Write the PERFECT B2 (FCE) ARTICLE - 5 most common ARTICLE WRITING MISTAKES!

Summary

In this energetic and humorous video, Toby offers five essential tips for writing a compelling article for the B2 First writing exam. He emphasizes the importance of a captivating introduction that grabs the reader's attention with a question and a touch of mystery. Toby also stresses having a clear point in the conclusion, planning your article effectively, avoiding boring content, and using a variety of grammar structures. By following these guidelines, students can write an engaging and dynamic article that stands out, showing personality and creativity while maintaining clarity and focus.

Takeaways

• 😀 An article introduction must grab the reader's attention with engaging questions and a sense of mystery.
• 😀 The conclusion of an article should provide a takeaway point, encouraging the reader to think or do something.
• 😀 Planning is crucial: know your target audience and ensure that you include all the relevant information in your article.
• 😀 Avoid writing a boring article! Use an informal, engaging style, with contractions, phrasal verbs, and rhetorical questions.
• 😀 Be creative and dynamic in your writing! Use idioms, humor, and interesting sentence structures to make your article stand out.
• 😀 Your article should use a variety of grammatical structures, such as narrative tenses, conditionals, and modals, to keep the reader engaged.
• 😀 Don't focus too much on word count during your exam; instead, ensure that your article includes the necessary information without being overly lengthy.
• 😀 The introduction to an article should be personal and directly address the reader, unlike the more formal introductions in essays.
• 😀 In your conclusion, encourage the reader to think about something or take action. Avoid merely summarizing the points.
• 😀 An article is different from an essay: it's more informal, creative, and interactive, and allows you to share stories and ideas with the reader.

Q & A

Why is it important to grab the reader's attention in the introduction of an article?

The introduction sets the tone for the article. By grabbing the reader’s attention immediately, you ensure that they are engaged and motivated to continue reading. A strong introduction, especially with a direct question or a touch of mystery, draws the reader in and makes the article stand out.

How can you make your article introduction more engaging?

You can make your introduction engaging by starting with a question that directly addresses the reader. Use a personal tone and introduce an element of mystery, leaving just enough for the reader to want to find out more. For example, asking questions like 'What would you do if...?' or 'Have you ever thought about...?' encourages the reader to think.

What is the main difference between the conclusion of an essay and the conclusion of an article?

In an essay, the conclusion is typically a summary of the points discussed, followed by the writer’s opinion. In contrast, the conclusion of an article should inspire the reader to think or do something, such as suggesting an action or leaving them with a thought-provoking idea.

What is a 'takeaway point' in an article, and why is it important?

The takeaway point is the central message or action that you want the reader to reflect on or act upon after reading the article. It’s crucial because it gives the article purpose and ensures that the reader leaves with something valuable to think about or do.

Why is planning an article essential before writing?

Planning helps organize thoughts, ensuring that all necessary information is included and irrelevant details are avoided. It also allows for clear structure, helping the writer focus on the task at hand and target the correct audience effectively.

What should you consider when planning an article for a specific audience?

You should first identify who the target readers are, what interests them, and what type of content will be most relevant. Then, ensure that the article addresses these points directly, tailoring the language and examples to resonate with that audience.

What is the importance of using an informal and creative writing style in an article?

An informal and creative style keeps the article interesting and engaging, especially for readers who are used to reading more casual or magazine-style content. It allows for personality to shine through, making the writing feel more approachable and enjoyable.

How can using varied grammar structures improve the quality of an article?

Varied grammar structures prevent the writing from becoming monotonous and keep the reader engaged. By mixing tenses, using rhetorical questions, idioms, and complex sentence structures, the writer can create a dynamic and interesting flow that demonstrates a higher level of language proficiency.

What role do idioms and rhetorical questions play in an article?

Idioms and rhetorical questions add personality and flair to the article. They make the writing feel more natural, engaging, and sometimes humorous, helping to maintain the reader’s interest and encouraging them to think more deeply about the content.

Why should you avoid writing your entire article in the present simple tense?

Relying solely on the present simple can make the article feel flat and unvaried. Using different tenses, such as past and conditional tenses, allows the writer to convey different time frames and hypothetical situations, making the article more dynamic and engaging.