How to Write an Article at the Exam

What is an article?

 An article is a piece of writing usually intended for publication in a newspaper, magazine or journal and is written for a wide audience, so it is essential to attract and retain the readers’ attention.

Your article may include amusing stories, reported speech and descriptions. It can be written informal or informal language, depending on the target audience. An article should be readable and persuade the reader hence it should be written in an interesting or entertaining manner.

An article is in a less formal style than a report therefore you can bring give opinions and thoughts apart from facts. There are types of articles like Magazine articles , leaflets and Newspaper articles.

 

What Should an Article Do?

• describe an experience, event, person or place
• present an opinion or balanced argument
• compare and contrast
• provide information
• offer suggestions
• offer advice

 

When You Write You Should Consider…

• Where is the article going to appear -in a newspaper or magazine?
• Who are the intended readers -a specific group such as students or teenagers, or adults in general?
• What is the aim of the article -to advise, suggest, inform, compare and contrast, describe, etc.?

 

Format of an Article 

A Better Article Should be Consisted of

• An eye-catching title which attracts the readers’ attention and suggests the theme of the article. (Think about why you read a magazine or newspaper article recently -what made you read it?)
• Articles can also have subheadings before each paragraph.
• An introduction which clearly defines the topic to be.
• An introduction which clearly defines the topic to be.
• The topic should be covered and kept the reader’s attention.
• The main body of two to five paragraphs in which the topic is further developed in detail.
• The conclusion -summarizing the topic or a final opinion,
• Recommendation or comment.

 

How to Make Your Article Lively?

• Addressing the reader directly ex: I will look at this issue -Let us have look
• Direct questions
• Quotations

 

See the Example on the Article ‘The Role of Advertising in Media.’

The Role of Advertising in Media: Shaping the Landscape of Modern Communication

By [Writer’s Name]

In today’s world, advertising plays an integral role in shaping the way we consume media. From the print editions of newspapers to the endless stream of content we scroll through on our smartphones, ads have become an omnipresent force that dictates much of our media experience. But how did we get here? And more importantly, what impact does advertising have on the media landscape and, ultimately, on society?

A Historical Overview

The relationship between media and advertising has evolved over centuries, but the modern dynamic began to take shape in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As newspapers and magazines gained popularity, they became the primary vehicles for advertisements. This marked the start of a symbiotic relationship: media outlets needed funding, and advertisers sought exposure to a mass audience.

With the advent of radio in the 1920s, advertising once again transformed the media landscape. For the first time, advertisers had the ability to reach listeners in their homes, bringing advertising to an entirely new dimension. Television in the 1950s further cemented advertising’s dominance in the media, offering a visual and auditory platform to engage with a wide audience.

The Shift to Digital

In the digital age, the relationship between advertising and media has become even more intricate. The rise of the internet brought about a new era in advertising, one in which companies can now target individuals based on their behaviors, preferences, and online activity. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube offer businesses the ability to push personalized advertisements directly to users' feeds, tailoring the messages to specific demographics with an unprecedented level of precision.

This shift has not only changed the nature of advertising but also the way we consume media. While traditional outlets like newspapers, television, and radio still hold significant value, much of today’s media consumption occurs online. In fact, digital advertising now surpasses traditional advertising in terms of spending. According to Statista, digital ad spending in the U.S. is expected to exceed $250 billion in 2025, a figure that continues to grow year over year.

Advertising’s Influence on Content

The impact of advertising extends far beyond just the placement of ads. It directly influences the content we consume. Media companies are often reliant on ad revenue, which can lead to certain editorial biases or even censorship. For instance, news outlets might avoid controversial topics that could alienate advertisers or their audience, creating an environment where ad-friendly content dominates.

In entertainment, advertisers often sponsor television shows, movies, or online videos, influencing the direction of storylines and formats. The pressure to maintain advertisers’ interests can limit the creative freedom of writers and producers, as content creators seek to balance artistic integrity with commercial viability. This has led to a growing discussion about whether media is becoming more of a vehicle for advertising than a platform for unbiased reporting or innovative storytelling.

Consumer Awareness and Ethical Concerns

The blending of advertising and content raises important ethical concerns, particularly regarding consumer manipulation. Many advertisements use psychological tactics, such as emotional appeals or celebrity endorsements, to influence buying decisions. In the digital era, the use of targeted ads has raised questions about privacy and data collection. The growing concern over how advertisers track personal data through cookies and online behavior is sparking debates on the need for stricter regulations.

Moreover, the rise of "influencer marketing" has further blurred the line between content and advertising. Social media influencers often promote products in a subtle, seemingly organic manner, making it difficult for consumers to distinguish between genuine recommendations and paid promotions. This new form of advertising has led to calls for greater transparency and more stringent regulations on influencers' disclosures.

The Future of Advertising in Media

Looking ahead, the role of advertising in media will only continue to expand. With advancements in artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual reality, advertisers are finding even more innovative ways to engage with consumers. The rise of immersive media experiences, where ads can be integrated directly into virtual environments or video games, will present new opportunities and challenges for both advertisers and consumers.

However, with the growing concerns over privacy and the ethical implications of targeted ads, it’s likely that we will see increased regulation in the advertising industry. Platforms and media companies may have to strike a delicate balance between monetizing their content and maintaining consumer trust.

Conclusion

Advertising has long been a pillar of the media industry, driving much of its economic success. But its influence on the content we see, hear, and read cannot be ignored. As media continues to evolve in the digital age, it will be interesting to see how advertising adapts and what ethical standards emerge to guide its relationship with consumers. In the end, one thing is clear: advertising is not just a tool for selling products; it is a powerful force shaping the very fabric of modern media.

Hope you have a great idea about how to write an article. You can add images to make the article clearer and more attractive. So, good luck at the exam!