Do you find any trouble to write an Article in English? When you prepare a report, write a letter or create a presentation, good writing is important and the same is true for writing articles. The following is a few simple tips to organize your thoughts and write a good article. Don’t forget to use read lots of other articles, in order for you to learn how other journalists compose their articles.
1. Find A Topic
Picking a topic that interests you is the first step to writing a good article. The topic could be a concept, or a person, place or thing. When you feel strongly about the topic, your passion for it will show in your writing to the target reader. If there is a source to support your article, treat the source with respect.
2. Describe The Main Idea
After finding a good topic, the main idea of your article needs to be clear. Write down what you want to say about the topic, editing comes later. As we start writing the article with the main idea in mind, use key words and phrases to lend strong support. For example: “Students from the innundated Kampung Pulo have to go barefoot to their classroom, because even their classroom were not even spared from the floodwaters .”
3. Outline The Main Points In Your Article
Creating an outline for your writing may sound boring, but listing the main points on paper will keep you focused during the writing process. Otherwise the sentences and paragraphs would not appear easy to read and people may forget and not forward the article.
4. Use facts, data
When you want to cite numeric data, historical data facts or a string of textual citation, you must mention the source from which you draw the information. Do not copy entirely into your article. In other words, try to avoid plagiarism. Data and facts are important especially when you want to inform your reader about some issues and it would not mislead your readers into certain conclusions. For example: “According to Mr. … the Head of…, about 1000 victims of the last week’s flood in Manado have suffered diarrhea and thyphus due to clean water and sanitation facilities scarcity. Flood victims should collect water from the road to clean their house. Misto, 33, said that their family must clean their clothings with the water flowing on the road.”
5. Use Spell Check And Count Your Words In The Article
Once you have finished the article, it is important to use spell check after editing and revising your writing. Typos are quite easy to make and it is essential to minimize mistakes as much as possible. How would you like it if the reader notices many mistakes in your writing? A thoughtfully and carefully written article generates more consideration from the reader than an article with many errors. Please remember that an article of 250 to 400 words is a good reference point to start with.
6. Correct Grammar, Punctuation And Composition Are A Must
Writing your main idea in an orderly fashion is not only important but also you must take the time and effort to learn the basics of English grammar, punctuation, spelling and composition. This will save you time and effort and add credibility to your article.
7. Honesty Is The Best Policy
Writing an article demands honesty with the reader. In the interest of integrity, strive for original thoughts, writing and content in your article. This is an important factor to attracting readers to your writing. It is not enough to merely or rewrite your article as readers may find out about your writing and end up not trusting you. In an interconnected world, a clearly written article with transparent content speaks volumes about your abilities.
8. Passion
Write your mind with deep passion. Sometimes, when you feel so happy, so motivated by something, or extremely upset, this would be the best time to start writing. “Legendary shuttler Taufik Hidayat had retired as a player, and his expansive badminton career had motivated my generation to excel in sport with strong heart and will...”