WRITING HELP-MAGAZINE ARTICLE

STYLE:

ARTICLES ARE NOT ESSAYS

 THEY ARE PUBLISHED IN A MAGAZINE AND THERE IS A BROAD

AUDIENCE

 TONE SHOULD be INFORMATIVE BUT AT THE SAME TIME, WE

HAVE TO ENTERTAIN AND SOUND LIVELY, CONVERSATIONAL,
REFRESHING.

 ADDRESS READER WITH YOU OR THROUGH A QUESTION. MAKE

IT PERSONAL

 IT SHOULD NOT BE SOLEMN, TOO FORMAL, TOO DISTANT FROM

THE READER. MAKE THE READER EMPATHIZE WITH YOU AND
YOUR PROBLEMS.

 TO SUPPORT YOUR VIEWS:

 USE STATISTICS (90% OF…. OR 9 OUT 10 PEOPLE…)
 USE EXAMPLES
 USE COMMENTS BY EXPERTS (A SCIENTIST FROM
HARVARD UNIVERSITY STATED That “….”)

Discursive vs. Argumentative

Discursive writings (letters or magazine articles) discuss. They present an argument in a

more balanced way than argumentative and persuasive writing and do not argue for
or against a point throughout the writing. Instead, they evaluate all arguments and all
aspects of the topic in turn. Therefore, these writings do not aim to persuade the reader
that the writer’s opinion is the only valid one, but to make him consider a current issue
from various angles.
SAMPLE INSTRUCTIONS TO EXPLORE AND ANALYZE. HOW WOULD YOU
STRUCTURE THESE ARTICLES ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS?

STRUCTURE OF PARAGRAPHS for ARGUMENTATIVE

ARTICLES

EYE CATCHING HEADLINE

 PARAGRAPH 1: INTRODUCTION

Introduce the topic. Say why it is important or interesting. STATE YOUR

POSITION (EITHER IN FAVOUR- AGAINST- OR WRTE A RHETORICAL
QUESTION TO OPEN DEBATE IF IT IS DISCURSIVE)

 PARAGRAPH 2: BACKGROUND OR HISTORY

To give background is to provide the reader with the necessary details he

needs to know before reading the body. The reader needs to know why you
will be later arguing about a topic. DO NOT GIVE ARGUMENTS HERE. It is
also useful to compare the past to the present if applicable and/or to give
statistics to show how a situation has changed or what a situation is like now.
 PARAGRAPH 3: BODY (HEART OF THE ARTICLE- LONGEST
PART)

The article is likely to return to the present-day situation at this point,

discussing and giving different viewpoints/arguments with details and
examples and quotations. DIFFERENT PARAGRAPHS FOR EACH
ARGUMENT. See chart on the next page for reference.
Remember that even if you decide to argue one side, you still must give a bit
of credit to the opposite side in the first paragraph of the body. (acknowledge
the others’ point of view).
  PARAGRAPH 4: PREDICTION STAGE

Say how things will develop in the future.

 The future looks rosy ….

 The outlook is gloomy….
 The future is uncertain regarding….or….who knows what this situation will
be like in a few years…

 PARAGRAPH 5: FINAL REFLECTION/ FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Summarize the main points and say again why you think your subject will
continue to be important. Leave a message for the reader to reflect on.

As long as people feel the need to dance, there will be a place for ballet.

Note: you can write the prediction stage and the final reflection in the
same paragraph as well.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAGAZINE

ARTICLES

TYPE OF INSTRUCTION # 1
SAMPLE MAGAZINE ARGUMENT ARGUING IN FAVOUR (Based on instruction type 1)

"HHTN's in town: 6th Residential House for Teens to Continue Mission Despite Local disapproval."
(headline to anticipate topic and your position)

(Introduction) There are troubled teenagers everywhere who need help, even in our area (voice- local
journalist). That is why Help for Homeless Teenagers Network, HHTN, is opening their 6th residential
house for troubled teenagers, right here in our community. In the face of objections from some locals, the
organization stands firm on its mission, and it is our duty as community to fully support them. (Your
position- positive-in favour)
(background paragraph for context) In case you are wondering (audience-you are adopting a chatty style),
HHTN has been on a mission to support and uplift homeless teens. They have a network of residential
houses across the country, offering not just shelter but a chance at education and a brighter future to
change the lives of these teens
(paragraph giving credit to opposing views) I understand that you are concerned about how the opening of
the new residential house for troubled teens might impact your children's lives. It is true that there might
be some changes around and you are worried about this.
(connector of contrast to mark a turning point in the article and the start of your views supporting the
project) Yet, let's put those fears to rest. Worried about an increase in shoplifting? Concerns about play
areas being invaded? (rhetorical questions- addressing audience to make them feel related- you are
adopting a chatty conversational style) HHTN believes in a well-supervised and organized system, ensuring
that local facilities remain safe and enjoyable for everyone. About this new opening, a local psychologist
explained: “With structured programs and community engagement, these teens will be too busy
transforming their own lives to engage in petty crime.” (quote by expert to support argument causing a
sense of credibility). Besides, Max Rylance from HHTN explained how their existing homes have not
experienced such issues.
As regards your worries about the impact on our schools, rest assured. HHTN is here to complement our
educational institutions, not disrupt them. These teenagers are not troublemakers; they are individuals
who have faced hardships and are now getting a chance at a brighter future. For example, with HHTN's
dedication and support, these young individuals can overcome their challenges, reintegrate into society,
and contribute positively to our community (example to support and elaborate argument and to illustrate
the situation).
Finally, let's tackle the misconception that troubled teenagers will bring chaos into our classrooms. HHTN's
track record shows that 7 out of these teens simply caused problems in the past after family disputes
(Statistics to develop argument, provide more support and cause a sense of credibility). By providing a
stable home environment, education, and counseling, the organization will mold them into responsible
individuals, dispelling any fears of disruptive behavior in our schools.
The future of these teens who need HHTN’s help in our area looks rosy (prediction stage- closing of the
article). We will not be facing a threat but an opportunity to uplift the lives of these troubled teenagers.
Let's embrace the chance to make a difference and create a future we can all be proud of. It's time to
welcome a brighter tomorrow for everyone supporting HHTN right now. (food for thought-final words for
readers to reflect on and agree with your views).
 SAMPLE - Argumentative Magazine article 2 ( AGAINT CELLPHONES)

The Battle of the Century: Humans vs. Cell phones.

Cellphones are becoming our enemies

(INTRO)It is a Sunday morning. My kids sit at the table for breakfast. They look enthusiastic and hungry so
it seems like a perfect opportunity to chat and share some time. Yet, silence followed by a buzzing sound of
cell phones invades the kitchen. As wild animals jumping on a prey, my sons clutch their phones and,
immediately after, I know I have lost their attention: their eyes are glued to the bright screens of those
devices. I feel technology has taken control over my family. Are mobile phones our enemies? It really
seems like it to me/ I COMPLETELY THINK THEY ARE. (YOUR POSITION-NEGATIVE VIEW)

(BACKGROUND- COMPARE THE PAST TO THE PRESENT- STATE THE PROBLEM) Only 20
years ago, if I wanted to organize a Saturday night out with a friend, I had to either plan it at school or
contact him at his home phone if I was lucky to find him in. Cell phones did not exist, and teenagers had no
other chance but to talk face-to-face. Now, in 2020, 9 out of 10 teens (STATISTICS) get a cell phone as a
birthday present and if not, they inherit a less modern one used by one of their parents or older siblings.

(BODY) HEART
Of course, I do not deny the fact that (START GIVING CREDIT TO THE OPPOSITE VIEW)
this mobile technology is making life a lot easier in many different ways. We use our cell phones to
remember about daily tasks such as the appointment with the doctor or about the list of groceries we should
get from the market. (+)
Yet/STILL/HOWEVER, aren’t cell phones ruining the way people relate? Are we really
connecting and bonding with each other when using cell phones? One of the reasons why I think cell phones
are doing too much harm to society is the fact that we are each time communicating less and less face-to-
face. Due to the communication through a screen, there may be misunderstandings between two friends. For
instance, sometimes we misinterpret emoticons and we even read messages with the wrong tone and
intonation. Hasn’t it happened to you that you feel your friend’s message sounds rude to you? (-)
 Besides, I have also noticed how family time is decreasing. We are physically together in the same
room with our kids but we are also sharing their attention with hundreds of other friends they are chatting
with either on WhatsApp or Facebook. (-)
This constant use of cell phones also distracts teens from their school assignments, having
consequently poor academic results. It is true students use their phones to do research or even look up words
in the built-in dictionary. Still, a survey carried out by Cambridge University has revealed that 80% of teens
at school confessed that they find it very hard to concentrate in class as their phones are constantly receiving
notifications. Frank Martin, Psychologist from this same University explained: “Not only do they lose
attention in class, teens are not creating real friendships as they have more virtual friends that real ones” (-)

(PREDICTION AND FINAL REFLECTION) I feel the future looks gloomy if this excessive use of
cellphones isn’t controlled and even reduced. The way we relate with the world that surrounds us will get
worse each year, and teenagers will experience more difficulties to study and develop their academic and
social skills.
Is this the future we want the younger generations to have? I am sure you agree with me when I say we
should stop this obsessive use of cellphones among our children. With parents and teachers together,
recovering the value of a pleasant face-to- face conversation is possible. Remember the saying: “All for one
and one for all”. Let’s win the battle of the century.

TYPE OF INSTRUCTION 2

In your article you should:

 Evaluate the positive and the negative views given in both texts.
 give a balanced view towards the use of computer games.

Sample Article with a more balanced view (discursive)

 Do Video Games Shape Minds or Break Futures?
The advent of video games has ushered in a new era of entertainment. I am sure that the controversy
surrounding these games is not new at all for you. Today's kids play in a world of screens, yet are
video games the architects of a new era or the architects of the downfall of a generation?
Back in the day, you probably remember that kids played outside with laughter filling the air. Now,
video games have taken over. Yet, part of society is concerned about whether these games are
helping kids or leading them in the wrong direction instead. Let's dive into this digital debate.
Let's start with the positive side about video games. Nobody can deny that these games help kids
learn useful skills for the future. Dr. Jane McGonigal, a brain expert, said: "Playing games can
make kids better at solving problems." A study even found that playing certain games improves
how kids think and make decisions. For example, games like Minecraft also let kids be creative and
solve problems.
Besides, there are other adults who think video games are detrimental and unfavourable for
learning, but I disagree with them. Games can help kids learn about different subjects such as
history, science or geography while they play. So, saying games teach nothing is not fair in my
opinion.
However, other people worry that games can be addictive and make kids distant and I fully agree
with this negative side of virtual entertainment. Parents work all day long and they do not control
how much time their kids spend playing video games. Statistics show that 7 out of 10 teens play
video gamer for around 5 hours a day and this is outrageous.
Furthermore, I agree with people who worry that games keep some kids stuck on the couch for too
long. If you have children, you should know teenagers and kids also need to do exercise, do
homework and most importantly, they need to socialize face to face with friends. Again, I believe
parents should monitor their children more closely. Don’t you think so?
The future is uncertain. It is clear that games will help kids develop strong minds if they play them
wisely; otherwise, they will cause significant trouble. If you are a parent, you just need to find the
right balance for your kids, so screens do not take over but become useful tools for our future.
 TYPE OF INSTRUCTION 3

Free approach in terms of structure and position. (options)

 You may decide to argue completely in favour of one group that gives the best advice.
 You may decide to argue completely against one,
 You may write your views in a more balanced way grouping the cases in which one should
get advice from certain people and, on the other side, showing in what cases experts give
the best advice

TYPE OF INSTRUCTION 4

CAREFUL WITH THIS TYPE OF INSTRUCTION! IT MAY BE MISLEADING!!!

Notice IT IS IMPLIED YOU SHOULD ARGUE IN FAVOUR. The instruction will not be
always as explicit as type of instruction number 1 as regards what side you should
argue or how.
 COMPARATIVE OVERVIEW OF LAY-OUTS ACCORDING TO TYPE OF
ARTICLE

DO NOT FORGET TO INCLUDE THE HEADLINE SINCE THIS IS A MEDIA

TEXT

LAY OUT ARTICLE IN ARTICLE AGAINST DISCURSIVE

FAVOUR (EXPLORING ALL
VIEWS)

Introduction Leave an open

Finish with + view Finish with - view
question
Background = = =
Body -It is true that…(one + it is true that… (one Paragraphs with +
negative idea from positive idea from text views/ideas you agree
text you agree with) you agree with) with

+ Yet, positive -Yet, negative view Paragraphs with –

view) -Negative view views/ideas you
+ positive view -Negative view disagree with
+ positive view

Prediction
and final The future looks The future looks The future is
reflection rosy… gloomy… uncertain…
For background stage

 Since earliest times, ...

 Ballet has its roots back in ...
 The age of ballet began in ...
 The history of ballet goes back to ...
 Recently, there has been renewed interest in ...
 Recent developments in the field include ...
 Other exciting developments have been ...
 One of the most ground-breaking ...
 State of the art technology has been used ...
 Cutting edge techniques have been introduced ...

For prediction stage

 The outlook is bright.

 The outlook is gloomy.
 The future looks rosy.
 The future looks grim.
 Who knows what will happen in the future, but ...
 THE FUTURE IS UNCERTAIN…
 Many experts predict that ...
 Some forecasts predict ...
 The field of ... has enormous potential
 The sky's the limit
 THE INFORMATIVE MAGAZINE ARTICLE

IN PAPER 1, YOU MAY BE REQUESTED TO WRITE AN INFORMATIVE MAGAZINE

ARTICLE.

What should you know about this type of articles?

1. They are neither argumentative nor discursive.

2. The PURPOSE of the article is NOT to argue. Its purpose is to provide information
which the journalist will publish in a magazine or newspaper. You should not
REPORT like in newspaper reports since you will not be reporting an event, such as
a tragedy, an accident, someone who went missing. You will simply be informing
about a certain topic. For example, a serious problem of pollution in an area, the
discovery of a new medicine, someone’s work protecting animals. YOU DO NOT
HAVE TO PROVIDE ARGUMENTS. You will only provide information.

3. In terms of writing STYLE, like in the other types of articles in paper 2, you still need
to adopt a conversational/casual/chatty style, addressing the audience (it is not an
essay, do not sound detached from readers). You must adopt this type of style
since, despite the fact that the primary purpose is to provide information, the 2nd
purpose of the text is to be entertaining for readers. If you never address
audience, they will never feel neither related to what you are explaining, nor will
they feel engaged with whatever it is you are informing about. You may also employ
one or two rhetorical questions in order to make the readers reflect on the topic,
most probably agreeing to the only implied answer.

4. The REGISTER will be semi-formal. It you write in an extremely formal way, you will
sound detached from readers. Yet, do not be overly informal since it is a
journalistic text type.
SO HOW WILL YOU GO ABOUT INFORMATIVE MAGAZINE ARTICLES IN
TERMS OF ORGANIZATION OF THE INFORMATION (STRUCTURE)?

Below is a text to which you will have to respond writing an informative magazine article.
BELOW IS THE TASK FOR AN INFORMATIVE MAGAZINE ARTICLE. LET’S ANALYSE
THE INSTRUCTION TOGETHER AND SEE HOW IT DIFFERS FROM THE ONE FOR
AN ARTICLE (ARGUMENTATIVE OR DISCURSIVE) IN WHICH YOU MUST SHOW
EFFECTIVE ARGUMENTATIVE SKILLS.
 Check out the sample informative magazine article based on this text about Jane
Goodall, the steps I followed and how the information was organized (STRUCTURE).

1) I read the bullet points in the instruction to know in advance what I was expected to include
in the article and to know what details to pay attention to when reading the text for the first
time.
2) After selecting the ideas. I paraphrased them. I made a list of them.
3) Finally, I chose a headline which would anticipate to the readers the overall idea of my
article, and which would let them know what they will read about and hook their attention.
Notice that I included a first paragraph with a brief introduction, a second one with some
context/background, then 3 paragraphs (the ones with the arrows pointing at each of them)
for the details they asked me to include in each of the bullet points in the task given. I
included a final closing (do not refer to it as conclusion!!!) With some prediction and a final
reflection (food for thought for readers).
4) Check out the underlined sentences where I adopted a conversational style to make my
text more engaging for readers.

List of paraphrased details from the text

 Jane Goodall is a scientist and animal rights activist who specializes in studying primate
behavior.
 The author describes Jane's first day back in the jungle after months of lectures and
lobbying in the USA and Europe.
 Jane spends the day with a group of chimpanzees, observing their behavior and taking
pictures.
 She reflects on the early days of her research and how she learned about the
chimpanzees' feeding habits, travel routes, and social structure.
 Jane recalls the discovery that chimpanzees were tool-making animals, and the realization
that they were not the placid vegetarians people thought they were.
 The chimpanzees stop and groom themselves in the morning sunshine, and Jane
reminisces about Greybeard fishing for termites with stems of grass.
 Later, a sudden outbreak of chimpanzee calls and the onset of heavy rain interrupt Jane's
observations.
 After the storm subsides, Jane watches the chimps move off through the soaked, dripping
vegetation before they nest for the night.
 The text concludes with Jane reflecting on how much there is still to learn about
chimpanzees.
INFORMATIVE MAGAZINE ARTICLE SAMPLE (PAPER 1)

In the Jungle with Jane Goodall: A Day in the Life of Chimpanzees

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to spend a day with chimpanzees? Did you
know that chimpanzees have unique personalities, just like us? There's so much to learn
about these fascinating creatures.
Does Jane Goodall ring a bell to you? She is a renowned scientist and animal rights
activist who has returned to the heart of the African jungle to reconnect with her old
friends, the chimpanzees. It is time to learn about a typical day in the life of a chimpanzee
group and their fascinating behavior.
This scientist and animal rights campaigner has dedicated her life to studying
chimpanzees and their behavior in their natural habitat. Her work involves spending long
periods of time in the jungle, observing the chimps and recording their activities. This
requires great patience and perseverance, as well as physical endurance to climb and
move around in the forest. Jane has also faced challenges such as gaining the trust of the
chimpanzees, who were initially wary of her presence, and dealing with environmental
threats such as habitat destruction and poaching.
Through her extensive research, Jane Goodall has gained valuable insights into the
behavior and social structure of chimpanzees. She has observed that they are not only
tool-making animals, but also exhibit behaviors such as hunting and warfare, which were
previously thought to be unique to humans. Jane has also identified distinct personalities
and family groups within the chimpanzee community and has documented their complex
social interactions and communication methods. Her research has provided a deeper
understanding of the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of
protecting our natural world. This woman is a real adventurer! Don’t you think so?
Jane Goodall's work is important because it sheds light on the behavior and social
structure of the chimpanzees which, after all, are our closest primate relatives. By studying
and documenting their lives in their natural habitat, Jane has provided invaluable
information about the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of
preserving our natural world. She hopes to raise awareness about the need to protect
chimpanzees and their habitat from environmental threats such as deforestation, hunting,
and disease. The best part: her work aims to promote compassion and empathy towards
all animals and encourage greater respect for the natural world.
The world looks amazing if everyone begins to love and respect animals as much as she
does!!! I never thought chimpanzees were such incredible creatures. In my case, I love
elephants. It would be wonderful to do something for them. What do you say? Which
animal would you like to protect and learn more about?
IN CONLUSION, THIS IS HOW YOU SHOULD STRUCTURE AN INFORMATIVE
ARTICLE.

Informative Magazine Article

STRUCTURE OF PARAGRAPHS
EYE CATCHING HEADLINE

 PARAGRAPH 1: INTRODUCTION

Introduce the topic. Present main aspects of what your article will be about. For example,
announce an opening, a new project, present a problem, etc. Be brief, but make sure the
topic of your informative article is clear, that is to say what your article will revolve around.

 PARAGRAPH 2: BACKGROUND OR HISTORY

To give background is to provide the reader with the necessary details he needs to know
before reading the body. The reader needs to know why you will be later giving information
about a topic or situation. Here, you may say why the central topic you will provide
information about is important or interesting. For example, if it is a new project, what was
the problem before? If there is now a problem now in an area, was it always like this? If it
is about someone’s work, who is this person? It is also used to compare the past to the
present if applicable. BE BRIEF.

 PARAGRAPH 3: BODY (HEART OF THE ARTICLE- LONGEST PART)

Here use the 3 bullet points given to you in the instruction. Use a different paragraph to
develop each and support them with statistics, comments by experts and examples.

 PARAGRAPH 4: PREDICTION STAGE

Say how you think things will develop in the future regarding this matter.

 The future looks rosy ….

 The outlook is gloomy….
 The future is uncertain regarding….or….who knows what this situation will be like in a
few years…

 PARAGRAPH 5: FINAL REFLECTION/ FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Summarize the main points and say again why you think your subject will continue to be
important. Leave a message for the reader to reflect on.

To sum up, ballet has its roots in ...

As long as people feel the need to dance, there will be a place for ballet.

Note: you can write the prediction stage and the final reflection in the same
paragraph as well.