How to write an article (for Functional Skills English Level 2)

Functional Skills English assesses your ability to write in different formats for a range of purposes.

What is assessed?

The assessment criteria at level one is as follows:

Composition

This refers to the way your writing is structured: the effect use of words, sentences and paragraphs to communicate.

Exam criteria

‘Use appropriate format and structure for audience and purpose, with effective use of paragraphs.’

‘Communicate information, ideas and opinions clearly, using detail effectively for purpose and audience to an appropriate length.’

‘Use a wide range of vocabulary.’

‘Use a range of sentences, including complex sentences.’

Grammar

Consistently correct use of grammar, with occasional lapses (e.g. subject- verb agreement, consistent use of a range of tenses, definite and indefinite articles) and modality devices (e.g. to express probability or desirability)

Consistently correct use of a wide range of punctuation (e.g. colons, commas, inverted commas, apostrophes and quotation marks) with occasional lapses.

Spelling of a wide range of words used in work, study and daily life, including a range of specialist words, is consistently accurate, with occasional lapses.

Therefore, being able to write clearly is a key skill that is being assessed.

What is an article?

Articles are typically found in magazines, newspapers and on websites. They are often written to provide information, give advice, argue a point of view or persuade. However, they can be written for other purposes too.

What does an article look like?

Articles are structured in a specific way. In newspapers, magazines and online, articles will have the following layout or organisational features:

●     Heading

●     Subheadings

●     Image

●     Paragraphs

All articles use images at the top of the article and sometimes additional images to break up the text. Images are used to help readers understand the main idea of the article before they read it.

A heading grab’s readers’ attention, providing information about the topic so readers can decide whether they want to read the article.

The subheadings breakup the text to make it easy for the reader to understand. They also tell the reader what the topic of the paragraph is about.

Paragraphs break up the text, so it is easy to understand the ideas. Each paragraph focuses on one topic, which is connected to the main theme of the article.

Paragraphs use topic sentences to introduce the main point of the paragraph, supported by additional sentences providing explanations or examples.

Please note, that for the purposes of your exam, you will not be required to use images and subheadings are optional.

Audience and purpose

Before you write your article, you must be clear about who your audience is (who it is aimed at) and what is the purpose (the reasoning you are writing).

Is there something you want your reader to do? Do you want them to change their perspective about something? Do you want to give them information, explain, give advice, persuade or describe an experience? These are just a few examples of the different types of purpose.

Using the correct language

Your purpose will determine the type of language you use, which is the style and register. If the article is to provide information, your tone will be formal and written in the third person. If you want to persuade, give your opinions or advice, your writing will have a more conversational and chatty tone. You might write using the first person ‘I’ and address the reader directly using the pronouns ‘you’ and ‘your’ (direct address).

Structure

Articles have an introduction, middle and end. It is important to structure your writing so that your reader can follow your ideas in a logic sequence.

Introduction

The introduction establishes the topic and usually tells the reader; it should be as clear and interesting as possible, so the readers want to continue reading the topic. For example, you could start your article with:

●     A fact or statistic

●     A statement

●     A question

●     A story (anecdote)

●     A description

●     A shocking statement

●     A quote

The middle: developing your ideas using PEE (point, evidence, explain).

Each of your paragraphs should focus on one point at a time and include a topic sentence, which states the main idea or point of the paragraph.

For example, ‘regular exercise reduces anxiety and depression.’ This statement is the topic sentence, which is the main point of the paragraph. Studies have shown that a regular exercise of at least 20 minutes per day reduces anxiety and depression in both children and adults because it releases the happy hormone, dopamine. It also improves quality of sleep, which also reduces symptoms of depression.

The sentences that follow, explain in more detail why exercise reduces anxiety and depression. The paragraph can be made longer by providing further examples and evidence to support the point.

Cohesion

Cohesion means how your ideas link together to show how they are connected.

Connectives are used to show how one sentence or paragraph links to the previous one. For example, however, furthermore, therefore etc. Each connective shows the development of the ideas, for example, by indicating whether a contrast or additional point is being made.

Writing a conclusion

The conclusion sums up your main points.  Depending on the topic, can also end it in other ways e.g., by asking a rhetorical question, giving a warning, with a joke.

Word count

Remember to check that you have written enough. Usually, the tasks for level 2 are between 250 to 300 words.

Download a free sample for an exam style question on writing an article by clicking this link: how to write an article sample answer.