Crafting the Perfect Article for English Language Exam

Jul 18, 2024

Crafting the Perfect Article for English Language Exam

Overview

  • Focus: Question 5, English Language Paper 2
  • Audience: Year 11 students sitting exams in Summer 2022
  • Goal: Writing a strong article (newspaper, magazine, online)

7 Steps to a Strong Article

1. Headline

  • Spend 1-2 minutes
  • Use keywords from the statement/question
  • Example: For “travel is expensive and foolish,” you might write, “Is Traveling Expensive?”
  • Keep headline ≤ 5 words
  • Center it on the page

2. Opening Paragraph

  • State your standpoint (agree/disagree with the given statement)
  • Engage reader (avoid boring expressions)
  • Example: Start with the opposite viewpoint, then show disagreement: “Many believe traveling is damaging, expensive, and a waste of time. However, I disagree; traveling is enriching and necessary.”
  • Primary purpose: Inform
  • Secondary purpose: Entertain

3. First Subheading

  • Mini headline (4-5 words), on the left-hand side
  • Hint at your arguments
  • Example: “Travel Is Important”
  • Makes the article easier to read

4. Present Your Arguments

  • Two to three paragraphs
  • Provide reasons (1, 2, 3)
  • Include:
    • Anecdotes (specific examples, e.g., Sally Smith’s enriching travel to Thailand)
    • Statistics (made-up but plausible, e.g., “Cambridge University found 75% of travelers have fewer prejudices”)
    • Examples (budget airlines making travel affordable)

5. Counterarguments Subheading

  • Brief subheading (4-5 words) that hints at counterpoints
  • Example: “Travel Is Expensive” or “Travel Is Foolish”
  • One to two paragraphs
    • Include alternate viewpoints
    • Use anecdotes, stats, and examples (e.g., dangers of solo travel, cost even with budget airlines)

6. Writing Techniques

  • Rhetorical questions
  • Metaphors
  • Vary sentence lengths (short and long)
  • Maintain engaging style

7. Closing Paragraph

  • Reassert your standpoint
  • Avoid “In conclusion”
  • Example: “Despite opposing views, traveling is crucial. It opens minds and breaks monotony.”

Key Points to Remember

  • Articles must both inform and entertain
  • Balance arguments and counterarguments
  • Use engaging language and clear structure

Summary

  • Follow the 7 steps to craft concise, strong articles
  • Practice these steps for Question 5 in English Language Paper 2

Thank you for listening!