article writing

article writing

Effective Techniques for Writing Compelling Articles

1. Introduction to Article Writing

Your passion gives the strength and motivation that fuels your desire to convey a point. Articulate an idea into a thousand words or express most sincerely in a number of words the darkest circumstances of the human tragedy or create ways that will improve the human lives. Writing is said to be more than just a method of addition and linking of words. It’s a conscious act that offers others a meaningful and unforgettable feeling that remains indelibly etched in the thoughts and respects of our readers. When words lead us to understand our true selves, we share our genuine meanings and values. Take note of the considerations expressed and feel a deep-rooted link with every word you create. Instead of trying to force someone else to speak, write with an objective that is sincere, insightful, and charming. Listen and learn to retain an unwavering and stable trust that makes the writer and the writing distinct from the writer’s point of view.

If writing comes naturally to you and you look forward to acquiring the writing skill, you can develop an ability that you never knew before. Your potential in writing is inspired by your observation, inspired by anything around you, and focused on the beliefs and attitudes you hold. Writing is not only a talent but also a triumph that depends on your interaction and creativity. Consequently, do not give up to develop the opportunity to build your skill with style and confidence. Perspective is important. When your thoughts create empty spaces, take advantage of them, fill them up with words, and show them in a crisp language. However, if you do not pay attention to your points of view, all you get is a foggy and mundane piece of writing. The story of your living communicated well through writing is surely going to encourage and enlighten others. Only engage, share, and enjoy!

2. Understanding Your Audience and Purpose

• Recent graduates provide stimulating ideas and energy.

The following are four categories that a plan could be built around. What reasons can you think of for the common suggestions made above?

There are a variety of ways in which students at institutions of higher education can be drawn from as they grapple with practice. However, it would be wise to take on your role as facilitator and planner with as much experience and skill as possible to ensure that this process is manageable and realistic.

It is our hope that you, in turn, will reflect on how these articles and book chapters can enhance your practice as teacher-educators. JeanPierre will highlight the uses of these chapters and articles on Day Two.

Ponte et al. attempt to measure the impact of print and critical skills on the success of first-year students. Gutteridge discusses the difficulties that students from rural areas have experienced with first-year mathematics at Stellenbosch University. Costandius, Lee and Blackie share the experiences of revisiting the science method courses made available by the strategy.

The articles and book chapters on the following pages are written by lecturers in higher education. You are about to read how their experiences as teachers impact on their research and on their discussion of issues of relevance to your practice as a teacher-educator.

Activity One: How My Own Experiences Impinge on My Understanding of a Topic

Activity One: 1.1 Reflecting on Where Views and Perspectives on a Topic May Come From

3. Crafting a Captivating Headline and Introduction

Craft a compelling introduction. No matter the length of the article, the writer must grip the reader. To write an effective introduction, first decide what it is and how you plan to deal with it. Those are broad questions, but they are what the reader wants to know before diving into the work. Briefly set the scene. Since you are not just putting a percentage or acting important, you lead the reader into the story. Write the body of your feature one paragraph at a time. Each paragraph should deal with one point that you intend to make and provide evidence for that point. The beginning of the paragraph should have a topic sentence that gives the reader an idea of what the paragraph is about. The proof can be a quotation from a source, study, or news event. The paragraph should close with a statement or conclusion that leads the reader to the next paragraph. Finally, close with a powerful conclusion. One that leaves the reader in a satisfied, but eager, state.

Create a compelling headline. Today, most of the content you will find for internet consumption will come in the form of posts and articles. People will pick and choose what articles they want to click on or what publications they need to sign up for based on the headline. If the headline is weak, people will likely not click on the article. A headline should be specific and make the subject easily understandable. Follow traditional journalistic style. Utilize the present tense for current events or developing trends. Use the past tense for a development or event completed in the past.

4. Structuring Your Article for Clarity and Flow

You can use the same structure for every article, but you should use a structure. A typical structure has three principle parts: the lead, the body, and the ending. The lead describes the subject; it outlines the purpose, scope, and approach of the article; and it sets the reader’s interest or mood. Some leads start with some kind of a personal anecdote, thereby adding human interest; others use an attention-getting quote from a famous person. I’ve heard it said many times that a good beginning is crucial to the reader’s setting out on a piece, and I think this is true. The body of the article is where you convey information to the reader. Use as many section headers as necessary to keep the material organized. Keep similar types of material together – that is, lay out descriptions of related ideas in adjacent paragraphs. Also, don’t give the reader too much diverse material all in one place at one time. Even if you’re in the middle of a discussion about something and that something is complex, after a few paragraphs or so, insert a transition that tells the reader what the next few paragraphs will be about. Use paragraphing and flow to establish a sense of consistent, well organized progress and movement through the material. The ending can take various forms – typically, you’ll summarize what has been said and make some final comments and then draw your conclusions.

The published pieces are generally longer than personal letters; sometimes a good bit longer. Depending on the venue, essays probably tend to be between two and four thousand words. Now, with four thousand words you can say quite a bit about a topic. Part of the challenge in executing a long piece is deciding what not to say, what to leave on the cutting-room floor, so to speak. But in order to keep the piece compelling to yourself and to the reader, you want to hold your material up to the high-standard test: would or should the otherwise disinterested reader probably find this information significantly interesting and compelling? If the significantly compelling interest isn’t there, maybe the reader didn’t need that information in the first place. Still, quite possibly there are some readers who, if they found themselves reading about what happens after the galactic explosion rather than what caused the explosion in the first place, would find their interest piqued and their curiosity stimulated enough to keep them reading. Part of your job as a writer is to make this metamorphosis of dispassionate into interested reader occur.

5. Incorporating Research and Credible Sources

Try not to solely base your research on other articles. Go to the original source if possible. Try to find someone who has written a book on the topic you are investigating. Libraries are a useful source of information. Academic databases are bound to give you a better source of information. Use opposite viewpoints to balance your observations. Even if the site uses genuine studies, not all of them will actually link to these “studies.” Sometimes they may even make up facts and statistics to back up their “point.” Everything should have a balance. A credible article balances opposing views and offers readers informed opinions from multiple sources. Newspapers, academic journals, magazines, and the Internet are good sources. Be sure to check their reputation or the source of the author since not everyone is completely honest. Look out for solidly reasoned arguments as well as logical fallacies. Avoid all forms of propaganda wherever possible. Use propaganda techniques only when convincing your side is plausible.

Incorporating research and credible sources is a significant way to give your article that convincing edge. Including statistical information or realistic examples enables your readers to identify with the subject matter. It’s not a bad idea for them to “walk in the shoes” of those directly affected by the issue. You also need to take steps to avoid being sued for slander due to presenting false information as fact, and you could be sued for misrepresentation of someone else’s writing. Copyright law doesn’t permit you to use someone else’s work without proper authorization either. “But the Internet is out there, and there’s really no such thing as copyright law…” Anyone trying to convince themselves will fall on the wrong side of the law. It’s necessary to make sure your facts are straight, and your sources are credible.