Lecture Notes: Writing an Article

Introduction to Article Writing

• Target audience: aspiring writers eager to publish.
• Impact of article writing on professional profiles (LinkedIn, trade-specific websites).

Step-by-Step Process for Creating an Article

1. Choose Your Subject

   • Write about something familiar, ideally with first-hand experience.
   • Aim for a unique angle to provoke thought.
   • Publication venue influences writing style and complexity.

2. Brainstorm Points

   • List all potential ideas related to the topic.
   • Eliminate repetitive, unnecessary, or uninteresting points.
   • Expand on the most compelling ideas.

3. Plan Structure

   • Begin with a strong opening paragraph that grabs attention.
   • Ensure coherent flow between points.
   • Outline sub-points for each paragraph to guide writing.

4. Drafting the Article

   • Difficult but essential to write the first draft.
   • The better the planning, the easier the drafting process.
   • Ensure facts are accurate, particularly for academic topics.

5. Take a Break

   • Set the draft aside for a week for a fresh perspective.
   • Reassess coherence and clarity post-break.

6. Craft a Title

   • A catchy title attracts readers.
   • Use literary techniques: alliteration, rhetorical questions, or cultural references.

7. Edit and Refine

   • Cut unnecessary words (superfluous content).
   • Seek feedback from others (trusted peers or writing groups).
   • Incorporate feedback into the final version.

8. Submission

   • Identify publication venues and send articles to multiple platforms.
   • Gather feedback and determine if the article needs adjustments.

Analysis of Example Writing

• Critique of a poorly structured article about a conference.
  • Lacked planning and coherence, simple sentence structure.
  • Description vs. information:
    • Importance of showing rather than merely telling.
    • Use a variety of sentence structures for rhythm and engagement.

Transformation Example

• Improved writing with richer vocabulary and descriptive techniques.
  • Use of rule of three for impact (e.g., "gained two grey hairs, wasted three euros on lukewarm coffee...").
  • Creation of visual imagery and deeper connection with readers.

Conclusion

• Article writing is both an art and a craft requiring planning, creativity, and skill.
• Emphasis on the importance of engaging the reader's imagination and experience.
• Additional resources: honeyourenglish.com, www.engvid.com for quizzes.

Final Thoughts

• The significance of continual learning and refining writing skills.
• Encouragement to begin writing and to embrace the process of improvement.