Writing an article
What an article is for
- An article is for a magazine, a newspaper or a website.
- It informs or entertains a general reader.
- You usually give your own view, with reasons.
Practice
Who reads an article?
An article is written for many general readers.
Catch the reader
- A strong title and first line catch the reader's interest.
- Ask a question, or start with a surprising fact.
- Keep the reader wanting to read more.
Three ways to catch the reader's interest in your first lines
Explore
Hook or snooze?
A hook makes the reader need line two; a snooze announces the topic and loses them.
Practice
A dull title is fine for an article.
A catchy title is needed to grab interest.
Practice
Write a catchy first line for an article about your favourite hobby.
Example: 'Could one small hobby change your whole week?'
Lively language
- Shape: introduction → middle → short conclusion.
- Use varied words and sentence lengths.
- You can speak to the reader directly with 'you'.
Practice
Put the parts of an article in order.
Title and opening first, then the points, then a conclusion.
Hook, then deliver
- Task: an article for the school magazine about learning an instrument.
- Headline: "The Ten-Minute Musician" — short, curious, no full stop.
- Hook: "Did you know ten minutes of practice a day beats a two-hour cram on Sunday?"
- Then deliver: your view plus reasons, and an ending that echoes the hook: "Ten minutes. Every day. That's the whole secret."
Practice
Match the hook technique to its example.
Four reliable hooks — pick the one that fits your topic and audience.
Key idea
- An article is for many readers; it informs or entertains.
- A catchy title and opening grab interest.
- Lively, varied language keeps energy up.