IE/MEI 15/16

Writing module
Articles & Reports
Articles & Reports

The two writing types discuss a particular topic, but address

different reader and have a different approach:
Articles are written for newspapers, magazines or newsletters and are
aimed at making a topic appealing to an audience;
Reports, on the other hand, are more formal and detailed, written for a
particular person or group interested in a subject
Articles

An article is usually based on a discussion, description or narrative

and it is supposed to catch peoples attention and make them read
on: consider age group of possible readers and how to make it
interesting for them, e.g. light-hearted or humorous approach
Strategies:
addressing readers directly: Did you know?/ What would you do if?
using a personal approach: Personaly, I cant imagine anything worse!
giving specific examples and quotations: As X explained
Articles

It is also essential:
giving a clear and engaging heading to the article a dramatic word and
phrase; a question; a surprising fact
dividing the article into well-defined paragraphs to help follow your
arguments
beginning with na interesting introduction
ending with an overall comment or concluding remark
Articles example
Reports

Reports should be practical and business-like, directed to more

informed readers, who already know something about the subject,
thus being longer and more detailed than articles
They should also present the necessary information as clearly as
possible and express an overall opinion at the end
Reports

Strategies:
Giving your report a clear factual heading
Dividing it into paragraphs or sections with a subheading to deal with
separate aspects of a subject, e.g. identifying strengths and weaknesses in
a particular situation
Starting by saying what the report is about and how you gathered the
information
Ending with a conclusion which gives a summary of the situation and
recommendations for improvement
Avoiding making very definite statements, unless absolutely certain, or
personal opinions or feelings
Reports

Language
Introducing:
The aim/purpose of this report is to
This reports looks at
In order to prepare this report, I visited/ interviewed/ enquired/ studied
Reporting findings and impressions:
It seems/ appears that
Most people/The majority of people seem to/ tend to
It is interesting/ surprising/ strange that
Interestingly/ Surprisingly/ Strangely
Reports - example
Articles & Reports - Task

Write:
A Report You belong to an English students club which has a meetign room
and a small library of books, CDs, DVDs and computer games. The club has
recently received a small grant. You have been asked to write a short report
on the clubs facilities and to suggest the best way in which to spend the
money.
An Article Your school or college wants to publish an article giving advice
and encouragement to new (or not-so-new) students in its newsletter.