Tuesday 9 October 2012

Writing Tips - Article and Competition Entry

Photo by Charles Jeffrey Danoff, Flickr
Articles can be formal or informal depending on who your reader is. However, in the CAE exam they are almost always informal and give you the opportunity to really show the examiner that style that you have and all that language that you know. Imagine you are chatting to the reader and, above all, make it interesting and entertaining.

As with all writing it will really help you to make a plan – note the main points you want to make in each paragraph and impressive language / vocabulary you could include in that section; then expand this into sentences, adding appropriate linking devices and examples.

Remember that the first thing the examiner looks at when marking your work is that you have answered all the points in the question, so read the task carefully and write down the things it says you must include. (This may sound simple but you'd be surprised by the number of people who get low marks for this reason, although their article is full of fantastic language and vocabulary.)

Main features of an Article
  1. An imaginative title – e.g. 'Scoring that goal', 'Lights, camera, action!', 'She's the one', 'Logging on'. Can you guess what these articles might be about? 
  2. The first sentence should make the reader interested in the article and want to read on. 
  3. Answer all the points required in the task. This could be the difference between passing and failing.
  4. Direct everything at the reader – so make sure you're clear on who that is. 
  5. One or two rhetorical questions can give your article a great style ( but ensure they are appropriate and don't use too many as it will then sound unnatural ). 
  6. Use a good range of appropriate vocabulary and some informal expressions or phrasal verbs. 
  7. Use different types of sentences to avoid it becoming boring, eg. Cleft sentences, participle clauses.
  8. Ensure that it is easy to read and each thing follows on from the previous one by using linking devices (but don't be over formal ). 
  9. The last paragraph should leave the reader with something to think about and relate back to the introduction. Some writers like to finish with a question. 
  10. Read the finished article to look for places which don't connect well, sentences which are difficult to understand and grammar, spelling and punctuation errors and make some final adjustments.
Competition Entry
These are articles but you need to include one or two sentences in which you say why your entry should be considered and persuade the reader that you deserve to win the prize / competition. This is usually done in the last paragraph but you could also mention it in the introduction if you wished.


29 comments:

  1. This matter is downcast to earth, hats off buds out there.
    writing

    ReplyDelete
  2. I got this website from my buddy who shared with me regarding this web page and now this time
    I am browsing this site and reading very informative posts
    at this time.
    Web content editor

    ReplyDelete
  3. Your blog is much more informative for all visitors. This article is very useful for me and I am very happy to read it. This is really nice. I hope to share other information material!!! I have also working same field with http://www.ganjawebdesign.com/

    ReplyDelete
  4. become a good writer need good tips.writer can wtire anything.But if you know few good tips your quality boost quickly.Otherwise go online and order an essay online,get quick.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Nice and informative website! Keep up the good work.
    You might have a look at: examwriting.blogspot.com for some samples of CAE writing tasks.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great Information.
    To write correctly one's vocabulary should be accurate. The Writing material will be correct only when one uses apt vocabulary.One of the best way of improving vocabulary is www.vocabmonk.com.

    ReplyDelete
  7. thank you for sharing useful information!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Honestly say, not all students may use these tips in their an essays, for them it is better just to buy it here http://essays.io/ and dont worry about the result of the writings and save their free time.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I am absolutelly sure that a lot of young writers will try to use this tips in their compositions, but as for me I just write my essay for me cheap. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  10. From one point of view, you might think that these tips are quite monotonous and common, but on the other hand, they are absolutely truthful and if you follow these tips, you can improve your skills at writing text. Personally I also may recommend https://academic-consultants.com/research-paper-writing/ if you really need well written text by the pro writers.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi everyone))Good advice, anyway it gives interest and liveliness for text. Well) Let’s clear it up, oblivious we should read more books as they are the source of knowledge and only knowledge can make us strong, intellectual and well-educated for writing a great informal article as like perfectly, as custom paper services do it.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Instruction is assuming an undeniably key part helping kids ensure against the ailments that can influence poor groups. Imperative data on day by day cleanliness and counteractive action can spare life and keeps families together.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Almost every writer needs some writing tips to make its writing style perfect. To know about these tips we can click here. So that we will get new ideas and tips regarding writing. All the writers should visit this blog.

    ReplyDelete
  14. The tip is from my side to you is write the mba admission essay in easy wading. Write the content that you like, when you like the content the user will also like and share with others.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I have written many articles professionally but I did not know all these facts about article writing as much I read in this post.I would like guys visit the site on this post and learn from it.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Greetings from Carolina! I'm bored at work so I decided to browse your blog on my iphone during lunch break. I love the info you present here and can't wait to take a look when I get home. I'm surprised at how fast your blog loaded on my cell phone .. I'm not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, great site! Twitter marketing

    ReplyDelete
  17. Send gifts Under $10 , Send gifts to Pakistan , Send Corporate gifts
    If you are looking for gift delivery in Pakistan? We warmly welcome you to https://www.thewoodvalue.com/ Because we offer you one of the best wooden handmade art & craft decor items to send gifts Pakistan. A variety of Pakistan handicrafts, home decor, office decor, kitchen decor and wall decor are available at our online store. We offer online gift shopping in Pakistan with free delivery. The Wood Value is great way to send wooden handmade gifts as corporate gifts.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Estoy seguro que este publicación ha conmovido a todos los visitantes de internet, es realmente un párrafo bueno en la construcción de nuevos blogs. Mastiles

    ReplyDelete
  19. Awsome info and straight to the point. I am not sure if this is actually the best place to ask but do you guys have any ideea where to get some professional writers? Thx :) making a will in singapore

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hey there would you mind letting me know which web host you're working with? I've loaded your blog in 3 completely different web browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most. Can you recommend a good internet hosting provider at a honest price? Thank you, I appreciate it! v shape face singapore

    ReplyDelete
  21. We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your site provided us with valuable info to work on. You've done a formidable job and our whole community will be thankful to you. flower bouquet

    ReplyDelete
  22. I think this is among the most vital information for me. And i am glad reading your article. But wanna remark on some general things, The website style is wonderful, the articles is really great. wedding bands

    ReplyDelete
  23. Estoy seguro que este artículo ha conmovido a todos los visitantes de internet, es realmente un artículo placentero en la construcción de nuevos páginas web. Reproducciones de cuadros al oleo pintados a mano

    ReplyDelete
  24. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Just pure classic stuff from you here. I have never seen such a brilliantly written article in a long time. I am thankful to you that you produced this!


    토토
    토토사이트

    ReplyDelete
  26. 토토사이트
    토토


    First You got a great blog .I will be interested in more similar topics. i see you got really very useful topics, i will be always checking your blog CIAO

    ReplyDelete