How to write an article An article is a written text published electronically (e.g. online magazines, websites) or in print (newspapers, scientific journals). Articles have different purposes, which you need to bear in mind when writing your text: informing about a topic, entertaining, convincing or giving advice. To keep readers interested present the topic from different angles. Include examples, facts, figures, research results. Use convincing evidence to be credible in your line of argument. Express a personal opinion if necessary. Structure Provide a catchy title. Structure an article in introduction – body – conclusion; in the main part use paragraphs to organise information and make it easy to read. Language Keep your readers in mind when writing an article as it makes a difference whether they are children or scientists. Your audience and the topic determine style and language (informal or formal). Use direct speech and rhetorical questions to make your text lively and engaging. Sample task The online magazine Healthy Living has asked for contributions to its next issue, which is going to focus on the question: Is it necessary to take vitamin supplements to lead a healthy life? The author of the best text will win a one-month delivery of fresh vegetables with recipes from a local farmer. You have decided to submit an article. In your article, you should: ■■ present different attitudes towards the topic ■■ explain possible risks of vitamin supplements ■■ give advice to the readers resulting from the evidence presented Write around 250 words. Give your article a title. Sample article For the sample article look at The vitamin debate on p. 174. Find out where these Writing coach tips have been used in the text. Use a title that catches readers’ interest Writing coach Use rhetorical questions Have you ever asked yourself …? What would you think if …? Summarise main points / key message in the conclusion As a result, … / In conclusion, … Useful phrases To begin with, … / First of all, … In addition to this, … / Moreover, … Although … / Nevertheless, … To demonstrate … / As … shows, … Recent findings show … 183 W Writing guide Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODE3MDE=