Lesson 25; how to write an article

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 3

WELCOME BACK 

Today’s lesson 

• Aftekenen grammar reader.
  
• Fake news project; the fake news criteria 
  
• How to write a fake news article.
  
• Deadline handing in your fake news article -> 24th of december 
• Do assignment 1; in the fake news project document in your studiewijzer. 
  

Fake news criteria 

Article (0,5 of total mark)

Content:

•  Eye-catching title
  
•  Introduction that defines the topic covered
  
•  Main body of 2-5 paragraphs 
  
• Conclusion. 
  

Language: 

• The language should fit its audience (peers) 
  
• Linking words 
  
• Grammar and spelling mistakes should not impede comprehension. 
  
• The passive should be used at least 5 times
  
•  Use of personal pronouns should be limited whenever possible to support the supposed objectivity of the article.
  

  

Fake news criteria 

Your article should have a clear link to this criteria: 

• Made up stories and information meant to be widely shared 
  
• Perhaps to shock or scare 
  
• Purpose is to persuade people to think a certain way 
  
• vote a certain way 
  
• To make money from advertising (clickbait)
  

How to write an article 

• is a piece of writing usually intended for publication  in a newspaper, magazine or journal
  
• is written for a wide audience, so it is essential to attract and retain the readers’ attention
  
• may include amusing stories, reported speech and descriptions
  
• can be formal or informal, depending on the target audience
  
• should be written in an interesting or entertaining manner
  
• should give opinions and thoughts, as well as facts
  

 

How to write an article 

An article can:

• Describe an experience, event, person or place
  
• Present an opinion or balanced argument
  
• Compare and contrast
  
• Provide information
  
• Offer suggestions
  
• Offer advice
  

 

How to write an article 

A realistic article should consist of:

• An eye-catching title which attracts the readers’ attention and suggests the theme of the article. (Think about why you read a magazine or newspaper article recently - what made you read it?) 
• Articles can also have subheadings before each paragraph.
  
• An introduction which clearly defines the topic to be covered and keeps the reader’s attention.
  
• The main body of two to five paragraphs in which the topic is further developed in detail.
  
• The conclusion - summarizing the topic or a final opinion, recommendation or comment.
  

 

How to write an article 

REMEMBER

• Before you begin writing it is important to consider:
  
• Where is the article going to appear - in a newspaper or magazine?
  
• Who are the intended readers - a specific group such as students or teenagers, or adults in general?
  
• What is the aim of the article - to advise, suggest, inform, compare and contrast, describe, etc.?
  

 

• These three points are the deciding factors in the layout of your article, its style, language and level of formality.
  

How to write an article 

• The article could be formal, semi-formal or informal, depending on your intended audience.
  
• Use vocabulary and descriptive language appropriate for the article. 
• Linking words (however, moreover, since, as etc.) 
• Expressions, and a variety of vocabulary will only improve your work and make it more interesting.

 

How to write an article 

DO NOT

• DO NOT use over-personal or over-emotional language or simplistic vocabulary.
  

 

• DO NOT talk about yourself. You are writing for the general public, not a close circle of friends.
  
• Your opinions are only interesting to other people if you can make them amusing, justify them or explain them.
  

  

What now? 

• Do assignment 1 in your fake news project document 
  
• Already finished? Work ahead