Writing

The Article

Engaging hooks, subheadings, audience awareness.

Engaging readers · 140–190 words · FCE

B2 · FCE Cambridge

What makes an article different?

Title

Think of an interesting, catchy title
Draw the reader in before they read a word

Hook

Involve the reader directly — ask questions
Have you ever… / I'm sure you'll agree…

Tone

Informal / semi-informal — warmer than an essay
First person, contractions OK

Opinion

Express your view and feelings throughout
Don't be neutral — this is personal

Useful language

Phrases that bring your article to life

Involving the reader

Have you ever wondered…?

I'm sure you'll agree that…

We all know that…

Developing points

Let's start with…

What's more, …

On top of that, …

Your opinion

I think that / In my opinion…

It seems to me that…

All in all, I feel that…

Concluding

All in all, …

To sum up my feelings, …

I hope I've convinced you that…

Tips — DO and DON'T

✓ DO

Think of an interesting title

Involve the reader with questions

Use informal language

Express your opinion throughout

Finish with your feelings or view

✗ DON'T

Use the same formal style as an essay

Forget to use a title

Be too academic or impersonal

Write 'Dear Sir/Madam'

Forget your opinion

Your turn — choose a prompt

Option 1: I'd love to have…

Write about something you'd like to have, why, and what difference it would make.

Option 2: Life today

Is life better for young people now than for our parents? What has improved? What is worse?

Option 3: My closest friend

Where did you meet? How long have you known them? What influence have they had?