There are many different types of articles, including news stories, feature stories, profiles, instructional pieces, and so on. While each of them has specific characteristics, unique to the genre, all the articles share some characteristics. From forming and researching the idea to writing and proofreading the piece, writing articles can give you the opportunity to share interesting and important information with readers.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Forming an Idea
Step 1. Become familiar with the type of article you want to write
As you try to understand the topic and your perspective, think about the type of piece that best fits the points you want to convey. Some types of articles are preferable for certain topics. Here are some of the most common:
- News. This type of article presents facts regarding an event that happened recently or will happen in the near future. Usually it answers the famous 5 W and H: who ("who"), what ("what"), where ("where"), when ("when"), why ("why") and how ("how").
- Special service. This type of article presents information in a more creative and descriptive way than a classic news item. It can be about a person, a phenomenon, a place or another topic.
- Editorial. This article presents a journalist's views on a topic or debate. Its goal is to persuade the reader to think a certain way about an issue.
- Guide on how to do something. This article provides clear instructions and information on how to complete a task.
- Profile. This article presents information about a person; it is based on facts and data that the journalist usually obtains through interviews and research.
Step 2. Gather ideas on the topic
Make a list of potential issues. You may decide to talk about immigration, organic food, or your city's animal shelter. In order to write a coherent but concise article, you need to narrow down the topic. This will give you something more specific to write about, so the piece will be more effective. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Why are you interested in this topic?
- What point is usually overlooked by people?
- What aspects of this topic do you want to convey to readers?
- For example, if you want to talk about organic farms, you might think this: "I think it's important to understand the meaning of organic food labels. It can be quite confusing to know all this information."
Step 3. Choose a topic that you find exciting
You should find the topic you decide to write about interesting. Your enthusiasm manifests itself through the writing and therefore the piece will be much more engaging for the readers.
Your goal is to communicate passion, so that readers think the topic of the article is worth giving importance
Step 4. Conduct preliminary research
If you don't know the subject at all (for example, you have to write about a specific subject for a school assignment), then you need to start doing some preliminary research.
- Write a few keywords in a search engine. This can lead you to other sources regarding the topic. These resources can also give you an idea of different approaches to the issue.
- Read everything you can on the subject. Go to the library. Consult books, magazine articles, published interviews, online profiles, news sources, blogs and databases to find information. Sometimes you will have to dig a little, because some data is not easily found.
Step 5. Identify a unique perspective
Once you've chosen your topic and narrowed it down to something more specific, consider how you can bring out the article. If you have to write a piece on a topic that other people also address, try to have a unique approach to resources. You should make a good contribution to the dialogue, not be one of the many voices.
For example, if you are talking about organic food, you might focus on the point of view of a consumer who does not understand the labels of these products. Use this anecdote to introduce the main argument - the key paragraph - that summarizes your unique idea or point of view
Step 6. Refine your argument
In most of the articles, the reporter makes one argument. This is the basis of the piece. Then, the writer finds evidence to back it up. In order to write a quality article, you need a quality argument. Once you've decided on your unique point of view, you can actually move on to the reasoning you intend to make.
- For example, if you write about a person learning to read organic food labels, your general argument might be this: the public must be aware that many companies are incorrect. This leads to the dishonest practices that characterize product advertising. Another argument could be the following: it is important to know who controls the local media. If your hometown newspaper is owned by large media companies, you may have very few news reports about your area and not know much about your own community.
- Enclose the argument in a sentence written on a post-it. Stick it next to your computer or the area where you write. It will help you stay focused as you start working on the article.
Part 2 of 5: Researching the Idea
Step 1. Find out about the topic and structure the argument
Start researching your specific topic and related discussion. Go beyond the preliminary research you have already conducted. Learn the fundamental issues at stake, the pros and cons, expert opinions and so on.
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The best journalists are naturally predisposed to document themselves. They do research on primary (original and unpublished) and secondary sources on the subject.
- The primary sources may include a transcript of a legislative debate, lawsuit documents, contracts, municipal and provincial records, army discharge certificates, photos, government written official documents, sections of special collections held in a city library or library. universities, insurance policies, corporate financial reports, or investigations into someone's personal history.
- The secondary sources they include databases, books, summaries, articles in Italian and other languages, bibliographies, dissertations, books and manuals in the public domain.
- You can find information on the internet or in the library. It is also possible to do interviews, watch documentaries or consult other sources.
Step 2. Collect supporting evidence
Start by identifying ways to help support your overall argument. You should get about three to five solid examples that support your perspective as a whole.
You can make a longer list of tests and examples. By collecting more, you will be able to prioritize the most effective ones
Step 3. Use trusted sources
Be wary when looking online. Only draw from reputable resources, such as reputable newspapers, articles written by experts on the subject, government or university websites. Look for information that references other resources, as it will help you support any claims made by your source. You can also find printed sources, and in this case the same precautions must be taken.
Don't assume that a source is completely trustworthy. You will need a number of different sources to get a complete picture of the situation
Step 4. Keep track of research sources
It is important to note where you got the information from. Then, when you write the article, you can appropriately and completely attribute them. Write complete bibliographic information for each source. They usually include the author's name, article title, publication title, year, page number, and publisher.
Choose your citation style as soon as possible so that you can fill in this information in the correct format. Some of the most common are MLA, APA, and Chicago
Step 5. Avoid plagiarism
When considering other sources, be careful how you compile the information. Sometimes people copy the texts they find into a single document, which is then used to make notes for inclusion in their article. However, by doing so they potentially risk plagiarism, because the copied text gets confused with the work written by them. Make sure you carefully keep track of the parts that aren't yours.
Do not copy text directly from another source. Instead, edit it in your own words and include a quote
Part 3 of 5: Define your Idea
Step 1. Determine the length of the article
Does it have to have a certain number of words? Do you have to complete a certain number of pages? Consider the type of content you will write about and the space it will fill. Also, consider the amount of words needed in order to adequately speak the subject.
Step 2. Consider your audience
Think about who will read the article. You have to consider the preparation, interests, expectations and so on.
For example, if you are writing an article for a specialized academic audience, the tone and approach will be quite different from what you would propose for a famous magazine
Step 3. Make an outline of the article
Before you start writing formally, make a lineup, which will break up the information based on where it will go. It serves as a guide to help you understand where you need more information.
- It is useful to start with a lineup that divides the content into five paragraphs. One paragraph should be reserved for the introduction, three for the supporting tests and one for the conclusion. As you begin to enter information into the lineup, you may find that this structure doesn't quite fit your article.
- You may also find that this structure is not ideal for certain types of items. For example, if you have to write a person's profile, your piece would have a different format.
Step 4. Choose quotes and other evidence that support your views
You will likely find yourself faced with information that concisely supports your opinion. You could include a statement made by someone or a phrase from another article that is particularly relevant. Choose the most important and descriptive part to use in your piece. Add these quotes to the lineup.
- Make sure you attribute the quotes accurately and use quotes to indicate phrases that you did not give birth. For example, you could write: A spokesperson for the Latte dairy says: "Our milk is organic because our cows are fed only organic grass."
- Don't overdo the quotes. Be selective with their use. If they are used in excess, the reader may think they are fillers to avoid offering ideas of your own.
Part 4 of 5: Writing the Article
Step 1. Write the introduction
A compelling introductory paragraph is essential in order to persuade the reader. In the first few sentences, the reader evaluates whether your article is worth reading in its entirety. There are several ways to start writing, here are a few:
- Tell an anecdote.
- Use a quote from an interview.
- Start with a statistic.
- Start with straight facts about the story.
Step 2. Follow the ladder
You've sketched out the article with a lineup, which will help you focus on writing a solid, coherent piece. The lineup can also help you remember how the details relate to each other. Also, you will keep in mind the relationship between certain quotes and points you make.
However, be flexible. Sometimes, as you write, the flow takes on a different meaning from that of the lineup. Be prepared to change the direction of the piece if it seems preferable to you
Step 3. Offer the right context
Don't assume the reader knows as much as you do about the subject. Think of the supporting information they need in order to understand the issue. Depending on the article, you may want to write a paragraph explaining the background of the matter before proceeding with the illustration of the supporting evidence. Alternatively, you could weave this contextual data and facts into the whole piece.
Step 4. Use descriptions
Use eloquent and descriptive language to give an accurate picture to the reader. Choose precise verbs and detailed adjectives carefully.
For example, you could talk about a supermarket customer who has trouble understanding organic food labels: Carlo stopped in front of the jam shelf for a good 10 minutes. Words like "organic" and "natural" crowded the labels. Each jar said something different. It almost sounded like they were shouting: "Choose me!", "Buy me!". The words began to blur his vision. Eventually, he walked off the shelf empty-handed
Step 5. Include transition words
Connect stand-alone ideas with transitional terms, so that the article is a cohesive piece. Start each new paragraph with a word that links it to the previous one.
For example, use words or phrases such as "however", "second" or "remember that"
Step 6. Pay attention to style, structure and tone
You must write based on a certain style, structure and tone that make sense for the type of article chosen. Evaluate your audience to determine what would be the best way to present information to them.
- For example, a newspaper article must offer information in a narrative and chronological format. It should be written in an accessible and direct language. An academic article should be written in more formal language. An article that explains how to do something should be written in a more informal language.
- When writing an article, use a catch phrase at the beginning of each paragraph to get the reader to move on. Also, vary the length of the sentences, using both short and long sentences. If you notice that all the sentences have more or less the same number of words, it is likely that the reader will be "lulled" by this monotonous rhythm and will literally fall asleep. Sentences that are consistently short and concise can give the feeling that this is an advertisement, not a well thought out article.
Step 7. Write a compelling conclusion
Conclude the article dynamically. Depending on the piece, this part may entice the reader to do something or dig deeper. For example, if you write an opinion piece on food labels, you might want to explain to the public where more information can be found.
- If you started with an anecdote or statistic in the introduction, think about how to connect this point in the conclusion.
- Conclusions are often most effective when they use a final short, concrete example that takes the reader to new horizons. They should be directed, leading the audience in a direction that keeps their thirst for knowledge high.
Step 8. Think about adding extra information
You can help the reader understand the topic more clearly by including graphics or other supporting data.
- For example, you could include photographs, charts, or an infographic to illustrate some of your points.
- You could also highlight or develop an important point with a side box. It's an extra piece of article that digs deep into one aspect of the topic. For example, if you write about your city's film festival, you might include this box with a review highlighting one of the films. These sections are usually short (50-75 words, depending on the media outlet).
- Remember that these parts are supplementary. This means that your article should be complete on its own. The writing must be understandable, clear and balanced without the help of tables, photographs or other graphic materials.
Part 5 of 5: Finishing the Job
Step 1. Correct the article
Take some time to correct and reread the piece. Time permitting, wait a couple of days before making the correction. This allows you to distance yourself from the article. Then, you will be able to look at it with different eyes.
- Look closely at the argument or central point you intend to make. Does all the content of the piece relate to these views? Does a paragraph have anything to do with the others? If so, this part should be eliminated or restructured to support the main argument.
- Eliminate all contradictory information from the article, or analyze the contradictions, demonstrating why these facts are relevant to readers.
- Rewrite a few paragraphs or the entire article to suit your needs. These fixes are common for all types of articles, so don't think you have made serious mistakes or are incompetent.
Step 2. Check for grammatical errors
Although an article is well written, it will not be taken so seriously in case of grammatical or spelling errors. Make sure your writing is of quality by making the right corrections.
It is helpful to print a hard copy of the article. Read it with a pen or pencil in hand to mark mistakes. Then, go back to them and correct them on the computer
Step 3. Read the article aloud
Listen to the tone, the rhythm, the length of the sentences, the coherence, the grammatical or content errors and the persuasiveness of the arguments. Imagine that your piece is musical, consider it an auditory experience, then use your ears well to evaluate the quality, strengths and weaknesses.
When you read aloud, it is also possible to identify grammatical or content errors. By doing this, you will reduce the chances of being corrected by someone else
Step 4. Ask someone else to read the article
Try showing it to a friend, professor, or other trusted person. Do you understand what you mean? Does it follow your reasoning?
This person may also spot errors and inconsistencies that you overlooked
Step 5. Write the title
The article should have an appropriate, short and concise title, not exceeding 10 words. It should be action-oriented and convey why the story matters. It should grab the attention of readers and drag them into the piece.
If you want to communicate some more information, write a subtitle. It is a secondary phrase that enriches the title
Advice
- Make sure you give yourself enough time to write the article. If not, you will rush at the last minute to create a piece that is not representative of your true skills.
- To learn more about using primary research tools and databases, do an internet search for the specific industry you will be talking about or go to your local library.
