Summarize a document

Copilot Pro can provide a summary of a document with its key points. To try this, open the document you want to summarize and then click the Copilot icon on the Ribbon. 

Also: The best AI chatbots

The right sidebar displays several prompts you can use to start your question. Click the one for "Summarize this doc."

 width=

Summarize a document.

14. Review the summary

View the generated summary in the sidebar. If you like it as is, click the "Copy" button to copy the summary and paste it elsewhere.

 width=

Review the summary.

15. Revise the summary

Otherwise, choose one of the suggested questions or ask your own question to revise the summary. For example, you could tell Copilot to make the summary longer, shorter, more formal, or less formal. 

Also: The best AI image generators

You could also ask it to expand on one of the points in the summary or provide more details on a certain point. A specific response is then generated based on your request.

 width=

Revise the summary.

16. Ask questions about a document

Next, you can ask specific questions about any of the content in a document. Again, click the Copilot icon to display the sidebar. In the prompt area, type and submit your question. Copilot displays the response in the sidebar. You can then ask follow-up questions as needed.

 width=

Ask questions about a document.

More how-tos

 width=

I've tried Vision Pro and other top XR headsets and here's the one most people should buy

 width=

The best AI image generators to try right now

 width=

The best TVs of 2024: Expert tested

Tax Breaks: Paying For College Isn’t Always As Easy As A-B-C

Paying for college and sorting out student loans—plus, a look at some big tax deductions and legislative updates.

  • Share to Facebook
  • Share to Twitter
  • Share to Linkedin

This is a published version of our weekly Forbes Tax Breaks newsletter. You can sign-up to get Tax Breaks in your inbox here .

Students in university

Like many parents, I've been making the rounds for college admitted student days (yes, in the middle of tax season) and anxiously waiting for the Department of Education to release FAFSA data to schools. Traditionally, that happens earlier in the year, but a FAFSA redesign has meant delays—and confusion .

Here's why that matters. The sticker price you see on college and university websites isn't what you typically pay . Schools may offer merit scholarships for academic or other achievements, as well as federal, state and school-specific grants. In addition, once they've seen your FAFSA report—basically a detailed look into your finances, including your tax returns—they'll offer you a financial aid package that includes scholarships and grants, along with potential opportunities to borrow (not all schools cooperate with federal student loans programs). You can always, of course, write a check for the balance.

Parents aren't the only ones struggling to figure out budgets: At least one university may see an uptick in costs if the City of Newark has its way. The University of Delaware has been connected to the City of Newark for more than 250 years. Today, nearly 31,000 residents call Newark home—and 24,000 are University of Delaware students. Those students use city services, and the city says there's not enough revenue from full-time residents to pay for them. Their solution? A $50 per-student, per-semester tax . The tax could bring in nearly $3 million annually, offering much-needed relief to city coffers. Not surprisingly, the University isn't on board. But city officials say something has to give—a message that's being echoed in cities and towns across the country. (☆)

Meanwhile, the Biden administration is developing a new student loan forgiveness plan. This initiative will target several groups of borrowers for relief, including those experiencing hardship. Other options include income-driven repayment plans, which allow borrowers to repay student loans based on income and family size. After a certain amount of time in repayment (20 or 25 years for most IDR plans), borrowers can become eligible for student loan forgiveness .

That sounds great, but typically, for married borrowers, IDR payments are based on your combined income if you file tax returns as married filing jointly (MFJ). MFJ tends to result in a lower tax bill than filing separately, but combining incomes for IDR means your monthly loan payment could be relatively high. Until last fall, most available IDR plans gave married borrowers the option to file taxes separately to exclude spousal income. The Revised Pay As You Earn plan (REPAYE) did not allow this option—payments were typically based on combined incomes, regardless of filing status.

Last fall, President Biden rolled out the SAVE plan (borrowers previously enrolled in REPAYE have been automatically converted to SAVE). In addition to lower monthly payments, the SAVE plan allows married borrowers to exclude their spouse’s income if they file taxes separately . The result may not be better for every borrower, but if you’re married and you’ve been filing taxes jointly under REPAYE, check with your tax professional to see if a change in filing status makes sense.

It's also a good idea to check with your tax professional if you qualify for student loan forgiveness. While many of those programs allow students to escape tax at the federal level, that's not true for all students at the state level . Last fall, the Tax Foundation suggested that 13 states (Arkansas, Hawaii, Idaho, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin) could treat student loan forgiveness as taxable income. Ask lots of questions now to avoid an adjustment later.

One way to reduce reliance on student loans (besides having Emily Gilmore as your grandmother) is to invest in education early. A 529 college savings plan is an efficient way to save for college—you stash away after-tax money in an account that grows tax-deferred and potentially tax-free if you take distributions for qualified education expenses. Thanks to SECURE 2.0, beginning in 2024, you can roll over excess 529 funds to a tax-free Roth IRA. Restrictions and limits apply, but if you meet the criteria , it's a promising way to plan for education and retirement at the same time.

Thanks for reading!

—Kelly Phillips Erb (Senior Writer, Tax)

Articles marked with (☆) are premium content and require you to log-in with your Forbes membership credentials. Not a subscriber yet? Click here to sign up .

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 21: The U.S. Capitol is seen at dusk, January 21, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Filing data still suggests a slow start to the filing season, with a nearly 20% downturn in tax returns received compared to the prior year. Last week, I noted that many taxpayers might be waiting for news related to the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act (IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel has encouraged taxpayers to file anyway) . (☆)

And that seems to be the big question on everyone's mind this week: What's the bill's status? (And is there anything else we should watch out for in Congress?)

While taxpayers may be focusing on the child tax credit, there are 11 tax provisions in the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, including three business tax breaks (R&D expensing, bonus depreciation, and net interest expensing), affordable housing incentives, tax relief for those in disaster areas, the Taiwan tax agreement, and boosting the reporting threshold for 1099-MISCs. And, of course, the $79 billion price tag is expected to be paid for by an early end to the employee retention credit. The Tax Notes Talks podcast (written transcript available) offers a brief history of the bill, and its potential paths for passage in the Senate.

Also not yet settled? Rules for electric vehicle (EV) credits. The process has been slow . In late January, Treasury announced it was now finalizing the proposed regulations. That won't be easy. Some members of Congress—including, notably, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.)—aren't happy with the cost. "Our intention was to stay within the CBO score in how we paid for it, so it would not add to our deficit," Manchin said. Unfortunately, that's not in the statute. While Congress capped the credit in the past, they didn't do so with regard to section 30D.

There's one more piece of legislation waiting in the wings, but it likely won't affect you—unless you're one of the 0.003%. That's the number of all individual life insurance policies in the U.S. characterized as a Private Placement Life Insurance (PPLI) policy. An 18-month-long investigation into PPLI marketing found that "the industry is now at least a $40 billion tax shelter used exclusively by a few thousand millionaires and billionaires." PPLI is akin to permanent universal life insurance that allows riskier investments. That means PPLI purchasers must typically have a significant net liquid worth—typically in the tens of millions—and the ability to easily fund millions in annual premiums. That means that PPLI policies aren't available to most Americans and are instead actively promoted to wealthy investors to eliminate income, gift, and estate taxes, a loophole the Committee has vowed to close in the coming months. (☆)

Do you have a tax question or matter that you think we should cover in the next newsletter? We’d love to help if we can. Check out our guidelines and submit a question here .

STUDENT LOANS

According to consumer borrowing data from the Federal Reserve, total student debt at the end of last year totaled more than $1.7 trillion. That's spread out among roughly 43 million Americans—about 13% of the U.S. population.

Those who owe the most aren't younger grads—they're primarily GenXers (like me). Those aged 35-49 owe the most collective student loan debt ($624.4 billion), while those aged 50-61 who have loans owe the most individually ($44,206). Boomers aren't off the hook—2.7 million Americans are still paying off debt worth, on average, $40,666 after age 62.

A tax break is available for some taxpayers with student loans. You can deduct the lesser of $2,500 or the interest paid during the year. For 2023, the deduction is limited by income and begins to phase out for single filers when Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) hits $75,000 ($155,000 for joint filers).

The good news is that the deduction is an adjustment to income, so you don't need to itemize to get the benefit. The bad news is that the deduction is per return, not per person—married couples are still capped at $2,500 (filing separately won't help since you may not claim the deduction if your filing status is married filing separately).

Student Loan Tax Deductions

The chart above shows the popularity of the deduction rising, generally, as overall debt went up. The dramatic drop-off is tied to paused payments owing to pandemic-related relief.

A DEEPER DIVE

Of the 23,369 business jets in service worldwide, most—a whopping 14,999—are registered in the U.S. The IRS believes many passengers may be flying under the radar. As a result, IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel has announced that the agency will begin dozens of audits on business aircraft involving personal use. Werfel noted that due to the cost of these aircraft, related deductions can run into the tens of millions. National Business Aviation Association President and CEO Ed Bolen questioned the move, saying, in part, "Today's announcement by the IRS amounts to nothing more than an audit in search of a problem, and an attempt to broadly paint with a negative brush the thousands of U.S. companies of all sizes that rely on business aircraft to effectively compete in a global marketplace." (☆)

Another potentially big deduction making news? In a 92-page decision , Judge Engoron ordered former President Donald Trump to pay $355 million for lying about his wealth. The amount could grow even bigger with interest. Many headlines called it a fine, but it is unclear how the payment would be classified for tax purposes. Trump plans to appeal the decision, but if he pays up, he could try to write off most or all of it on his taxes.

IMPORTANT DATES

📅 February 24, 2024. Special Saturday openings at Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs), from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Click over to the IRS website for participating TAC locations.

📅 March 15, 2024. S-corp and partnership tax returns are due (or file for an extension).

📅 March 16, 2024. Special Saturday openings at Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs), from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Click over to the IRS website for participating TAC locations.

📅 March 22, 2024. Last day to apply for the Employee Retention Credit Voluntary Disclosure Program—the program lets employers who received ERCs but are ineligible pay back the credits at a discounted rate. 📅 April 15, 2024 . Individual federal income tax returns are due (or file for an extension) for most taxpayers.

📅 April 17, 2024 . Individual federal income tax returns are due (or file for an extension) for taxpayers in Maine and Massachusetts.

The U.S. Tax Court has announced that Chief Judge Kathleen Kerrigan has been re-elected and will serve another two-year term beginning June 1, 2024. Her current term as Chief Judge expires on May 31, 2024. Chief Judge Kerrigan earned her B.S. from Boston College in 1985 and her J.D. from the University of Notre Dame Law School in 1990. She was first elected as Chief Judge for a two-year term effective June 1, 2022.

The IRS is accepting applications for vacancies in 29 states and territories for the volunteer-led Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP) . TAP members will serve a three-year term starting in December 2024, and are expected to devote 200 to 300 hours per year (about 5 hours each week) to panel activities. No previous tax experience is required. Applications must be submitted by March 15, 2024.

The American Bar Association (ABA) Tax Section and the IRS are offering more Virtual Settlement Weeks . Virtual Settlement Week aims to serve taxpayers in geographic areas where it might be difficult to access pro bono representation. Attorneys are paired with taxpayers and meet virtually with the IRS attorney assigned to the case. The next joint Virtual Settlement Week will be April 3-5, 2024. The deadline to sign up to volunteer is March 22, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

If you have career or industry news, submit it for consideration here .

POSITIONS AND GUIDANCE

The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) has sent a letter to the Senate Banking Committee and the House Financial Services Committee expressing serious concerns with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirement which went into effect on January 1, 2024. According to the AICPA , "We believe the rule should be suspended until the small business community is considered well-informed of their requirement to report BOI information to FinCEN and the outstanding questions by the financial professionals who serve this community have been answered." The group previously recommended that the deadline for making updates or corrections should be at least one year to give small businesses a reasonable chance at compliance.

At the turn of the 20th century, most colleges and universities charged little to no tuition. That changed in the 1920s, when which mogul campaigned for charging students more—and suggested that they could take out loans to pay for it?

A. John D. Rockefeller, Jr.

B. Andrew Carnegie

C. J.P. Morgan, Jr.

D. Henry Ford

Find the answer at the bottom of this newsletter.

I hope you’ll get to know some of our staff and contributors. This week, since we all know that audits can be scary, I asked: What’s something you're scared of?

Kelly Phillips Erb (Senior Writer, Tax): Puppetry. I took it to fulfill a Fine Arts elective. I was good at the marionettes, but to this day, I find ventriloquism creepy.

Sergei Klebnikov (Writer, Money Team): History of Rock and Roll. Seemed like a joke class at first but my teacher was excellent and the whole experience revolutionized my music taste.

Brandon Kochkodin (Writer, Money Team) : A literature course that was focused on horror novels (think like Frankenstein).

Maria Gracia Santillana Linares (Writer, Money Team): I took a class called "Latin American Body Genres" about how people/bodies were sexualized in Latin American movies/films/literature and how critics would talk about them.

KEY FIGURES

Tuition and fees deduction number, 2020

That's the number of taxpayers who claimed the tuition and fees deduction in the 2020 tax year, the last year the deduction was available.

TRIVIA ANSWER

In 1927, at the commencement address of his alma mater, Brown University, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. took the opportunity to urge colleges to charge students the total cost of education and suggested that students could pay those expenses by taking out student loans.

He was the only son and principal heir of John Rockefeller, the founder of Standard Oil. At his death in 1937, the elder Rockefeller's fortune was estimated to be $1.4 billion, equivalent to 1.5% of U.S. GDP. By dollars, adjusted for inflation, that is about $42 billion today. However, by share of GDP, the estate would have been worth $419.1 billion today.

According to Forbes , the Rockefeller family fortune is now spread among more than 200 family members.

How did we do? We're just getting started, but we'd love your feedback. If you have a suggestion for making the newsletter better, let us know .

Kelly Phillips Erb

  • Editorial Standards
  • Reprints & Permissions

Taylor Shook: What it's like to be a food reporter in Fayetteville

questions to write an article

I have been lucky enough to cover food, dining, culture and business in the Fayetteville area since the summer of 2022. 

I got my start in journalism with a high school internship at the former ThisWeek News in central Ohio, which was later absorbed into The Columbus Dispatch . I did some freelance assignments there and at Columbus Monthly magazine in my college years.  

I studied political science, economics and journalism at Denison University in Granville, Ohio, where I wrote for the school’s political data blog and occasionally the campus newspaper. Amid the pandemic shutdowns, I graduated in 2020 and got a job in marketing in Indianapolis.  

A year later, my college sweetheart was stationed at Fort Liberty. We got married by a magistrate at the Cumberland County jail (where civil ceremonies are performed), and I’ve been living in Fayetteville since. 

Here’s a little more about me, my job and the questions I get the most. 

What exactly do you do in the newsroom? 

I primarily cover news about food, dining and culture, but I have also written about business, health, real estate and LGBTQ+ life in Cumberland County. On a typical day, I might visit a restaurant, interview sources, meet with experts, attend an event, do research or write. I write about five stories a week.

I also spend some time each day looking for new story ideas and reading and responding to reader feedback and story suggestions. 

Occasionally, I write breaking or trending news and help with all-hands-on-deck scenarios in the newsroom, like election results or severe weather coverage. 

How do you decide what to write about? 

Story inspiration comes from everywhere. Community members often reach out with tips or questions that turn into stories. Walking or driving around town and paying attention to what locals are talking about on social media often leads to stories, too. Sometimes, I draw from my own curiosity.  

Above all, I endeavor to write stories that matter to our community and accurately reflect all those who we serve.

I'm humbled and honored to do this work. It connects me with so many hardworking people who strive to make Fayetteville a better place.

Where can I find your work? 

You can find my stories online at fayobserver.com and in our daily print paper, especially the Wednesday food section.  

Hungry for more? You can sign up for the Fayetteville Foodies newsletter to get food news delivered to your inbox every Thursday at 11 a.m.  

You can also tune into The Fayetteville Observers radio show on WIDU 99.7 FM at 9 a.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. Alongside my colleagues and guests, I discuss my latest stories and what’s coming next. 

The Fayetteville Observer's Fayetteville Foodies Facebook group is a great place to discuss the restaurants and food trucks that you love and keep up with the latest food news. 

What are your favorite restaurants? 

We are incredibly lucky to have a huge and varied food scene in Fayetteville, and even after a year and a half, I still haven't managed to eat at every restaurant. I recently published a list of my favorite dishes last year , which I stand by. 

The restaurants that I eat at the most are Bombay Bistro , Brooklyn Pizzeria , Pollo & Papas , Gohan Bistro , SunFish and Don Ramon’s Taco Shop .  

How can I get in touch with you? 

Have a story idea, question, feedback or just want to chat about local food? Email me at [email protected] or message me on Facebook . I’d love to hear from you! 

IMAGES

  1. Article Writing Examples for Students

    questions to write an article

  2. Sample Questions Of Article Writing

    questions to write an article

  3. how to write article gcse english

    questions to write an article

  4. KS3

    questions to write an article

  5. Write a How-to Article in 6 Easy Steps

    questions to write an article

  6. how to write an english article

    questions to write an article

VIDEO

  1. 25- article ||use of the||

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

  3. How to write article for free

  4. How to write article for blogger

  5. How to write article (part 4)

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

COMMENTS

  1. Over 170 Prompts to Inspire Writing and Discussion

    1. Should Athletes Speak Out On Social and Political Issues? 2. Should All Young People Learn How to Invest in the Stock Market? 3. What Are the Greatest Songs of All Time? 4. Should There Be More...

  2. How to Write an Article: A Proven Step-by-Step Guide

    Step 2: Select a Topic and an Attractive Heading. Having understood your audience, select a relevant topic based on their interests and questions. Be sure it's one you can competently discuss. When deciding how to start writing an article, ensure it begins with a captivating title.

  3. 184 Questions to Write or Talk About

    Below, the 184 questions we asked in 2013-14, all still open to comment by any student 13 or older: Questions for Debate and Persuasive Writing. Questions for Creative and Personal Writing. PDF of the Questions. Teachers tell us they use our questions to help students practice writing persuasively or creatively; as inspiration for lessons; as ...

  4. How to Write an Article: A Step-by-Step Guide

    1. Identify Your Target Audience's Pain Points The golden rule of content marketing is to write for your audience, not just for search engines. Writing for your audience means creating content that meets their needs, interests, and challenges. Relevant and valuable articles keep readers engaged and, hopefully, coming back for more.

  5. How to Write a Good Article—Quickly

    Here is a step-by-step guide full of great tips to help you write a good article in record time: 1. Keep a list of ideas handy. You never know when writer's block will hit. That's why it's important to keep a list of ideas for potential news articles or personal stories that could be expanded into essays. Any time you have an idea, jot it ...

  6. Writing an Article

    Cut up question cards and give one set to each pair. On the board, have a list of six possible article topics (like the example above) One student rolls a dice which determines the topic everyone has to write about. Each pair turns over a question card and writes a rhetorical question related to the topic. Compare and contrast, correct errors ...

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

    - Tips and Techniques Article Writing Samples FAQs on Article Writing The Art of Writing an Article 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:

  8. Eight questions to ask before writing an article

    Eight questions to ask before writing an article Br J Hosp Med (Lond)2017 Jun 2;78 (6):341-343. doi: 10.12968/hmed.2017.78.6.341. Author and trainer, Tim Albert Training, 5 Cobham Road, Surrey KT22 9AU. PMID: 28614016 DOI: 10.12968/hmed.2017.78.6.341 Abstract Health professionals often have to write articles for publication in academic journals.

  9. How To Write an Article in 7 Easy Steps

    Make sure that you start writing and editing from the top to the bottom of the article, so you can save time on your first draft. 6. Specify your subject matter. Break down the key points for each section of the outline, so you can stay on track with your article.

  10. PDF Strategies for Essay Writing

    Harvard College Writing Center 5 Asking Analytical Questions When you write an essay for a course you are taking, you are being asked not only to create a product (the essay) but, more importantly, to go through a process of thinking more deeply about a question or problem related to the course. By writing about a

  11. 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.

  12. Eight questions to ask before writing an article

    Health professionals often have to write articles for publication in academic journals. Many of them find this difficult and suffer from one or more variations of writer's block. A good way of avoiding these setbacks is to prepare thoroughly for the writing project, and this article proposes eight different questions writers can ask before they start. The first is whether they are in a good ...

  13. How to Write a Great Article in the Cambridge B2 First Exam

    Where do you even begin? If you are taking your Cambridge B2 First exam you'll have to write two texts in an 80-minute period. In part 1 you must write an essay but in part 2 you will be able to choose between a number of options. This could be could be an email, a letter, a report, a review or an article.

  14. 12 questions to ask yourself before/during/after you write an article

    When you're writing an article, keep the needs of WHO the article is written for in mind throughout the article so you can write for what THEY need, not what YOU need. Watch out writing for your peers, as they likely will NEVER do business with you, though getting their approval and/or feedback may be good for your business. Or maybe not.

  15. How to Write Up an Interview-Based Article

    1. Review the Transcript A transcript is a written, word-for-word copy of what was said in an interview. This provides the starting point for any interview-based article. Before you start writing, then, you will want to review your transcript. This will help you identify: What to include and what to leave out when you write up the interview.

  16. How to Write Discussion Questions That Actually Spark Discussions

    Create: Ask students to use what they've learned to construct something new. Avoid closed-ended questions, such as those that ask students to list characteristics, define terms, explain concepts, or recall facts. Once the correct answer has been given, there isn't much more to say, so the discussion fizzles out.

  17. 15 Example Article Topics (Writing) (pdf)

    Exam: B2 First Writing Article navigation: B2 First (FCE) Article: Writing Topics B2 First (FCE) Article: Writing Topics (PDF) The goal of an article is usually to talk about a topic you like or in which you are an expert. Also, your article should aim to keep the reader engaged and, in some cases, recommend whatever it is you are talking about.

  18. How to Write an Article Review (with Sample Reviews)

    Identify the article. Start your review by referring to the title and author of the article, the title of the journal, and the year of publication in the first paragraph. For example: The article, "Condom use will increase the spread of AIDS," was written by Anthony Zimmerman, a Catholic priest. 4.

  19. Writing non-fiction

    An article is a piece of writing (usually around 800-2000 words) about a particular topic. Sometimes an article will offer a balanced view of a subject. At other times an article might be. biased ...

  20. Articles

    Write us an article answering these questions. We will publish the best articles on our website. Example Answer (Grade: 3-4) Answer: The most useful thing I have ever learned. ... The conventions of writing an article are used effectively to communicate ideas using an engaging tone. The use of rhetorical questions and the balance between ...

  21. Several companies are testing brain implants

    This raises thorny questions about whether it is ever ethical to provide early access to breakthrough ... Want to write? Write an article and join a growing community of more than 178,800 ...

  22. 17 Tips to Take Your ChatGPT Prompts to the Next Level

    You can ask ChatGPT for feedback on any of your own writing, from the emails you're sending to friends, to the short story you're submitting to a competition, to the prompts you're typing into the ...

  23. How to use Copilot Pro to write, edit, and analyze your Word ...

    Next, you can ask specific questions about any of the content in a document. Again, click the Copilot icon to display the sidebar. In the prompt area, type and submit your question.

  24. Tax Breaks: Paying For College Isn't Always As Easy As A-B-C

    Here's why that matters. The sticker price you see on college and university websites isn't what you typically pay.Schools may offer merit scholarships for academic or other achievements, as well ...

  25. Taylor Shook is The Fayetteville Observer food reporter

    I also spend some time each day looking for new story ideas and reading and responding to reader feedback and story suggestions. Occasionally, I write breaking or trending news and help with all ...

  26. Alabama Supreme Court ruling adds to legal uncertainty around IVF

    The Alabama Supreme Court's ruling that frozen embryos are children creates new legal murkiness around in vitro fertilization.. Why it matters: The ruling, the first time a court has recognized frozen embryos as human beings, raises vast legal questions in the post-Roe landscape, including how and if leftover embryos can ever be disposed of. The big picture: Fertility providers and legal ...