Creative Writing - Writing an Article

 


Writing an Article

What is an Article?
An article is a formal piece of writing that provides information, explains ideas, or expresses an opinion on a topic. Articles are commonly found in newspapers, magazines, and websites.

Rules for Writing an Article

1️⃣ Do not use contractions

  • Instead of "don't", write "do not"

  • Instead of "it's", write "it is"

  • Articles should be formal, so contractions are not used.

2️⃣ Do not use colloquial expressions

  • Colloquial expressions are informal words or phrases that people use in everyday conversation but are not appropriate for formal writing.

  • Examples:

    • ❌ "Gonna" → ✅ "Going to"

    • ❌ "A bunch of" → ✅ "Many"

    • ❌ "Kids" → ✅ "Children"

  • Tip: If you would not use a phrase in a school report, it is probably a colloquial expression!

3️⃣ Do not use abbreviations

  • Abbreviations are shortened forms of words. In an article, always write the full word.

  • Examples:

    • ❌ "info" → ✅ "information"

    • ❌ "etc." → ✅ "and so on"

    • ❌ "TV" → ✅ "television"

4️⃣ Use correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling

  • Always check your article for mistakes.

  • Sentences should begin with a capital letter and end with a period.

  • Use commas correctly to separate ideas.

  • Avoid run-on sentences.

Useful Expressions for Writing an Article

Starting your article:

  • This article will discuss…

  • The purpose of this article is to…

  • It is widely known that…

Presenting information:

  • One important point to consider is…

  • According to experts…

  • Research shows that…

Giving examples:

  • For instance,…

  • Such as…

  • To illustrate this point,…

Concluding the article:

  • In conclusion,…

  • To summarize,…

  • It is clear that…

Common Spelling Rules to Remember

1️⃣ I before E, except after C

  • ✅ Believe, achieve, relief

  • ❌ Recieve → ✅ Receive

  • Exception: Weird, seize, science

2️⃣ Adding -ing to verbs

  • If a verb ends in -e, drop the e before adding -ing

    • ❌ Makeing → ✅ Making

    • ❌ Comeing → ✅ Coming

  • If a verb ends in a vowel + consonant, double the final consonant

    • ✅ Running, Stopping, Begging

3️⃣ Plural rules

  • Most words: Add -s → Book → Books

  • Words ending in -ch, -sh, -s, -x, -z: Add -es → Box → Boxes

  • Words ending in consonant + y: Change y to i and add -es

    • ❌ Partys → ✅ Parties

    • ❌ Storys → ✅ Stories

4️⃣ Silent letters

  • Some words have letters that are not pronounced but must be spelled correctly

    • K → Know, Knife, Knee

    • B → Doubt, Climb, Thumb

    • G → Sign, Gnat, Gnaw

5️⃣ American vs. British English Spelling

  • -or (US) / -our (UK) → Color (US) / Colour (UK)

  • -ize (US) / -ise (UK) → Realize (US) / Realise (UK)

  • -er (US) / -re (UK) → Theater (US) / Theatre (UK)


Punctuation Rules for Writing an Article

1️⃣ Periods (.) – End Sentences Correctly

  • Use a period to end a complete sentence.
    ✅ The environment is changing rapidly.
    ✅ Many people believe climate change is a serious issue.

🚫 Do not use a comma instead of a period!
❌ It is important to recycle, we should all do it. (Incorrect)
✅ It is important to recycle. We should all do it. (Correct)

2️⃣ Commas (,) – Separate Ideas Clearly

✅ Use commas to separate items in a list

  • The main causes of pollution are deforestation, industrial waste, and vehicle emissions.

✅ Use commas after introductory phrases

  • In conclusion, pollution is a serious issue that affects us all.

✅ Use commas before conjunctions (and, but, or, so, yet) in compound sentences

  • The world is changing, but we still have time to take action.

🚫 Do not use a comma instead of a period or semicolon!
❌ People must recycle, it is very important. (Incorrect)
✅ People must recycle. It is very important. (Correct)

3️⃣ Apostrophes (’)

✅ Use apostrophes to show possession

  • The teacher’s explanation was clear. (The explanation of the teacher)

  • The students’ essays were well-written. (The essays of the students)

🚫 Do NOT use apostrophes for plurals!
❌ Many country’s suffer from pollution. (Incorrect)
✅ Many countries suffer from pollution. (Correct)

🚫 Do NOT use contractions in formal writing!
❌ It's a serious problem. (Incorrect)
✅ It is a serious problem. (Correct)

4️⃣ Quotation Marks (“ ”) – Use Them for Direct Speech or Titles

✅ Use quotation marks to show direct speech

  • The scientist said, “Global warming is a serious issue.”

✅ Use quotation marks to highlight article or book titles

  • I read an article called “The Future of Renewable Energy.”

🚫 Do NOT use quotation marks for emphasis in formal writing!
❌ This is a “very” important topic. (Incorrect)
✅ This is a very important topic. (Correct)

5️⃣ Colons (:) – Introduce Lists or Explanations

✅ Use a colon before a list

  • There are three main types of pollution: air pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution.

✅ Use a colon before an explanation

  • The solution is simple: we must reduce waste and recycle more.

🚫 Do NOT use a colon after a verb or preposition!
❌ The main causes of pollution are: deforestation, waste, and emissions. (Incorrect)
✅ The main causes of pollution are deforestation, waste, and emissions. (Correct)

6️⃣ Semicolons (;) – Connect Two Related Sentences

✅ Use semicolons to join two closely related ideas

  • Many people ignore climate change; however, its effects are becoming more visible.

✅ Use semicolons in a complex list

  • The speakers at the conference include Dr. Smith, an environmentalist; Dr. Lopez, a marine biologist; and Dr. Patel, a climate researcher.

🚫 Do NOT use semicolons like commas!
❌ The effects of pollution are harmful; such as air contamination and water pollution. (Incorrect)
✅ The effects of pollution are harmful, such as air contamination and water pollution. (Correct)

7️⃣ Parentheses ( ) – Add Extra Information

✅ Use parentheses to include additional details

  • Global warming (a major environmental issue) is caused by greenhouse gases.

🚫 Do NOT overuse parentheses in formal writing!
❌ The problem of air pollution (which is caused by factories) (and vehicles) (and deforestation) is increasing. (Incorrect)

A strong title is essential because it grabs the reader’s attention and gives them a clear idea of the article’s content. 

Here are some tips for writing an effective article title:


📌 Tips for Writing a Good Article Title

1️⃣ Be Clear and Concise

  • Your title should tell the reader what the article is about without being too long.
    ✅ The Impact of Pollution on Marine Life
    ✅ How Technology is Changing Education
    ❌ Some Interesting Things About How Pollution Affects Marine Creatures and the Environment (Too long and unclear)

2️⃣ Use Strong and Specific Words

  • Avoid vague words like thing or stuff.
    ✅ Effective Study Habits for Teenagers
    ✅ The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine
    ❌ Things You Should Know About Studying (Too vague)

3️⃣ Use Numbers for List Articles

  • Titles with numbers attract readers and create expectations.
    ✅ 5 Ways to Improve Your Writing Skills
    ✅ 10 Simple Tips for Learning a New Language

4️⃣ Ask a Question

  • A question engages the reader and encourages them to find the answer in your article.
    ✅ What Are the Main Causes of Global Warming?
    ✅ How Can We Reduce Plastic Waste?

5️⃣ Use Power Words to Create Interest

  • Power words make your title more engaging and persuasive.
    ✅ The Hidden Dangers of Fast Food
    ✅ The Truth About Climate Change
    ✅ The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Great Essay

6️⃣ Avoid Clickbait Titles

  • Your title should be honest and match the content.
    ❌ You Won’t Believe This Secret to Learning English! (Too exaggerated)
    ✅ Simple Strategies to Learn English Faster (More credible)

✨ Quick Formula for Titles

[Number/Question] + [Adjective] + [Topic]
✔ How to Write a Perfect Article Title
✔ 7 Common Mistakes in English Writing
✔ Why Reading Books Improves Your Vocabulary


📌 Understanding the Register of an Article

1️⃣ What is Register?

Register refers to how formal or informal a piece of writing is. When writing an article, students must use the appropriate register based on the topic and audience.

2️⃣ Types of Register in Articles

Register Definition Example Topics Common Features
Formal Used in serious, professional, or academic contexts. News reports, scientific articles, research papers. No contractions, no slang, objective tone, complex sentences.
Semi-formal More natural and engaging, but still professional. Opinion pieces, blogs, magazine articles. Some contractions, clear structure, slightly personal tone.
Informal Used in casual conversations and personal blogs. Social media posts, personal blogs, entertainment pieces. Contractions, slang, personal expressions, simple sentences.

3️⃣ Which Register Should We Use in an Article?

Students should use a formal or semi-formal register when writing an article. Here’s what that means:

✅ Use Formal Language:

  • Use full words instead of contractions.

    • ❌ We can’t ignore climate change.

    • ✅ We cannot ignore climate change.

  • Avoid colloquial (informal) expressions or slang.

    • ❌ The government should step up its game on pollution.

    • ✅ The government should take stronger measures to reduce pollution.

  • Use objective language (avoid personal opinions unless required).

    • ❌ I think pollution is really bad.

    • ✅ Pollution negatively impacts the environment and human health.

✅ Use Correct Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

  • No text message style (e.g., u instead of you).

  • No abbreviations (e.g., etc., e.g., info → instead, write and so on, for example, information).

✅ Keep a Neutral and Professional Tone

  • Instead of emotional or exaggerated language, use fact-based arguments.

    • ❌ This problem is destroying the world!

    • ✅ This issue has serious consequences for the environment.

4️⃣ Quick Checklist for a Good Article Register

✅ No contractions (do not instead of don’t)
✅ No slang or informal expressions (many people instead of a bunch of people)
✅ Correct grammar and spelling
✅ Clear, professional tone
✅ Well-structured sentences and paragraphs


📌 Examples of Article Topics with Register, Purpose, and Audience

Topic Purpose Audience Register
The Importance of Recycling To inform readers about the benefits of recycling and how it helps the environment. General public, students, environmental organizations. Formal (objective tone, no contractions, factual information).
How Social Media Affects Teenagers To analyze the positive and negative effects of social media on young people. Teenagers, parents, educators. Semi-formal (clear explanations, some engaging language but still professional).
The Evolution of Technology in Education To explain how technology has changed learning in schools and universities. Teachers, students, education professionals. Formal (no slang, clear structure, academic tone).
Why Reading Books Improves Vocabulary To persuade students to read more by explaining its benefits. Students, teachers, book lovers. Semi-formal (friendly but structured, no contractions, factual arguments).
Should Schools Have a Four-Day Week? To discuss the advantages and disadvantages of shorter school weeks. Students, teachers, parents. Semi-formal (balanced arguments, clear structure, some engaging language).
The Effects of Fast Food on Health To raise awareness about the impact of fast food on people’s health. General public, health professionals, students. Formal (scientific approach, evidence-based arguments).
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine To explain how AI is transforming healthcare and helping doctors. Medical professionals, students, researchers. Formal (no contractions, complex sentence structure, academic language).



Comments

Post a Comment