Article Writing – Differences Between Essay and Article

Writing an Article

Differences Between Essay Writing and Article Writing

Article – It is a piece of writing usually intended for publication in a newspaper, magazine, or on the internet (blog)

Objectives of Article Writing

• Describe an experience, person, event, or place
• Present an unbiased opinion on a topic with a balanced argument –Example
• Video games – Boon or Bane
• Compare and contrast-It is usually between two situations/scenarios /two particular areas. Example – Football Vs. Cricket sport –Changing trends
• Provide information about a problem. Offer suggestions to solve an issue/ a problem. Example -Conservation of wildlife

Three W’s -Starting Point

• What – Objective of the article
• Where – Medium used – Newspaper/Magazine/Website
• Who – Intended readers – specific groups such as students, teenagers, or adults

Language (to be used in article)– Formal, semi-formal, or informal as per the intended readers. Informal is usually used in blogs (online). Formal in school magazines and semi-formal in magazines and newspapers mostly.

Length – Lengthy for magazine articles: 4-6 paragraphs

Newspaper and online blog articles are concise with a less number of paragraphs. Depending on the topic -3-5 paragraphs

Format (Structure) of Writing An Article

• Heading Or Title
• Catchy to draw the attention of the readers
• Not more than five to six words
• Main theme/topic of the article to be stated in an attractive manner.

Tips To Write Catchy Headings

• Use numbers
• Appealing adjectives to connect emotionally with readers

Effortless, Fun, Incredible, Essential, Absolute

• Clear indication to what readers will gain

Reasons, Principles, Facts, Lessons, Ideas, Ways

• Use trigger words – Why, How, When

Example – If a topic is ‘bathing dogs at home’- ‘Why I love Bathing Dogs’/ 10 Unbelievable Ways of Bathing Dogs

• By line –Comes below the title. By line states the name of the writer. It can be written, not mandatorily.
• Introduction– First Paragraph

• Begin with proverb/ phrase or a quote related to the topic/main theme to make it interesting
• Reader comprehends the main theme
• Core of the topic – What, where, and when about the topic should be included in the introductory paragraph

Example – Natural calamities – What, where it occurs, and when can be introduced

• Body –Second/ Third/Fourth Paragraphs
• Engage readers with details – Why and how of the topic. Add facts and reports.
• Readers relate to the magnitude of the topic/ problem.
• Argument points – Agreement and disagreement

• Conclusion – Last Paragraph
• Give suggestions to solve the problem
• Show the change or progression toward the solution
• Conclude with a thought provoking statement/quote directing towards the future.

Steps to Be Followed for Article Writing

• Remember 3 Ws
• Select a topic
• Research the topic- It should be from credential sources –websites/ journals/newspapers. Facts need to be presented. Data- percentage or ratio
• Write the article as per the standard format
• Edit the article for any errors-Punctuation and Grammar
• Proofread the article to recheck and review.
• Add images and infographics related to the topic. Infographic – Visual representation of data through graphs, pie-chart, etc.