Article writing tips
KEY POINTS:
- Note what type of publication the article is to appear in - for example, an international travel magazine for adults would require a neutral or formal register, whereas a college magazine aimed at teenagers could be written in a very informal register.
- Make sure the register you use is consistent throughout the article.
- Remember to include an appropriate title.
- Introduce your topic in the opening paragraph.
- Be as clear and informative as possible.
- Engage the reader’s interest throughout.
TASK:
An international magazine is running a series of articles on the current problems being faced by young people around the world. You have been asked to write about a problem that particularly affects young people in your area. Your article should include suggestions for a solution to this problem.
SAMPLE ANSWER:
Nowhere left to go [interesting title, encouraging readers to continue reading]
Growing up today should be an exciting experience, with every opportunity - but the reality is all too commonly the very opposite [strong opening; sentence through contrast]. In my own town, the recession has hit hard. In a shrinking job market, young people are now leaving college with little prospect of finding work. Many are on government benefit and have endless “free time” seven days a week. But where are they supposed to go? Several local facilities which used to be available are in the process of being closed down by our council, who claim that they have insufficient funds to keep them open. [clearly outlining the problem]
One example of this is my local library, where up until last month it was possible to go and read the newspapers, or meet a friend for a cheap cup of coffee and chat. With the recent closure of this and other facilities, young people are forced to hang around outside, shivering on park benches, or drift through the shopping centre, without the money to buy the things they see. Or, even worse, they don’t leave their rooms at all and become reclusive. [this whole paragraph: development through one specific example]
Our council must take urgent action to bring these people back into society. If necessary, working people in the community could pay higher local taxes [solution included], in order that facilities are reopened and new leisure pursuits and further training can be provided. If nothing is done, our community will not have a safe or happy future, since this rejection will ultimately lead to crime and social unrest. [final sentence: concludes article forcefully and leaves reader with something to think about]
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