5.2.4

Writing an Informational Article

Test yourself

Writing an Informational Article

The style of a newspaper article changes if it is an informational article or an opinion article. Informational article is written to provide facts about a news event.

Illustrative background for Informational articles Illustrative background for Informational articles  ?? "content

Informational articles

  • Informational articles begin with a headline.
  • The headline is a short summary of what the article is about, using only a few words.
  • Headlines take out unnecessary words to shorten them.
    • For example: ‘Fundraiser raises thousands for local charity’ rather than ‘A fundraiser has raised thousands of pounds for a local animal charity’.
Illustrative background for HeadlinesIllustrative background for Headlines ?? "content

Headlines

  • Headlines aim to grab the reader’s attention.
  • Some headlines, such as in tabloid newspapers, may include puns to be humorous.
    • Puns are a play on words.
  • Headlines may also be in the form of a question to help the reader begin to think about the topic or shock them.
    • Headlines may aim to shock the reader so that they want to read the rest of the article.
Illustrative background for SubheadingsIllustrative background for Subheadings ?? "content

Subheadings

  • Subheadings can be used in informational articles to separate the article into different sections.
    • Each section should answer one of the 5 W’s: Who, What, Where, When, and Why.
Illustrative background for  Non-fiction writing methodsIllustrative background for  Non-fiction writing methods ?? "content

Non-fiction writing methods

  • A range of non-fiction writing methods and a clear tone should be included in newspaper articles.
    • To provide information, facts and statistics are included in an article.
  • A journalist may interview people who were involved in the event.
    • Journalists can interview experts on the topic (called an ‘expert opinion’) and include direct quotations from them in the article.
Illustrative background for ToneIllustrative background for Tone ?? "content

Tone

  • The tone of the article will depend on the topic:
    • A serious, emotive tone may be used for a tragic story such as a disaster.
    • A humorous tone may be used for more light-hearted or less serious events and topics.

Jump to other topics

1Spelling

2Punctuation

3Grammar

4Decoding Words

5Reading & Writing

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium