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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, understanding the 4 writing styles: how to identify and use them.

General Education

A piece’s writing style can help you figure out what kind of writing it is, what its purpose is, and how the author’s voice is unique. With so many different types of writing, you may think it’s difficult to figure out the specific writing style of a piece or you'll need to search through a long list of writing styles.

However, there are actually just four main types of writing styles, and together they cover practically all the writing you see, from textbooks to novels, to billboards and more.  Whether you’re studying writing styles for class or trying to develop your own writing style and looking for information, we’ve got you covered.

In this guide, we explain the four styles of writing, provide examples for each one, go over the one thing you need to know to identify writing style, and give tips to help you develop your own unique style of writing.

The 4 Types of Writing

There are four main different styles of writing. We discuss each of them below, list where you’re likely to see them, and include an example so you can see for yourself what each of the writing styles looks like.

Writers who use the narrative style are telling a story with a plot and characters. It’s the most common writing style for fiction, although nonfiction can also be narrative writing as long as its focus is on characters, what they do, and what happens to them.

Common Places You’d See Narrative Writing

• Biography or autobiography
• Short stories
• Journals or diaries

“We had luncheon in the dining-room, darkened too against the heat, and drank down nervous gayety with the cold ale. ‘What’ll we do with ourselves this afternoon?’ cried Daisy, ‘and the day after that, and the next thirty years?’    ‘Don’t be morbid,’ Jordan said. ‘Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.’ ‘But it’s so hot,’ insisted Daisy, on the verge of tears, ‘and everything’s so confused. Let’s all go to town!’ - The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

You can quickly tell that this passage from the novel The Great Gatsby is an example of narrative writing because it has the two key traits: characters and a plot. The group is discussing eating and drinking while trying to decide what to do for the rest of the day.

As in this example, narrative writing often has extended dialogue scenes since the dialogue is used to move the plot along and give readers greater insight into the characters.

Writers use the expository style when they are trying to explain a concept. Expository writing is fact-based and doesn’t include the author’s opinions or background. It’s basically giving facts from the writer to the reader.

Common Places You’d See Expository Writing

• Newspaper articles
• Academic journals
• Business memos
• Manuals for electronics
• How-to books and articles

“The 1995/1996 reintroduction of gray wolves (Canis lupus) into Yellowstone National Park after a 70 year absence has allowed for studies of tri-trophic cascades involving wolves, elk (Cervus elaphus), and plant species such as aspen (Populus tremuloides), cottonwoods (Populus spp.), and willows (Salix spp.). To investigate the status of this cascade, in September of 2010 we repeated an earlier survey of aspen and measured browsing and heights of young aspen in 97 stands along four streams in the Lamar River catchment of the park’s northern winter range. We found that browsing on the five tallest young aspen in each stand decreased from 100% of all measured leaders in 1998 to means of <25% in the uplands and <20% in riparian areas by 2010. Correspondingly, aspen recruitment (i.e., growth of seedlings/sprouts above the browse level of ungulates) increased as browsing decreased over time in these same stands.” -”Trophic cascades in Yellowstone: The first 15 years after wolf reintroduction” by William J. Ripple and Robert L. Beschta

This abstract from an academic journal article is clearly expository because it only focuses on facts. The authors aren’t giving their opinion of wolves of Yellowstone, they’re not telling a story about the wolves, and the only descriptions are number of trees, streams, etc. so readers can understand the study better.

Because expository writing is focused on facts, without any unnecessary details or stories, the writing can sometimes feel dense and dry to read.

Descriptive

Descriptive writing is, as you may guess, when the author describes something. The writer could be describing a place, person, or an object, but descriptive writing will always include lots of details so the reader can get a clear and complete idea of what is being written about.

Common Places You’d See Descriptive Writing

• Fiction passages that describe something

“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or eat: it was a hobbit hole and that means comfort. It had a perfectly round door like a porthole, painted green, with a shiny yellow brass knob in the exact middle. The door opened on to a tube-shaped hall like a tunnel: a very comfortable tunnel without smoke, with panelled walls, and floors tiled and carpeted...” - The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

This is the opening passage of the novel The Hobbit . While The Hobbit is primarily an example of narrative writing, since it explores the adventures of the hobbit and his companions, this scene is definitely descriptive. There is no plot or action going on in this passage; the point is to explain to readers exactly what the hobbit’s home looks like so they can get a clear picture of it while they read. There are lots of details, including the color of the door and exactly where the doorknob is placed.

You won’t often find long pieces of writing that are purely descriptive writing, since they’d be pretty boring to read (nothing would happen in them), instead many pieces of writing, including The Hobbit , will primarily be one of the other writing styles with some descriptive writing passages scattered throughout.

When you’re trying to persuade the reader to think a certain way or do a certain thing, you’ll use persuasive writing to try to convince them.  Your end goal could be to get the reader to purchase something you’re selling, give you a job, give an acquaintance of yours a job, or simply agree with your opinion on a topic.

Common Places You’d See Persuasive Writing

• Advertisements
• Cover letters
• Opinion articles/letters to the editor
• Letters of recommendation
• Reviews of books/movies/restaurants etc.
• Letter to a politician

“What General Weygand called the Battle of France is over. I expect that the battle of Britain is about to begin. Upon this battle depends the survival of Christian civilization. Upon it depends our own British life, and the long continuity of our institutions and our Empire. The whole fury and might of the enemy must very soon be turned on us. Hitler knows that he will have to break us in this island or lose the war. If we can stand up to him, all Europe may be free and the life of the world may move forward into broad, sunlit uplands. But if we fail, then the whole world, including the United States, including all that we have known and cared for, will sink by the lights of perverted science. Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves, that if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say, ‘This was their finest hour.’ - “This was their finest hour” by Winston Churchill

In this excerpt from his famous “Their finest hour” speech, Prime Minister Winston Churchill is clearing trying to convince his audience to see his viewpoint, and he lays out the actions he thinks they should take. In this case, Churchill is speaking to the House of Commons (knowing many other British people would also hear the speech), and he’s trying to prepare the British for the coming war and convince them how important it is to fight.

He emphasizes how important the fight will be (“Upon this battle depends the survival of the Christian civilization.” and clearly spells out what he thinks his audience should do (“Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties…”).

Common Writing Styles to Know

Each of the four main types of writing styles has multiple subsets of styles within it. Here are nine of the most common and important types of writing you’ll see.

Narrative Writing

Character voice.

Character voice is a common writing style in novels. Instead of having an unknown narrator, the audience knows who is telling the story. This first-person narrator can help the reader relate more both to the narrator and the storyline since knowing who is telling a story can help the reader feel more connected to it. Sometimes the narrator is completely truthful in telling what happens, while other times they are an unreliable narrator and will mislead or outright lie to readers to make themselves look better. 

To Kill a Mockingbird (Scout is the narrator) and The Hunger Games (Katniss is the narrator) are two examples of this writing style.

Stream-of-Consciousness

This writing style attempts to emulate the thought process of the character. Instead of only writing about what the character says or does, stream-of-consciousness will include all or most of the characters thoughts, even if they jump from one topic to another randomly or include incomplete thoughts.

For example, rather than writing “I decided to take a walk to the ice cream shop,” an author using the stream-of-consciousness writing style could write, “It’s pretty hot out, and I feel like I should eat something, but I’m not really that hungry. I wonder if we have leftovers of the burgers Mom made last night? Is Mom staying late at work tonight? I can’t remember if she said. Ice cream would be a good choice, and not too filling. I can’t drive there though because my car is still in for repairs. Why is the repair shop taking so long? I should have listened when David said to check for reviews online before choosing a place. I should text David later to see how he is. He’ll think I’m mad at him if I don’t. I guess I’ll just have to walk to the shop.”

James Joyce and William Faulkner are two of the most well-known writers to have regularly used the  stream-of-consciousness writing style.

Epistolary writing uses a series of documents, such as letters, diary entries, newspaper articles, or even text messages to tell a story. They don’t have a narrator, there’s just whoever purportedly gathered the documents together. This writing style can provide different points of view because a different person can be the author of each document.

Well-known examples of epistolary writing include the novels Dracula  (written as a series of letters, newspaper articles, and diary entries) and Frankenstein (written as a series of letters).

Expository Writing

You’ll find this style in textbooks or academic journal articles. It’ll focus on teaching a topic or discussing an experiment,  be heavy on facts, and include any sources it cited to get the information. Academic writing often assumes some previous knowledge of the topic and is more focused on providing information than being entertaining, which can make it difficult to read and understand at times.

Business writing refers to the writing done in a workplace. It can include reports, memos, and press releases. Business writing typically has a formal tone and standard formatting rules. Because employees are presumably very busy at work, business writing is very concise and to the point, without any additional flourishes intended to make the writing more interesting.

You’ll see this writing style most commonly in newspaper articles. It focuses on giving the facts in a concise, clear, and easy-to-understand way. Journalists often try to balance covering all the key facts, keeping their articles brief, and making the audience interested in the story.

This writing style is used to give information to people in a specific field, such as an explanation of a new computer programming system to people who work in software, a description of how to install pipes within a house for plumbers, or a guide to new gene modifications for microbiologists.

Technical writing is highly specialized for a certain occupational field. It assumes a high level of knowledge on the topic, and it focuses on sharing large amounts of information with the reader. If you’re not in that field, technical writing can be nearly impossible to understand because of the jargon and references to topics and facts you likely don’t know.

Descriptive Writing

Poetry is one of the most challenging styles of writing to define since it can come in many forms. In general, poems use rhythmic language and careful word choice to express an idea. A poem can be an example of descriptive writing or narrative writing, depending on whether it’s describing something or telling a story. Poetry doesn’t need to rhyme, and it often won’t follow standard grammatical or structural rules. Line breaks can, and often do, occur in the middle of sentences.

Persuasive Writing

Copywriting.

Copywriting is writing that is done for advertising or marketing purposes. It’s attempting to get the reader to buy whatever the writer is trying to sell. Examples of copywriting include catalogs, billboards, ads in newspapers or magazines, and social media ads.

In an attempt to get the reader to spend their money, copywriters may use techniques such as descriptive language (“This vanilla was harvested from the lush and exotic island of Madagascar"), exciting language (Stop what you’re doing and learn about this new product that will transform your life!”) and exaggeration (“This is the best cup of coffee you will ever taste!”).

Opinion 

People write opinion pieces for the purpose of stating their beliefs on a certain topic and to try to get readers to agree with them. You can see opinion pieces in newspaper opinion sections, certain blog posts, and some social media posts. The quality of opinion writing can vary widely. Some papers or sites will only publish opinion pieces if all the facts in them can be backed up by evidence, but other opinion pieces, especially those that are self-published online, don't go through any fact-checking process and can include inaccuracies and misinformation.

What If You’re Unsure of a Work’s Writing Style?

If you’re reading a piece of writing and are unsure of its main writing style, how can you figure which style it is? The best method is to think about what the purpose or main idea of the writing is. Each of the four main writing styles has a specific purpose:

• Descriptive: to describe things
• Expository: to give facts
• Narrative: to tell a story
• Persuasive: to convince the reader of something

Here’s an example of a passage with a somewhat ambiguous writing style:

It can be tricky to determine the writing style of many poems since poetry is so varied and can fit many styles. For this poem, you might at first think it has a narrative writing style, since it begins with a narrator mentioning a walk he took after church. Character + plot = narrative writing style, right?

Before you decide, you need to read the entire passage. Once you do, it’ll become clear that there really isn’t much narrative. There’s a narrator, and he’s taking a walk to get a birch from another man, but that’s about all we have for character development and plot. We don’t know anything about the narrator or his friend’s personality, what’s going to happen next, what his motivations are, etc.

The poem doesn’t devote any space to that, instead, the majority of the lines are spent describing the scene. The narrator mentions the heat, scent of sap, the sound of frogs, what the ground is like, etc. It’s clear that, since the majority of the piece is dedicated to describing the scene, this is an example of descriptive writing.

How Can You Develop Your Own Writing Style?

A distinctive writing style is one of the hallmarks of a good writer, but how can you develop your own? Below are four tips to follow.

Read Many Different Styles of Writing

If you don’t read lots of different kinds of writing, you won’t be able to write in those styles, so before you try to get your own writing style, read different writing styles than what you’re used to.  This doesn’t mean that, if you mostly read novels, you suddenly need to shift to reading computer manuals. Instead, you can try to read novels that use unreliable narrators, stream-of-consciousness writing, etc.

The more you read, the more writing styles you’ll be exposed to, and the easier it’ll be able to combine some of those into your own writing style.

Consider Combining Multiple Types of Writing Styles

There’s no rule that you can only use one style for a piece of writing. In fact, many longer works will include multiple styles. A novel may be primarily narrative, but it can also contain highly descriptive passages as well as expository parts when the author wants the readers to understand a new concept.

However, make sure you don’t jump around too much. A paper or book that goes from dense academic text to impassioned plea for a cause to a story about your childhood and back again will confuse readers and make it difficult for them to understand the point you’re trying to make.

Find a Balance Between Comfort and Boundary-Pushing

You should write in a style that feels natural to you, since that will be what comes most easily and what feels most authentic to the reader. An academic who never ventures outside the city trying to write a book from the perspective of a weathered, unschooled cowboy may end up with writing that seems fake and forced.

A great way to change up your writing and see where it can be improved is to rewrite certain parts in a new writing style.  If you’ve been writing a novel with narrative voice, change a few scenes to stream-of-consciousness, then think about how it felt to be using that style and if you think it improved your writing or gave you any new ideas. If you’re worried that some writing you did is dull and lacking depth, add in a few passages that are purely descriptive and see if they help bring the writing to life.

You don’t always need to do this, and you don’t need to keep the new additions in what you wrote, but trying new things will help you get a better idea of what you want your own style to be like.

The best way to develop your own writing style is to expose yourself to numerous types of writing, both through reading and writing. As you come into contact with more writing styles and try them out for yourself, you’ll naturally begin to develop a writing style that you feel comfortable with.

Summary: The 4 Different Styles of Writing

There are four main writing styles, and each has a different purpose:

If you’re struggling to figure out the writing style of a piece, ask yourself what its purpose is and why the author wants you to read it.

To develop your own writing style, you should:

• Read widely
• Consider mixing styles
• Balance writing what you know and trying new things

What's Next?

Literary devices are also an important part of understanding writing styles. Learn the 24 literary devices you must know by reading our guide on literary devices.

Writing a research paper for school but not sure what to write about?   Our guide to research paper topics has over 100 topics in ten categories so you can be sure to find the perfect topic for you. 

Are you reading  The Great Gatsby for class or even just for fun?  Then you'll definitely want to check out our expert guides on the biggest themes in this classic book, from love and relationships to money and materialism .

Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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The 4 Main Types of Writing Styles and How to Use Them as a Writer

Understanding the 4 main types of writing styles can help you grow as a writer and attract an audience for your written work. Here’s how to identify each style of writing and tips for using each of the 4 common writing styles to develop your written skills.

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One of the things that can help you grow as a writer is to learn the 4 main types of writing styles and use the characteristics of each to further develop your own personal voice as a writer.

By learning how to use the different writing styles in your work, you will not only improve your skills as writer, but also learn ways to better connect with your audience of readers.

In this post we’ll cover the 4 main types of writing styles and how to use them as a writer to create compelling books, stories, essays, poetry, articles and more.

What are Writing Styles?

Writing styles are basically another way of saying the form or type of written work you are creating. Think of it as a classification for being able to identify what kind of writing you are creating.

For example, if you are writing a cookbook, that is a completely different style of writing than if you were writing a steamy romance novel!

Each writing style has a different purpose – and therefore, different characteristics are present when you are writing each type of different work.

Now that we understand what a writing style is – let’s talk about the 4 main writing styles which are commonly talked about amongst writers and literary educators.

The 4 Main Writing Styles & What They Mean

The four main writing styles which are commonly recognized are expository , descriptive , narrative , and persuasive .

Style #1: Expository

The definition of expository is this: “intended to explain or describe something.”

Most types of written work that fall into this category explain something in more detail, or provide insight and instruction in regards to a particular topic.

What types of writing fall into this category of expository writing style?

While there are many different types of written work which can be categorized as expository style of writing, you can often identify this type of writing by noticing the purpose of the work.

• Does the work intend to explain something in more detail?
• Does the written piece inform?
• Does the written piece answer questions such as “what, how and why?”

Here are some examples of the different types of writing pieces which can fall into the category of expository writing:

• Newspaper and Magazine Articles {not including editorials}
• Non-Fiction Books
• How-To Books
• Self Help Books
• Writing about Hobbies & Interests
• Recipes & Cookbooks
• Instructional Guides
• Scientific Research
• Textbooks & Educational Resources
• Business Articles & Books
• Medical Research, Journals and Articles

When you write expository style pieces, your main goal as a writer is to inform your readers with insight and facts that pertain to the subject of your piece.

For example, if you are writing about the history of ice cream, you would be including a lot of research and fun facts into your piece.

Note that this type of writing style is not intended to persuade or influence your audience. In writing your piece on the history of ice cream, you would NOT be trying to persuade your readers.

You would not want to say things like “Everybody should eat ice cream!” and “These 5 reasons will convince you forever to choose strawberry swirl flavored ice cream as your favorite flavor.”

Sometimes it can be confusing on whether an article is expository or persuasive. For example, an article called “The 5 Unexpected Health Benefits of Ice Cream” – would not fall into expository writing, even though it is providing information.

The word “benefits” has a positive connotation to the title. If you were to be writing an article on possible health benefits on ice cream, it would be very important that you as the writer keep your opinion separated from the facts and information if you plan for it to be an expository style piece. To be expository in nature, you would want to use a title such as “Scientists Research The Health Effects of Ice Cream.”

Books and articles that explain how to do something are also very popular examples of expository writing. Cookbooks are very popular, as they explain to others the tips, techniques, and recipes on how to cook something. How-to books for hobbies and crafts are also a good example of this type of writing.

Style #2: Descriptive Writing

Descriptive writing goes deeper than expository writing. While expository writing might have some descriptive details and factual information, descriptive writing will make use of many writing elements and literary devices such as metaphors and similes.

The purpose and goal of descriptive writing is to bring your reader into the written work as if the reader were to be experiencing it first hand.

Most fictional pieces fall under the category of descriptive writing, and even some non-fiction pieces such as memoirs and creative non-fiction can fall under the category of a descriptive writing style.

If you are writing fiction, the more descriptive you can be with your words, the more relatable your story will be to the reader.

For example, we recommend that writers ask their characters questions as one way to really intimately understand the details about a character. Details about the setting, events, and people present in a story will help your readers be able to imagine and understand the piece.

This style also includes poetry. If you browse through some of our poetry writing prompts , you will see there is a lot of attention put on using details to create a scene or feeling in writing a poem!

Here are some examples of types of descriptive writing pieces:

• Poetry & Prose
• Travel Diaries
• Personal Journals
• Lyrics in Music and Songwriting

Most pieces using only a descriptive writing style are not very long. It is uncommon for a fictional novel to be 100% fully descriptive without getting into our next writing style, which is narrative writing.

Style #3: Narrative Writing

Narrative writing is far more complex that simple descriptive writing.

While a poem for example may describe a scene or even events or people – generally you do not get into the deep inner thoughts of the characters or even get a full story with a clear middle, beginning, and end complete with conflict and dialogue.

Nearly all fiction novels fall into the case of narrative writing, as well as longer epic poems and sagas.

In narrative writing, there is a story to be told – a clear plot complete with setting, characters, dialogue, conflict and resolution. A narrative piece often has a timeline or sequence of events which further build to the point of conflict and resolution.

Here are some examples of the works which would be considered to have a narrative writing style:

• Fiction Novels
• Memoirs & Biographies
• Screenplays
• Myths, Legends, and Fables
• Historical accounts
• Essays which talk about a lesson learned or valuable insight from an experience

Narrative writing pieces are generally easy to identify, although sometimes it can be confused with descriptive writing styles. The key difference in determining which one a written work might be is whether or not there is a developed storyline or plot.

If there is a well developed plot and storyline, you are most likely reading narrative writing.

Style #4: Persuasive Writing

Persuasive writing is a type of writing style where the purpose is to influence someone into believing or doing something. As the word “persuasive” suggests – your goal is to persuade someone’s actions or thoughts to align with your own goals as the writer.

The persuasive writing essay is a popular homework assignment for many kids. For example, a student might be assigned to write an essay to convince their parents of something. “Why We Should Get a Pet Rabbit” and “5 Reasons You Should Not Make Me Clean My Room”.

Persuasive writing is intended to convince someone of something, and so it usually needs to have a good bit of research and logical analysis – but also should attempt to make an emotional connection to the desired audience as well.

A classic piece of writing which serves as an example of persuasive writing is Thomas Paine’s book Common Sense , which was written in the Colonial times of the American Revolutionary War, urging citizens that separating from England was of utmost importance.

Here are some examples of types of writing which are persuasive writing:

• Editorial & Opinion pieces in Newspapers and Magazines
• Essays on a specific belief or “hot button” topic
• Letters written to request an action or file a complaint
• Advertisements {Convincing you to buy something}
• Copywriting {Note, copywriting is different from copyright!}
• Company Brochures
• Business Proposals
• Political speeches

When the intention of the work is to convince the audience of something – this falls into persuasive writing.

How to Use the 4 Main Different Writing Styles as a Writer

Now that we know the different types of writing styles, you may be wondering how do you use each style?

The first thing to do is think about what you are planning to write and what the intention is. What is your goal and what type of message are you trying to communicate to your readers?

Expository Style Writing:

In this type of writing your goal is to inform your readers about research or data.

When writing expository style pieces, follow these guidelines:

• Avoid using words which have a positive or negative connotation
• Do not insert your opinion or attempt to persuade your audience into thinking, feeling, or doing something based on your beliefs
• Use research and cite your sources
• When writing online, link to additional resources or websites
• Use quotes, illustrations or informative graphics to highlight the information
• Give concise and clear directions

Descriptive Writing Style:

This type of writing has the goal to describe something and bring into your reader’s imaginations

Here are some tips for writing with descriptive writing styles:

• Use literary devices such as metaphors and similes.
• Use well thought out adjectives and adverbs to describe nouns and verbs.
• Bring attention to small details
• Use the 6 senses: sight, touch, taste, smell, sound, and feeling

Narrative Writing Style:

In narrative writing style, your goal is to convey a storyline to your readers.

Here is how to achieve this type of writing style:

• Outline a storyline, plot or timeline sequence of events
• Include detailed descriptions of your characters and scenes
• Give your readers insight into the inner thoughts or behind-the-scenes information to elements of your story
• Answer the 6 W questions in your writing: Who, What, When, Where, How, and Why?
• Make it so your piece of work conveys an important lesson or insight – what is the moral of the story? What was the outcome of this experience?
• Use concrete language which gives readers a specific image to visualize and relate to

Persuasive Writing Style:

When you are writing to persuade, your intention is to convince your readers to side with you. This can be as simple as convincing them to buy your latest new product, or even writing about important social and humanitarian issues.

Here are some tips for writing persuasively:

• Include information, data, and facts to back up your argument
• Cite your sources and give readers access to additional information
• Appeal to your readers on an emotional level – how will siding with your opinion connect with them and make them feel?
• Take into consideration your reader’s needs, wants, and desires and how your message will help your reader achieve these.

Understanding Writing Styles Can Help You Be a Better Writer

No matter what type of writing you enjoy creating – understanding the basic main 4 types of writing styles can help you become a better writer.

If you are writing a how-to article for example, you will be able to understand what types of elements to ensure your piece of work includes. If you’re writing a descriptive poem, knowing what type of language to use can help convey your message for abstract concepts.

Use these different writing styles as a fun writing exercise!

Even if you typically only write for one style, it can be a lot of fun to push yourself to try to write for the different types of styles. For example, try writing a persuasive essay, and then a descriptive essay on the same topic. It can also be fun to write a descriptive poem and then turn it into a narrative essay or short story.

Not sure what to write about using these different writing styles? We have TONS of ideas for you with many different writing prompts! Check out our list of 365 writing prompts ideas which are sure to inspire your creative muse!

Using prompts is a great way to help you start writing in different writing styles and push yourself to a new exciting challenge for your writing skills!

I hope this article about the different writing styles and how you can use them as a writer will be helpful for you in building and developing your written skillset.

What types of writing styles do you enjoy writing the most? Have any tips for writing in expository, descriptive, narrative or persuasive styles of writing? We’d love to hear your ideas and experiences in the comments section below!

Chelle Stein wrote her first embarrassingly bad novel at the age of 14 and hasn't stopped writing since. As the founder of ThinkWritten, she enjoys encouraging writers and creatives of all types.

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Onomatopoeia: Words List & Examples

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I am glad it is helpful for you Nazz!

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Very informative article! Thank you.

Wow! Very exciting article. This help me rebuild my bad foundation. I have really had hard times writing a piece to finish. I never get to communicate my message the way i intend to because i get to a cross road of how best to relate with my audience with clarity. Quite EXPOSITORY! thanks

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very helpful

To which writing style would a conversational manner apply best?

A writing that talks about the cages people Live can be classified as what type?

Great work!

Thanks Very useful It will be very helpful for me as a writer. I really appreciate this words of wisdom and knowledge. It was very insightful.

An article one can easily connect with. It brings clarity and understanding to the different writing styles as discussed. Kudos.

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Types of Writing Styles

There are four main types of writing: expository, descriptive, persuasive, and narrative. Each of these writing styles is used for a specific purpose. A single text may include more than one writing style.

Expository writing is one of the most common types of writing. When an author writes in an expository style, all they are trying to do is explain a concept, imparting information from themselves to a wider audience. Expository writing does not include the author’s opinions, but focuses on accepted facts about a topic, including statistics or other evidence.

Examples of Expository Writing

• How-to articles
• News stories (not editorials or Op-Eds)
• Business, technical, or scientific writing

Descriptive

Descriptive writing is often found in fiction, though it can make an appearance in nonfiction as well (for example, memoirs, first-hand accounts of events, or travel guides). When an author writes in a descriptive style, they are painting a picture in words of a person, place, or thing for their audience. The author might employ metaphor or other literary devices in order to describe the author’s impressions via their five senses (what they hear, see, smell, taste, or touch). But the author is not trying to convince the audience of anything or explain the scene – merely describe things as they are.

Examples of Descriptive Writing

• Journal/diary writing
• Descriptions of Nature
• Fictional novels or plays

Persuasive writing is the main style of writing you will use in academic papers. When an author writes in a persuasive style, they are trying to convince the audience of a position or belief. Persuasive writing contains the author’s opinions and biases, as well as justifications and reasons given by the author as evidence of the correctness of their position. Any “argumentative” essay you write in school should be in the persuasive style of writing.

Examples of Persuasive Writing

• Cover letters
• Op-Eds and Editorial newspaper articles
• Reviews of items
• Letters of complaint
• Advertisements
• Letters of recommendation

Narrative writing is used in almost every longer piece of writing, whether fiction or nonfiction. When an author writes in a narrative style, they are not just trying to impart information, they are trying to construct and communicate a story, complete with characters, conflict, and settings.

Examples of Narrative Writing

• Oral histories
• Novels/Novellas
• Poetry (especially epic sagas or poems)
• Short Stories

About Writing: A Guide Copyright © 2015 by Robin Jeffrey is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

Article Writing in English, Format, Examples, Topics and its Types

An article is a piece of writing which explicate ideas, thoughts, facts, suggestions, or recommendations based on a particular topic. To know more about the article writing format go through this page

Table of Contents

Article Writing

An article is a piece of writing written to influence or provide information to a large audience. It is mainly intended to be published in an electronic medium/ print, like in newspapers, magazines, or journals, and nowadays people are writing blogs. An article is an expression of an individual’s thoughts on an issue or a subject logically written in a meaningful way. Ideas are incorporated in a semi-formal way according to the writer’s interest. It may be for propagating news, academic analysis, current issues or debates, etc. An article must be clear, concise, and coherent.

Different Types of Articles

An ideal article provides all the factual information to the audience that catches their attention and allows them to think over the topic and act accordingly. There are mainly five types of articles mentioned below:

• Expository Article- It is the most common type of article, which allows the writer to publicize or propagate the information on any particular topic without the influence of their opinions.
• Argumentative Article- It is an article in which the author poses a problem or an issue, provides a solution, and arguments to support why their suggestions/solutions are right.
• Narrative Article- It is a kind of article in which the writer is required to narrate mostly in the form of a story.
• Descriptive Article- An article written to provide a vivid description that allows readers to visualize whatever is been described, using the adjective phrases/adjective will help you to write a descriptive article.
• Persuasive Article- This is a kind of article written to persuade/convince the reader to accept the ideas or views of the writer.

How to Write an Article?

The following ways will guide you on how to write an article in a well-structured manner, which helps you to grab the attention of the audience or readers.

• Choose/Pick the content that is needed for your target readers. Do some research work and collect the important information related to your content or article.
• Organize all important topic-related data & information in a logical way.
• Write all your content for the article to make an impact on the readers, that will help them.
• Make your content or article unique and specific.
• In the end, Read your article once, then again Revise.
• Always cross-check the grammatical errors & avoid repetitive lines.

Article Writing Format

An article must be organized in a proper way to grab the attention of the reader. It’s important for the author or writer to first know the format of the composition and also mention the details consequently.

   Title of the Article Byline   (Writer’s Name) Body (Main Part of the article Paragraph 1 (Introductive paragraph) Paragraph 2 (Descriptive paragraph) Paragraph 3 – Any additional information (if required) Paragraph 4 – Conclusion (Ending part of the article)

An article is substantially divided  into 3 sections-

• Heading/Title

Let us check the article writing format you should keep in mind while writing your piece of information.

Heading/Title  

It is the first thing that eyes go on, to be noticed. It is the most important component of the format. The heading or title must be in accordance with the article. The heading of an article should be catchy and not more than 5-6 words. You can go as creative as you want to make it unique. The heading or title should be unique in such a way that the reader arouses their interest to read the whole article.

It refers to the name of the person writing the article. It is generally mentioned in the question. Do not mention your personal details.

It is the main part of the article writing. It generally consists of 3-4 paragraphs.

Paragraph 1 : It is always prescribed that you begin with a short introduction of the topic and its meaning to precise. Write in short, what the article is about by giving some quotations, that will be startling for the reader that will arouse some interest to read more.

Paragraph 2 or Paragraphs 2 & 3: Now, this is the part that can be written in either one or two paragraphs. You are required to do a complete analysis of the topic or subject matter given in the question. This paragraph may include: 

• The Problems – In how many forms does the problem exist?
• The Current Scenarios – then you need to explain the current situation, the problems (if required), and whether there are preventive actions and betterment measures in the situation have been observed or not.
• Advantages/Disadvantages- It may include advantages and disadvantages, depending on the topic in question.
• Causes and Effects – Develop the cause-and-effect relationship by supporting it with facts or data. You can also write the consequences.
• The Solutions- Write the solutions for the problem.

Paragraph 3 or Paragraph 4:   The Conclusion/Ending. It is the concluding paragraph. It is important to conclude that you have started writing an article. Never leave your article open-ended, as it will create confusion for the readers. It is to be remembered that whatever you have elaborated on the problems, you always have to mention the steps taken the improve the situation and suggest some relevant suggestions as well. The paragraph needs to be short and precise. Here, also you can add some interesting quotes as well.

Tips for Article Writing/ How to Improve Article Writing Skills

Before writing any article it is important to know some information about writing the article. Here below are some tips that you can keep in mind while writing the article: 

• Plan before writing- It is important that the writer follow the sequence. Jot down the main points and ensure that the article is in the proper sequence of ideas, introduction, analysis, suggestion, and conclusion.
• Give a title that catches the reader’s attention.
• Begin with attractive opening sentences that address the reader and get them interested in the topic.
• Present a strong argument for your ideas supporting it with examples/pieces of evidence.
• Explain Briefly- The writer should explain relevant and important points.
• Introduce a new point of view at the beginning of each paragraph that follows to strengthen your ideas.
• Word Limit- Always keep in mind and follow the word limit and write in a restricted time frame.
• Stick to the topic- It is important that you do not deviate from the topic. There are changes that you link one topic to another but always remember your main heading or title.
• Avoid repetition of the ideas.
• Make sure you revise the whole article to check the grammatical errors, after completing it.
• Read the articles in newspapers, magazines, journals, and blogs to get an idea of what the article writing is about.

Article Writing Examples

Article writing on covid.

In the unfamiliar landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding the mysterious signals of its symptoms becomes incredibly important. At the same time, adopting protective precautions becomes a vital defense tactic.  This article takes on a two-fold mission: uncovering the specific patterns of COVID-19 symptoms and underlining the crucial role of preventive measures in keeping ourselves and our communities safe.

Covid 19 Symptoms

As the world grapples with the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding its telltale signs is paramount. The virus paints a complex canvas of symptoms, ranging from the familiar—such as fever and cough—to the unexpected, like the loss of taste and smell. Fatigue, body aches, and respiratory distress also figure into this intricate puzzle. This section delves into these manifestations, shedding light on the subtle ways the virus communicates its presence within our bodies. Recognizing these signs becomes not only a means of early detection but also a crucial step in stemming the virus’s spread.

Covid 19 Precautions

In the face of an invisible adversary like COVID-19, our most potent armor lies in the realm of precautions. Masks, once a rarity, have transformed into steadfast companions, guarding against the virus’s entry. Physical distancing, the practice of maintaining a safe space, has become a societal norm, creating a protective barrier against its transmission. Regular handwashing, a seemingly mundane act, has emerged as a powerful weapon in disrupting the virus’s journey. This section navigates through these protective strategies, revealing their collective impact in curbing the virus’s reach. Each measure undertaken contributes to a barrier that safeguards not only individuals but entire communities.

Report Writing Format- Click to Read

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Article Writing - FAQs

Q1. how many types of articles are there.

Ans. There are 5 types of articles- Expository Articles, Argumentative Articles, Narrative Articles, Descriptive Articles, and Persuasive Articles.

Q2. How many sections are there in the article writing format?

Ans. There are 3 sections - Heading/Title, Byline and Body of the article.

Q3. How many total paragraphs should be there in the article format?

Ans. There can be a minimum of 3-4 paragraphs in the article, it also depends on the word limit mentioned, if any.

As Team Lead- Content Writer, I take on leadership within our content creation team, overseeing the development of error-free educational content. My primary responsibility is to produce and analyse high-quality content educating and informing the aspirants about upcoming government exams published on our website. I have more than 6 years experience in content writing wherein 3.5 years of experience in ed-tech content writing.

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At The BMJ , we offer authors the opportunity to submit a range of article types. You can find out more about preparing and submitting a particular style of article by clicking on the links below. Please take the time to explore these instructions before proceeding with a submission. Further details about each of these individual sections and article types are discussed further down this page.

Article Types at The BMJ

Requirements for all manuscripts.

Please ensure that anything you submit to The BMJ conforms to the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors’ Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing, and Publication of Scholarly work in Medical Journals  uniform recommendations for manuscripts submitted to biomedical journals.

Before submitting an article, please ensure that you have followed all guidelines below. We recommend learning about our house style and ways to incorporate images into your submission .

Title page and authorship

The title should be informative and, for research papers, a subtitle with the study design (for example, "a phase III clinical trial" or "a systematic review and meta-analysis").

In this page, please provide for each author his or her name, affiliation (job title) at the time the paper was written, email and, for the corresponding author, the best contact address. All authors must fulfill the ICMJE criteria for authorship . If the number of authors is very large we may ask for confirmation that everyone listed met the ICMJE criteria for authorship . We also offer the option of joint first authorship when two authors meet criteria for such a designation. We reserve the right to require that authors form a group whose name will appear in the article byline. MEDLINE guidance explains that group authorship is acceptable, stating "When a group name for a specific consortium, committee, study group, or the like appears in an article byline, the personal names of the members of that group may be published in the article text. Such names are entered as collaborator names for the MEDLINE citation."

Further details about The BMJ 's stance on authorship, contributorship, and group authorship can be found on our Authorship and contributorship page.

Please note that from 30 November 2018 The BMJ is mandating ORCiD iDs for corresponding authors for all research articles if accepted, and this information will be required alongside submitted manuscripts. Co-authors and reviewers are strongly encouraged to also connect their ScholarOne accounts to ORCiD. We firmly believe that the increased use and integration of ORCiD iDs will be beneficial for the whole research community. For those who do not currently have an iD they will be required to register but this is free and takes a matter of seconds - we strongly encourage all authors to register for an ORCiD profile .

To learn more about ORCiD, please visit http://orcid.org/content/initiative

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Since January 2000, The BMJ has not asked authors of journal articles to assign us their copyright and authors (or their employers) retain their copyright in the article. All we require from authors is an exclusive licence (or, from government employees who cannot grant this, a non-exclusive licence) that allows us to publish the article in The BMJ (including any derivative products) and any other BMJ products (such as the Student BMJ or overseas editions), and allows us to sublicense such rights and exploit all subsidiary rights.

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“The Corresponding Author has the right to grant on behalf of all authors and does grant on behalf of all authors, a worldwide licence to the Publishers and its licensees in perpetuity, in all forms, formats and media (whether known now or created in the future), to i) publish, reproduce, distribute, display and store the Contribution, ii) translate the Contribution into other languages, create adaptations, reprints, include within collections and create summaries, extracts and/or, abstracts of the Contribution, iii) create any other derivative work(s) based on the Contribution, iv) to exploit all subsidiary rights in the Contribution, v) the inclusion of electronic links from the Contribution to third party material where-ever it may be located; and, vi) licence any third party to do any or all of the above."

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Publication of any personal information about a patient in The BMJ - for example, in a case report or clinical photograph - will normally require the signed consent of the patient. If this is the case, please include a statement that any identifiable patients have provided their signed consent to publication and submit, as a supplemental file, The BMJ 's patient consent form that is available in several languages .

Competing interests declaration

A competing interest - often called a conflict of interest - exists when professional judgment concerning a primary interest (such as patients' welfare or the validity of research) may be influenced by a secondary interest (such as financial gain, academic promotion, or personal rivalry). It may arise for the authors of an article in The BMJ when they have a financial interest that may influence, probably without their knowing, their interpretation of their results or those of others.

We believe that, to make the best decision on how to deal with an article, we should know about any competing interests that authors may have, and that if we publish the article readers should know about them too. We are not aiming to eradicate such interests across all article types in The BMJ . However, certain articles (see below) fall under a stricter policy announced in 2014 . This means that authors whose financial conflicts of interest are judged to be relevant by the BMJ team are not permitted to write these articles. We also ask our staff and reviewers to declare any competing interests.

A declaration of interests for all authors must be received before an article can be reviewed and accepted for publication. It should take one of two forms, depending on what type of article you are submitting. The links to the relevant forms are provided at the end of this section.

For editorials and education articles (excluding State Of The Art reviews and Therapeutics articles)

Since 2014, The BMJ requires that such articles must be written by authors without relevant financial ties to industry . By "industry" we mean companies producing drugs, medical foods, nutraceuticals, devices, apps or tests; medical education companies; or other companies with a financial or reputational interest in the topic of the article. We consider the following relationships with industry to be relevant, making it unlikely that we would be able to publish your work: employment; ownership of stocks and shares (this excludes mutual funds or other situations in which the person is not in a position to control investment decisions) ; travel and accommodation expenses; paid consultancy or directorship; patent ownership; aid membership of speakers' panels or bureaus and advisory board; acting as an expert witness ; being in receipt of a fellowship, equipment, writing, or administrative support; writing or consulting for a medical education promotional or communications company. If you are in doubt about the relevance of any potential conflict of interest please discuss with the editor of the appropriate section before submission.

All authors must review the updated COI policy and complete The BMJ 's Education Declaration of Interests form . If the article is accepted for publication these completed forms will be stored and made available on request. The corresponding author should insert within their manuscript a summary statement derived from the information provided in the COI forms (link below): " I/We have read and understood BMJ policy on declaration of interests and declare the following interests: [list them or state that you have none]."

Examples of different sorts of summary statements:

No competing interests : "We have read and understood BMJ policy on declaration of interests and declare that we have no competing interests."

Competing interests disclosed: " We have read and understood BMJ policy on declaration of interests and declare the following interests: AA is an unpaid member of XX group developing guidelines for ZZ."

For Research and RMR papers

We ask authors of research papers to use a revised version of the ICMJE’s unified disclosure form . The unified form can be used for several journals. Each journal, will, however, integrate the form into its processes in different ways.

Authors must disclose three types of information:

Associations with commercial entities that provided support for the work reported in the submitted manuscript (the timeframe for disclosure in this section of the form is the lifespan of the work being reported).

Associations with commercial entities that could be viewed as having an interest in the general area of the submitted manuscript (in the three years before submission of the manuscript).

Non-financial associations that may be relevant or seen as relevant to the submitted manuscript.

All authors must complete the disclosure form and send it to the corresponding author who will use the information in the forms to craft the COI statement for the paper (examples provided below). The statement but not the forms must be included with the submission. and that must be included with the initial submission. If the paper is accepted, these forms will be required and will be published alongside the article.

The statement in the manuscript should take the following format:

"Competing interests: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form at http://www.icmje.org/disclosure-of-interest/ and declare: no support from any organisation for the submitted work [or describe if any]; no financial relationships with any organisations that might have an interest in the submitted work in the previous three years [or describe if any]; no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work [or describe if any].”

Examples of statements:

No competing interests: "All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form at http://www.icmje.org/disclosure-of-interest/ and declare: no support from any organisation for the submitted work; no financial relationships with any organisations that might have an interest in the submitted work in the previous three years; no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work."

Grant funding for research but no other competing interest: "All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form at http://www.icmje.org/disclosure-of-interest/ and declare: all authors had financial support from ABC Company for the submitted work; no financial relationships with any organisations that might have an interest in the submitted work in the previous three years; no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work."

Mixed competing interests: "All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form at http://www.icmje.org/disclosure-of-interest/ and declare: no support from any organisation for the submitted work; AB has received research grants and honorariums from XYZ company, BF has been paid for developing and delivering educational presentations for BBB foundation, DF does consultancy for HHH and VVV companies; no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work."

For all other papers

Complete The BMJ 's Disclosure form . We do not need to receive signed copies of the statements regarding competing interests or the licence to publication: these are for information only. When submitting your article (or a revised version of it) you will be prompted at our online editorial office to tick two boxes , confirming that you have read and complied with our policies on competing interests and licence to publication. Please also ensure that your manuscript, whether in original or revised form, also includes your written statements of competing interests and licence to publication.

Additional requirements by Article Type

In addition to the above, all of our articles have additional requirements which should be fulfilled before submitting. For more information on any of the requirements below, please contact [email protected] .

We have produced a checklist to help authors decide whether The BMJ is the right journal for their research. If the work does not seem to fit in The BMJ , it may be better sent straight to another journal with a more specialist or local readership or a higher acceptance rate.

To learn more about the kind of research articles we give priority to, and what services we offer to authors of research, please read the editorial "Publishing your research study in the BMJ ?" . Please note that we welcome studies - even with "negative" results - as long as their research questions are important, new, and relevant to general readers and their designs are appropriate and robust.

Word count and style

To encourage full and transparent reporting of research we do not set fixed word count limits for research articles. Nonetheless, we ask you to make your article concise and make every word count. You will be prompted to provide the word count for the main text (excluding the abstract, references, tables, boxes, or figures) when you submit your manuscript.

Original research articles should follow the IMRaD style (introduction, methods, results, and discussion) and should include a structured abstract (see below), a structured discussion, and a succinct introduction that focuses - in no more than three paragraphs - on the background to the research question.

For an intervention study, the manuscript should include enough information about the intervention(s) and comparator(s) (even if this was usual care) for reviewers and readers to understand fully what happened in the study. To enable readers to replicate your work or implement the interventions in their own practice, please also provide any relevant detailed descriptions and materials (uploaded as one or more supplemental files, including video and audio files where appropriate). Alternatively, please provide in the manuscript URLs to openly accessible websites where these materials can be found.

Please ensure that the discussion section of your article comprises no more than a page and a half and follows this overall structure, although you do not need to signpost these elements with subheadings:

• Statement of principal findings • Strengths and weaknesses of the study • Strengths and weaknesses in relation to other studies, discussing important differences in results • Meaning of the study: possible explanations and implications for clinicians and policymakers • Unanswered questions and future research

This video gives more detailed advice on writing each section of a research paper for The BMJ .

Structured abstract

Please ensure that the structured abstract is as complete, accurate, and clear as possible and has been approved by all authors. We may screen original research articles by reading only the abstract.

Abstracts should be 250- 300 words long: you may need up to 400 words, however, for a CONSORT or PRISMA style abstract. MEDLINE can now handle up to 600 words. Abstracts should include the following headings, but they may be modified for abstracts of clinical trials or systematic reviews and meta-analyses according to the requirements on the the CONSORT extension for abstracts and the PRISMA extension for abstracts , respectively.

• Objectives - a clear statement of the main aim of the study and the major hypothesis tested or research question posed • Design - including factors such as prospective, randomisation, blinding, placebo control, case control, crossover, criterion standards for diagnostic tests, etc. • Setting - include the level of care, eg primary, secondary; number of participating centres. Be general rather than give the name of the specific centre, but give the geographical location if this is important • Participants (instead of patients or subjects) - numbers entering and completing the study, sex, and ethnic group if appropriate. Give clear definitions of how selected, entry and exclusion criteria. • Interventions - what, how, when and for how long. This heading can be deleted if there were no interventions but should normally be included for randomised controlled trials, crossover trials, and before and after studies. • Main outcome measures - those planned in the protocol, those finally measured (if different, explain why). • Results - main results with (for quantitative studies) 95% confidence intervals and, where appropriate, the exact level of statistical significance and the number need to treat/harm. Whenever possible, state absolute rather than relative risks. • Conclusions - primary conclusions and their implications, suggesting areas for further research if appropriate. Do not go beyond the data in the article. Conclusions are important because this is often the only part that readers look at. • Trial registration - registry and number (for clinical trials and, if available, for observational studies and systematic reviews).

When writing your abstract, use the active voice but avoid "we did" or "we found". Numbers over 10 do not need spelling out at the start of sentences. p-values should always be accompanied by supporting data, and denominators should be given for percentages. Confidence intervals should be written in the format (15 to 27) within parentheses, using the word "to" rather than a hyphen. Abstracts do not need references.

Statistical issues

We want your piece to be easy to read but also as scientifically accurate as possible. We encourage authors to review the "Statistical Analyses and Methods in the Published Literature or The SAMPL Guidelines" while preparing their manuscript.

Whenever possible, state absolute rather than relative risks. Please include in the results section of your structured abstract (and in the article's results section) the following terms, as appropriate:

For a clinical trial:

• Absolute event rates among experimental and control groups. • RRR (relative risk reduction). • NNT or NNH (number needed to treat or harm) and its 95% confidence interval (or, if the trial is of a public health intervention, number helped per 1000 or 100,000).

For a cohort study:

• Absolute event rates over time (eg 10 years) among exposed and non-exposed groups • RRR (relative risk reduction)

For a case control study:

• OR (odds ratio) for strength of association between exposure and outcome

For a study of a diagnostic test:

• Sensitivity and specificity • PPV and NPV (positive and negative predictive values)

The box stating 'what is known' and 'what this study adds' should also reflect accurately the above information. Under what this study adds, please give the one most useful summary statistic eg NNT.

Please do not use the term 'negative' to describe studies that have not found statistically significant differences, perhaps because they were too small. There will always be some uncertainty, and we hope you will be as explicit as possible in reporting what you have found in your study. Using wording such as "our results are compatible with a decrease of this much or an increase of this much" or 'this study found no effect' is more accurate and helpful to readers than "there was no effect/no difference." Please use such wording throughout the article, including the structured abstract and the box stating what the paper adds.

Provide one or more references for the statistical package(s) used to analyse the data - for example, RevMan for a systematic review. There is no need to provide a formal reference for a very widely used package that will be familiar to general readers - for example, Stata - but please say in the text which version you used.

Reporting guidelines

Reporting guidelines promote clear reporting of methods and results to allow critical appraisal of the manuscript. We ask that all manuscripts be written in accordance with the appropriate reporting guideline. Please submit as supplemental material the appropriate reporting guideline checklist showing on which page of your manuscript each checklist item appears. A complete list of guidelines can be found in the website of the Equator Network . Below is the list of most often used checklists but others may apply.

For a clinical trials , use the CONSORT checklist and also include a structured abstract that follows the CONSORT extension for abstract checklist, the CONSORT flowchart and, where applicable, the appropriate CONSORT extension statements (for example, for cluster RCTs, pragmatic trials, etc.). A completed TIDieR checklist is also helpful as this helps to ensure that trial interventions are fully described in ways that are reproducible, usable by other clinicians, and clear enough for systematic reviewers and guideline writers.

For systematic reviews or meta-analysis of randomised trials and other evaluation studies, use the PRISMA checklist and flowchart and use the PRISMA structured abstract checklist when writing the structured abstract.

For studies of diagnostic accuracy , use the STARD checklist and flowchart.

For observational studies , use the STROBE checklist and any appropriate extension STROBE extensions.

For genetic risk prediction studies, use GRIPS .

For economic evaluation studies , use CHEERS .

For studies developing, validating or updating a prediction model , use TRIPOD .

For articles that include explicit statements of the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations, we prefer reporting using the GRADE system.

For studies using data from electronic health records, please use CODE-EHR .

Cover letter

A cover letter is your opportunity to introduce your study to the editor, highlighting the most important findings and novelty. Please also include in the letter the following information:

Mandatory patient and public involvement reporting

The BMJ is encouraging active patient and public involvement in clinical research as part of its patient partnership strategy . This is research which is "co produced" with patients, carers, or members of the public. Patient involvement in this context is not about being a research participant, answering surveys, or being an interviewee. It encompasses setting research priorities, defining research questions and outcome measures, providing input into study design and conduct, dissemination of results, and evaluation.

To support co production of research we request that authors provide a short paragraph as a subsection within the methods section of their papers entitled Patient and Public Involvement detailing how they involved the patients and the public in their research. We request this to both encourage the movement and ensure that BMJ readers can easily see whether, and if so how, patients and the public were involved in the research. If they were not involved in any way this information should be formally documented in the Patient and Public Involvement section.

As co production of research with patients and the public is relatively new we appreciate that not all authors will have involved them in their studies. We also appreciate that patient / public involvement may not be feasible or appropriate for all papers. We therefore continue to consider papers where they were not involved.

The Patient and Public Involvement section should provide a brief response to the following questions, tailored as appropriate for the study design reported:

• At what stage in the research process were patients/public first involved in the research and how? • How were the research question(s) and outcome measures developed and informed by their priorities, experience, and preferences? • How were patients/public involved in the design of this study? • How were they involved in the recruitment to and conduct of the study? • Were they asked to assess the burden of the intervention and time required to participate in the research? • How were (or will) patients and the public be involved in choosing the methods and agreeing plans for dissemination of the study results to participants and wider relevant communities? You may find this link helpful.

In addition to considering the points above we advise authors to look at guidance for best reporting of patient and public involvement as set out in the GRIPP2 reporting checklist.  

If information detailing whether there was patient and public involvement, or not, is missing in the submitted manuscript we will request authors to provide it.

Where they have been involved we consider it good practice for authors to name and thank them in the contributorship statement after seeking their permission to do so; and to clearly identify them as patient/public contributors. When they have contributed substantially and meet authorship criteria they should be invited to coauthor the manuscript.

Links to selected examples of Patient and Public Involvement statements in published BMJ research papers showing patient and carer involvement at various stages of the research process.

Comparison of the two most commonly used treatments for pyoderma gangrenosum: results of the STOP GAP randomised controlled trial

Evidence based community mobilization for dengue prevention in Nicaragua and Mexico

Computerised cognitive behaviour therapy (cCBT) as treatment for depression in primary care (REEACT trial): large scale pragmatic randomised controlled trial .

Real world effectiveness of warfarin among ischemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation: observational analysis from Patient-Centered Research into Outcomes Stroke Patients Prefer and Effectiveness Research (PROSPER) study.

Example PPI statements to adapt for use in a paper

Examples to guide the wording for PPI statements

Data sharing

We require a data sharing statement for all research papers. For papers that do not report a trial, we do not require that the authors agree to share the data, just that they say whether they will.

For reports of clinical trials, we ask that the authors commit to making the relevant anonymised patient level data available on reasonable request (see editorial ). This policy applies to any research article that reports the main endpoints of a randomised controlled trial of one or more drugs or medical devices in current use, whether or not the trial was funded by industry.

"Relevant data" encompasses all anonymised data on individual patients on which the analysis, results, and conclusions reported in the paper are based. As for "reasonable request," The BMJ is not in a position to adjudicate, but we will expect requesters to submit a protocol for their re-analysis to the authors and to commit to making their results public. We will encourage those requesting data to send a rapid response to thebmj.com, describing what they are looking for. If the request is refused we will ask the authors of the paper to explain why.

In addition, we will follow the new ICMJE data sharing policy that goes into place on July 1, 2018 (see editorial ): manuscripts submitted to ICMJE journals that report the results of clinical trials must contain a data sharing statement that indicates whether individual de-identified participant data (including data dictionaries) will be shared; what data in particular will be shared; whether additional, related documents will be available (study protocol, statistical analysis plan, etc); when the data will become available and for how long; by what access criteria data will be shared (including with whom, for what types of analyses, and by what mechanism). Clinical trials that begin enrolling participants on or after January 1, 2019 must also include a data sharing plan in the trial’s registration. If the data sharing plan changes after registration this should be reflected in the statement submitted and published with the manuscript, and updated in the registry record.

We encourage authors of all research articles in The BMJ to link their articles to the raw data from their studies. For clinical trials, we require data sharing on request as a minimum and- if authors of such trials are willing to go further and share the data openly, so much the better. The BMJ has partnered with the Dryad digital repository datadryad.org to make open deposition easy and to allow direct linkage by doi from the dataset to The BMJ 's article and back (for The BMJ 's articles' datasets see here ).

Data requesters should do the following: • Submit a rapid response to the paper and email the corresponding author for the paper to request the relevant data. • Be prepared to provide the authors of the paper a detailed protocol for your proposed study, and to supply information about the funding and resources you have to carry out the study. • If appropriate, invite the original author[s] to participate in the re-analysis. • If a month elapses without a response from the authors, please email the head of research for The BMJ (presently [email protected] ) and cc [email protected] . • The BMJ will assess the request and if appropriate we will encourage the authors or their institution to share the data, although we are not in a position to compel data release or broker agreements. Our role is limited to making the request process public, and all correspondence related to the request may be made public through rapid responses to the paper.

Mandatory disaggregation of research data by sex and gender

The BMJ requires that research data be disaggregated by sex and gender. If that is not possible, please include a detailed explanation of the reasons for this, and mention it as a limitation in the discussion section.

Statements that must be included in Research submissions (Ethics approval, funding, and transparency)

Ethics approval

All research studies published in The BMJ should be morally acceptable, and must follow the World Medical Association's Declaration of Helsinki . To ensure this, we aim to appraise the ethical aspects of any submitted work that involves human participants, whatever descriptive label is given to that work including research, audit, and sometimes debate. This policy also applies on the very rare occasions that we publish work done with animal participants. The manuscript must include a statement that the study obtained ethics approval (or a statement that it was not required), including the name of the ethics committee(s) or institutional review board(s), the number/ID of the approval(s), and a statement that participants gave informed consent before taking part.

Transparency statement

Please include in your manuscript a transparency declaration : a statement that the lead author (the manuscript's guarantor) affirms that the manuscript is an honest, accurate, and transparent account of the study being reported; that no important aspects of the study have been omitted; and that any discrepancies from the study as originally planned (and, if relevant, registered) have been explained.

The BMJ is committed to making the editorial process transparent and ethical. The BMJ ’s transparency policies are accessible from this link .

Role of the funding source

Please include in the manuscript a statement giving the details of all sources of funding for the study. As appropriate, the statement must include a description of the role of the study sponsor(s) or funder(s), if any, in the study design; in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; in the writing of the report; and in the decision to submit the article for publication. In addition, the statement must confirm the independence of researchers from funders and that all authors, external and internal, had full access to all of the data (including statistical reports and tables) in the study and can take responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysis is also required.

If you are submitting an original article reporting an industry sponsored clinical trial, postmarketing study, or other observational study please follow the guidelines on good publication practice (GPP2) and on properly reporting the role of professional medical writers. Another resource, the Authors' Submission Toolkit: A practical guide to getting your research published summarises general tips and best practices to increase awareness of journals' editorial requirements, how to choose the right journal, submission processes, publication ethics, peer review, and effective communication with editors - much of which has traditionally been seen as mysterious to authors.

The BMJ will not consider for publication any study that is partly or wholly funded by the tobacco industry, as explained in this editorial .

Patient and Public Involvement statement

Within the Methods section of your paper, please state if and how patients and the public were involved in the research you are describing. For more information, please see the specific guidance on mandatory reporting of patient and public involvement above. If patients and the public were not involved this information should be formally documented in the Patient and Public Involvement statement.

Dissemination to participants and related patient and public communities

For accepted papers we will ask you to confirm when and how the results of your study were (or will be) sent to research participants and whether they are also being sent to relevant patient and public communities, as applicable. If you have not disseminated and have no plans to do so, please state why.

Summary boxes

Please produce a box offering a thumbnail sketch of what your article adds to the literature. The box should be divided into two short sections, each with 1-3 short sentences.

Section 1: What is already known on this topic

In two or three single sentence bullet points, please summarise the state of scientific knowledge on this topicbefore you did your study, and why this study needed to be done. Be clear and specific, not vague.

Section 2: What this study adds

In one or two single sentence bullet points, give a simple answer to the question “What do we now know as a result of this study that we did not know before?” Be brief, succinct, specific, and accurate. For example: "Our study suggests that tea drinking has no overall benefit in depression." You might use the last sentence to summarise any implications for practice, research, policy, or public health. For example, your study might have asked and answered a new question (one whose relevance has only recently become clear); contradicted a belief, dogma, or previous evidence provided a new perspective on something that is already known in general; or provided evidence of higher methodological quality for a message that is already known. DO not make statements that are not directly supported by your data.

Additional information that must be included with reports of Clinical Trials

Trial registration

In accordance with the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors' Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing, and Publication of Scholarly Work in Medical Journals , The BMJ will not consider reports of clinical trials unless they were registered prospectively before recruitment of any participants. This policy on prospective registration applies to trials that started after 1 July 2005; for older trials retrospective registration will be acceptable, but only if completed before submission of the manuscript to the journal. The trial registration number and name of register should be included as the last line of the structured abstract. The BMJ accepts registration in any registry that is a primary register of the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) or in ClinicalTrials.gov , which is a data provider to the WHO ICTRP.

In your submission, please include details about registration: registry, date registered, affirmation that registration was prospective before enrolling the first patient (if applicable) and registry number. The BMJ relies on information contained in trial registries. If authors believe that information in the registry is incorrect they should make their case to registry officials.

Eligible trials have been defined by ICMJE since 1 July 2008 as trials "where human participants are prospectively assigned to one or more health-related interventions (including health services and behavioural interventions) to evaluate the effects on health outcomes," and before that were defined more narrowly as trials "where human participants are prospectively assigned to investigate the cause and effect relationship between a medical intervention and health outcome." The ICMJE further states that, "Some trials assign healthcare providers, rather than patients, to intervention and comparison/control groups. If the purpose of the trial is to examine the effect of the provider intervention on the health outcomes of the providers' patients, then investigators should register the trial. If the purpose is to examine the effect only on the providers (for example, provider knowledge or attitudes), then registration is not necessary." We will take these definitions into account when evaluating if trials were adequately registered.

The BMJ does not consider posting of protocols and results in clinical trial registries to be prior publication. We also will consider research articles that have been posted on preprint servers, provided this is clearly disclosed on submission of the paper.

The BMJ encourages but does not require registration of protocols and posting of results in publicly accessible registries for studies that are not clinical trials if they involve human participants, particularly observational studies . If the study was registered, please provide the registration details, explaining whether the study was registered before data acquisition or analysis began.

The BMJ expects authors of clinical trials to report their findings in accordance with the outcomes listed in the trial registry. Outcomes that were not pre-specified in the registration should be identified as such in the text of the paper and in any tables. All registered outcomes should be described in the BMJ paper. If results for any outcomes will be or have been reported in another publication this should be made clear to readers. The timing and reasons for any changes in registered outcomes should also be disclosed.

The BMJ requires authors of clinical trials to upload a protocol for their study. This protocol will be published alongside other materials if the article is accepted. Any discrepancies between the protocol-specified outcomes and those listed in the trial registry or reported in the paper should be explained in the paper. In cases where pre-specified outcomes differ between the trial registration and the protocol, our policy is to consider the outcomes listed in the registry as pre-specified. Outcomes listed in the protocol but not the trial registry can be reported in the paper, but should be identified as post-hoc outcomes. Protocols vary in completeness and content. There are often multiple versions of a protocol and the timing of decisions about outcomes in relation to the onset of a trial cannot easily be determined. This is in contrast to trial registries, where date stamps are reliable and can be easily verified by readers.Trial registry entries should be updated if new outcomes are added or existing ones deleted, promoted, or demoted.

The BMJ requires authors of clinical trials to upload a statistical analysis plan (SAP) for their study. The SAP will be published alongside other materials if the article is accepted. A SAP provides more detailed information about statistical analysis than a protocol, including detailed descriptions of procedures used to execute the analyses. Please follow the guidance on producing a SAP contained in the table of this document: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2666509

Open access

Research papers in The BMJ are published with open access. Moreover, The BMJ immediately fulfils the requirements of the US National Institutes of Health, the UK Medical Research Council, the Wellcome Trust, and other funding bodies by making the full text of publicly funded research freely available to all on bmj.com and sending it directly to PubMed Central, the National Library of Medicine's full text archive. The BMJ occasionally publishes as open access other types of (non-research) articles arising from work funded by a funder who mandates open access publication.

Open access articles may be reused according to the relevant Creative Commons licence. The BMJ 's default licence for open access publication of research is the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial licence (CC BY-NC 4.0) . But where the funder requires it the author can select the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) licence during the submission process (funders who mandate CC BY include the Wellcome Trust, RCUK, and MRC).

To support this, we ask authors to pay an open access article processing charge - you can find our author charges for open access here . We can offer discounts and waivers for authors who cannot pay. Consideration of the paper is not related to whether authors can or cannot pay the fee. We will ask for the fee only once we have accepted a paper, and we will send an invoice only once authors tell us (via [email protected] ) they can claim the fee. Seeking and processing fees will not delay editing or publication. Please do not contact editors about open access fees: neither editors nor reviewers will know whether a fee is payable, and administrative staff will handle payments and all associated correspondence. For non-research articles published with open access we will ask authors to pay the open access fee. We do not offer refunds for Open Access once articles have been published. For further information, contact [email protected] .

A number of institutions have open access institutional memberships with BMJ (the publishing group), which either cover the whole cost of open access publishing for authors at participating institutions or allow authors to receive a discount on the article processing charge. For a list of member institutions and their policies on how to receive a discount or to publish free of charge, please visit http://journals.bmj.com/site/authors/openaccess.xhtml

For articles not published with open access, The BMJ 's publication licence allows each author to post their article's URL (provided above) on either their own or their employer's website, thereby giving users free access to the full text of the article on bmj.com. Authors will need to use the toll free link to ensure visitors have free access to the article. Alternatively, authors can post the full text of their published article on their own website or their employer's website.

For additional information, please see the section of instructions to authors on copyright, open access, and permission to reuse .

Living systematic reviews

The BMJ will pilot a small number of living systematic reviews

Duration : We will typically host a living systematic review which is live for up to 2 years after initial publication. The triggers for updates, and their frequency, will be decided with authors on a case by case basis. Communication : The title will reflect the living nature of the review and the most recent update will become the default publication on bmj.com. Reviews will have a single digital object identifier (DOI) to keep the information in one place. However, previous versions will remain available as data supplements. An updates table will be included in the review to make tracking the history of the review easier and to signal planned changes. Updates will be flagged on bmj.com, including in rapid responses. They will also be communicated to third parties including PubMed and PubMedCentral. Updates : Updates should be submitted as a “track changes” version of the final MIcrosoft Word version of the previous iteration of the review. A clean version should also be submitted via the ScholarOne manuscript system. Subsequent internal or external peer review reports will be added to the pre-publication history tab on bmj.com with each version of the paper. The approach to any authorship changes should be negotiated before the first version of the paper is published. Resources : The usual BMJ article open access processing fee will be charged for the initial version of the review and an additional fee will be added to cover the cost of up to three updates per year (£2000 per update). After the first year the price may be revised based on the scope of the revisions and the work done on each one.

Preliminary reporting guidance for living reviews

COVER LETTER: This should explain and defend the need for the review to be “living.” Briefly describe other extant reviews, in particular any other living systematic reviews that have recently been published. The cover letter should acknowledge the authors’ acceptance of the following special conditions that apply to living reviews: 1) the need to provide current conflict of interest declarations or updates for all authors at each revision; 2) the single DOI for the paper and updates; agreement that open access fees cannot be waived for living reviews and that additional fees apply to cover the extra work of producing and maintaining living reviews.

TITLE: The phrase “living systematic review” should appear in the title. If additional terms apply, those may be included as appropriate (e.g. “network meta-analysis,” “meta-analysis,” “critical appraisal,” etc.).

ABSTRACT: The abstract should include: 1) A statement of the research question or objective, including a statement that one objective is to provide regular updates and keep the review live. 2) The rationale for a living systematic review should be described, e.g. rapidly evolving evidence base, anticipated impact on policy or practice, etc. 3) A “Readers’ note” at the end of the abstract that provides information about the version of the paper, the date it went live, and gives notice of planned updates. For example: “Readers’ note: This article is a living systematic review that will be updated periodically over the next 2 years to reflect emerging evidence. This version is update XXX of the original article published XXXXXX (give BMJ DOI), and previous updates can be found as data supplements (give link). When citing this paper please consider adding the version number and date of access for clarity.”

MAIN PAPER: Please address the following matters in the appropriate section of the paper: Introduction: -- Include the information required in the abstract (see above paragraph) at the end of the introduction section. -- In updates, consider including a short paragraph that describes how the living review has evolved. For example, what are the key developments since the previous version of the review, and what developments might be expected? Methods -- Mention and include a reference to any published or publicly available protocol for this review. If not registered, consider registering the review. -- Describe the methods that will be used to keep the review living, including the processes that will be used to search for new evidence, anticipated triggers for updates, and the circumstances under which the review might end before the 2 year time limit for BMJ Living Reviews. -- In updated versions of the review, make clear when and why any methods have evolved over time. If these descriptions are lengthy or complex, consider doing this in a table that can be included in an appendix or supplemental file. Such a table will ideally describe important changes to the review protocol, statistical analyses, or other aspects of the review, along with the dates of these changes. -- A table at the end of the discussion section might be used to highlight new evidence that was not included in the review. Results -- Clearly state the updated dates of the search. Discussion -- Consider additional subheadings to separate, e.g. What remain the important findings so far? Versus what are the main new findings to highlight? -- Consider additional table updates to this article. This will make clear historical and anticipated change. Columns trigger, date and action. Declaration of competing interests -- All authors must complete the ICMJE Competing Interests form with the initial submission. At each revision, we will ask the corresponding author to state whether there have been any changes to competing interests among any of the existing authors. If there are changes or if new authors have been added, the corresponding author is responsible for ensuring the this information is up to date. Otherwise there will be no change to the declaration of interests. Supplementary files -- Previous versions of the paper

Please contact Dr. Elizabeth Loder ( [email protected] ) with any questions.

Supplemental material, video

You may submit the following materials as supplemental files if you think they will help the authors and reviewers make a decision or readers better understand your study:

Original raw data if you think they will help our reviewers (and maybe readers), or if we specifically request them. Please note our policy on data sharing, explained above.

Video and audio files that will add educational value to your article, for example by explaining the intervention in a trial.

A video abstract that summarizes your findings and that will be posted on bmj.com with your paper. You can find additional information about video abstracts here and here .

Public and patient involvement materials used in your research.

Copies of any non-standard questionnaires and assessment schedules used in the research.

Copies of patient information sheets used to obtain informed consent for the study or to comprise or deliver the intervention in a clinical trial.

Copies of closely related articles you have published (this is particularly important when details of the study methods are published elsewhere).

Copies of any previous reviewers' reports on this article . We appreciate that authors may have tried other journals before sending their work to The BMJ , and find it helpful if you let us know how you have responded to previous reviewers' comments.

Research Methods and Reporting (RMR)

We are willing to consider papers that present new or updated research reporting guidelines, but only if the guideline pertains to a study type that we publish in The BMJ. The checklist itself must be included as part of the paper. We prefer to be the only journal publishing the guideline, but under some circumstances we will consider co-publication with up to two other journals. For an example of how to format a reporting guideline to appear in our research methods and reporting section, see http://www.bmj.com/content/346/bmj.f1049.full.pdf+html .

Preparing a RMR article

Word count We do not set fixed word count limits for RMR articles. Nonetheless, we ask you to make your article concise and make every word count. For some submissions this might be published in full on bmj.com with a shorter version in the print BMJ 

Overall structure Research Methods and Reporting should have the following elements:

Title and standfirst A short title is followed by an 100-150 word italicised single sentence (the standfirst) which encapsulates the article’s central message.

Introduction Articles should begin with a brief paragraph that captures readers’ attention and explains the aim of the piece.

Text The body of the text should be broken up under subheadings that provide a logical narrative structure. Avoid acronyms and abbreviations unless they are universally recognised e.g. DNA. The evidence on which key statements are based should be explicit and referenced, and the strength of the evidence (published trials, systematic reviews, observational studies, expert opinion etc.) addressed.

Boxes, tables and figures Include tables, boxes, or illustrations (clinical photographs, imaging, line drawings, and figures) to enhance the text and add to or substantiate key points made in the body of the article. Figures may be in color. Worked out examples that use specific methods under discussion can be included as additional boxes. If appropriate, include a box of linked information such as website urls for those who want to pursue the subject in more depth.

Web extras We may be able to publish on bmj.com some additional boxes, figures, and references (in a separate reference list numbered w1, w2,w3, etc. and marked as such in the main text of the article). Also may include suggestions for linked podcasts or video clips, as appropriate.

Contributors and sources We ask for a 100-150 word supplementary paragraph (excluded from word count) to explain the article’s provenance. It should include the relevant experience and expertise of each author, his or her contribution to the paper, and the sources of information used to prepare it. One author must be nominated as the guarantor of the article. Include a statement of sources and selection criteria.

Key messages box Include up to four sentences, in the form of bullet points, highlighting the article's main points.

References Must be in Vancouver style and should be kept to a minimum; ideally no more than 20.

“Analysis” is a distinct article type at The BMJ , and differs from other sections such as Research, Education, Editorials, and Personal Views. A great Analysis article makes an argument and supports it with reference to a robust (not cherry picked) evidence base. It has academic heft yet is a journalistic read. 'Academic heft' means the argument is evidence-based and supported by data. 'Journalistic read' means the article is really engaging (not dry nor dull; written in clear language and avoiding technical jargon; and pitched to our international audience of doctors of all specialties, academics, and policy makers). Keep in mind that Analysis articles are “long reads” at around 1800-2000 words, so they need to be absolutely great reading to keep readers’ attention, particularly readers that may not be familiar with the topic.

We receive many manuscripts that are not a good fit for the Analysis section. We generally do not consider:

• Case studies (e.g. where the article mostly concerns the author’s writing about their own work) • Manuscripts containing primary research data (such papers should be submitted as Research) • Narrative review articles (as a general practice, The BMJ does not accept unsolicited submissions of review articles) • Articles presenting a new hypothesis

If you are unsure if your work is suitable for The BMJ 's Analysis section we are willing to consider succinct pre-submission inquiries, please complete the form in this link and await a response from one of the analysis editors.

Preparing an Analysis article

We recommend looking at this Analysis article template and using it as a basis for your work before considering submission.

Word count and style The BMJ has an international readership that includes policy makers, health professionals, and doctors of all disciplines. Authors are advised to keep this readership in mind and to write their article for the non-expert. It’s important to avoid jargon. Specialised terminology and references to organisations or practices that are specific to one country need to be explained. Clear writing and an attractive presentation are essential. Analysis papers should be 1,800-2,000 words long.

Overall structure The manuscript should have the following elements:

Title and standfirst A short title is followed by an italicised single sentence (the standfirst) which encapsulates the article’s central message.

Text The body of the text should be broken up under sub-headings that provide a logical narrative structure. Avoid acronyms and abbreviations unless they are universally recognised e.g. DNA. The evidence on which key statements are based should be explicit and referenced, and the strength of the evidence (published trials, systematic reviews, observational studies, expert opinion, etc.) made clear. Articles should present a balanced, even-handed look at the evidence rather than selectively citing evidence that supports a particular view.

Boxes, tables and figures These should extend and substantiate points made in the body of the paper. Words in boxes and tables are excluded from the word count of the body of the text, but the additional material should be concise.

Key messages box This should be at the end of the article and include 2 to 4 points summing up the main conclusions. When submitting your article at submit.bmj.com, please enter your key messages when prompted to enter the abstract.

Contributors and sources We ask for a 100-150 word supplementary paragraph (excluded from word count) to explain the article’s provenance. It should include the relevant experience and expertise of each author, his or her contribution to the paper, and the sources of information used to prepare it. One author must be nominated as the guarantor of the article.You are welcome to invite co-authors to work with you on the article. We suggest including 2-3 co-authors with different locations and perspectives to help ensure articles are international in scope and accessible to our broad readership online and in print.

Report of patient involvement As The BMJ is seeking to advance partnership with patients, we also ask authors to seek their input into articles wherever relevant, and document their involvement as patient contributors or coauthors.

Conflicts of Interest All authors should read our competing interests policy and include the appropriate declaration in their manuscript. Where a competing interest exists that might disqualify an author from contributing, it is wise to discuss it with a BMJ editor before writing the article.

Peer review The BMJ has fully open peer review for analysis articles. This means that every accepted analysis article submitted from February 2016 onwards will have its prepublication history posted alongside it on thebmj.com. This prepublication history comprises all previous versions of the manuscript, the report from the manuscript committee meeting, the reviewers’ signed comments, and the authors’ responses to all the comments from reviewers and editors. Authors are welcome to suggest names of suitable reviewers, including patient reviewers.

What happens after submission

What happens after publication.

In most cases we will publish the prepublication history alongside an accepted analysis article. This prepublication history comprises all previous versions of the manuscript, the report from the manuscript committee meeting, the reviewers’ comments, and the authors’ responses to all the comments from reviewers and editors. In rare instances we may determine after careful consideration that we should not make certain portions of the prepublication record publicly available. For example, in cases of stigmatised illnesses we seek to protect the confidentiality of reviewers who have these illnesses. In other instances there may be legal or regulatory considerations that make it inadvisable or impermissible to make available certain parts of the prepublication record. In all instances in which we have determined that elements of the prepublication record should not be made publicly available, we expect that authors will respect these decisions and also will not share this information.

Education (inc. Minerva Pictures and Endgames)

The BMJ publishes different types of educational articles to engage and challenge a range of postgraduate doctors and clinical researchers internationally. We strive to publish articles that are original in their content and/or presentation, and cannot be found elsewhere or in textbooks. We prioritise topics and situations that are common or have serious consequences, have international appeal, and that interest a variety of doctors, including GPs and specialists.

We encourage authors to write in teams, including those from other specialties, professions, and countries. We ask that one author is routed in the clinical environment of the intended reader. We encourage authors to write in plain English, to be clear about where there is uncertainty, and to include numbers and phrases where possible that will help doctors in conversation with their patients.

Our educational articles are shaped by two initiatives:

• We believe that financial interests can distort education articles and we minimise or exclude authors who we judge have such a conflict.

• We believe that patient involvement strengthens content. We encourage authors to seek input from patients either to inform the scope, develop the content, contribute to, or co-author articles. For help with this, please read our guidance on what we mean by patient involvement and co-production .

Submission process and presubmission enquiries

We receive more articles and suggestions than we can publish. We require all authors to contact us before submitting a manuscript to us. Send us your proposal using our Education Article Proposal Form , together with your completed Declaration of Financial Interests .

The proposal form will guide you through the following questions:

• What is your idea? • Can you sum up the aim of your article in a sentence? • Why is the topic important to The BMJ 's readers? • What is the prevalence of the symptom/condition/situation you wish to write about? • Why cover it now? Has something new happened? • What has The BMJ 's Education section covered on this topic in the last five years? What will your contribution add? • Can you provide the key evidence/references you might use? • Why are your writing team well placed to cover the topic? • Have you thought about what a patient would say about your idea?

Policies for Education articles

Authorship Education articles can have can have up to four authors. One author should be from the relevant specialty or setting, unless agreed otherwise. For example, if the article discusses presentation to the emergency department one author should be an emergency care doctor. All authors should meet authorship criteria . We welcome authors or contributions from allied health professions and patient authors, and actively encourage authors from a primary care background.

Competing interests The BMJ will not consider authors with financial interests when writing Education articles. It is important that we understand the financial interests of every author, and can judge to what extent we believe that they may be relevant to the article that you propose. We do not publish content from authors who we judge have relevant financial ties to the industry (excluding State of the Art reviews, Therapeutics articles, and Summaries of NICE Guidelines). The relevance of declared interests are judged by the BMJ team. This applies to every author. Any additional authors and their financial interests must be discussed and agreed with the commissioning editor before the article is submitted.

Patient involvement As part of our drive to co-produce our content with patients we ask that you seek patient input into articles at the planning stage. We believe that their experience and perspectives will make articles more useful for doctors in their quest to help improve patients well being and outcomes.

We ask all authors to what extent patients have been involved in their article and how their involvement changed the article. We ask that all writing encourages honesty and partnership with patients. Where uncertainty exists, share it. Where data exists present the numbers in a way that can be shared with the patient (use absolute numbers, natural frequencies, and graphics where you can). Use language that empowers patients to make the right choices for them in their situation (write that a doctor should/could offer a test, rather than should do a test).

When patients are involved in the manuscript, we ask for their consent. We have two types of consent forms for BMJ education articles:

• A patient consent form is required if any anonymised patient information is included in the review. Consent is needed for images even if the patients are not identifiable for example, in X-rays and histology slides, and for patients’ stories/vignettes even if details are anonymised.

• A patient contributor form is required for any patients who are named within the review, for example, patient co-authors, patient contributors or named authors of patient stories.

Preparing your manuscript

We want our readers to have the ability to share decisions with their patients and make clear for them the degree of certainty ( or lack of it) about a potential course of action. We therefore ask that, in addition to the format and instructions detailed below for the specific Education article that you are writing, you follow these recommendations:

• Consider including in your manuscript a box explaining your strategy to search for evidence. It should include a search date, the sources searched, and brief inclusion criteria. • Clearly distinguish suggestions made based on your experience, standard practice, guidelines, and evidence. • Provide specifics about the evidence you discuss. For example, for key statements, please say: "A large, well conducted, randomised controlled trial showed INSERT number [CI] and or p value". "The findings of a small case series suggest...". “A subgroup analysis found…”. etc. • Use absolute numbers or explain why you have not used them. • Consider how these numbers can be communicated by the clinician read to their patient in a clear way. • Where evidence is lacking or of poor quality make this clear. • Write about known and unknown benefits and harms.

"What you need to know" box . No more than three bullet points for practice articles and five for clinical updates encapsulating the specific take home messages from this article.

"How patients were involved in the creation of this article" box. Please include: Which patients were asked (e.g. patient advocates, networked patient communities and organisations, patients in your clinic etc). What they said (e.g. include more practical advice on how to inject insulin.) How you changed your article as a result (e.g. we included a box to address this.)

"Education into practice" box . Include two to three bullet points about how a reader might at an individual or organisational level improve their practice (e.g. do you offer lifestyle advice to all patients with newly diagnosed hypertension?)

At least one other box or table and at least one figure or image that complement the text of the article.

Article types

We accept pitches for the following article types. Once our editors have made a decision to encourage a pitch, we will provde authors will a full, detailed set of instructions on how best to format your content.

Additional requirements for all other article types

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Submitting your article

Follow this link to find out more about The BMJ submission system, how to submit your article, and how to navigate and manage your submitted papers.

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Exploring Writing Styles - article

There are four basic types of writing, commonly referred to as “writing styles.”  These styles are Expository , Persuasive/Argumentative , Narrative , and Descriptive . Each style serves a specific purpose, such as explaining how something works or getting people to agree with a point of view. The audience and the purpose determine which writing style is used.

1. Expository

Expository writing explains a particular subject to its readers. It focuses on specific topics and includes relevant facts, figures, and descriptions. It usually describes a process, and information is ordered logically and sequentially. It usually does not include the writer’s opinions or any effort to convince the reader of a certain position on the information. This is one of the most common styles and is used in:

- Textbooks

- How-to books and articles

- Cookbooks

- News stories

- Business writing

- Technical writing

- Scientific writing

2. Persuasive/Argumentative

Persuasive and/or argumentative writing contains the biases and opinions of the writer. It also includes justifications, reasons, and arguments in an effort to convince the reader to agree with the writer’s opinion, accept an idea, or take an action. This writing is used in:

- Opinion columns

- Editorial pieces

- Advertisements and commercials

- Product reviews

- Sales presentations

- Recommendations and cover letters

3. Narrative

Narrative writing is used when telling a story, which can be fact or fiction. This is one of the most versatile styles because it allows writers to create from imagination. In this type of writing the story is central, not the facts. Narrative includes characters and dialogue, tells a story, and has a logical beginning, middle, and end. This style is most often used in:

- Short Stories

- Biographies

4. Descriptive

Descriptive writing is similar to expository. It explains something to the reader, but it does so with very descriptive language that uses all five senses (sight, sound, taste, touch, smell) to create a vivid image for the reader. Descriptive writing is often personal and subjective while expository writing is typically impersonal or distant. This style is often used in:

- Love letters

- Screenplays

These four styles are related to the purpose of writing. However, style goes beyond purpose. It is also defined by word choice, pacing, structure, voice, and tone. 

Word choice is about being precise and concise. Precision is selecting the specific words that convey meaning, create imagery, inspire emotion, and provoke response. Conciseness doesn’t mean writing in short jerky sentences (unless that is a stylistic choice). It means using only the words necessary, eliminating unnecessary flowery, repetitive, complex, and cluttered writing.

Sentence structure is how the words and thoughts are arranged. Are the words logically ordered and easy to follow? Are important ideas placed first to grab attention or later to build momentum and suspense? Are the sentences short and choppy, long-winded, or just right? Are passages smooth and interesting to read? 

Sentence flow refers to the rhythm created with techniques such as alliteration, consonance, multi-syllabic words, metaphor, simile, personification, onomatopoeia, hyperbole, and symbolism.

Voice is the perspective in which the information is shared. It is how readers hear the words. Do they hear a formal, objective voice (i.e. the authority of a university or corporate leader) or do they hear the more personal voice of the writer? Voice can also refer to perspective, such as writing in the first or third person.

Tone reflects the writer’s personal style. For instance, is the writing ornate with long, complex sentences? Is it packed with metaphors and imagery? Is it straightforward, with sparse prose and simple sentences? Perhaps it’s conversational rather than formal? Emotional or logical? Serious rather than humorous? Are grammar rules applied rigidly or does the writer play fast and loose with dashes and dots, slang, emoticons, and one-sentence paragraphs?

Writing style develops with time as a writer evolves, experiments, and takes on new projects. Great writers become aware of their natural style and use it often, but they also intentionally practice writing in other styles to become more versatile. What is your natural style and how will you challenge yourself to grow as a writer?

• Ethel Jacob</a> and <span class="who-likes">14 others</span> like this" data-format="<span class="count"><span class="icon"></span>{count}</span>" data-configuration="Format=%3Cspan%20class%3D%22count%22%3E%3Cspan%20class%3D%22icon%22%3E%3C%2Fspan%3E%7Bcount%7D%3C%2Fspan%3E&IncludeTip=true&LikeTypeId=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000" >

Top Comments

Thank God for people like you taking the initiative  to bring issues that plague society  about their purpose to be here on the earth at this place in time. The teens are a group who need direction and their generation seems to be going in the wrong direction. We would be foolish to say that our world is ok . i believe your book is a much needed book and it may really helping those who have not yet found their purpose

I chose writing to help me deal with being alone and not being able to mingle because of my age and disability. It is a meaningful way to spent my time. I have compiled a list of compositions that I have written. I do not know what to do with them. 

I've learned some of this in High School over 56 years ago. Interesting refresher. 

Hello good people, this is my first attempt at writing a poetry trifecta. I use a combination of narrative and descriptive. I like to write about current events and life experiences. I am always looking to make my reader or audience laugh or at least smile. I believe my upcoming book title is self explanatory, A Poetic Spanking. It will encompass three genres. I look at them as meat and potatoes with dessert. You will, come to Jesus, fall in love, and feel what its like to be Black in america with a little bit of white guilt, on the side.

I write on what I believe like I don't Christ will appoint a woman as shepherd of His church. I am a big person on the church.  I would say my style is more persuasive/ argumentative. But I also have about turning my book into a movie.

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Beginner's Guide to Article Writing: Tips and Techniques

Have you ever found yourself staring blankly at a blank page, desperately trying to conjure up a compelling article? Or maybe you've mustered up the courage to write a piece, only to be met with the overwhelming task of structuring your thoughts. Fear not, my fellow aspiring writers! Whether you aim to become the next Hemingway or simply wish to master the art of engaging storytelling, this beginner's guide to article writing is here to rescue you from the depths of writer's block.

Packed with useful tips and techniques, we'll help you unleash your creativity, craft captivating narratives, and conquer the world of article writing. So grab your pen and paper, or get ready to type away, as we embark on this writer's adventure together.

What is Article Writing?

Article writing is the craft of creating written content for various purposes. It involves conveying information or ideas in a clear and concise manner. As a beginner, it's important to understand the basics. An article typically consists of an introduction, main body, and conclusion. Each paragraph within the article should have a clear topic and flow smoothly. Research is crucial to ensure accurate and reliable information.

Moreover, using a simple and conversational writing style is key to engaging readers. Practice and feedback are essential for improvement in the art of article writing . Keep it simple and stay focused!

Importance of Article Writing

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Article writing is a crucial skill for beginners to master. It allows you to communicate effectively, share information, and express your thoughts in a concise manner. Through article writing, you can engage readers and provide valuable insights on various topics. It helps improve your writing abilities and encourages creativity. Articles can be published on blogs, websites, and magazines, giving you the opportunity to reach a wider audience .

Moreover, article writing enhances your research skills as you gather information from reliable sources. Whether it's for personal or professional growth, learning the art of article writing is essential for beginners.

Getting Started

Choosing a topic.

Choosing a topic is the first step in article writing. It's essential to pick something you're interested in and passionate about. Consider your target audience and what they might be interested in reading. Research potential topics to ensure there is enough information available. Also, think about the uniqueness and relevance of your chosen topic. Stay away from overdone subjects, and try to find a fresh angle.

The topic you choose will set the tone for your entire article, so choose wisely based on your knowledge and passion.

Finding Your Passion

• Reflect on your interests and hobbies : Begin by considering what activities bring you joy and fulfillment. Reflect on your interests, whether it's painting, cooking, or playing a musical instrument. This self-reflection will help you identify potential areas of passion.
• Explore new things : Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Attend events, workshops, or classes that expose you to different fields or activities. This exploration can help you discover hidden passions and expand your horizons.
• Pay attention to what captivates you : Notice what topics or subjects grab your attention in conversations or when browsing the internet. Pay attention to the aspects that captivate you and make note of them. This can provide clues about potential passions.
• Listen to your gut instinct : Your intuition can guide you towards your passion. When you feel a strong sense of excitement, motivation, or inspiration towards something, take note. Trusting your gut instincts can help you uncover your true passion.
• Experiment and iterate : Finding your passion is a process of exploration. Try different activities, learn new skills, and embrace opportunities to see what resonates with you. Be open to evolving and refining your interests over time. Remember, passion often grows and develops through experience.
• Surround yourself with passionate people : Engage in conversations and connect with individuals who are passionate about their fields. Their enthusiasm and insights may help you gain a fresh perspective or inspire you to explore new areas of interest.
• Take action : Once you have some idea of what ignites your passion, take action! Dive deeper into that area, set goals, and invest time and effort in nurturing your passion. Writing about the things that truly excite you will make your articles more engaging and authentic.

Researching Popular Topics

• Start by identifying trending subjects or issues that pique readers' interest.
• Use online tools like Google Trends, BuzzSumo, or social media platforms to gather data on popular topics.
• Explore forums, question-and-answer websites, and social media groups to understand what people are discussing and seeking information on.
• Utilize keyword research tools to identify relevant keywords and phrases associated with trending topics.
• Visit reputable websites, such as news outlets, blogs, and industry-specific sites, to gain insights and inspiration.
• Keep an eye on influential figures, thought leaders, and popular influencers in your niche, as their content often attracts attention.
• Take note of readers' comments, suggestions, and frequently asked questions to address their interests effectively.
• Remember to conduct thorough research to ensure your articles are accurate, valuable, and reliable.
• Stay updated with current events and ongoing trends to keep your content fresh and engaging.

Understanding the Structure

Crafting a catchy title.

Crafting a Catchy Title is crucial when writing articles. A catchy title grabs readers' attention, making them want to read more. Keep the title short and simple, avoiding unnecessary words. Use strong and powerful words that evoke emotions and curiosity. Be specific and highlight the main point or benefit of the article. Utilize numbers, questions, or controversial statements to pique interest. Experiment with different title options and ask for feedback from others.

Remember that your title is the first impression, so make it irresistible!

Developing a Clear and Coherent Body

To develop a clear and coherent body for your article, focus on organizing your ideas logically. Start with a strong introduction that grabs the reader's attention. Each paragraph should have a clear topic sentence that introduces a new idea or argument. Use facts, examples, and evidence to support your points and make your arguments persuasive. Ensure that each paragraph flows smoothly into the next, creating a cohesive narrative. Avoid repetition and stay on track with your main argument.

Finally, end your article with a concise conclusion that summarizes your main points and leaves a lasting impression.

Concluding with Impact

In conclusion, when it comes to article writing for beginners, it's important to leave a lasting impression on your readers. Here are some tips to conclude your article with impact:

• Craft a strong closing sentence that summarizes your main points and leaves a lasting impression.
• Consider ending with a thought-provoking question or a call to action to engage your readers further.
• Avoid introducing new information or ideas in the conclusion; instead, reiterate your main message.
• Keep your conclusion concise and to the point, leaving readers with a clear takeaway.

Remember, the conclusion is your final chance to make a memorable impact on your audience, so make it count.

Perfecting Your Writing Skills

Improving grammar and spelling.

• Brush up on basic grammar rules to ensure proper sentence structure.
• Read widely and analyze the writing style of experienced authors to develop writing skills.
• Utilize grammar and spell-check tools available online to catch errors.
• Proofread your work thoroughly, preferably after taking a break to gain a fresh perspective.
• Seek feedback from others to identify recurring mistakes and areas for improvement.
• Create a list of commonly misspelled words and grammar rules to refer to while writing.
• Proofread and edit your work multiple times, focusing on different aspects each time (e.g., grammar, spelling, sentence structure).
• Pay attention to homophones (words that sound the same but have different meanings), such as "there," "their," and "they're," to avoid confusion.
• Develop good spelling habits by regularly practicing, reading, and expanding vocabulary knowledge.

Enhancing Vocabulary and Word Choice

Having a strong vocabulary is essential for effective writing. By expanding your lexicon, you can express ideas more precisely and captivate readers. Explore different sources such as books, newspapers, and online resources to encounter new words. Regularly practice using these words in your writing to make them stick. However, be cautious not to overload your content with obscure terms that may confuse readers. Aim for a balance between sophisticated and accessible language. Remember, using the right word at the right time can make all the difference in engaging your audience.

Structuring Sentences and Paragraphs

Structuring sentences and paragraphs is crucial in article writing for beginners. Short paragraphs add visual appeal and make the content easier to consume. When constructing sentences, keep them concise and to the point. This helps readers grasp the intended meaning quickly. Start paragraphs with topic sentences for better organization. Use transitional words to guide the flow between sentences and paragraphs.

Additionally, incorporate varied sentence structures to maintain reader interest. Avoid long, run-on sentences as they can confuse or lose readers. By structuring sentences and paragraphs effectively, beginners can create engaging articles that captivate readers.

Engaging the Reader

Using the power of storytelling.

Using the power of storytelling can make your articles more engaging and memorable. Stories capture the reader's attention and create an emotional connection, making your content relatable and impactful. Start with a strong opening that hooks the reader, setting the stage for the story you're about to tell. Use descriptive language to paint a vivid picture in the reader's mind and evoke emotions. Structure your article like a story, with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

Incorporate relevant anecdotes, personal experiences, or examples to illustrate your points. The power of storytelling will help you connect with your readers on a deeper level, making your articles compelling and effective.

Adding Relevant Examples

Adding relevant examples is a powerful way to enhance your article. Examples give readers a clearer understanding of your ideas and make your writing more engaging. They help readers connect with your content and apply it to real-life situations. When adding examples, choose ones that are relatable and easy to comprehend. Use stories, anecdotes, or statistics to illustrate your points effectively. Aim to include examples from different perspectives to cater to a diverse audience. Remember to keep your examples concise and to the point, ensuring they directly support your main ideas.

Incorporating Visuals and Multimedia

Incorporating visuals and multimedia can greatly enhance the appeal and effectiveness of your articles. Adding relevant images, videos, and infographics can help illustrate your points and keep readers engaged. Visuals also break up blocks of text, making your article more visually appealing and easier to read. When selecting visuals, ensure they are high-quality, properly credited, and complementary to your content.

Optimizing for Search Engines

Understanding seo basics.

Understanding SEO Basics is essential for beginners in article writing. SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization, which is the process of making your content more visible on search engines like Google. By optimizing your articles, you increase the chances of them appearing higher in search results, driving more traffic to your website. To do this, use relevant keywords throughout your article, both in the content and headings.

Additionally, organize your article with proper headings and subheadings to enhance readability. Lastly, include high-quality links from reputable sources to establish credibility. Mastering these basics will help your articles rank higher and attract more readers.

Keyword Research and Placement

Before diving into article writing, it's essential to understand the importance of keyword research and placement. Keywords are the words or phrases people use to search for information online. By conducting thorough keyword research, you can discover which terms are popular and relevant to your topic. Once you have identified these keywords, strategically placing them throughout your article will enhance its search engine optimization (SEO). However, be cautious not to overuse them, as this may negatively affect the readability of your content. Remember, finding the right balance between incorporating keywords naturally and writing engaging, valuable content is key.

Writing Meta Descriptions and Alt Text

Meta descriptions provide a brief summary of your webpage on search engine results pages. Keep them concise, relevant, and within the recommended character limit.

Alt text, also known as alternative text, describes images on your website for visually impaired users and search engine crawlers. Use descriptive alt text to provide context and improve accessibility.

When writing meta descriptions and alt text, use relevant keywords that accurately describe the content. Be concise and compelling to attract clicks and increase visibility. Don't forget to incorporate your brand or website name when possible. Lastly, proofread and optimize for maximum impact.

Editing and Proofreading

Checking for coherence and flow.

After writing your article, it's crucial to ensure that it flows smoothly and is coherent for readers. Start by checking if the ideas connect logically from paragraph to paragraph. Each sentence should make sense when read consecutively. Use transition words to guide readers effortlessly through the text.

Additionally, verify that your arguments are well organized and presented in a logical order. Keep an eye out for any gaps or inconsistencies in the information provided. If something feels out of place, rearrange or rephrase until the piece reads seamlessly, allowing readers to follow your train of thought effortlessly. Remember, coherence and flow are key factors in effective article writing.

Eliminating Grammar and Spelling Errors

Eliminating grammar and spelling errors is crucial in article writing for beginners. Accuracy and professionalism are key to engage readers. One effective strategy is to proofread multiple times, checking for common mistakes such as subject-verb agreement or misplaced apostrophes.

Additionally, using grammar and spell-check tools like Grammarly can be immensely helpful. Reading the article aloud can also expose hidden errors. Seeking feedback from others is highly recommended, as fresh eyes can catch mistakes that we may have overlooked. Remember, taking the time to correct these errors will greatly enhance the quality of your writing and boost your credibility as an author.

Seeking Feedback and Revisions

Getting feedback is crucial for improving your writing. Share your article with trusted friends or colleagues and ask for their honest opinions. Don't be discouraged by criticism; use it to make your article stronger. Consider joining writing groups or forums where you can receive constructive feedback from fellow writers. Keep an open mind and be receptive to suggestions. Once you receive feedback, revise your article accordingly. Proofread for grammar and spelling errors, and make sure your ideas flow logically. Be patient, as revising takes time, but it's essential for creating high-quality articles.

Promoting and Publishing

Choosing the right platform or medium.

Choosing the right platform or medium is crucial for beginners in article writing. Consider your target audience and the type of content you wish to create. Blogs are popular for personal and niche topics, while online magazines provide exposure to a wider audience. Social media platforms offer quick and shareable content, while professional websites cater to a specific industry.

Additionally, consider factors like ease of use, customization options, and the potential for monetization. Take your time to research and experiment with different platforms to find the one that suits your needs best. Remember, your platform will be the foundation of your article writing journey, so choose wisely.

Sharing on Social Media

Sharing on social media is a crucial step in getting your article seen by a wider audience. When sharing on platforms such as Facebook or Twitter, make sure to include an attention-grabbing headline and a compelling description of your article. Use hashtags to increase discoverability and engage with your audience by responding to comments and questions. Don't be afraid to reshare your article multiple times to reach more people.

Encourage others to share your article as well, as word-of-mouth is a powerful tool in gaining exposure.

Finally, make it easy for readers to share your article by including social sharing buttons on your website.

Collaborating with Other Writers or Publications

Collaborating with other writers or publications can greatly enhance your article writing experience. By joining forces with fellow writers, you gain diverse perspectives and share the workload. It opens up opportunities for knowledge sharing and professional growth. Collaborating with established publications can also boost your visibility and credibility as a beginner. When working with others, effective communication is key—clearly define goals, deadlines, and responsibilities.

Make sure to contribute your unique voice and ideas while staying open to feedback. Through collaboration, you'll gain valuable insights and build valuable connections in the writing community.

Becoming a Confident Article Writer

To become a confident article writer, practice is key. Start by choosing topics that genuinely interest you, as it will make the writing process more enjoyable. Research your chosen topic thoroughly to gather relevant information. Use a clear and concise writing style, avoiding unnecessary jargon. Break your article into short paragraphs for easy readability. Edit your work for grammar and spelling errors, and proofread it before publishing.

Don't be afraid to seek feedback from others to improve your skills.

Finally, be patient with yourself and keep writing consistently to build confidence over time.

Continuing to Learn and Grow

Continuing to learn and grow is crucial for beginners in article writing. To improve your skills, make a habit of reading articles from various sources. This will broaden your knowledge and expose you to different writing styles.

Additionally, seeking feedback from others can help you identify areas for improvement. Don't shy away from constructive criticism; it will only make you better. Moreover, try experimenting with different topics and writing techniques to expand your horizons. Remember, the more you practice, the more confident and skilled you'll become. So, never stop learning and evolving as an article writer.

Final thoughts

If you're a beginner looking to venture into article writing, there are some useful tips and techniques to get you started. Writing a compelling article requires a clear understanding of your audience, topic, and purpose. Begin by conducting thorough research to gather relevant information and ideas. Craft a captivating headline that grabs attention and sets the tone for your piece. Structure your article with an engaging introduction, informative body paragraphs, and a memorable conclusion.

Use concise and straightforward language, avoiding jargon or complex terms that may confuse readers. Incorporate storytelling elements to captivate and maintain interest throughout. Be sure to proofread and edit your work to eliminate any errors or inconsistencies.

Finally, embrace feedback and continuously improve your writing skills by practicing regularly. With these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to becoming a proficient article writer.

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Types of journal articles

It is helpful to familiarise yourself with the different types of articles published by journals. Although it may appear there are a large number of types of articles published due to the wide variety of names they are published under, most articles published are one of the following types; Original Research, Review Articles, Short reports or Letters, Case Studies, Methodologies.

Original Research:

This is the most common type of journal manuscript used to publish full reports of data from research. It may be called an  Original Article, Research Article, Research, or just  Article, depending on the journal. The Original Research format is suitable for many different fields and different types of studies. It includes full Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion sections.

Short reports or Letters:

These papers communicate brief reports of data from original research that editors believe will be interesting to many researchers, and that will likely stimulate further research in the field. As they are relatively short the format is useful for scientists with results that are time sensitive (for example, those in highly competitive or quickly-changing disciplines). This format often has strict length limits, so some experimental details may not be published until the authors write a full Original Research manuscript. These papers are also sometimes called Brief communications .

Review Articles:

Review Articles provide a comprehensive summary of research on a certain topic, and a perspective on the state of the field and where it is heading. They are often written by leaders in a particular discipline after invitation from the editors of a journal. Reviews are often widely read (for example, by researchers looking for a full introduction to a field) and highly cited. Reviews commonly cite approximately 100 primary research articles.

TIP: If you would like to write a Review but have not been invited by a journal, be sure to check the journal website as some journals to not consider unsolicited Reviews. If the website does not mention whether Reviews are commissioned it is wise to send a pre-submission enquiry letter to the journal editor to propose your Review manuscript before you spend time writing it.  

Case Studies:

These articles report specific instances of interesting phenomena. A goal of Case Studies is to make other researchers aware of the possibility that a specific phenomenon might occur. This type of study is often used in medicine to report the occurrence of previously unknown or emerging pathologies.

Methodologies or Methods

These articles present a new experimental method, test or procedure. The method described may either be completely new, or may offer a better version of an existing method. The article should describe a demonstrable advance on what is currently available.

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The Complete Guide to Article Writing Format

Mastering the art of article writing can propel your career, establish you as an expert in your field, and drive traffic to your website or blog. Understanding how to structure and format an engaging article is critical for professional growth and capturing readers’ attention. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the essentials of article writing format, step-by-step instructions for crafting compelling content, various types of articles, best practices for formatting an article to capture leads, and much more. Read on to elevate your skills and learn how to create stunning articles that captivate audiences.

What is the Article Writing Format?

An article writing format is a structured template that guides writers to effectively communicate their ideas through clear organization, logical development, and coherent presentation. Adhering to a well-structured manner ensures that the author’s thoughts are easily understood by readers while maintaining consistency across different components such as headings, subheadings, introduction, body text, images or infographics, and conclusion.

What is the format for article writing?

The standard format for composing an article entails six primary elements:

• Heading : A captivating title sums up the topic or expresses a unique angle.
• Introduction : An engaging opening paragraph hooks readers by introducing the subject matter while sparking curiosity.
• Body : Well-structured paragraphs are subdivided into subsections or bullet points that clearly explain each point with concise language.
• Subheadings : These break up long stretches of text into manageable sections or highlight main ideas for easy scanning.
• Images and Infographics : Visual aids complement written content by further illustrating your points or presenting complex data in simplified form.
• Conclusion : A summary reiterating key highlights without repeating exact phrases used earlier – often ending with a call-to-action to provoke reader response.

Objectives of Article Writing

The article writing process involves various objectives to effectively communicate with your target audience. A well-crafted article serves multiple purposes, making it essential to content creation. By understanding the primary objectives of article writing, you can ensure that your content effectively meets its intended goals.

Inform and Educate

One of the key objectives of article writing is to inform and educate readers about a particular topic or subject matter. Incorporate accurate, up-to-date information backed by reliable sources into your content to achieve this goal. Providing information clearly and concisely helps maintain reader interest and enhances comprehension.

Engage the Reader

Engaging your reader is crucial to retaining their attention throughout the whole article. Utilize an active voice and conversational tone to create compelling content while maintaining professionalism. Incorporating personal anecdotes and real-life examples can make complex topics more relatable and accessible to readers.

Establish Authority and Expertise

Establishing yourself as an authoritative figure in your niche is another important objective of good article writing. To do so:

• Conduct thorough research
• Reference reputable sources
• Showcase industry expertise through insightful analysis

Expertise adds credibility to your content, encouraging readers to trust your opinions on relevant subjects.

Persuade Your Audience

When persuading readers to adopt a specific viewpoint, presenting solid arguments supported by credible evidence is vital. Employ persuasive techniques such as addressing counterarguments or providing data-driven insights to bolster your position convincingly.

Encourage Action

Some articles are written to influence readers towards taking action – whether it entails subscribing to an email newsletter, purchasing, or supporting a cause. Using persuasive language or offering incentives, such as exclusive benefits from acting promptly, can be helpful strategies for driving desired actions.

Four Types of Article Writing

An effective content creator should have a solid understanding of the four major types of article writing. Each type has its purpose, style, and intended audience. By mastering all these formats, you’ll be able to engage different readers effectively and convey your message precisely. This section explores the characteristics of expository, persuasive, narrative, and descriptive writing styles.

Expository Article Writing

Expository writing is an informative approach that educates readers about a specific topic or concept without expressing personal views or opinions. It requires extensive research and factual accuracy to present information clearly and concisely objectively. Some common examples of this article writing format include:

• How-to guides
• Product reviews
• News articles

When creating expository articles, consider the following elements:

• Develop a clear thesis statement or central idea.
• Use logical organization with headings and subheadings .
• Include credible sources and evidence to support claims.
• Keep your language precise, neutral, and easy to understand.

Persuasive Article Writing

In contrast to expository writing’s objective nature, persuasive writing articles aim to convince readers to adopt a particular viewpoint or take specific actions based on provided arguments. This article’s writing format often relies on emotional reasoning and rhetoric while incorporating strong evidence from reliable sources. Common examples of an argumentative article include opinion pieces, editorials, and product recommendations.

To craft compelling, persuasive content:

• Clearly state your position or argument.
• Provide well-reasoned points supported by facts or expert opinions.
• Address counterarguments respectfully while showing their weaknesses.
• Employ persuasive language techniques such as analogies or rhetorical questions.

Narrative Article Writing

Narrative articles focus on storytelling by sharing personal experiences or fictional tales for readers’ entertainment or enlightenment purposes. These stories typically follow chronological order with engaging characters and vivid descriptions; however, narrative-style business case studies or product testimonials can also be powerful marketing tools. Some examples are personal essays, anecdotes, and travelogues.

Tips for successful narrative writing:

• Utilize a robust and engaging hook to capture your audience’s attention.
• Develop relatable characters and realistic dialogue.
• Use descriptive language to paint a visual image for your audience.
• Follow a clear story arc with a beginning, middle, and end.

Descriptive Article Writing

Descriptive articles offer detailed descriptions of people, places, objects, or events to engage readers emotionally and create vivid mental images. Article writers often use sensory details (sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch) and figurative language (similes and metaphors) to bring the subject to life in this article’s writing format. Common instances include food reviews, travel experiences, and event reports.

To excel in descriptive writing:

• Choose a specific aspect or experience you want to convey.
• Use rich sensory information to evoke emotions or reactions.
• Employ figurative language strategically—don’t overdo it!
• Strive for an immersive experience by showing rather than telling.

Understanding these four article writing formats will allow you to craft compelling content tailored for each purpose and audience type successfully. Familiarize yourself with the unique characteristics of expository, persuasive, narrative, and descriptive styles to elevate your article-writing skills considerably.

The Article Writing Format

Understanding the article writing format is essential to producing high-quality, engaging content. An effective article-written format will help guide your readers through your ideas logically and clearly. This section will discuss the key components of a well-written article: Heading, Introduction, Body, and Conclusion.

An attention-grabbing heading is critical for drawing readers in. Make sure it accurately reflects the content of an article while keeping it concise and intriguing. Here are some tips you can follow:

• Use powerful vocabulary words that evoke emotion or curiosity
• Keep it short (ideally between 5-10 words)
• Avoid clickbait but make sure it generates interest
• Frame it as a question or use numbers if relevant (e.g., “5 Steps to Improve Your Sleep”)

Experiment with different formats to find what works best for your target audience when writing headings.

• Introduction

The introductory paragraph sets the stage for what readers should expect from your article. It aims to hook them into reading further by providing a glimpse of the value they’ll get by continuing. To achieve this, adhere to these guidelines:

• Start with an interesting fact or statistic that demonstrates the significance of your topic.
• Establish context and relevance by addressing why this topic matters to your readers.
• Give a brief overview of what you’ll discuss without diving too deep.
• End with a thought-provoking statement or question that encourages people to read on.

Remember that a strong introduction entices readers while setting expectations for the rest of the article.

The body comprises the bulk of your article content and forms the heart of its substance. In this section, elaborate on points introduced in earlier sections, supporting them with evidence such as research, anecdotal examples, clear statements, or expert quotes when necessary.

To write effectively in the body:

• Break down your main ideas into digestible subheadings to guide the reader.
• Be descriptive but concise – avoid excessive jargon and focus on conveying your key message.
• Use logical transitions between paragraphs or subsections to ensure a coherent flow of ideas.
• Utilize bullet points or numbered lists when presenting multiple concepts.
• Incorporate multimedia elements, such as images or graphics, to support and engage.

Organizing the body effectively ensures readers can easily understand and retain your present information.

Subheadings

Subheadings play a crucial role in enhancing the readability and organization of an article. They break up large chunks of text, making it easier for readers to consume the content and maintain their interest. Subheadings act as guideposts that lead the reader from one important component or topic to another, quickly conveying the essence of each section.

When incorporating subheadings into your article, consider the following tips:

• Make them informative: A good subheading should provide a snapshot of the section’s content. It should be concise yet descriptive enough to give the reader an idea of the topic that will be covered.
• Keep them consistent: Subheadings should maintain a consistent format throughout the article. This can involve using a similar font style, size, or emphasis. Consistency makes it easy for readers to recognize and navigate through different sections.
• Use SEO-friendly keywords: Including relevant keywords in your subheadings can improve the SEO (Search Engine Optimization) of your article, making it more discoverable by search engines. This strategy makes your content more likely to appear in users’ search results when they’re looking for information on your topic.
• Space them appropriately: Breaking up your content into logical sections helps improve readability. Avoid cramming too many subheadings close together or leaving large gaps between sections. A well-spaced article ensures a smooth reading experience and helps readers find the specific information they need.
• Keep paragraphs short -Ideally, paragraphs should not exceed three to five sentences in length. Focusing on one central idea per paragraph can help you create a clear and organized structure throughout your article.

Images and Infographics

Visual elements like images and infographics greatly enhance an article by providing visual appeal, enhancing understanding, and supporting the content. They can break up the lengthy text, making the content more digestible and engaging for readers.

• Use high-quality images: High-resolution images not only look professional, but they also convey your message more effectively. Ensure that the images you use are sharp, clear, and well-composed. Always credit the source of the image or make sure you have the appropriate permissions to use it.
• Relevance is key: Images and infographics should be directly related to the content they accompany. They should support the points being made and help clarify or elaborate on the information presented in the text. Avoid using irrelevant or generic images just for the sake of visual appeal.
• Opt for original visuals: Create or commission original images and infographics whenever possible. This not only adds a unique touch to your article but also helps set your content apart from others on similar topics.
• Use captions and descriptions: Including captions and descriptions with your images and infographics provides additional context and ensures that readers understand their relevance to the content. This can also improve the accessibility of your article for individuals who use screen readers or have visual impairments.
• Optimize for SEO: By including relevant keywords in the file names, alt text, and captions of your images and infographics, you can boost the overall SEO of your article. This helps search engines better understand the content and context of your visuals, making your content more discoverable.

A well-crafted conclusion is a closing statement that reaffirms your article’s main point(s). It reinforces what has been learned and provides direction for readers who want to explore further or take action related to your topic. Follow these tips to write a good and logical ending:

• Summarize key points made throughout the article without introducing new information.
• Highlight implications, real-world applications, or future trends relating to your subject matter.
• Invite feedback or discussion, or urge readers to consider the following steps (e.g., following a call-to-action). 
• Claim your mastery by crafting an end with a thought-provoking question or inspiring quote that leaves an impact.

By effectively crafting the final paragraph, you’ll leave your audience feeling satisfied and enriched by their reading experience while wanting more from you in future articles. Ultimately, mastering this article writing format empowers you to consistently create high–quality content–benefitting you and those who read it.

Step By Step Guide for Writing an Article

To write good articles, it’s crucial to follow a systematic approach that covers all aspects of the topic. This section discusses a step-by-step guide to use as a blueprint when writing good articles .

Step 1: Identify your target audience

Before diving into the writing process, it’s essential to determine who your target audience is. Your readers’ preferences and interests will significantly influence the content of your article and its tone. To identify them:

• Define demographic characteristics such as age, gender, location, and occupation.
• Determine their needs, aspirations, confusions, or problems they are facing.
• Assess their level of expertise in your chosen topic; are they beginners or experts?

Understanding your target audience helps customize the article format and ensure the content resonates with them.

1. Remember who you’re speaking to. Understand their passions, pains, and what keeps them up at night. Once this picture becomes clear:

• Shape your content’s tone to match their preferences – heavy jargon for professionals versus simpler terms for beginners.
• Provide answers or solutions tailored specifically for them. This attentiveness ensures your articles resonate deeply and foster loyalty from those who find sanctuary in your words.

2. Readers often approach articles with clear intentions – seeking answers, learning skills, or simply finding entertainment. Your mission is thus twofold: discern these intents accurately, then craft content that aligns perfectly with their quests:

• Research keywords they use when searching online.
• Deliver content formats meeting those searched criteria—from how-to guides to thought pieces.

Aligning with search intent satisfies readers and signals search engines that your content is valuable. This leads us to our next point gracefully.

Step 2: Select an appropriate topic and an attractive heading

Next, pick one topic relevant to your niche or industry and develop an attention-grabbing headline that will pique readers’ curiosity. A captivating heading encourages potential visitors to click on your link and read through the entire piece.

Some tips for selecting topics and creating headlines:

• Address current trends or industry developments,
• Tackle issues faced by your target audience,
• Pose thought-provoking questions,
• Use numbers in listicles (e.g., “10 Tips for __”),
• Implement power words such as ‘How-to,’ ‘Ultimate Guide,’ ‘Secrets,’ etc.

Step 3: Conduct thorough research

Once you’ve chosen your topic, invest time in researching. It not only raises credibility but also helps provide well-rounded, relevant information to a larger audience of readers. As you gather data:

• Seek reliable sources like academic articles, government publications, books by renowned authors, or interviews with subject-matter experts.
• Maintain organized notes with valuable findings, including statistics, case studies, or expert opinions.
• Cross-check data to ensure its authenticity and relevance.

Step 4: Write an article outline

Creating an outline serves as the backbone of a good article, ultimately contributing to a clear and coherent content structure. Divide the piece into logical sections like:

• Main body (subheadings)

You can further break down each section into smaller sub-sections or bullet points to make it more digestible for readers.

Step 5: Write and proofread

With your research and outline in place, begin writing using a conversational tone while keeping it professional and informative. Keep in mind the following considerations:

• Use active voice and simple sentences
• Create engaging, relatable content for your target audience
• Utilize appropriate transition phrases between ideas
• Incorporate relevant keywords throughout the article

After completing your rough draft, set aside some time before revisiting it with fresh eyes to proofread. Correct any grammatical mistakes, unclear sentences, or inconsistencies.

Use AI Tools to speed up the process

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can significantly help streamline the writing process. Some popular AI writing assistants include Grammarly, Hemingway Editor, INK, or Copy.ai , which offer features like grammar checks, readability score improvements, or even generating content ideas.

Step 6: Add images and infographics

Lastly, enhance your article by incorporating relevant visuals such as photos, illustrations, or infographics to aid comprehension or break up text-heavy portions. Ensure they are high-quality images, and remember to credit sources.

1. Include Relevant and High-Quality Visuals

We live in a highly visual society where images can communicate complex ideas swiftly and memorably. Enhance reader engagement by integrating visuals such as:

• Crisp photographs
• Informative charts
• Vibrant infographics

High-quality visuals serve as waypoints on the journey through your text, keeping audiences anchored and immersed.

Step 7: Optimize for SEO

Optimizing for SEO means more than sprinkling keywords throughout your text. It’s about making sure those seeking what you’ve written find it effortlessly amid the vast ocean of online information. Here lies an opportunity:

• Employ relevant keywords naturally within headings and body paragraphs.
• Anchor texts should flow smoothly with internal links , leading readers deeper into related topics on your site. 

By weaving SEO strategies through each paragraph, you enhance discoverability without sacrificing quality storytelling, a balance worthy of pursuit.

Article Writing Rules – Rules for Writing Good Articles

Following basic article writing rules is essential to create compelling and high-quality articles. These rules make the process easier and ensure your content is engaging, informative, and valuable to your readers. Let’s delve into these crucial guidelines that can elevate your article-writing skills.

Use Appropriate Keywords

Naturally integrating relevant keywords helps improve your article’s visibility, search engine rankings, and engagement rates. Be sure to use 3-5 of the appropriate keywords per section without compromising the quality of your content or forcing yourself to use them unnaturally.

Be Clear and Concise

Simplicity works wonders in the world of article writing. Keep sentences short and precise with a maximum of 15 words each since shorter sentences are easier for readers to read, understand, and absorb.

Maintain Coherence

Ensure that consecutive blocks of text don’t begin with the exact phrases or words to maintain coherence throughout the entire article. Each section should expand on the content covered previously while avoiding unnecessary repetition.

Stay Focused on Your Topic

Stay focused on your chosen subject matter by providing substantial information relevant to the topic at hand—straying too far from it may leave readers confused and disinterested.

Utilize Proper Formatting

Applying appropriate formatting techniques enhances readability by breaking down large chunks of text into smaller sections using headings, subheadings, bullet points, ordered lists, etc., making it enjoyable for readers.

Apply Logical Transitional Phrases

Using logical transitional phrases between ideas significantly improves readability as they connect related thoughts smoothly instead of relying solely on conjunctions like ‘and’ or ‘but.’

Fact-Check Your Content

Validate data through reliable sources like studies or research; this practice eliminates errors and boosts your content’s credibility.

Edit and Proofread

Ensure grammatical accuracy and clarity by thoroughly editing and proofreading your work, eliminating potential distractions for your readers in the form of errors or inconsistencies. Seeking feedback from a fellow article writer, editor, or reader can be incredibly valuable for enhancing the quality of your content.

By effectively applying these rules to your article writing process, you’ll notice increased engagement while providing the readers with the information they desire in a clear and user-friendly manner. Remember that practice makes perfect, so keep refining your skills to craft exceptional articles that captivate readers’ attention and sustain their interest throughout.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Article Writing

Even experienced writers can fall into common pitfalls that stall their articles from reaching their full potential. Let’s explore some frequent mistakes so you can steer clear of them.

Lack of Clarity or Coherence in Writing

Have you ever read a passage several times and still felt lost? A lack of clarity can leave readers confused and disengaged. To ensure that your thoughts flow seamlessly:

• Keep sentences short and sweet.
• Use subheadings to break up the text and organize thoughts.
• Transition smoothly between ideas with phrases like “Additionally” or “Another aspect to consider.”

Remember, article writing for websites should guide your reader through the topic like a knowledgeable friend leading the way in uncharted territory.

Poor Grammar and Spelling Errors

Nothing diminishes credibility quicker than grammar blunders or typos. They’re like little bumps on the road – each one jarring your reader from the experience.

• Utilize tools like Grammarly to catch sneaky errors.
• Never rely solely on spellcheck. Read aloud to see awkward phrasing.
• If feasible, have someone else review your work – fresh eyes find new mistakes.

Your command over language demonstrates professionalism and respect towards your audience. Don’t let simple slip-ups undercut your message.

Overuse or Misuse of Keywords

Keywords help people find your articles, but cramming them in willy-nilly makes for stilted reading. Keyword stuffing is a passe SEO tactic that today’s savvy algorithms easily spot as manipulative.

• Use keywords naturally within the context.
• Aim for keyword variations and synonyms to maintain readability.
• Concentrate on creating valuable content first; let keywords serve as subtle signposts rather than glaring billboards.

For website article writing, balance is key: enough keywords to be found by search engines but not so many that readers lose interest.

Insufficient or Inaccurate Research

In this digital age, everyone’s an expert…until they’re not. Ensure every fact you state could stand up in court if need be:

• Cross-check information against reputable sources.
• Cite statistics from authoritative studies (and link back where possible).
• Stay updated with recent data – because today’s fact might be tomorrow’s fiction.

Invest time in research – it reinforces your authority and trustworthiness as a writer much more than unfounded assertions ever could.

Lack of Originality or Unique Perspective

Lastly, don’t just rehash what’s out there. Offer something new:

• Fuse personal experience with external knowledge – it adds authenticity.
• Engage with controversial viewpoints (respectfully) to stimulate discussion.
• Present solutions, not just problems – be helpful, insightful, and inspirational.

Originality will set you apart from the informational echo chamber that often inundates web searches. Stand out by being distinctly YOU when engaging in article writing for website topics – it’s about adding value through unique insight as much as imparting wisdom through words.

How Should an Article Be Written?

The article writing process varies based on available resources and the chosen approach. To create compelling content, you have several options: hiring a freelancer, engaging an agency, or utilizing AI writing tools . Each method has its advantages and drawbacks. Let’s examine each option in detail.

Freelancer Article Writers

Hiring a freelancer is often the go-to choice for businesses seeking to outsource their article-writing tasks . By choosing this route, you gain access to various benefits:

• Expertise:  Freelance writers possess diverse skill sets to tackle multiple topics in different formats.
• Flexibility:  Working with a freelancer enables flexibility regarding deadlines and communication.
• Cost Savings:  Hiring freelancers may result in cost savings compared to engaging with an agency.

However, possible challenges include inconsistency in quality and uncertainties surrounding accountability.

When considering freelance writers for your articles, keep these guidelines in mind:

• Review their portfolio, focusing on relevant samples;
• Check online reviews or seek recommendations;
• Communicate your expectations regarding format, tone, and style;
• Discuss project timelines and payment terms.

Collaborating with an agency can provide access to comprehensive expertise while maintaining consistent results. Agencies typically offer teams of writers, editors, and graphic designers who work together cohesively on your projects.

Benefits of working with an agency include:

• Consistency:  A professional agency ensures overall consistency across all content produced.
• Scalability:  An agency can handle large-scale projects more efficiently than individual freelancers.
• Streamlined Communication:  Agencies usually assign a dedicated project manager for efficient communication.

On the downside, agencies tend to be more expensive than freelancers.

To find the right fit when exploring agency options:

• Research reputable agencies within your niche;
• Evaluate their offerings by verifying case studies or reviews;
• Discuss project scope, schedule, and budget before signing agreements.
• AI Article Writer

Artificial Intelligence (AI) writing tools like SEOwind have emerged as innovative solutions for content creation. These programs rely on advanced algorithms to generate articles at a faster pace. However, the degree of human involvement is still crucial for maintaining quality and effectiveness.

Some advantages of AI writing tools include the following:

• Efficiency:  AI-powered tools can generate articles swiftly, which may save time compared to manual writing.
• Content Ideas Generation:  They can provide content suggestions based on your chosen keywords or topics.
• Proofreading and Editing:  Many AI tools also assist in improving readability by identifying grammar errors and suggesting sentence structure improvements.

There are limitations when relying solely on AI-generated content , such as a potential lack of creativity, knowing the specifics of your domain or company, and problems with factual data.

To successfully leverage AI writing tools:

• Research reliable options that address your specific needs;
• Use them alongside human input, striking a balance between automation and human touch;
• Ensure thorough editing before publishing any AI-generated article .

Each method – freelancer, agency, or AI writing tool – has its strengths when creating articles that follow the ideal format. The key is understanding your requirements while ensuring your chosen approach complements your goals regarding quality, efficiency, and budget constraints in article production.

How Can I Start Writing Articles?

Starting to write articles may seem overwhelming, but with a step-by-step approach and understanding of the article writing format, you can successfully begin your journey. Here are some essential steps to consider when starting:

Define Your Interests and Expertise

Before delving into article writing, recognize your interests and areas of expertise. This will guide you in choosing relevant topics that align with your passion and knowledge.

Identify a Target Audience

Knowing your audience is crucial for any content creation. Understand your target readership’s demographics, preferences, needs, and language style.

Choose Article Writing Topics Wisely

Pick engaging topics based on current trends or issues your target audience faces. Conduct keyword research to identify popular search phrases related to the subject matter.

Learn Article Writing Fundamentals

Familiarize yourself with the components of an article writing format, such as heading, introduction, body, and conclusion. Study sample articles related to your niche to understand how professionals structure their work.

Plan Your Content

Create an outline before beginning the actual writing process. This will help you organize thoughts effectively while covering all necessary points within the content.

Write Regularly

Refining your skills takes time and practice; make it a priority to write consistently (daily or at least several times per week). Ensure you maintain focus on quality over quantity during this learning phase.

Edit Thoroughly

Reviewing your work is essential when crafting high-quality articles; eliminate errors or redundancy within sentences to ensure conciseness and clarity in communication.

Seek Feedback

Ask friends, family members, or colleagues for honest feedback regarding writing style, flow, tone, and accuracy — constructive criticism contributes to writing growth.

Expand into Different Formats

Experimentation allows improvement; explore different article formats, such as persuasive or descriptive writing, to strengthen your versatility in content creation.

Learn from Others

Study articles by other writers within your niche to observe their techniques and styles. Analyzing their approach empowers you to develop your unique voice over time.

Starting a career in article writing begins with self-awareness and an understanding of the target audience’s needs. Building a solid foundation in the essentials of article writing format, followed by consistent practice, leads to growth and success in this field. Embrace feedback and continuously challenge yourself by exploring various formats, styles, and niches within written communication.

Grow Your Article Writing with a Focused Niche

Choosing a focused niche is essential in honing your article writing skills, building credibility within your industry, and positioning yourself as an authority. A narrow niche will enable you to create specialized content that appeals to your target audience and meets their unique needs.

Benefits of Selecting a Specific Niche

• Expertise:  A concentrated focus allows you to deepen your understanding of the subject matter and build expertise – vital components for creating high-quality articles.
• Targeted content:  You can craft content tailored to your intended audience’s challenges and aspirations by zeroing in on a particular area.
• Establish authority and credibility:  Writing informative articles on topics related to your niche over time will help position you as an authoritative voice.
• Audience loyalty:  Readers searching for information about a specific topic are more likely to return for additional insights from writers who consistently provide valuable content in their area of interest.
• Higher relevance for SEO : Focusing on a specific type of content or set of keywords improves search engine optimization (SEO) performance because search engines find ranking pages containing relevant, authoritative information easier.

To succeed in growing your article writing by concentrating on one area, consider these strategies:

Identifying Your Niche

Selecting a suitable niche requires careful assessment of both personal interests and market demands. Aligning these two factors ensures sustained motivation while creating ample opportunities for professional growth.

• Evaluate personal passions: Choose a subject that genuinely fascinates or excites you since this will reflect positively on the quality and tone of your articles.
• Discover areas where readers need answers: Identify niches with insufficient high-quality content or new developments driving demand for updated resources.
• Assess competition: Research how other writers fare in potential niches by analyzing the format, quality, and reader engagement of existing articles.

Staying Updated in Your Niche

Once you have selected your niche, you must stay informed about new technical developments and trends within the industry. This will enable you to:

• Produce articles that are up-to-date and relevant,
• Address the ever-changing needs of your target readers,
• Offer insights based on recent research and findings.

To remain current, tap into resources such as:

• Industry news websites or reputable blogs,
• Research publications from authoritative sources,
• Online communities or social media groups related to your niche.

Adapting Article Writing Format for Your Niche

An effective article writing format resonates with your specific audience by addressing their unique concerns and interests. To tailor your article format for maximum effectiveness within your chosen niche:

• Understand your audience:  Identify the content preferences, knowledge level, and reading habits of people interested in your niche.
• Customize headings:  Use headings that reflect your target readers’ challenges or offer potential solutions specific to their context.
• Adjust tone and vocabulary:  Write using an appropriate tone of voice (professional or conversational) while incorporating industry-specific jargon where necessary to enhance credibility.
• Create captivating introductions:  Design introductions that grab attention with compelling hooks tied specifically to questions and concerns within the domain.
• Structure articles for easy scanning:  Utilize subheadings, bullet points, numbered lists, and text formatting techniques such as boldface or italics to improve readability.

How Do I Know It’s a Good Niche?

Selecting the right niche is critical for successful article writing. A good niche is one that not only piques your interest but also has a substantial demand and audience. To determine if a specific niche is worth pursuing, consider the following factors:

Interest and Passion

First and foremost, check whether you have a genuine interest in the niche. Writing about something you are passionate about will make producing engaging and informative content easier. Having expertise in the subject matter also provides an added advantage.

Available Audience

A strong market presence with an existing audience indicates a potentially profitable niche. Use keyword research tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to identify search volume trends on related topics within the chosen niche.

Competition

Analyze your competition before committing to any specific topic. Suppose there’s low competition for a particular keyword set or subtopic. In that case, it may be wise to pursue it further to position yourself as an authoritative source of information.

• High competition: Beware of overcrowded subjects where standing out from other writers might prove challenging.
• Moderate competition: Optimal scenario – there’s enough interest surrounding the topic, yet room exists to establish your voice as an expert.
• Low competition: Assess if low demand or limited content quality is causing fewer people to write about this subject; high-quality articles might still attract readership.

Monetization Potential

If generating income through article writing is part of your goals, assess the monetization potential for your chosen niche. Consider options such as affiliate marketing programs, sponsored posts, advertising revenue, or even creating eBooks based on your articles.

Evergreen Content Possibilities

Lastly, evaluate if your selected niche lends itself well to producing evergreen content – timeless information that remains relevant regardless of when it was published. Establishing evergreen content ensures steady traffic flow over time without constantly needing updates or relying solely on trending topics.

Considering these factors, you can ascertain if your chosen niche will lead to profitable and engaging article-writing experiences. As your expertise grows within a specific niche, generating fresh content and captivating readers will become increasingly effortless, allowing you to leverage your skills for greater success.

What is the Best Article Writing Format to Capture Leads?

Capturing leads through effective article writing has become essential in reaching your target audience and driving conversions. Creating quality content that resonates with readers in various formats helps showcase your expertise, fostering credibility and trust. To determine the best format for efficiently capturing leads using articles, consider incorporating these key elements:

Attention-Grabbing Headline

An enticing headline works as a hook that can grab the reader’s attention and pique their interest before they even start reading your content. Make sure to use powerful words that resonate with your target audience and ensure it demonstrates the value they would receive by reading the article.

Introduction with Strong Value Proposition

The introduction to the perfect article should be engaging and provide a quick overview of what the reader can expect from the article. A solid value proposition is often indispensable in establishing why this piece will benefit them or solve their problem.

Include Infographics, Images, and Videos

Visual aid helps break up long walls of text and adds depth to your content while making it more appealing to readers. Including relevant infographics, images, or videos within an article enriches user experience leading to better engagement rates.

Easy-to-Digest Content Format

Consider employing one of these formats for better comprehension:

• Bullet points: They allow easy scanning.
• Subheadings: Allow breaking complex topics into smaller sections.
• Short paragraphs: Simplify structure while maintaining readability.

Remember to keep sentences short (up to 15 words) for better readability.

Call-to-Action (CTA)

Including a strong call-to-action at strategic points throughout the article encourages readers to download resources such as e-books or sign up for newsletters–thus capturing leads effectively.

Overall, choosing an article writing format highly depends on understanding which method resonates most with your target audience and the type of content produced. Experimenting with several approaches lets you ascertain which format yields better lead-capture results while consistently delivering value through compelling and informative content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Article Writing

The journey of writing articles is filled with questions. Let’s tackle a few pressing queries to help you navigate the art of article writing.

What is the Ideal Length for an Article?

Ah, the age-old question: “How long should my article be?” There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. It depends largely on your audience, topic complexity, and publication venue. However, a rule of thumb suggests:

• Short-form articles typically range from 500 to 800 words and are superb for online platforms where readers seek quick insights.
• Medium-length articles, hovering around 1,200 to 1,500 words, hit a sweet spot by providing enough space to delve deeper without over-testing readers’ attention spans.
• Long-form pieces stretch beyond 2,000 words and suit topics requiring comprehensive coverage or detailed storytelling.

Assessing what you aim to achieve with what an article in writing is helps solidify this decision. Remember engagement metrics because reader retention can drop if content feels needlessly drawn out.

Can I Use References or Citations in My Articles?

Absolutely! Referencing authoritative sources underpins your credibility and enriches your work by demonstrating thorough research. When you’re mulling over how to write articles for publication, consider these citation tips:

• Choose reliable sources such as scholarly journals or recognized experts in the field.
• Following the recommended citation style to bolster professionalism – APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian are common picks.
• Include citations when stating facts or figures that aren’t common knowledge.

Incorporating references demonstrates due diligence and respect towards intellectual property rights, a sign of meticulous writing articles ethos.

How Can I Make My Articles Stand Out from Others?

Every writer desires their prose to pop off the page—or screen—as uniquely compelling. Achieving standout status hinges on the following:

• Offering fresh perspectives: Bring something new to the table—uncommon insights, novel angles, or untold stories can distinguish your piece from others cluttering cyberspace.
• Engaging narrative: Storytelling isn’t just for fiction writers. Weaving anecdotes or creating vivid scenarios makes any topic more relatable and memorable.
• Voice authenticity: Your voice is as distinct as your fingerprints. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through while addressing an article in writing—readers gravitate toward authenticity.

Alongside exceptional content quality goes impeccable presentation—sleek formatting and crisp visuals if applicable—and applying solid SEO practices heightens visibility. Take care not only about what you say but how you say it. That’s how lasting impressions are made daily amidst the crowded cacophony of content.

Remember that these FAQs reflect just a fraction of considerations central to crafting successful articles. Dive into each phase with curiosity and caution for the best results!

Kate Kandefer

Entrepreneur passionate about scaling SaaS companies on a global B2B stage. My expertise in AI, SEO, and Content Marketing is my toolkit for driving tangible results. I'm a hands-on executor guided by results, deeply passionate about marketing, and skilled at aligning business objectives with people's needs and motivations. With a pragmatic mindset. My approach is all about clarity, efficiency, and open dialogue.

Table of Contents

• 1 What is the Article Writing Format?
• 2 Objectives of Article Writing
• 3 Four Types of Article Writing
• 4 The Article Writing Format
• 5 Step By Step Guide for Writing an Article
• 6 Article Writing Rules – Rules for Writing Good Articles
• 7 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Article Writing
• 8 How Should an Article Be Written?
• 9 How Can I Start Writing Articles?
• 10 Grow Your Article Writing with a Focused Niche
• 11 How Do I Know It’s a Good Niche?
• 12 What is the Best Article Writing Format to Capture Leads?
• 13 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Article Writing

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Article Writing Format: Objective and Steps

Writing is an art, and you might want to write like your favorite authors. To share your thoughts by writing. It can be a book, journal, article, blog, or online post. Writing might seem hard at first, but with the right guidance, anyone can learn. Basic writing skills and topic knowledge are all you need.

Therefore, for your help, we have written this article where you will be given knowledge about the article writing format and tips. But before moving further, let us know what is article writing.

Table of Content

What is Article Writing?

Article writing format, checklist to write an effective article, article writing career opportunity.

Article writing spreads information and influences readers. It covers various topics, aiming to be published in newspapers, magazines, or online. It’s about sharing facts and interests on a subject with a clear purpose.

Types of Article Writing

Since now you’ve understood the basics of article writing, it’s time to move ahead to discuss the types of article writing that do exist. Let’s check them out:

1. Expository Article

As the name suggests it is the type of article that exposes facts and educates and explains readers about the topic very intensely. This is the most common type of article writing and allows the writer to influence a large audience.

2. Argumentative Article 

In this genre of writing the person requires to investigate a problem or an issue thoroughly and collect relevant data before penning it down in the form of an article. In this type of article, all the important things are mentioned together in a concise manner.

3. Narrative Article 

It is just like a story, where the narrator explains every bit of the information in a very detailed form. It is a lengthy form of article writing but is liked by audiences due to its detailed version

4. Descriptive Article

The aim of this type of descriptive writing is to provide a vivid description where the reader can visualize the things on their own. here the writer creates new ways to address an issue and create a new way of studying it.

5. Persuasive Article

In this form of article writing the writer tries to perceive the point of view of the reader and try to appeal a topic in a more dramatic as well as factual way.

To write a good article, use a clear structure and engaging style. Start with an interesting title and introduction . Divide the main content into sections and summarize in the end. Know your audience, do research, and keep it simple.

An interesting title is crucial in article writing as it grabs the reader’s attention and encourages them to read further. It seperates your articles being Read or Overlooked . A compelling title is the first step in engaging your audience and conveying the article’s significance.

for example: “The Future of Artificial Intelligence : Death or Alive?”. This title is very captivating and attention grabbing.

Now comes the second part, which is a byline, that appears below the title and contains the name of the author. This section helps the writer to get credit for the piece which he/she has written.

2. Introduction

The introductory paragraph is important as it provides a preview of the article’s content, making them decide whether to read further. It is a gateway to your article

This is the major portion of the article that creates the complete soul, where the writer explains their thoughts. It consists of 5-6 paragraphs, each explaining the matter appropriately.

The body consists of different elements:

• Sections & Heading
• FAQs sections

Lets learn what and why are these elements formed and you should use them into your article.

• Sections & Heading: Dividing the main content into sections and headings enhances the article’s structure and readability, for easy skimming and understand the material more easily. It organizes information , making the article more engaging and accessible.

Note : The headline must be snappy, short, crips and of only 5-6 words as long ones create disinterest in the first stage only.

• Conclusion: A conclusion ties everything together and reminds readers of the main ideas , leaving a strong impression and making the article’s message stick in their minds. It’s like the article’s final thought, ensuring it’s not forgotten.

Note: Asking a question in the concluding paragraph can be beneficial for reader engagement, but it’s not essential and depends on the article’s context and goals

• FAQs sections : FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) in articles provide clear answers to common questions, It increases reader’s satisfaction , making the article more informative and helpful .

Before you start writing any article, first you must consider starting from scratch i.e. the requirement, the style, the tone, the targeted audience, the niche, etc. Now, we will be discussing the same one by one.

1. Find the Target Audience

• Before you choose a topic make sure to research your target audience as it will help you to make up your mind regarding the target that you want to achieve with the particular article.
• The age group can vary such as children , middle-aged , teenage , students, old age, etc., and then select a relevant topic. Try to match the tone with the particular age group as it will help your article to reach your expected number.

2. Choose the Topic

• Once the target audience is selected, now choose the topic according to that. This will help you in composing a topic in a relevant way and give you a proper idea of processing the article.
• After the topic is selected, create an attractive title for the same in order to intrigue your audience.

3. Extensive Research

• Research is the key to writing a good article. Once you have selected your target audience, you can research taking a particular path. Read several articles and collect all the data, facts, and figures in order to write a detailed article.
• Another most important thing is credibilty , before moving further always check the authenticity of the facts and then start preparing the outline.

4. Simple Language:

• Use plain and concise language to explain complex ideas. It will give ypur reader a clear idea of what you want to convey without any language barrier

5. Visuals:

• A visual speaks of thousands words at once, hence always include relevant Graphs , Images or Diagrams .

6. Proofread

• It is important that you properly proofread it in order to make sure that the things you have written, are grammatically , and factually as well as plag free.
• The number in the article should be written correctly because if the readers find anything incorrect then it can create a big hassle. Therefore, be cautious and take precautions beforehand.

7. Expert Q uotes

• Quotes provide authority , evidence , and reader engagement. They support your points and make your article more credible and interesting .

Article writing is a promising career in newspapers , magazines , or online platforms. Writers inform and influence, using storytelling and research skills for personal and professional growth.

You can also start writing for GeeksforGeeks, visit GBlog page to know, how to start writing at GeeksforGeeks.

Must Check: What is Article Writing? Objective, Format, Samples & Tips Article Writing Style How to Improve an Article

Hence, written above is the proper article writing format that can be used by a beginner to write down their thoughts in an effective manner. However, article writing is not a tough task and anyone can do it if they have the willingness to do so. If you are one of them, then go ahead and start wring the type of article you like.

FAQs on Article Writing Format

What is the format of article writing.

The article writing consists of three important things: Headline Byline Body

What are the tips to write a good article?

The tips to write a good article are as follows: The topic must be unique and relevant Research well before writing The title must be short and crisp Use proper keywords to catch the attention Write a clear ending Avoid the reputation of ideas within the article

What makes a great article?

A good article is something that has a clear understanding of the topic with thorough research and a proper structure. The complete article must be written in understandable language so that the target audience reading it can relate to it easily.

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• Article Writing

Article Writing Format: Explore How To Write, Example Topics and Tips

Have some great ideas, opinions and suggestions you wish you could share so that it could reach readers all around the world? One of the best ways to get your thoughts across the globe is by writing an article. There are techniques you can use to write the different types of articles. This piece on article writing will give you all the tips and tricks you need to master before you start writing your article.

Table of Contents

The art of writing an article, how do i write a good article – tips and techniques, article writing samples, faqs on article writing.

An article is a piece of writing which explicates ideas, thoughts, facts, suggestions and/or recommendations based on a particular topic. There are different kinds of articles, namely:

• Expository article – The most common type of article which allows the writer to put out information on any particular topic without the influence of their opinions.
• Argumentative article – An article in which an author poses a problem or an issue, renders a solution to the proposed problem and provides arguments to justify why their suggestions/solutions are good.
• Narrative article – An article in which the author has to narrate mostly in the form of a story.
• Descriptive article – An article written with the aim of providing a vivid description that would allow the readers to visualise whatever is being described. Using the right adjectives / adjective phrases is what will help you write a descriptive article.
• Persuasive article – An article aimed at persuading or convincing the readers to accept an idea or a point of view.

Writing an article takes a lot of effort on the side of the writer. Content writers/creators, bloggers, freelance writers and copywriters are people who have mastered the art of article writing, without which they would not be able to make their mark as a writer of any kind.

In order to be able to write an article that makes sense in the first place, you have to keep a few things in mind.

• The first and foremost thing that you have to take care of when you are sitting down to write your article is to check if you are well aware of the topic you are going to write on.
• The second thing that you have to ask yourself is why you are writing the article.
• The next thing that you have to focus on is the kind of audience you are writing the article for because unless you know your audience, you will not be able to write it in a way that makes them want to read it.
• The language you use is very important because, without the right spelling, correct grammar , punctuation and sensible sentence structure , the article would not be able to sell itself.
• Use keywords so that you get a good number of reading audiences.
• Maintain coherence within and between paragraphs.
• Double-check the data and information you provide, irrespective of the type of article.
• Keep the title and description as short and catchy as possible.
• Edit and proofread before it is published.

To help you understand better and practise the art of article writing, read through the articles given below:

Can I write a good article?

If you know all the information about the topic you are going to write about, a good hand over the language, a knack to keep it simple and interesting throughout, you can write a good article.

What is the format of an article?

The article should have a title/heading and a description that states what the article is about. The body of the article can be split into 3 to 5 paragraphs according to the volume of content with respect to the topic you are discussing. You can have subheadings and use bullet points wherever possible. Make sure your introduction makes people want to read the whole article and your conclusion leaves them satisfied.

How many paragraphs should there be in an article?

An article should have a minimum of 3 to 4 paragraphs. The writer is, however, given the choice to present the content in more than four paragraphs, if it would be better for the article.

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What are the 5 types of Article Writing?

Have you been wondering about the different types of article writing and how to write them?

Look no further. We will give you some examples of article types and outline their differences for you right here.

So here’s a summary of the 5 different types of article writing:

• Narrative Writing
• Analytical Writing
• Argumentative Writing
• Expository Writing
• Persuasive Writing

We will now have a look at each of them in more detail.

Article Writing – Narrative Writing

A narrative article is a type of article that usually tells a story or an experience.

Narrative writing is very simple and can be used to describe any event in your life.

It is easy to write but you will need to have a good vocabulary so that you can express yourself well.

All in all, narrative writing is one of the easier types of article writing to do since it is generally not that complex.

Article Writing – Analytical writing

Analytical articles aim to break down a topic into its parts and explain those parts.

They offer a step-by-step process to help the reader understand the main points of your topic.

Analytical article writing is often done by experts who want to share their knowledge with the general public.

Since this type of article requires you to go into detail, you need necessarily need to have a good vocabulary and excellent writing skills.

Article Writing – Argumentative Writing

An argumentative article is focused on starting a debate.

It also aims to convince the reader that your opinion is better than other opinions on this matter.

Argumentative articles can be a bit harder to write.

Not only do you need a good vocabulary, but you also need a solid understanding of the topic in question.

However, once you have a good grasp of the topic and you know what you want to say about it, argumentative article writing can be done easily.

Article Writing – Expository Writing

Expository articles explain a topic or an idea.

This type of article starts from a few main points and then goes on to explain those points in detail.

This kind of article is often done by experts who want to share their unique insight with the general public.

It is also often used to introduce readers to a new topic that they are not familiar with.

Expository articles are not the most difficult type of article writing out there, but they do require you to have a good vocabulary.

You will also need to choose your words carefully.

Article Writing – Persuasive writing

Last but not least we’ve got persuasive writing.

A persuasive article is similar to an argumentative one but has the goal of persuading the reader to agree with your point of view and then take action.

Persuasive writing requires that you use a few different methods and tools to convince the reader that your point of view is the best one.

This kind of article is quite difficult to write since you need to be extremely persuasive and you need to deliver factual information.

You also need to be able to make use of the right tools like anecdotes. If you feel that you can do this, then persuasive writing may be a good option for you.

Wrapping it up

Now that we have covered each of the types of articles writing, you can choose which one sounds the most interesting for you.

Hope this helped!

Writing an article

Topic outline.

The purpose of an article is often to inform and persuade the reader. 

Articles give the reader information about a certain topic, bringing together and discussing different perspectives to provide a balanced argument which lets the reader make up their own mind about the topic. 

Articles can also be used to persuade the reader that a certain viewpoint is correct. For example, articles in newspapers or magazines might express a particular viewpoint or perspective; this may be positive or negative depending on the topic. 

The ways you use language and organise your ideas when writing an article will depend on the audience and the purpose you are writing for.

• think about the audience that the article is for – w hen writing an article, you do not usually know your readers personally and so you will need to think about their likely interests and experience before you write
• how you expect, or want, your audience to react – re member that the tone of most articles should be semi-formal, so before deciding on your tone imagine your article being read out loud and how that might sound to your reader. For example, an article reviewing a film may be humorous, even sarcastic, but that would not work well for more serious readers or topics
• the purpose for the article – is th e purpose, or reason, for writing your article to persuade your readers to agree with you or to invite your readers to think about different points of view and decide for themselves? For example, do you need to sound reliable and well informed, or choose words that strongly convey a particular emotion?
• how to keep your readers interest – ima gine how boring it would be for your reader if you used the same kind of sentences and simple repetitive vocabulary all the way through your article. Try to include a range of grammatical structures and relevant vocabulary to make sure that your reader wants to keep reading.
• Plan a route through your article before you start writing it – th e structure of an article is usually in three parts. For example:
• An introduction – engage your reader’s interest and introduce your argument or the main points of the topic to be discussed.
• A middle – develop relevant and interesting points about the topic to interest and/or convince your readers to think about a particular perspective.
• An end – d raw your points together and leave your reader with a clear impression of the argument you want them to believe or the viewpoints you would like them to consider.
• Organise your ideas into paragraphs as appropriate – this will help you to develop and support your points convincingly, to build your argument and/or offer a full explanation of a particular point of view.
• Show your reader at a glance what your article is about – articles usually have a suitable headline to attract their readers’ attention and you can choose to use subheadings (a bit like mini headlines) to help break your article up and move your reader on. Do not overdo these, but well-chosen subheadings can help to catch and keep your reader’s attention, as well as sum up the main points you are making.
• Show the connections between ideas in sentences and paragraphs – for example, where a new point or idea follows on from what you have already said you might use linking words or phrases such as, 'in addition’, ‘likewise’ or ‘similarly’.
• Example of an article

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• Article Writing

Definition of Article Writing

An article writing is a kind of writing that is written to reach a massive audience with the help of the press. In the case of article writing, the press refers to publishing houses of newspapers, magazines, journals, etc. Writing a newspaper article, or writing a magazine article is not easy. It requires a lot of research and writing skills. It is written in such a way that it can inform the masses about a certain topic. The main aim of the writer here is to bring some difference in the world by changing the views of the people through article writing.

Types of Article Writing

There are various types of article writings. These are writing a newspaper article, writing a magazine article, SEO article writing, online article writing, freelance article writing, and many more.

There are divisions among these articles also. Some of the articles, like online article writing, freelance article writing, can be descriptive, or narrative that depends upon the writer and the client for whom the writer works. There are a few types of article writing that most people know about. It includes narrative and descriptive types but there are many more types other than these two. These are persuasive article writing and expository article writing.

(The image will be Uploaded Soon)

The most important among the types of article writings is SEO article writing. It has gained huge demand for this new generation. SEO article writing is nothing but the search engine optimization of the article that is written. The question that may arise here is how can one ensure that one’s article has achieved its goal.

To answer this question, one will have to do some research on the internet. There are several ways in which one can use most of the search engine optimization techniques. First, among them is to use keywords. Keywords refer to important words of the article that could be used several times in a paragraph or in the article to highlight the importance of the word. By doing this, the reader will be able to see the particular article among the first few results, when he searches for that category of articles in the search engines.

There are also many other options that are discussed below.

One must be consistent with using the keywords. The keywords must relate to the topic of the article; if it is not relevant to the topic, the keyword will not be considered to be effective.

While writing a news article, or any other article for that matter, one must ensure that there are no grammatical errors.

The authenticity of the article must be checked before it is uploaded on an online platform.

These are the minimum things that should be considered before one can improve one’s article writing skills. Though, in the case of writing a news article, the content of the article is of utmost importance. One should keep the content original and present it creatively.

On the internet, there are many article-writing examples available. It helps the writer who is writing an article for the first time, to understand the concept better. There is also an article writing example given below. Readers can refer to that example as well for a better understanding of the format of article writing.

Tips for Article Writing

Let us get to understand some of the points that you shall remember while attempting a topic of the writing section. 

Understand your topic 

For any given topic, you shall first be able to understand it clearly. You should be able to draw related inferences for everything that comes to your mind. Usually, in this step, your brain is flooded with a lot of thoughts and your job is to be able to identify and filter them based on your requirements. Attempting such questions without planning is never a good idea because your content will not be organised unless you organise the flow of the content. Hence, the best way before getting started with such questions is to make sure that you have a clearer picture of what the question is asking you and this way, you will be able to deliver captivating content. 

Prepare an outline 

Before starting the writing part, one should arrange the pointers in the correct sequence. It should be a logical sequence keeping in mind the objectives. Cross-checking each point whether it is relevant and needed to complete the content is again another point to be considered. Preparation of an outline is important as well as useful as it helps us know what to do next and how much is left. You should be careful while preparing an outline as it should contain all the topics and that too in the correct sequence.

Review and make relevant changes 

Revisiting all the points by reading them again is one of the important tasks for a well-written part. While revisiting you might come across some of the content which is not required, so one should leave the unnecessary points which are making the content lengthy without adding quality and relevance to the content. Then, logically rearrange the points so that the important points come first in the sequence and others follow. 

Write it 

Now after keeping all the above-mentioned things in mind, start writing. With a strong and relevant introduction one should start, followed by the correct sequence of the points adding a necessary explanation. To the point information without unnecessary elaboration always adds perfection to content.

Edit and proofread

Last but not the least, an important aspect to be considered is proofreading. Before the final submission of content, you should go through the complete content once more. Again edit the unnecessary ones and complete them. After completing the entire process your content is ready.

Other important tips that can be used to produce a good piece of writing content are mentioned below. Students shall consider referring to them whenever they plan to conquer questions of such kinds. 

Keep the list of your ideas handy as it will help you to organize your content accurately. 

Make sure that you are sitting in a distraction-free environment so that your mind is able to focus and concentrate better. 

One of the most important attributes of a good writer is being able to research well. When you research, you get to read more and this way there are a lot of new ideas that come to your mind. 

Ensure that your content is simple. It means that you should avoid too fancy words because otherwise, your content would lose the relatability factor.

You shall also focus on making your content presentable. Adding bullet points or writing in small paragraphs might be a beneficial tip. 

Adding keywords to your content is a game-changer. When you optimize your content, its value increases subsequently. 

Lastly, be precise and let your content be captivating enough for the reader.

Solved Examples

1. What is the Format of Article Writing?

Ans: The format of article writing is very easy and simple. One has to follow a few instructions to understand the format of the article writing.

Write a brief introduction in a paragraph.

Write a body of two to three paragraphs, including all the main content and points of the topic in these paragraphs.

Write a short conclusion of the article.

There is a picture attached below to give the readers a better view of the format of the article writing.

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Did You Know?

Articles almost connect their readers with the content within a very short time. It is like a direct conversation with the reader.

The main aspect of article writing that attracts its readers is the content. The content must be interesting, else no one will read it.

The article must be simple and to the point. It must not be too complicated. If it is complicated, the readers will lose interest.

FAQs on Article Writing

1.How do I write an article with minimum mistakes and keep it to the point?

To write an article, one must keep in mind the following rules. This will ensure that the writer is making the least number of mistakes and will enable the writer to build self-confidence in the writing field.

The article should always be compact. It should include all the important aspects of the topic but still, be short and interesting.

It should include bullets, pointers, etc. to make it look interesting.

The article should have a minimum amount of grammatical errors, but the writer should not use too difficult words to convey the thoughts.

If one keeps the above points in mind while writing an article, it will not be a difficult task to achieve.

2.How to write an article by following three steps?

Many websites offer different steps to write an article. The steps mentioned below are the best in which one can write an article within a short time.

Step 1: Topic selection- An interesting topic should be selected so that the audience finds it attractive and reads the article.

Step 2: Research about your topic- After deciding on the topic, thorough research should be conducted on the same.

Step 3: Writing the article- Once done with both the above steps, it is time to turn the thoughts into words. One must write the article down, by following the format of the article writing.

How to Write an Article

 THE CRAFT OF ARTICLE WRITING

Writing is a complex skill. A very complex skill.

Not only do we put students under pressure to master the inconsistent spelling patterns and complex grammar of the English language, but we require them to know how to write for a variety of purposes in both fiction and nonfiction genres.

On top of this, writing is just one aspect of one subject among many.

The best way to help our students to overcome the challenge of writing in any genre is to help them to break things down into their component parts and give them a basic formula to follow.

In this article, we will break article writing down into its components and present a formulaic approach that will provide a basic structure for our students to follow.

Once this structure is mastered, students can, of course, begin to play with things.

But, until then, there is plenty of room within the discipline of the basic structure for students to express themselves in the article form.

A COMPLETE UNIT ON TEACHING NEWS REPORTING

With over  FORTY GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS in this  ENGAGING   UNIT, you can complete a  WEEKLY  journalistic / Newspaper reporting task  ALL YEAR LONG   as classwork or homework.

These templates take students through a  PROVEN  four-step article writing process on some  AMAZING  images. Students will learn how to.

WHAT IS AN ARTICLE?

The Cambridge Dictionary defines an article as, “a piece of writing on a particular subject in a newspaper or magazine, or on the internet.”

An article’s shape and structure will vary depending on whether it’s intended for publication in a newspaper, magazine, or online.

Each of these media has its own requirements. For example, a magazine feature article may go into great depth on a topic, allowing for long, evocative paragraphs of exposition, while an online blog article may be full of lots of short paragraphs that get to the point without too much fanfare.

Each of these forms makes different demands on the writer, and it’s for this reason that most newspapers, magazines, and big websites provide writers with specific submission guidelines.

So, with such diverse demands placed on article writers, how do we go about teaching the diverse skill required to our students?

Luckily, we can break most types of articles down into some common key features.

Below we’ll take a look at the most important of these, along with an activity to get your students practicing each aspect right away.

Finally, we’ll take a look at a few general tips on article writing.

KEY WRITTEN FEATURES OF AN ARTICLE

The headline.

The purpose of the headline is to capture the reader’s attention and let them know what the article is about. All of this in usually no more than 4 or 5 words!

There is an art to good headline writing and all sorts of literary devices (e.g alliteration and metaphor) can be used to create an eye-catching and intriguing headline.

The best way for students to learn how headlines work is to view some historical samples.

Newspaper headlines especially are known for being short and pithy. Here are just a few examples to whet the appetite:

• Hitler Is Dead
• Lincoln Shot
• Men Walk On The Moon
• Berlin Wall Crumbles

You could encourage students to find some pithy examples of their own. It’s amazing how much information can be condensed into so few words – this is the essence of good headline writing.

Headlines Practice Activity:

Give students opportunities to practice headline writing in isolation from article writing itself. For example, take sample stories from newspapers and magazines and challenge students to write new headlines for them. Set a word limit appropriate to the skills and age of the students. For example, younger, more inexperienced students might write 9-word headlines, while older, more skilled students might thrive with the challenge of a 4-word limit.

THE SUBHEADING

Subheadings give the reader more information on what the article is about. For this reason, they’re often a little longer than headlines and use a smaller font, though still larger (or in bold) than the font used in the body of the text.

Subheadings provide a little more of the necessary detail to inform readers what’s going on. If a headline is a jab, the subheading is the cross.

In magazines and online articles especially, there are often subheadings throughout the article. In this context, they let the reader know what each paragraph/section is about.

Subheadings also help the reader’s eye to scan the article and quickly get a sense of the story, for the writer they help immensely to organize the structure of the story.

Practice Activity:

One way to help organize paragraphs in an article is to use parallel structure.

Parallel structure is when we use similar words, phrases, and grammar structures. We might see this being used in a series of subheadings in a ‘How to’ article where the subheadings all start with an imperative such as choose , attach , cut , etc.

Have you noticed how all the sections in this ‘Key Features’ part of this article start simply with the word ‘The’? This is another example of a parallel structure.

Yet another example of parallel structure is when all the subheadings appear in the form of a question.

Whichever type of parallel structure students use, they need to be sure that they all in some way relate to the original title of the article.

To give students a chance to practice writing subheadings using parallel structure, instruct them to write subheadings for a piece of text that doesn’t already have them.

THE BODY PARAGRAPHS

Writing good, solid paragraphs is an art in itself. Luckily, you’ll find comprehensive guidance on this aspect of writing articles elsewhere on this site.

But, for now, let’s take a look at some general considerations for students when writing articles.

The length of the paragraphs will depend on the medium. For example, for online articles paragraphs are generally brief and to the point. Usually no more than a sentence or two and rarely more than five.

This style is often replicated in newspapers and magazines of a more tabloid nature.

Short paragraphs allow for more white space on the page or screen. This is much less daunting for the reader and makes it easier for them to focus their attention on what’s being said – a crucial advantage in these attention-hungry times.

Lots of white space makes articles much more readable on devices with smaller screens such as phones and tablets. Chunking information into brief paragraphs enables online readers to scan articles more quickly too, which is how much of the information on the internet is consumed – I do hope you’re not scanning this!

Conversely, articles that are written more formally, for example, academic articles, can benefit from longer paragraphs which allow for more space to provide supporting evidence for the topic sentence.

Deciding on the length of paragraphs in an article can be done by first thinking about the intended audience, the purpose of the article, as well as the nature of the information to be communicated.

A fun activity to practice paragraphing is to organize your students into groups and provide them with a copy of an article with the original paragraph breaks removed. In their groups, students read the article and decide on where they think the paragraphs should go.

To do this successfully, they’ll need to consider the type of publication they think the article is intended for, the purpose of the article, the language level, and the nature of the information.

When the groups have finished adding in their paragraph breaks they can share and compare their decisions with the other groups before you finally reveal where the breaks were in the original article.

Article Photos and Captions

Photos and captions aren’t always necessary in articles, but when they are, our students must understand how to make the most of them.

Just like the previous key features on our list, there are specific things students need to know to make the most of this specific aspect of article writing.

  The internet has given us the gift of access to innumerable copyright-free images to accompany our articles, but what criteria should students use when choosing an image?

To choose the perfect accompanying image/s for their article, students need to identify images that match the tone of their article.

Quirky or risque images won’t match the more serious tone of an academic article well, but they might work perfectly for that feature of tattoo artists.

Photos are meant to bring value to an article – they speak a thousand words after all. It’s important then that the image is of a high enough resolution that the detail of those ‘thousand words’ is clearly visible to the reader.

Just as the tone of the photo should match the tone of the article, the tone of the caption should match the tone of the photo.

Captions should be informative and engaging. Often, the first thing a reader will look at in an article is the photos and then the caption. Frequently, they’ll use the information therein to decide whether or not they’ll continue to read.

When writing captions, students must avoid redundancy. They need to add information to that which is already available to the reader by looking at the image.

There’s no point merely describing in words what the reader can clearly see with their own two eyes. Students should describe things that are not immediately obvious, such as date, location, or the name of the event.

One last point, captions should be written in the present tense. By definition, the photo will show something that has happened already. Despite this, students should write as if the action in the image is happening right now.

Remind students that their captions should be brief; they must be careful not to waste words with such a tight format.

For this fun activity, you’ll need some old magazines and newspapers. Cut some of the photos out minus their captions. All the accompanying captions should be cut out and jumbled up. It’s the students’ job to match each image with the correct accompanying caption.

Students can present their decisions and explanations when they’ve finished.

A good extension exercise would be to challenge the students to write a superior caption for each of the images they’ve worked on.

TOP 5 TIPS FOR ARTICLE WRITING

Now your students have the key features of article writing sewn up tightly, let’s take a look at a few quick and easy tips to help them polish up their general article writing skills.

1. Read Widely – Reading widely, all manner of articles, is the best way students can internalize some of the habits of good article writing. Luckily, with the internet, it’s easy to find articles on any topic of interest at the click of a mouse.

2. Choose Interesting Topics – It’s hard to engage the reader when the writer is not themselves engaged. Be sure students choose article topics that pique their own interest (as far as possible!).

3. Research and Outline – Regardless of the type of article the student is writing, some research will be required. The research will help an article take shape in the form of an outline. Without these two crucial stages, articles run the danger of wandering aimlessly and, worse still, of containing inaccurate information and details.

4. Keep Things Simple – All articles are about communicating information in one form or another. The most effective way of doing this is to keep things easily understood by the reader. This is especially true when the topic is complex.

5. Edit and Proofread – This can be said of any type of writing, but it still bears repeating. Students need to ensure they comprehensively proofread and edit their work when they’ve ‘finished’. The importance of this part of the writing process can’t be overstated.

And to Conclude…

With time and plenty of practice, students will soon internalize the formula as outlined above.

This will enable students to efficiently research, outline, and structure their ideas before writing.

This ability, along with the general tips mentioned, will soon enable your students to produce well-written articles on a wide range of topics to meet the needs of a diverse range of audiences.

HUGE WRITING CHECKLIST & RUBRIC BUNDLE

TUTORIAL VIDEO ON HOW TO WRITE AN ARTICLE

21 Different Types of Articles

Posted on Published: August 26, 2018  - Last updated: October 24, 2018

If you’re an intelligent reader or simply run a content marketing site and want to attract intelligent readers, knowing about the different types of articles will be worthwhile. The world is a fodder for an infinite source of topics and so the sky literally is the limit when it comes to finding new sources to read either for information or entertainment.

Read on for more ideas about the different types of articles and how to differentiate a long article from a short article.

Basic Types of Articles

Book review articles.

Published mostly in academic journals, book reviews provide expert and professional opinions and insights on scholarly books that have recently been published. These are short articles that are not very time consuming to read. One of the main advantages to a writer participating in book review articles is that it allows the author to stay up to date on the newest and most popular books, and of course, the experience gleaned can be added to the writer’s resume and list of experiences.

Clinical Case Studies

These articles describe, in detail, real patient cases from either a clinical or medical practice. Each of the cases presented are cases that significantly contribute to any existing knowledge in that particular field. Most of these studies discuss the symptoms, diagnosis, signs, and of course, treatment of a specific disease, and they are considered primary literature. Clinical case studies have word counts that are very close to the original article, and because they deal with so much technical and industry-specific information, they are not meant for beginning writers.

Clinical Trial Articles

These articles, like clinical case studies, are specifically related to the field of medicine. They describe the implementation, results, and methodology of controlled clinical studies, most of which are conducted on large groups of patients. Clinical trial articles are very long; in fact, their length is usually roughly the same as the original research article. To write clinical trial articles, the writer has to offer expert reliability, high standards of ethics, and a lot of practical work experience, as the articles are usually not written by beginning writers.

A column highlights the personality of the author, which allows that author to write about subjects using a unique, one-of-a-kind style. Most columnists use one of several approaches to personalize their columns, including humor or expertise in a certain topic or subject area. It is a necessity for column writers to develop their own style so that it eventually becomes recognizable by the readership.

Columnists write about their own personal thoughts or experiences, and they can even interpret various issues or events if they wish. With each column, the writers’ style comes through so that it is always a little different than the next columnist. Most columns are published once a week, and they are long enough for the writers to go into detail with whatever they are writing about.

Commentary/Perspective/Opinion Articles

These articles fall in the same category because they have a lot in common with one another, but they do differ slightly in the following respects:

Commentaries are usually short articles that consist of 1,000 to 1,500 words, and they draw attention to, or critique a book, report, or article that is already published. Commentaries explain why the article or book interested the writer and why it might be attention grabbing for the reader as well.

Perspective articles are scholarly reviews that are written about prevalent ideas or fundamental concepts in a specific field of interest. Usually written in essay form, perspective articles consist of a personal point of view that critiques popular notions about a particular field. They can be reviews of a few concepts related to one another or even a single concept. Considered secondary literature, perspective pieces are usually very short, consisting of approximately 2,000 words.

Opinion articles are just as they sound – they consist only of the author’s viewpoint on a particular study’s interpretation, methods, or analysis. The author can comment on the strengths and weaknesses of a certain hypothesis or theory, and the articles are usually both backed by sound evidence and based on constructive criticism. Opinion articles are great for promoting the discussion of the most recent issues relating to science, and they, too, are relatively short in length.

These are some of the shortest articles written, from short to medium in length, and they describe an opinion or personal experience of the author. Most essay writers concentrate on presenting their specific views on a topic and center the essay on just one specific subject.

Feature Writing Articles

Feature articles are in-depth articles that go into great detail about events, topics, trends, or even people. Their goal is to thoroughly explore the topic with interviews and the use of experts or with even the main people involved. They also aim to show a previously unseen perspective on the topic. The main goal of feature articles is to provide enough detail so that the readers or viewers are familiar with every aspect of the story, and it is this type of article that usually wins the most prestigious journalism awards. They also have the highest word count as compared to all of the other types of articles.

Freelance Writing Articles

A freelance writer is a writer who doesn’t work for a particular company or publication but instead hires out his or her services to various organizations which can be physically located almost anywhere. Most freelance writers are professional writers who take on different jobs for a short time, although they work for themselves and are not considered the permanent employee of any one company.

Freelance writers accept their pay from whoever needs the article written, and even though the writing can be technical or creative, the assignment is always a short-term commitment for the writer. Technical articles are usually specifically asked for by the company doing the hiring, while creative articles are usually written first by the freelancer then later sold to various publications. Freelance articles can include:

• Articles for newspapers or other publications
• Book reviews
• Grant writing for nonprofit organizations
• Interviews to be published in magazines
• Program proposals
• Training manuals
• Translation of an article from one language to another

More information on freelance writers and what it takes to be one can be found here.

How-To Articles

How-to articles are very specific and describe in great detail steps or tips to help the reader do something specific. If you’ve ever read through a recipe, you’ve experienced a great how-to article. Most how-to articles include solutions to problems or answers to certain questions, and they can include everything from showing you how to reload a grocery store price gun to how to connect a game system to your television set. If it describes specifically how to do something and contains numbers or bullet points, it is likely a how-to article.

Investigative Articles

Considered one of the most exciting types of writing to many people, investigative journalism consists of jobs that aim to uncover the truth about a specific person, event, or subject. It is based on the principle that the final results should be well verified and extremely accurate, not to mention filled with facts only. This can be difficult when you are an investigative journalist because many of the people you are working with are naturally going to be uncooperative or even hostile to the work you’re trying to do.

It can be difficult to get the information you need to get the right results, but it can break a certain situation wide open if you’re successful in the end. One of the most important investigative journalism pieces ever written is the uncovering of the Watergate scandal by investigative reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein. Investigative journalism can cause an uproar in the public but making sure their readers and viewers know what is really going on is something all investigative journalists strive for when doing their work.

Letters to the Editor

These are actual letters written by the readers of a certain publication and therefore, their topics can include almost anything. Most newspapers consider these letters very important because they give the editors a great idea of how their readers feel about certain topics.

Most editors try to obtain a balance when choosing which letters to print, although some smaller newspapers print every letter they receive. Even people unfamiliar with various writing styles can write a simple letter to the editor, and most editors and professional writers feel that for every letter they receive that expresses a certain opinion, there are dozens or even hundreds more people who feel the same way.

Lifestyle Articles

Although the topics can vary greatly, lifestyle articles focus on issues related to one’s lifestyle. This can include everything from recreation to health and relationships to real-life interviews, and they can even include statistics if you like. Examples include describing some of the most popular restaurants in town, local options for private schools, how to use the new walking path that was just installed in your city, and dozens of other topics. With lifestyle articles, the more personalized and local the information, the better the chance that it will be read by a lot of people.

News Articles

If you watch the news every day, you’ll notice that this form of writing is very fact filled and straightforward. News articles have to be written without bias or personal interpretations by the reporters themselves. A news story is not a feature story, because it is short, to the point, and consists only of a headline and enough of an explanation to pique the readers’ or viewers’ interest.

It provides just enough information so that the reader or viewer learns what happened from the storyline and nothing else. News articles are there to relay events, basic information, and facts in an accurate, unbiased, and straightforward way. They are not there to go into a lot of detail on the story, but only to provide the basics so that the reader or viewer gets enough information to know what is going on and nothing else.

Op-Ed Articles

Short for opposite the editorial, op-ed articles are merely an opinion by the writer. Found mostly in newspapers, op-ed articles are so named because they are published on the page which is opposite an editorial. Most often, they are published by the local newspaper of the author, and they can include opinions on everything from small-town issues to major national or international stories.

As a general rule, op-ed articles offer an alternate opinion from the other editorials, and they are almost always written by someone who is an expert in that industry. Op-eds educate people about a specific issue and go into more detail than what major media outlets are offering. In other words, op-ed articles present another view from the ones already expressed in a certain publication, and they are attempts to give the publication a little more balance in the end.

Op-ed articles can help build up the image of the publication that printed them, and they can be about any type of social or political issue that is currently on everyone’s mind. They are written by experts and not writers with no knowledge of the subject area, and the specific publication will dictate the style and word count necessary to be published, although most tend to be roughly 600 words in length. In addition, op-ed articles are usually written by freelance writers and not writers hired by the publication.

Original Research Articles

Original research articles are very detailed studies that report the original research. Considered primary literature, original research articles include the background study, methods, hypothesis, results, and the interpretation of the findings, as well as a discussion of the possible implications. These articles are quite long and require an extensive investment of time. They are usually from 3,000 to 6,000 words, although for some journals the word count can be as high as 12,000.

Personality Profile Articles

If you’ve ever read an article in People magazine, you’ve read a personality profile article. These articles revolve around that interviewee’s life accomplishments and are based on an interview with that person. The articles are in-depth and look at the person’s entire life, starting at the beginning. They almost always include quirks, faults, significant events, strengths, character, and of course, their accomplishments. Personality profiles are informative but casual, and they are always a very interesting read.

Question-and-Answer Articles

These are articles based on an interview . The difference between this and other types of articles is that a question-and-answer article does not analyze a story or build a story around the answers from the interviewee. The interviewer asks questions, then writes down the answers that are received, so it isn’t an opinion piece, but instead centers on facts. Question-and-answer articles have introductory or lead paragraphs, but the bulk of the article consists of the questions and answers discussed at the interview.

Review Articles

Reviews are part fact based and part opinion and they are there to review certain subjects. If you’ve ever read a movie or book review, you know what a review article does. Review articles work hard to accomplish two things: first, they accurately and thoroughly identify and describe the subject that is being reviewed; and second, they use experience and research to provide an informed and intelligent opinion of that subject. Review articles are not simply spewing out an opinion of what you like or dislike about the item being reviewed. They are well thought out and concise, and always utilize a certain amount of research so that the review is thoughtful and comprehensive, giving the reader or viewer an accurate representation of the subject that was reviewed.

Review articles present a constructive and critical analysis of existing literature, accomplished through analysis, comparison, and summary. They can identify specific problems or gaps and can even provide recommendations for research in the future. Considered secondary literature, the articles usually present no new data, and they consist of three main types: systematic reviews, which are usually under 10,000 words long; meta-analyses, and literature reviews, both of which can range anywhere from 8,000 to 40,000 words. However, each publication has its own requirements for word counts, so the writer should always consult with the publication itself before beginning the article.

Like the name suggests, shorts are no more than 500 words long and usually focus on a specific publication’s target market. If the magazine you’re writing for has a health-and-fitness section, for example, you may be in charge of writing a short article on a topic that applies to this section. Shorts can center on any topic, but the topic is dictated by the type of publication you’re writing for, and they can be as short as 150 words or as long as 500 words.

Sponsored Content Articles

Sponsored content articles are, in essence, a type of advertising. They look and read like regular editorials, but they are paid for by a specific advertiser and therefore, their intent is to promote the product or service of the advertiser. For instance, a car dealership may buy a one-page editorial that describes various aspects of road travel. Naturally, the advertiser is always mentioned somewhere in the article, because this is the main point of the article. Also known as “native advertising,” sponsored content articles are usually written by on-staff writers instead of freelancers because these writers tend to be more familiar with the publication’s advertisers.

Trend Articles

Trend articles showcase a movement that either decreases or increases over time. Examples include housing prices, couples that get divorced, the number of people playing a certain video game, or even the number of people buying the latest cars or sunglasses. Trends go up and down, and articles based on trends highlight that up-and-down movement during any given period of time.

The Difference Between Basic Types of Articles

Long articles.

Long articles usually range from 700 to 3,000 words in length, and the writing style is similar to that for books. Long articles can handle more complex subject areas and are meant for people at the eighth- or tenth-grade reading level. If you know your subject matter well, long articles are best because you are able to present a lot of information on that particular subject area. Because of today’s high exposure to technology and lower levels of literacy among the public, long articles need to be simple and must adjust to the needs of the reader if you want them to communicate successfully.

As a general rule, you should include both a title and one or more subtitles, with the latter being spaced roughly every 500 to 700 words. This takes a bit of preplanning, but it keeps the reader interested in the article until the very end, which of course is your ultimate goal.

Short Articles

Short articles are almost always between 500 and 700 words long, and they are usually written similar to how blogs are written. Short articles focus on only one subject or point and usually contain three- to five-sentence paragraphs that keep the reader’s attention. If you’re used to writing seven to ten sentences in each paragraph, you are better off writing long articles.

Unlike long articles, short articles are best for subject areas that you are not an expert in, and they are always simple in both content and language. Most short articles are written for people that read at a fourth-grade level. Because of this, when you’re writing your short article, picture yourself explaining something to a nine-year-old. If a nine-year-old can understand your short article, you have found the perfect language for it.

In addition, always make your short articles articulate and to the point. Keep the subject matter both simplified and focused, and keep in mind that it should be easy to understand, regardless of who the audience members are. Write in short paragraphs and not long sentences, and consider the article one that has various tidbits of information throughout it.

If you’re writing an article for a newspaper or magazine, it will require a style that is a little different than writing for a blog or website. Most publications and sites, however, will lay out in specific detail all of the information you need to know before you start writing. Because of this, you’ll know before you write the first word which style they want you to use and how many words need to be in the article. Writing both short and long articles is easier the more you do it, and the publication hiring you will make sure everything is clear before you start writing for them.

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• Volume 24, Issue 2
• Five tips for developing useful literature summary tables for writing review articles
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• http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0157-5319 Ahtisham Younas 1 , 2 ,
• http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7839-8130 Parveen Ali 3 , 4
• 1 Memorial University of Newfoundland , St John's , Newfoundland , Canada
• 2 Swat College of Nursing , Pakistan
• 3 School of Nursing and Midwifery , University of Sheffield , Sheffield , South Yorkshire , UK
• 4 Sheffield University Interpersonal Violence Research Group , Sheffield University , Sheffield , UK
• Correspondence to Ahtisham Younas, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John's, NL A1C 5C4, Canada; ay6133{at}mun.ca

https://doi.org/10.1136/ebnurs-2021-103417

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Introduction

Literature reviews offer a critical synthesis of empirical and theoretical literature to assess the strength of evidence, develop guidelines for practice and policymaking, and identify areas for future research. 1 It is often essential and usually the first task in any research endeavour, particularly in masters or doctoral level education. For effective data extraction and rigorous synthesis in reviews, the use of literature summary tables is of utmost importance. A literature summary table provides a synopsis of an included article. It succinctly presents its purpose, methods, findings and other relevant information pertinent to the review. The aim of developing these literature summary tables is to provide the reader with the information at one glance. Since there are multiple types of reviews (eg, systematic, integrative, scoping, critical and mixed methods) with distinct purposes and techniques, 2 there could be various approaches for developing literature summary tables making it a complex task specialty for the novice researchers or reviewers. Here, we offer five tips for authors of the review articles, relevant to all types of reviews, for creating useful and relevant literature summary tables. We also provide examples from our published reviews to illustrate how useful literature summary tables can be developed and what sort of information should be provided.

Tip 1: provide detailed information about frameworks and methods

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Tabular literature summaries from a scoping review. Source: Rasheed et al . 3

The provision of information about conceptual and theoretical frameworks and methods is useful for several reasons. First, in quantitative (reviews synthesising the results of quantitative studies) and mixed reviews (reviews synthesising the results of both qualitative and quantitative studies to address a mixed review question), it allows the readers to assess the congruence of the core findings and methods with the adapted framework and tested assumptions. In qualitative reviews (reviews synthesising results of qualitative studies), this information is beneficial for readers to recognise the underlying philosophical and paradigmatic stance of the authors of the included articles. For example, imagine the authors of an article, included in a review, used phenomenological inquiry for their research. In that case, the review authors and the readers of the review need to know what kind of (transcendental or hermeneutic) philosophical stance guided the inquiry. Review authors should, therefore, include the philosophical stance in their literature summary for the particular article. Second, information about frameworks and methods enables review authors and readers to judge the quality of the research, which allows for discerning the strengths and limitations of the article. For example, if authors of an included article intended to develop a new scale and test its psychometric properties. To achieve this aim, they used a convenience sample of 150 participants and performed exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on the same sample. Such an approach would indicate a flawed methodology because EFA and CFA should not be conducted on the same sample. The review authors must include this information in their summary table. Omitting this information from a summary could lead to the inclusion of a flawed article in the review, thereby jeopardising the review’s rigour.

Tip 2: include strengths and limitations for each article

Critical appraisal of individual articles included in a review is crucial for increasing the rigour of the review. Despite using various templates for critical appraisal, authors often do not provide detailed information about each reviewed article’s strengths and limitations. Merely noting the quality score based on standardised critical appraisal templates is not adequate because the readers should be able to identify the reasons for assigning a weak or moderate rating. Many recent critical appraisal checklists (eg, Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool) discourage review authors from assigning a quality score and recommend noting the main strengths and limitations of included studies. It is also vital that methodological and conceptual limitations and strengths of the articles included in the review are provided because not all review articles include empirical research papers. Rather some review synthesises the theoretical aspects of articles. Providing information about conceptual limitations is also important for readers to judge the quality of foundations of the research. For example, if you included a mixed-methods study in the review, reporting the methodological and conceptual limitations about ‘integration’ is critical for evaluating the study’s strength. Suppose the authors only collected qualitative and quantitative data and did not state the intent and timing of integration. In that case, the strength of the study is weak. Integration only occurred at the levels of data collection. However, integration may not have occurred at the analysis, interpretation and reporting levels.

Tip 3: write conceptual contribution of each reviewed article

While reading and evaluating review papers, we have observed that many review authors only provide core results of the article included in a review and do not explain the conceptual contribution offered by the included article. We refer to conceptual contribution as a description of how the article’s key results contribute towards the development of potential codes, themes or subthemes, or emerging patterns that are reported as the review findings. For example, the authors of a review article noted that one of the research articles included in their review demonstrated the usefulness of case studies and reflective logs as strategies for fostering compassion in nursing students. The conceptual contribution of this research article could be that experiential learning is one way to teach compassion to nursing students, as supported by case studies and reflective logs. This conceptual contribution of the article should be mentioned in the literature summary table. Delineating each reviewed article’s conceptual contribution is particularly beneficial in qualitative reviews, mixed-methods reviews, and critical reviews that often focus on developing models and describing or explaining various phenomena. Figure 2 offers an example of a literature summary table. 4

Tabular literature summaries from a critical review. Source: Younas and Maddigan. 4

Tip 4: compose potential themes from each article during summary writing

While developing literature summary tables, many authors use themes or subthemes reported in the given articles as the key results of their own review. Such an approach prevents the review authors from understanding the article’s conceptual contribution, developing rigorous synthesis and drawing reasonable interpretations of results from an individual article. Ultimately, it affects the generation of novel review findings. For example, one of the articles about women’s healthcare-seeking behaviours in developing countries reported a theme ‘social-cultural determinants of health as precursors of delays’. Instead of using this theme as one of the review findings, the reviewers should read and interpret beyond the given description in an article, compare and contrast themes, findings from one article with findings and themes from another article to find similarities and differences and to understand and explain bigger picture for their readers. Therefore, while developing literature summary tables, think twice before using the predeveloped themes. Including your themes in the summary tables (see figure 1 ) demonstrates to the readers that a robust method of data extraction and synthesis has been followed.

Tip 5: create your personalised template for literature summaries

Often templates are available for data extraction and development of literature summary tables. The available templates may be in the form of a table, chart or a structured framework that extracts some essential information about every article. The commonly used information may include authors, purpose, methods, key results and quality scores. While extracting all relevant information is important, such templates should be tailored to meet the needs of the individuals’ review. For example, for a review about the effectiveness of healthcare interventions, a literature summary table must include information about the intervention, its type, content timing, duration, setting, effectiveness, negative consequences, and receivers and implementers’ experiences of its usage. Similarly, literature summary tables for articles included in a meta-synthesis must include information about the participants’ characteristics, research context and conceptual contribution of each reviewed article so as to help the reader make an informed decision about the usefulness or lack of usefulness of the individual article in the review and the whole review.

In conclusion, narrative or systematic reviews are almost always conducted as a part of any educational project (thesis or dissertation) or academic or clinical research. Literature reviews are the foundation of research on a given topic. Robust and high-quality reviews play an instrumental role in guiding research, practice and policymaking. However, the quality of reviews is also contingent on rigorous data extraction and synthesis, which require developing literature summaries. We have outlined five tips that could enhance the quality of the data extraction and synthesis process by developing useful literature summaries.

• Aromataris E ,
• Rasheed SP ,

Twitter @Ahtisham04, @parveenazamali

Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

Competing interests None declared.

Patient consent for publication Not required.

Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.

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Baltimore bridge collapse: a bridge engineer explains what happened, and what needs to change

Associate Professor, Civil Engineering, Monash University

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Colin Caprani receives funding from the Department of Transport (Victoria) and the Level Crossing Removal Project. He is also Chair of the Confidential Reporting Scheme for Safer Structures - Australasia, Chair of the Australian Regional Group of the Institution of Structural Engineers, and Australian National Delegate for the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering.

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When the container ship MV Dali, 300 metres long and massing around 100,000 tonnes, lost power and slammed into one of the support piers of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, the bridge collapsed in moments . Six people are presumed dead, several others injured, and the city and region are expecting a months-long logistical nightmare in the absence of a crucial transport link.

It was a shocking event, not only for the public but for bridge engineers like me. We work very hard to ensure bridges are safe, and overall the probability of being injured or worse in a bridge collapse remains even lower than the chance of being struck by lightning.

However, the images from Baltimore are a reminder that safety can’t be taken for granted. We need to remain vigilant.

So why did this bridge collapse? And, just as importantly, how might we make other bridges more safe against such collapse?

A 20th century bridge meets a 21st century ship

The Francis Scott Key Bridge was built through the mid 1970s and opened in 1977. The main structure over the navigation channel is a “continuous truss bridge” in three sections or spans.

The bridge rests on four supports, two of which sit each side of the navigable waterway. It is these two piers that are critical to protect against ship impacts.

And indeed, there were two layers of protection: a so-called “dolphin” structure made from concrete, and a fender. The dolphins are in the water about 100 metres upstream and downstream of the piers. They are intended to be sacrificed in the event of a wayward ship, absorbing its energy and being deformed in the process but keeping the ship from hitting the bridge itself.

The fender is the last layer of protection. It is a structure made of timber and reinforced concrete placed around the main piers. Again, it is intended to absorb the energy of any impact.

Fenders are not intended to absorb impacts from very large vessels . And so when the MV Dali, weighing more than 100,000 tonnes, made it past the protective dolphins, it was simply far too massive for the fender to withstand.

Read more: I've captained ships into tight ports like Baltimore, and this is how captains like me work with harbor pilots to avoid deadly collisions

Video recordings show a cloud of dust appearing just before the bridge collapsed, which may well have been the fender disintegrating as it was crushed by the ship.

Once the massive ship had made it past both the dolphin and the fender, the pier – one of the bridge’s four main supports – was simply incapable of resisting the impact. Given the size of the vessel and its likely speed of around 8 knots (15 kilometres per hour), the impact force would have been around 20,000 tonnes .

Bridges are getting safer

This was not the first time a ship hit the Francis Scott Bridge. There was another collision in 1980 , damaging a fender badly enough that it had to be replaced.

Around the world, 35 major bridge collapses resulting in fatalities were caused by collisions between 1960 and 2015, according to a 2018 report from the World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure. Collisions between ships and bridges in the 1970s and early 1980s led to a significant improvement in the design rules for protecting bridges from impact.

Further impacts in the 1970s and early 1980s instigated significant improvements in the design rules for impact.

The International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering’s Ship Collision with Bridges guide, published in 1993, and the American Association of State Highway and Transporation Officials’ Guide Specification and Commentary for Vessel Collision Design of Highway Bridges (1991) changed how bridges were designed.

In Australia, the Australian Standard for Bridge Design (published in 2017) requires designers to think about the biggest vessel likely to come along in the next 100 years, and what would happen if it were heading for any bridge pier at full speed. Designers need to consider the result of both head-on collisions and side-on, glancing blows. As a result, many newer bridges protect their piers with entire human-made islands.

Of course, these improvements came too late to influence the design of the Francis Scott Key Bridge itself.

Lessons from disaster

So what are the lessons apparent at this early stage?

First, it’s clear the protection measures in place for this bridge were not enough to handle this ship impact. Today’s cargo ships are much bigger than those of the 1970s, and it seems likely the Francis Scott Key Bridge was not designed with a collision like this in mind.

So one lesson is that we need to consider how the vessels near our bridges are changing. This means we cannot just accept the structure as it was built, but ensure the protection measures around our bridges are evolving alongside the ships around them.

Second, and more generally, we must remain vigilant in managing our bridges. I’ve written previously about the current level of safety of Australian bridges, but also about how we can do better.

This tragic event only emphasises the need to spend more on maintaining our ageing infrastructure. This is the only way to ensure it remains safe and functional for the demands we put on it today.

• Engineering
• Infrastructure
• Urban infrastructure
• container ships
• Baltimore bridge collapse

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Exploring The TypeScript Playground: A Walkthrough

Explore the functionalities of TypeScript Playground with us! Learn how to write, test, and share your TypeScript code efficiently, understand the interface, and debug effectively. Ideal for developers seeking to enhance their TypeScript skills swiftly.

💡 KEY INSIGHTS

• The TypeScript Playground is an invaluable tool for developers to write, test, and share TypeScript code, offering a user-friendly interface and real-time feedback.
• It allows for easy experimentation with TypeScript’s features and capabilities , enhancing learning and understanding of the language.
• The article covers the importance of configuring compiler options and utilizing the platform’s features like auto-completion and error highlighting for efficient coding.
• Additionally, the TypeScript Playground's share feature facilitates collaboration and feedback, making it a vital resource for both individual learning and team development.

TypeScript Playground is a convenient online tool that allows you to write, share, and learn TypeScript. It provides a space where you can experiment with TypeScript code and see the immediate output, making it an invaluable resource for both new and experienced developers.

With its user-friendly interface and real-time feedback, it's an excellent way to explore TypeScript’s features and capabilities.

Setting Up TypeScript Playground

Exploring the interface, writing and running code, sharing your code, debugging in typescript playground, frequently asked questions, step 1: navigate to the website, step 2: explore and configure, step 3: write and run code.

Once you're on the TypeScript Playground website, you’ll notice a split-screen interface, with one side for writing your TypeScript code, known as the Code Editor , and the other for viewing the results, termed the Output Window . For instance, you can start with the following piece of code:

In TypeScript Playground, you have the liberty to modify the compiler options to align with your coding style and preferences. You can find these settings under the ‘Config’ button at the top of the page. Tweaking these settings can help in optimizing the coding environment to your liking.

After configuring your settings, you can start writing your TypeScript code in the Code Editor and observe the compiled JavaScript in the Output Window. It’s a seamless way to learn and experiment with TypeScript, enhancing your understanding of the language.

• Keep your code snippets short and focused.
• Regularly explore different features and settings of the TypeScript Playground to leverage its full potential.
• Use the share feature to collaborate with peers and get feedback on your code.

Remember, the TypeScript Playground is here to offer a smooth and efficient coding experience, allowing you to focus more on learning and less on setup.

The TypeScript Playground interface is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, allowing developers to focus on coding. The interface is primarily divided into two sections: the Code Editor and the Output Window , each serving a distinct purpose in the coding process.

Navigating The Code Editor

Understanding the output window, utilizing the toolbar, experimenting with features.

The Code Editor is where you will spend most of your time writing and editing your TypeScript code. It features syntax highlighting and line numbers to aid readability and navigation. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with this space as it is where the coding happens. For example:

Adjacent to the Code Editor is the Output Window. This section automatically displays the JavaScript output of the TypeScript code you write. It provides immediate feedback and is crucial for understanding how TypeScript compiles into JavaScript.

Above these sections, there is a toolbar containing several options and features, including configuring compiler options and sharing your code . These features enhance your coding experience by allowing customization and collaboration within the TypeScript Playground environment.

The interface also offers various features like auto-completion and error highlighting, making coding in TypeScript more efficient and enjoyable. Experimenting with these features can help in discovering more about the TypeScript language and its capabilities.

In TypeScript Playground , writing and running code is a seamless experience. The platform is designed to be intuitive, allowing you to focus solely on coding and seeing your TypeScript translated into JavaScript in real-time.

Crafting Code In The Editor

Observing the output, running your code, experimenting and iterating.

The Code Editor is your primary workspace for writing TypeScript. It’s equipped with features like syntax highlighting and auto-completion, which aid in writing accurate and efficient code. Here’s a simple example to illustrate:

Once you’ve written your code, the corresponding JavaScript appears in the Output Window . This immediate feedback is invaluable, allowing you to understand the translation from TypeScript to JavaScript on the fly.

To run your code, simply write or paste your TypeScript into the Code Editor. The platform automatically compiles and runs the code, displaying the output without requiring any additional steps. It’s a hassle-free way to see your code in action.

Feel free to modify and experiment with your code. The TypeScript Playground is an ideal environment for testing out ideas and learning more about TypeScript’s syntax and features. Keep iterating and refining your code to deepen your understanding of TypeScript.

Sharing your creations is an integral part of the development process, and TypeScript Playground makes this incredibly easy. The platform provides a straightforward way to share your TypeScript code with others, fostering collaboration and learning.

Generating Shareable Links

Collaborating with peers, leveraging social media, receiving and implementing feedback.

With just a click of the Share button located in the toolbar, TypeScript Playground generates a unique URL for your current session. This URL can be shared with anyone, allowing them to view and edit your code. It’s a quick and efficient way to collaborate with peers or seek assistance.

Sharing your TypeScript code enables collaborative learning and coding. It allows others to review your code, provide feedback, and even make modifications. This collaborative approach can lead to more robust and optimized code, enhancing the overall learning experience.

TypeScript Playground also allows you to share your code directly on social media platforms , increasing the reach of your work. It’s a great way to showcase your skills, share knowledge, and contribute to the developer community.

Once your code is shared, be open to receiving feedback and suggestions. Implementing constructive feedback can help in refining your code and improving your TypeScript skills. Keep sharing and learning from the collaborative experiences TypeScript Playground offers.

TypeScript Playground isn't just a space for writing and running code; it's also a powerful platform for debugging. With its built-in tools and features, identifying and resolving errors becomes a more streamlined process.

Identifying Errors

Utilizing the error logger, making corrections, benefiting from typescript's strong typing.

As you type in the Code Editor , TypeScript Playground actively checks for errors and highlights them. This real-time error detection ensures that you can spot and rectify issues as you code. For instance, if you mistakenly type:

The Error Logger provides detailed descriptions of detected errors, guiding you towards the root cause. This feature is invaluable, especially when dealing with complex pieces of code, as it offers insights into what might be going wrong.

Once an error is identified, you can make the necessary corrections directly in the Code Editor. The real-time feedback loop ensures that as you make changes, you can instantly see if the error persists or if it's resolved.

TypeScript's strong typing is a boon for debugging. By enforcing type checks, many potential runtime errors are caught during the coding phase itself, reducing the chances of bugs slipping into the final code.

Understanding the Issue:

The error typically occurs when attempting to define an arrow function with a generic type parameter, like this:

Resolving the Error:

To address this error and ensure your code works as intended, you can employ a simple workaround. It involves adding a trailing comma after the type parameter declaration, as follows:

Can I use TypeScript Playground for collaborative coding sessions with multiple people?

Absolutely! TypeScript Playground’s sharing feature allows multiple users to access the same session via a shared link, enabling real-time collaboration. This feature is particularly useful for pair programming, code reviews, and collaborative learning sessions.

Is it possible to save my work in TypeScript Playground for future reference?

Yes, TypeScript Playground allows you to save your work by generating a unique URL when you share your code. By bookmarking this URL, you can revisit and continue working on your code anytime.

Can I customize the appearance of TypeScript Playground to suit my preferences?

Indeed! TypeScript Playground offers various customization options, allowing you to change themes, configure the editor, and adjust other settings to create a comfortable coding environment that aligns with your preferences.

Does TypeScript Playground support the integration of external libraries or frameworks?

TypeScript Playground primarily focuses on providing a platform for experimenting with TypeScript’s core features. However, it does offer some support for importing types from popular libraries, allowing you to experiment with a broader range of TypeScript applications.

Let's see what you learned!

Can TypeScript Playground Import External Libraries?

Continue learning with these typescript guides.

• How Typescript Keyof Enhances Type Safety
• Learning The Basics: Typescript Typeof Explained
• Dive Into Typescript Declare And Its Applications
• Webpack Typescript: Efficient Project Setup
• How To Work With Typescript Nullable In Your Code

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