The key idea
Choose a clear title, an interesting opening, focused body paragraphs and an ending that stays with the reader.
What is it for?
Learn how to write a short article that interests readers and shares useful ideas.
What you need to know
- A short title that tells readers what your article is about.
- An opening that catches attention with a question, fact or short story.
- Two or three body paragraphs, each with one main idea.
- Examples and details that help readers understand your ideas.
- A final thought or question that gives readers something to consider.
1. Give readers a reason to read
An article shares ideas, experiences or information with readers.
Readers can stop at any time, so give them a reason to continue.
Choose a topic that interests your readers. Then show why it matters.
- Think about who will read your article.
- Choose one clear message for the whole article.
- Use details that help readers picture the situation.
A small garden can make your neighbourhood more enjoyable.
This sentence introduces a clear idea.
My article explains how a local garden brings people together.
This sentence tells readers what to expect.
2. Choose a title and an opening
Keep your title short and easy to understand.
A question can make readers curious about your topic.
Start with a question, a surprising fact or a short story.
Do not begin with a long list of details.
- Make sure the title matches the article.
- Use an opening that makes readers want to continue.
- Connect your opening to the main idea.
Title: Could Your Park Become Your Favourite Place?
The question invites readers to think.
Last Saturday, I found a quiet garden behind the library.
The short story introduces a place.
3. Build a body that holds attention
Write two or three body paragraphs.
Give each paragraph one main idea.
Add examples, reasons or details to support that idea.
Use linking words to show how your ideas connect.
- Describe one feature of a place in each paragraph.
- Explain why that feature matters to you.
- Use words such as also, for example, and as a result.
- Use who, which or that to add useful details.
The café has a sunny window where people enjoy reading.
The extra detail helps readers picture the café.
For example, students can study there after school.
The example supports the main idea.
4. End with a clear final thought
Your ending should complete the article, not start a new topic.
Share a final opinion, a useful suggestion or a question.
You can speak directly to readers by using you.
A friendly tone helps readers feel included.
- Return to the main idea.
- Explain what makes the topic important to you.
- Ask a question if you want readers to reflect.
For me, this garden is the perfect place to relax.
The final opinion closes the article clearly.
Where do you go when you need a quiet break?
The question invites readers to share their ideas.
How to do it, step by step
- Choose your readers and your main message.
- Write a short title that fits your topic.
- Open with a question, a surprising fact or a short story.
- Develop two or three paragraphs with details and examples.
- Finish with a final thought or a question for readers.
Formulas and key language
| Use it for | Example | Another example |
|---|---|---|
| Have you ever + past participle ...? | Have you ever visited a garden in the city? | Have you ever tried painting outdoors? |
| What makes ... special is ... | What makes this park special is its peaceful lake. | What makes this hobby special is the time with friends. |
| One reason I enjoy ... is ... | One reason I enjoy cycling is the fresh air. | One reason I enjoy this café is its quiet atmosphere. |
| For example, ... | For example, visitors can borrow books from the small library. | For example, children can learn to grow tomatoes. |
| Another thing I like about ... is ... | Another thing I like about the park is its walking path. | Another thing I like about painting is choosing colours. |
| As a result, ... | As a result, more families spend time outside. | As a result, I feel more relaxed after work. |
| What I like most is ... | What I like most is the friendly atmosphere. | What I like most is sharing my pictures with friends. |
| Why not ...? | Why not visit the park this weekend? | Why not try this simple hobby after school? |
UK / US: British and American English sometimes use different words or spellings. Choose one style and use it consistently.
Level up: Replace basic words (good, very, nice) with stronger ones. See our A2 to B1 upgrades page.
Model text
A Corner of Town Worth Discovering
Title
A Corner of Town Worth Discovering
The title makes readers curious about a local place.
Opening
Have you ever found a peaceful place in a busy town? Last month, I discovered a small public garden behind our library. I expected a few flowers, but I found much more.
The question catches attention, and the short story introduces the place.
Body paragraph 1
The garden has wooden benches, colourful flowers and a narrow path beside a pond. What I liked most was the quiet atmosphere, which made it easy to forget the traffic outside. For example, I spent an hour reading there after school.
Specific details help readers picture the garden and understand its appeal.
Body paragraph 2
The garden is also a meeting place for local people. Some visitors bring lunch, while others chat with neighbours or watch the birds. As a result, the garden feels welcoming without being crowded. There is even a small table where children can draw.
This paragraph adds another main idea and supports it with examples.
Ending
You do not need to travel far to find somewhere special. Sometimes, a quiet corner is all you need for a refreshing break. Have you discovered a place like this in your town?
The ending shares a final thought and invites readers to respond.
Common mistakes
✗ Title: My article about the park and its many features
✓ Title: Discover Our Quiet Park
A shorter title is easier to read and remember.
✗ The park is pleasant. It has flowers. It has benches. It has trees.
✓ The park has flowers, benches and trees, which make it inviting.
Joining related details makes the description smoother.
✗ The café is quiet. The café is comfortable. The café is popular.
✓ The café is quiet and comfortable, so many people visit.
Avoid repeating the same words in nearby sentences.
✗ I like the garden. My brother likes football.
✓ I like the garden because it helps me relax.
Keep each paragraph focused on the article's main topic.
✗ I am writing to inform you that the park is pleasant.
✓ The park is a relaxing place to spend an afternoon.
Direct, friendly words suit an article for a school magazine.
✗ The garden is peaceful. Anyway, my favourite food is pasta.
✓ The garden is peaceful, especially in the early morning.
Keep the ending connected to the article's main idea.
Plan it, then check it
Plan
- Name your readers and choose one clear topic.
- Write a short title and plan an interesting opening.
- Choose two or three main ideas for the body paragraphs.
- Add examples and decide how you will finish.
Check
- Does the title match the topic?
- Does the opening make readers want to continue?
- Does each body paragraph have one main idea and useful details?
- Does the ending give readers a final thought or question?
- Is the tone friendly, direct and suitable for the readers?
Practice
Choose the best article sentences
Choose the best option for each part of an article.
1.Which title best suits an article about reading in a park?
The title is clear and makes the topic sound interesting.
2.Which opening best catches attention in an article about cooking?
The question invites readers to think about their own experience.
3.Which sentence gives a useful example in an article about exercise?
The sentence gives readers a clear, practical example.
4.Which sentence is best for a paragraph about a local library?
The sentence gives a clear detail about the library.
5.Which ending best suits an article about learning a hobby?
The question leaves readers with a useful suggestion.
6.Which sentence best connects an idea to its result?
So clearly connects the new benches with their result.
Match the article parts
Match each article part with the best example.
1.Title
2.Opening
3.Body detail
4.Supporting explanation
5.Ending
Complete the article phrases
Write the missing words in each sentence.
1.Have you ever (visit) a local museum?
Have you ever is followed by the past participle.
2. example, the park has a free outdoor gym.
For example introduces a specific detail.
3.One reason I enjoy cycling the fresh air.
One reason is introduces the reason for an opinion.
4.What I like is the peaceful atmosphere.
What I like most highlights your favourite feature.
5.The café is small, it feels welcoming.
But connects two ideas that contrast.
6.The park has more seats. As a , more families stay longer.
As a result introduces the effect of an earlier action.
Improve the article sentences
Correct one small mistake in each sentence.
1.I am writing to inform you about our town's library.
Want to tell sounds more direct and friendly in an article.
2.Have you ever visit a garden in the city?
Use the past participle after have you ever.
3.One reason I enjoy this café are the quiet atmosphere.
One reason is followed by is.
4.As a result, more families spends time outside.
Families is plural, so use spend.
5.Why not visiting our town's new library?
Why not is followed by the base form of the verb.
Now write
Your task
Write a 100-140 word article for a school magazine called My Favourite Place in My Town. Use made-up details. Start with a question, a surprising fact or a short story. Describe your favourite place in two body paragraphs. Include at least two specific details and one example. Explain why the place matters to you. End with a final thought or a question for readers. Here is a short example of the kind of place you could describe: A small public garden stands behind the town library. It has colourful flowers, wooden benches and a pond. Students often meet there after school. Choose your own details and develop them into a complete article.
Word bank
peaceful atmospherelocal gardenbusy streetfresh aircolourful flowerswooden benchesfriendly neighboursquiet cornerspend timefor examplewhat I like mostas a resultworth visitingin my opinionwhy not visit
Sentence starters
- Have you ever visited ...?
- One reason I enjoy this place is ...
- What makes this place special is ...
- For example, visitors can ...
- What I like most is ...
- Why not visit ...?