Lets write - Part 1 Writing a factual piece

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There are different reasons why you will write.  It can either be to entertain, like writing fiction (a story) or it can be to give certain information, which will mostly be facts.

If you want to write an 'informative' essay, there are certain guidelines that you need to follow. Think about what you read in the newspaper.  It is objective and informative.  Giving the facts that you will be up to date on what happened.  This is an example of 'informative' writing.  

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Before you start writing, there are certain things that you will first have to look at

• You must decide what information you want to give on a specific topic and how you will explain it - this will be your 'context'.
• Ask yourself who will read your article - will it be your peers, your teacher or your community - this will determine the style you will use.  If you are writing a piece for your school news paper, you will use more informal language than when you write an article for the community informing them on a specific issue.
• Why are you writing the article?  It will be to inform and explain a certain event and for that you will have to gather some information so that after reading your article, everybody will have more knowledge on the chosen topic

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What do your need to write an informative article?

If you start you article, you need to choose a suitable heading - it is a good idea to use something 'attention grabbing', so that people want to read more about what you have to say.

Remember to use standard English and also explain words that you think your reader will not understand or needs more information on.

Divide you article in paragraphs and use the correct punctuation and make sure of your spelling.

If you quote any sources, make sure you have your 'facts straight' and are sure that the information you get is reliable.  Always ask the person you get the information from if it is fine if you quote them and if you take parts from the internet, make sure you acknowledge the source.

If you add a photo to your article, write a caption underneath it, so that the readers will know what is going on in the photo and what makes it important to the story.

Make sure you add enough information on your topic to satisfy  the curious side of your readers and any questions they may have.

If you are writing a piece in which you explain certain facts, it is important that you use language that will suit that specific group.  If you have to explain things to smaller children you will have to write in an 'easier' language and will have to explain more words.  If you are writing for adults, you can be more factual and assume that they understand most of the words you are using.

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If you are finish writing your article check the following

1. Did you use a formal way of writing, but not too boring?
2. Does your story start with a catchy headline?
3. Did you use paragraphs - each idea is together in one paragraph with a sentence in the beginning telling the reader what the paragraph is about?
4. Did you include some interesting facts?
5. Did you vary the lengths of your sentences?
6. Did you end the article in an interesting way?

Remember that 'informative writing' has an objective approach, which means you are just writing the facts on a certain event or person or building.  This is not about you and your opinions, it is about giving enough information to the reader to make up their own minds.

Activity

Do research on an interesting place to visit in your community or country.  

Write an informative and detailed piece on what you can do and see there, how much it costs, why people like to visit that specific place etc.

This is not about how you feel when you visit this place, it is a piece to inform people and give them facts and let them make up their own mind.

You can decide if you want to write a single article or maybe a booklet or pamphlet or brochure.  This is your choice, as long as you give enough information.

Have a look at the video if you need an idea.  Let your imagination go and have fun...

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