How to write an article

How to write an article

Article writing has become even more prevalent than before, as websites, magazine owners and publications seek to attract large audiences to read their pieces. It is therefore important to write articles that will influence the masses and give you the desired result. This article, therefore, breaks down the details of how to write an article to you, to help you sharpen your writing skills.

How to write an article
How to format an article
Article sample
How to create article topics
Well written articles

Article writing

For some, writing is a talent but then most people often acquire this skill. Either way, no one would want to sit down and write an article that does not meet the required standards. It is therefore important that you understand these important guidelines when it comes to good article writing.

Before you can even begin writing an article, you need to know what an article is. So, what is an article and what is article writing? An article is a piece of formal writing that is usually long, about 500 words or more, and gives detailed factual information about a particular topic. Article writing is the art of writing articles (obviously). Below are the various types of articles one can write:

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Types of article

1. Expository articles

This is an informative article that is full of facts and figures about the topic in question. Ideas are written in sequential order. It includes recipes, how-to articles, business, scientific and technical writing.

2. Descriptive articles

These are writings, mostly about product reviews. Aspects such as price and features of the item are described.

3. Persuasive articles

These are written to convince the reader to adopt an idea or purchase a certain good or service. There is usually a call to action at the end of the article. Cover letters are an example of articles that should be persuasive.

4. Narratives

In this type of article writing, a story is told. The most common types of this kind of article are biographies and autobiographies.

Guide to writing a great article

How to write an article
Article sample
How to create article topics
Well written articles

Expository Article Writing is by far, the most common type of Article Writing. When writing an article, content is key and so is how you bring it out. Below, we explore the ‘how’ of writing articles.

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Have the right article writing format

Many people are unaware of how to format an article. Well written articles should have a title, an introduction, a body and a conclusion. Let us discuss these in detail:

a) The topic: how to create article topics

Most readers decide on whether to click on your article if it is an online one or to read it if it is in hard copy, based on how appealing the title is. A title such as ‘say goodbye to dark knees and underarms with 3 simple steps’, will most likely catch the attention of a reader and make them explore more.

For effectiveness and efficiency, ensure you write on a topic of your interest. More often, your passion oozes in the articles you enjoyed writing, and this zeal is transferred to the reader. Do not write an article about website development if you don’t even know what a Domain is. If that technical vocabulary makes you sick, you probably shouldn't think of writing about it.

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b) The introduction

An introduction is like a door to your article. As an article writer, this door is everything. Herein, you grasp or lose your readers. Make it catchy. Do not short-change yourself by writing an incompetent start and waste all the painfully-long hours of research and typing, by getting your article ignored. Here are a few tips for writing that magnetic intro:

  • Ask a question. This grasps the reader’s mind and makes them want to read more to satisfy their curiosity.
  • Tell a story. Who doesn't like reading a tale, especially if it’s a true one?
  • Use a quote. I do not know of anyone who does not value wise sayings.
  • Find something unique to say. The world of writing is full of spin, and some fresh content is obviously on high demand.
  • Share an interesting fact, a shocking statistic or debunk a myth.
  • Give a clear explanation of what the article is about. Any confusion on the reader’s side, whether real or imagined, will cause them to abandon the article.
  • Keep it simple and brief. Make it at most five or six sentences. Humans have a short attention span and will scroll past some text that doesn’t seem to be coming to an end any time soon.

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Article writing
Article writing format
What is article writing?
How to format an article

c) The body

Writing a good body is about mastering two aspects; having produced content and using a great technique to present it. It may be easier to find something interesting to write about than to use a killer technique to bring it out. The body must be written based on facts obtained through research or interviews. Here is how to go about writing a worthy body section.

  • Research

Many find research a daunting task but for you to expand your pot of knowledge and write a compelling article, you have to gather as much information as possible from reliable sources and get your facts right. Avoid shallow research that leaves you trying to figure out what to write next, while you are still on your initial paragraph. Do comprehensive research on your topic.

  • Provide your readers with all the details about the topic

Let your instruction be clear to the reader. Be sequential. Be factual and keep your opinions to yourself. Imagine your article answering any potential questions your reader may have. Can an amateur fix his problematic engine just by reading your instruction manual? If not, then you have more work to do. Illustrate your point, explain it, and make your reader understand why it is so important to do it.

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  • Divide your work into subheadings

Ensure you have used many subheadings with short paragraphs, as such are visually appealing and easy to read. They give space between ideas and make you thirst for more, contrary to voluminous text.

  • Flaunt some vocabulary and tasteful humour

Use of a big word here and there, it adds flavour to your work. Be sure not to use vocabulary out of context. Some humour and creativity draws a picture in the reader’s mind and keeps them entertained. Too much jargon though, makes your work incomprehensible and excess humour discredits your writing.

How to write an 
Article writing
Article writing format
What is article writing?
How to format an article

d) The conclusion

This section sums up the ideas in the article in one or two short paragraphs as you highlight some reminders. It is very important to also make it appealing, as it will give credit to the whole article and convince your readers to implement your ideas. You may include a piece of advice or tip regarding the topic to the readers.

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Edit your article to check for errors

After writing your article, proof-read your work. Ensure your grammar, spelling, and punctuations are on point. Always check for plagiarism even though your work is original, as you could have inadvertently copied some existing work. The font size and handwriting used depends on the specifications.

Below is an article sample of a persuasive article about braided wigs.

How to write an article
Article writing
Article writing format
What is article writing?
How to format an article

Generally in writing an article, be straightforward and avoid too much fluff about one idea or issue. Time is limited, and we all read to gain as much information in as little time as possible. Let the arrangement of your article writing be full of white spaces and breathers, to make it interesting to read and follow through. With the above guidelines, be sure to write a truly amazing article.

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Source: YEN.com.gh

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