It is usually written for an English-language magazine or newsletter, and the reader is assumed to have similar interests to the writer. 

 

The main purpose is to inform, interest and engage the reader, so there should be some opinion or comment.

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INFORMAL ARTICLE

Hints

• Add a short title to catch the reader's attention. Make sure it is relevant. You can use the one in the question or invent one of your own.

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• Introduce the topic. Although you don't know the readers personally, you can address the readers directly and ask them a rhetorical question. It helps to involve them.

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• Divide your report into sections according to the input. One or two paragraphs will do. 

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• Develop the ideas in the task input. Remember .

  • Use a personal or more neutral style, but not formal (you might use contractions).

  • It is important that you show a range of structures.

  • Give real-life examples and talk about personal experience where appropriate to bring your article to life.

  • Use humour where appropriate.

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• Give a conclusion and summary in the last paragraph. 3 lines are enough.

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Useful language for an article

 

Involving the reader

 

• Just imagine...

• Have you ever...?

• How would you feel if ...?

• Are you one of those people who ...?

• If the answer is ..., you should....

• What would life be like if...

• ...

 

 

Making the article lively and interesting

 

• I was absolutely terrified when I realised...

• More importantly, it was something I...

• Not surprisingly, it's a good way of raising money.

• The tent was worryingly small for three people!

• It was the most amazing experience I have ever had.

• ...

 

 

Developing your points

 

• Let's start with ...

• Another advantage of ...

• On top of that, ...

• ...

 

 

Giving your own opinion

 

• I think that / In my opinion ...

• It seems to me that ...

• If you ask me, ...

• To my mind...

• ...

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TASK

You see this announcement on an English-language website:

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Articles wanted

A charity event to remember
What is the most unusual way you've raised money for charity? How did you do it? What did you have to do? Was the event a success? Would you do it again?
Write us an article answering these questions.
We will publish the best articles on our website.

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A charity event to remember (TITLE)

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So why did I decide to do a 90-km walk in six days along the Great Wall of China? Well, the reason was that our local children's hospital needed to raise money or it would be close. However, I didn't realise how big a challenge it would be. (INTRO)

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Before I went, I thought that I would be walking along a flat surface but when I saw the Great Wall, my heart sank. Part of the time we would be trekking up hundreds of high steps and, worryingly, some of the paths had steep falls on either side and there was nowhere to go because we were surrounded by mountains and forests. However, after a while, I started to love the experience. I was in one of the most amazing places on earth and the views were incredible. (BODY)

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In the end, the adventure was a great success. The hospital was delighted because a group of us managed to raise several thousand pounds. Would I be keen to help the hospital again next year? Yes, but I think I'll try and find an easier challenge next time! (CONCLUSION)

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OPINION ARTICLE

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Hints

• Do the same as explained before but include the opinion in the introduction.

• Use opinion adverbs throughout the writing to introduce your points.

• If the topic is serious, do not use contractions and keep your language neutral.

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