How to write an Article (Cambridge First, Advanced; Blogs)

Summary

In this video, Adam from WR to Top guides viewers through writing an engaging article for the Cambridge exams, such as FCE or CAE. He emphasizes the importance of a catchy title, proper organization, and an informal yet clear writing style. Adam offers practical tips for writing in a conversational tone, highlighting the use of idioms, collocations, and colloquial language. He also demonstrates the structure of a well-organized article, using two examples (cooking and music) to illustrate key concepts. Whether you're taking an exam or blogging, this video provides essential insights to improve your writing skills.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understand the task: Writing an article for Cambridge exams requires answering specific questions (e.g., what is the most useful thing you've learned and who did you learn it from).
• 😀 ✍️ Keep the title engaging: A catchy, short title (2-5 words) is essential for drawing readers in and keeping them interested.
• 😀 📝 Articles are informal: Use casual language, idioms, and colloquial expressions while avoiding overly formal or academic tone.
• 😀 🎯 Stay focused on the task: Make sure to address the question clearly and directly, while making the article fun and engaging.
• 😀 🧑‍🍳 Organize your content: Structure your article with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Use subheadings or bullet points for easy readability.
• 😀 💬 Maintain a conversational tone: Write in a way that feels like you're having a casual conversation with the reader.
• 😀 🔢 Use numbers where possible: Including numbered points can make the article more digestible and allow readers to know exactly how much content to expect.
• 😀 🎧 Use relatable examples: Include personal stories or experiences to make your article feel authentic and connect with the reader.
• 😀 🌍 Use vivid, descriptive language: Whether talking about cooking or music, make sure to use sensory words and active language to engage the reader.
• 😀 🏆 Keep it short and impactful: Aim for a word count of 140-190 words, balancing conciseness with informative and engaging content.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the article writing tutorial in the video?

The tutorial aims to teach how to write an engaging article for Cambridge exams, particularly for tasks like FCE, CAE, etc., but it also provides helpful advice for blog posts and other writing tasks.

Why is it important to have a catchy title for an article?

A catchy title is important because it draws the reader in. Without an engaging title, readers are unlikely to click on the article, reducing its effectiveness and reach.

What are some key characteristics of a good title for an article?

A good title should be short (2-5 words), clear, and engaging. It should capture the main idea of the article without giving too much detail and should encourage readers to continue reading.

What should you avoid when writing an article title?

Avoid using full, complete sentences in the title, as this can make it seem too formal and boring. Also, steer clear of over-explaining or using unnecessary words.

What are the differences between article writing and essay writing in terms of style?

Article writing is more casual and engaging compared to essay writing, which is formal and academic. Articles should entertain and captivate the reader, while essays aim to prove a point or argument.

How should an article be structured for clarity and engagement?

An article should have a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion (or ending). The content should flow logically, and subheadings or bullet points can be used to organize the information.

What type of language should be used in writing an article for a website?

The language should be informal, conversational, and easy to understand. It should use idioms, collocations, and phrasal verbs while avoiding overly formal or academic language.

Why is it important to maintain a consistent voice and tone in article writing?

Maintaining a consistent voice and tone helps ensure that the article is cohesive and that the reader can easily follow the message. It also creates a connection between the writer and the audience.

What are colloquialisms and how can they enhance an article?

Colloquialisms are informal, everyday expressions used in spoken language. They can make an article feel more relatable and engaging, but it's important to use them appropriately to avoid sounding too casual or unprofessional.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing an article?

Common mistakes include being too formal, writing lengthy or unclear titles, using jargon that may confuse readers, and failing to structure the article clearly. It’s also important not to overcomplicate the language and to keep the tone engaging.