Article: useful language
Catchy openings, questions to the reader, lively descriptions and memorable endings.
An article is written for a magazine or website, so it has to be interesting to read – that is what the examiner is looking for. Talk to the reader directly, ask questions, use lively adjectives and a little humour. The style can be neutral or fairly informal, but it should never be flat.
Catching the reader's attention
Describing and giving your view
Talking to the reader and ending
Make it better
The same idea, first in basic English, then in the kind of language that gets a higher mark.
- Basic: In this article I will write about my hobby.Better: Have you ever tried something that completely changed your weekends?An article should hook the reader from the first line.
- Basic: The place was very nice.Better: The place was absolutely stunning.Strong adjectives make descriptions come alive.
- Basic: In conclusion, cycling is good.Better: So why not dust off your old bike and give it a try?A question or suggestion to the reader makes a memorable ending.
- Basic: Many people like music.Better: Let's face it – who doesn't love a good song?Talking directly to the reader makes the article lively.
Give your article a short, catchy title and start with a question or a surprising fact. Then finish by speaking directly to the reader. A lively beginning and end make a big difference to your mark for 'communicative achievement'.
Quick check
Choose the best answer.
🇪🇸 Guía en español: Los 40 phrasal verbs más útiles para el B2 First →