How to Write a Good Article
What
makes a good article? One may ask. You see, Sometimes you pick up a magazine
and can't stop reading one piece, whereas another piece has you turning the
page before the end of the first few paragraphs. Well, there is more to writing
a good article than putting words down on paper.
Firstly,
carefully research and study your subject matter.
Think it
all through very carefully, WHAT you are going to say and HOW you are going to
say it. I believe the essence of writing a good interesting article is
simplicity. Always aim for clarity and simplicity in your writing. How
long should your article be?
In writing
for newspapers or popular magazines the length is probably around 500-750 words
(or one to 2 pages). I would far rather read a 1000 word
article giving information that would help me, than a breezy 3000 word article
of that doesn't say much at all.
- Always try to put yourself in the position of the reader.
- After completion, re-read your article a number of times.
- Polish it up by changing words and expressions.
- Ensure that your article reads quickly and easily.
Otherwise if an article is too long
the reader can easily lose concentration and give up. Examine your sentences
and paragraphs carefully to ensure that the words flow smoothly. A paragraph
should deal with one idea, developed in one or more sentences that logically advance
the points you are trying to make, add meaning or develop the story you are
telling.
Always
try to make your meaning clear.
Ensure
that your sentences are well structured and that your grammar is correct. The
first words of your article are of vital importance to grab your reader's
attention. You are doing a "selling" job to entice them to read more
- so make the reader want to read more.
Develop
your theme logically. Carefully plan what you are going to say. Make a list of
your main points. Then progress from one to another (logically), so that they
lead to a conclusion.
There
are three main parts of any article.
Your
article should have an introduction. This introduces the reader to the subject.
Then the main body of the article which comprises most of an article. This then
leads logically to a final deduction or conclusion.
This is essentially a summary of all
the main points mentioned before. I believe the key to
writing good articles lies in good PLANNING. Collecting your material and
thinking clearly. Spend quiet time thinking before you even set pen to paper.
Ask for inspiration
Your article should answer the five
questions of a very inquisitive person:
- WHO
- WHAT
- WHERE
- HOW
- WHEN
I've just
remembered I used to drive my dad nuts with those questions when I was a kid. I
think it was Rudyard Kipling, the British writer, who "coined them".
As I
mentioned, the title and your first words are of vital importance to grab your
reader's attention. Make them want to read more. Develop your theme step by
step - it's like building a wall brick by brick. Plan what you are going
to say, and how you are going to say it. Make a list of your main points. Then
elaborate on them.
Progress
logically, naturally and smoothly from one to another, so that they lead
to a conclusion. I'm repeating myself, not out of senility... but for effect.
Also saves me the trouble of even more editing!
Have a
strong summary to round off your article. If you know exactly how you are going
to end off, the more easily you will shape the article as a whole. It's like
starting off with a piece of clay then molding and shaping it.
You are adding your personal touch,
a bit of your personality, your individual thoughts and creativity to the
sculpture of life. It is a bit of the real you coming out - a little of you and
your unique "work of art" is being expressed to the world.
OTHER
POINTERS
I firmly
believe writing articles should be entertaining as well as informative. I aim
for that in my writing STYLE. Don't be too impersonal - put in little anecdotes
about yourself. Also don't be afraid to express personal opinions on issues.
Hope this
article may be helpful to you. Now use your creative imagination to the
fullest and happy writing.
Good luck Happy writing
