Wrting 101 - Articles

• ENGLISH
• Secondary Education
• Age 12

Writing

- Article 

- Review

- Column 

- Proposal

Main goal: I can write an article, review, column and proposal in a clear and cohesive way.  

At the end of this lesson-block: 

Main goal: I will know how to write an article in English.

I will know the difference between formal and informal language.

I will know the structure of an article. 

I know what language to use and what language not to use in an article.

I will know what linking words are and I can use those in my writing.

Articles

LET'S SUM IT UP!         

An article is written with the following objectives:

• An article focusses on a certain topic.
• Its goal is to provide information on that topic and to draw the attention of the reader/the public to that topic. 
• It offers suggestions and pieces of advice
  
• It influences the readers and urges them to think
  
• The article discusses various stories, persons, locations, rising-issues, and technical developments

POINTS TO REMEMBER

While writing an article:

•  always use proper grammar, spelling, and punctuations.
  
  
• Keep the introduction of the topic catchy, interesting, and short.
  
  
• Discuss the opinion and the matter in an organized and descriptive manner.

 

POINTS TO REMEMBER

• The content should be unique and relevant.
  
• The article must be written in an interesting manner. 
  
• The title must be eye-catching, clear and interesting.
  
• The introduction or the starting paragraph must be highly attentive. Use good vocabulary words. Try to use interrogative words for the start.
• Use clear statements
• Make paragraphs (one for every topic)
• Write a good and logical ending.

Format of an Article

Title
Lead (1 paragraph) - subject and the context 

Body (2-3 paragraphs) -facts, aspects, arguments, advantages etc. 

Conclusion (1 paragraph) - reflects the message of the opening paragraph

**Use informal language**

What's the difference between informal and formal writing?

Informal Language

Formal language

FORMAL

INFORMAL

Long sentences

Short sentences

Active voice

Passive voice

Email

Application letter

No contractions

Lesson Goals
I know the difference between formal and informal language and I know what language to use in an article.

1. Agree
2. Strongly Agree
3. Not sure
4. I need some help

Language - Linking Words

Linking Words

Other Words

In short

In other words

Anyway

What

Similarly

More

Could

Although

Might

Moreover

Yet

Always

Like

No

For example

Doubt

Then

Why

Emphasis

Addition

Contrast

Result

however

in contrast

above all

furthermore

nevertheless

most importantly

on the other hand

consequently

certainly

besides

moreover

what is more

due to

therefore

so

that is why

for instance

although

in fact

I like sugar in my tea, .......... I don't like milk in it.

1. or
2. but
3. so
4. moreover

Fill in the correct linking word:
Climates are changing ______ global warming.

1. in spite of
2. as a result of
3. in order to
4. although

Fill in the correct linking word:
He could read and write
______ being blind.

1. despite
2. as a result of
3. although
4. besides

Crossbreeds are more likely to escape the sometimes painful exaggerated physical features or inherited diseases plaguing some pedigree animals. Some show dogs have skulls that are too small for their brains, or suffer from breathing problems. ___________ the Dogs Trust and the RSPCA pulled out of the show, in 2008. The BBC also dropped the show from its programming that year after its request for certain breeds to be excluded was rejected.

1. For example,
2. In the meantime,
3. On top of that,
4. That is why

Lesson Goals

I will know what linking words are and I can use those in my writing.

1. Agree
2. Strongly Agree
3. Not sure
4. I need some help

Boarding pass writing

Name one thing that you have learnt the previous writing lesson.

Name one core concept of the previous lesson.

Name one lesson goal of this period.

What does your article start with?

Title

Working title

Use no more than 7 words

Catchy

Brainstorm

Write down anything you can think of relating your article. 

Messy/chaotic part

Begin your lead with a hook, something that interests the reader. The last line of your introduction should state what you're going to write about in the article.

For example a quotation of a popular song or a popular poetic line that supports your topic.

Let the readers know that you are going to write something new and relevant.

e.g. Topic: Sinterklaas. Start your article with a question like: Did you know that in the Netherlands every kid gets a present on the 5th of December?

Body:

In each paragraph you focus on one element of your main topic - use your brainstorm for this

Introduction: Did you know that....? I'll explain to you how that works. 

Paragraph 1: Arrival of Sinterklaas
Paragraph 2: what happens between the arrival and the 6th of December?

Paragraph 3: What happens on the 6th of December

Conclude with your strongest point or your opinion. Use short and humorous sentences, leave at least one question to make the reader think. 

Introduction: Did you know that....? I'll explain to you how that works.

Paragraph 1: Arrival of Sinterklaas

Paragraph 2: what happens between the arrival and the 6th of December?

Paragraph 3: What happens on the 6th of December

Conclusion: Your opinion on the festivities of Sinterklaas. 

Assignment Article Outline

You're going to write an article about one of the following topics. 

Make an outline/planning for your article. Follow the format (see your booklet on page 24 for an example outline). Hand in your outline in the next slide. You've got 10 minutes (you can also hand in a picture).

The subjects you can choose from: 

1 Schrijf een artikel over “the importance of breakfast”.

2 Schrijf een verslag over je “best vacation ever”.

3 Schrijf een artikel waarin je een Netflix-serie aanraadt.

4 Schrijf een verslag over je “worst blunder ever”.

5 Schrijf een artikel over “why homework is (not) necessary”.

6 Schrijf een artikel over de telefoon in de klas. Ja of nee?

Outline.

Lesson Goals

I will know the structure of an article.

1. Agree
2. Strongly Agree
3. Not sure
4. I need some help

Lesson Goals
Main goal: I will know how to write an article in English.

1. Agree
2. Strongly Agree
3. Not sure
4. I need some help

Assignment

Write your own article.

Do assignment 1 (page 12 of Footholds in Writing) - hand in + bring on the first lesson after the May Break

The way I want to work for now:
Docentgestuurde flexles = starting your article

1. Zelfstandige flexles
2. Leerlinggestuurde flexles
3. Docentgestuurde flexles

Leerlinggestuurde flexles: What do you need help on?