There is so much content available today that it feels like our writing will never stand out. Think positively! No matter what type of writing you want to write, take the following steps to create a great article that will appeal to others. Start by gathering ideas and information. After that, take the time to create interesting, insightful, and accurate articles. Finally, edit it well so that the content looks neat and professional.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Searching for Topics and Gathering Information
Step 1. Ask your boss or teacher for guidance
If the article is for work or school, make sure you understand the assignment. Take a few minutes to confirm this with the person concerned and ask any questions you have. Do this before you start writing so you don't have to revise the finished work.
- Maybe your boss asks you to write an article for the company newsletter. Find out if there is a particular topic you should write about and how long the article will need to be.
- If you're writing an article for the school newspaper, ask the editor or supervisor about the topics to cover. Maybe they want you to write about library renovations or make a feature article about new students.
- Always follow the given guidelines. This will make you appear competent and responsible.
Step 2. Make a list of ideas if you work independently
A blogger (blogger) or freelance writer will be responsible for writing the content himself. To get a good topic, think about your audience. For example, if you write a cooking blog, stick to food-related topics.
- Do a free thought process. Just write down whatever thoughts come to mind. You can put the bad ideas aside later.
- For a cooking blog, you can write words like “keto”, “vegetarian”, or “holiday meal”.
- Once you've chosen a topic, start narrowing it down to be more specific. For example, if you decide to write about “holiday dishes,” narrow the topic down by choosing a specific holiday or season to write about. Maybe you've decided to write about updating classic Eid recipes.
Step 3. Research the topic to make sure you get complete information
Take the time to search the internet for anything you want to write about. You can also visit your local library to see if there are any good books on the subject of writing. Depending on the type of article you are writing, you may need to do additional research.
- If you're writing about someone or writing a news article, it's a good idea to set up questions to interview several people.
- When conducting an interview, prepare a list of questions in advance so you don't forget the important questions. Come on time and be respectful. Take good notes or record conversations so you can quote the source accurately.
- For articles about Eid dishes, maybe you can chat with some friends to find out what they want to eat. You can also find out some food safety facts so that you can give good advice on how to cook ketupat properly.
Step 4. Choose a trusted source
To make articles sound authoritative, choose sources that are accurate, current, and neutral. If you're looking for an online resource, check for the author's name and the date the page was last updated. If there is no author's name, it is better to find another source. Wikis are an exception because they have multiple authors. If this happens, just check to see if they are using outside sources to back up the facts.
- The sources used must be several months to several years old, depending on the subject of the article discussed. The most recent information is usually the most accurate.
- For example, if you want to write about a new trend for Eid dishes, don't go to a 1975s recipe book.
Step 5. Take notes to keep ideas organized
Store all information neatly so that it is easily accessible when you start writing. Choose any way to create a matching note. Maybe you prefer to take notes with a pen and paper. Alternatively, you can take notes on your phone or computer. You can even make voice memos.
- Record all important details. That is, a name, date, fact, or statistic. Don't forget to write down the source!
- Save notes in a computer file or use an app on your phone to keep them organized. If you take notes on paper, keep them in a file folder for easy access.
Method 2 of 3: Writing a Draft
Step 1. Start with 1-2 stunning sentences
If the article does not open with an interesting writing, the reader will most likely pass. Take the time to come up with a short intro that will grab the reader's attention. The content can include questions or fun facts. Make sure the intro introduces the topic to be covered.
You could write something like, “Tired of ketupat and opor dishes on Eid? Spice up your festive menu by introducing bold new flavors!”
Step 2. Create short paragraphs
You don't want to lose your readers after you've managed to lure them in. Since long, dense paragraphs seem difficult to digest, it's best to keep them as short as possible. Paragraphs containing 3-4 sentences will look visually appealing and can keep readers loyal.
Include only one idea in each paragraph to make it easier for readers to absorb the information. For example, don't cover extra dishes and table decorations in one paragraph at a time. Those are two completely different ideas
Step 3. Include a story to grab the reader's attention
Add some life to your articles by including some interesting facts or touching stories. Posts that contain only a few opinions or a series of instructions will likely not be very interested. If you're writing an article about school zoning regulations in your local city, interview some parents and write about how the rules affect them.
For holiday articles, you can write about certain foods that evoke memories of celebrating Eid while studying abroad, for example
Step 4. Include important knowledge for the reader to learn something
Interesting stories are great, but you should also include useful information. Review research notes and select the most relevant information. For example, if you're writing about holiday dishes, don't forget to include tips regarding the dishes served, how long they take to cook, and how each dish is prepared. However, you don't need to enter everything. Think wisely and choose only the good ones. You don't need to describe five different types of opor recipes. Don't forget to include the source of the article!
- Don't just tell your readers how much fun you have prepared for the holiday. Give them a concrete example to amaze their respective guests.
- Set aside the trivial. Even if you have a funny joke about ketupat, it's likely not something readers are looking forward to. Stay on topic even if your writing tells a personal story.
Step 5. Use plain language to prevent wordy writing
If you are assigned to write an article, it is likely that the number of words has already been determined. All you have to do is stick to the amount. If you're writing a blog or any other type of article, set your own boundaries. The main rule is that articles should be around 500 words long for a blog or tutorial type article. If you write a scientific journal, of course, the writing can be much longer.
Step 6. If you experience writer's block, end the work and come back later
Writing is hard and writing good writing takes a lot of time. If you're having trouble finding the right replacement words or phrases, take a break. Go for a walk or have a snack. This pause will give your brain a break and will likely help you get past your writing stalemate.
If you really get stuck, just leave the article last night and come back the next day when you feel the creativity is flowing
Method 3 of 3: Polishing the Article
Step 1. Use spell checking software to check for typos
Programs like Microsoft Word will automatically check for basic errors in the document. There are several other online software programs to help with text editing. You can copy and paste articles to one of these sites or add a browser extension. That way, the app can automatically proofread everything you write.
- Some popular tools for checking English writing include Grammarly, Ginger, ProWritingAid, and Hemingway.
- This tool can correct spelling mistakes, help correct grammar, and even make writing neater.
Step 2. Read the article several times to find the flaws
While it does help, don't rely entirely on technology. During the editing process, you should read the text carefully to find out how to improve it. Maybe you need to make smoother transitions between topics or you forgot to cite the source. Software certainly can't check for problems like this.
- Look for a different problem each time you scroll through the posts. For example, when reading an article for the first time, focus on finding stylistic mistakes. Next time, focus on making sure the tone is correct.
- Read the article aloud. Reading aloud can help you hear phrases that don't sound right.
Step 3. Ask friends or family for their opinion
Positive feedback can boost confidence before the article is published. Ask trusted friends or family to check your work. Make sure you accept their constructive criticism gracefully.
You can say, “Rangga, would you like to read the article I wrote? I need feedback. If you have time to check it out, I'd really appreciate it."
Step 4. Make the necessary changes
When you're done reading and getting feedback, apply what you've learned. If a friend suggested including a personal example, now is the time to add that section. Once all the errors are corrected and you are satisfied with the results, it's time to publish the article.
Step 5. Edit unnecessary information
It's hard to cut something you've worked so hard for. However, there are usually parts that can be trimmed. Look for useless repetitions or examples. You can also cut some parts to make the writing more concise. Usually, readers will respond better to densely packed articles.
Instead of saying, "When Eid al-Fitr arrives, there are lots of special dishes, ranging from ketupat, opor ayam, and various kinds of Lebaran cakes that are usually served in every home as a typical Indonesian tradition," you can shorten it to, "Ketupat, opor ayam, and nastar are typical Indonesian Eid dishes"
Tips
- Write down any ideas that pop into your head so you always have a list of topics ready to go.
- If you have a choice, write something that interests you. This will make the writing process even more enjoyable!
- Don't stress if the first article doesn't feel perfect. Writing is a skill that requires a lot of practice.
