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21 Different Types of Articles

Posted on Published: August 26, 2018  - Last updated: October 24, 2018

21 Different Types of Articles

If you’re an intelligent reader or simply run a content marketing site and want to attract intelligent readers, knowing about the different types of articles will be worthwhile. The world is a fodder for an infinite source of topics and so the sky literally is the limit when it comes to finding new sources to read either for information or entertainment.

Read on for more ideas about the different types of articles and how to differentiate a long article from a short article.

Basic Types of Articles

Book review articles.

A man is in the process of reading a book to make a review article about it.

Published mostly in academic journals, book reviews provide expert and professional opinions and insights on scholarly books that have recently been published. These are short articles that are not very time consuming to read. One of the main advantages to a writer participating in book review articles is that it allows the author to stay up to date on the newest and most popular books, and of course, the experience gleaned can be added to the writer’s resume and list of experiences.

Clinical Case Studies

A doctor is preparing his clinical case study article with his colleague.

These articles describe, in detail, real patient cases from either a clinical or medical practice. Each of the cases presented are cases that significantly contribute to any existing knowledge in that particular field. Most of these studies discuss the symptoms, diagnosis, signs, and of course, treatment of a specific disease, and they are considered primary literature. Clinical case studies have word counts that are very close to the original article, and because they deal with so much technical and industry-specific information, they are not meant for beginning writers.

Clinical Trial Articles

Doctors are writing their clinical study trial articles about certain findings.

These articles, like clinical case studies, are specifically related to the field of medicine. They describe the implementation, results, and methodology of controlled clinical studies, most of which are conducted on large groups of patients. Clinical trial articles are very long; in fact, their length is usually roughly the same as the original research article. To write clinical trial articles, the writer has to offer expert reliability, high standards of ethics, and a lot of practical work experience, as the articles are usually not written by beginning writers.

Newspaper columns fill up a daily newspaper.

A column highlights the personality of the author, which allows that author to write about subjects using a unique, one-of-a-kind style. Most columnists use one of several approaches to personalize their columns, including humor or expertise in a certain topic or subject area. It is a necessity for column writers to develop their own style so that it eventually becomes recognizable by the readership.

Columnists write about their own personal thoughts or experiences, and they can even interpret various issues or events if they wish. With each column, the writers’ style comes through so that it is always a little different than the next columnist. Most columns are published once a week, and they are long enough for the writers to go into detail with whatever they are writing about.

Commentary/Perspective/Opinion Articles

Commentary article

These articles fall in the same category because they have a lot in common with one another, but they do differ slightly in the following respects:

Commentaries are usually short articles that consist of 1,000 to 1,500 words, and they draw attention to, or critique a book, report, or article that is already published. Commentaries explain why the article or book interested the writer and why it might be attention grabbing for the reader as well.

Perspective articles are scholarly reviews that are written about prevalent ideas or fundamental concepts in a specific field of interest. Usually written in essay form, perspective articles consist of a personal point of view that critiques popular notions about a particular field. They can be reviews of a few concepts related to one another or even a single concept. Considered secondary literature, perspective pieces are usually very short, consisting of approximately 2,000 words.

Opinion articles are just as they sound – they consist only of the author’s viewpoint on a particular study’s interpretation, methods, or analysis. The author can comment on the strengths and weaknesses of a certain hypothesis or theory, and the articles are usually both backed by sound evidence and based on constructive criticism. Opinion articles are great for promoting the discussion of the most recent issues relating to science, and they, too, are relatively short in length.

A students hands over an essay to his professor.

These are some of the shortest articles written, from short to medium in length, and they describe an opinion or personal experience of the author. Most essay writers concentrate on presenting their specific views on a topic and center the essay on just one specific subject.

Feature Writing Articles

Feature articles are in-depth articles that go into great detail about events, topics, trends, or even people. Their goal is to thoroughly explore the topic with interviews and the use of experts or with even the main people involved. They also aim to show a previously unseen perspective on the topic. The main goal of feature articles is to provide enough detail so that the readers or viewers are familiar with every aspect of the story, and it is this type of article that usually wins the most prestigious journalism awards. They also have the highest word count as compared to all of the other types of articles.

Freelance Writing Articles

A freelance writer is working on his articles in a coffeeshop.

A freelance writer is a writer who doesn’t work for a particular company or publication but instead hires out his or her services to various organizations which can be physically located almost anywhere. Most freelance writers are professional writers who take on different jobs for a short time, although they work for themselves and are not considered the permanent employee of any one company.

Freelance writers accept their pay from whoever needs the article written, and even though the writing can be technical or creative, the assignment is always a short-term commitment for the writer. Technical articles are usually specifically asked for by the company doing the hiring, while creative articles are usually written first by the freelancer then later sold to various publications. Freelance articles can include:

More information on freelance writers and what it takes to be one can be found here.

How-To Articles

How-to articles are very specific and describe in great detail steps or tips to help the reader do something specific. If you’ve ever read through a recipe, you’ve experienced a great how-to article. Most how-to articles include solutions to problems or answers to certain questions, and they can include everything from showing you how to reload a grocery store price gun to how to connect a game system to your television set. If it describes specifically how to do something and contains numbers or bullet points, it is likely a how-to article.

Investigative Articles

An investigative article about cyber attack.

Considered one of the most exciting types of writing to many people, investigative journalism consists of jobs that aim to uncover the truth about a specific person, event, or subject. It is based on the principle that the final results should be well verified and extremely accurate, not to mention filled with facts only. This can be difficult when you are an investigative journalist because many of the people you are working with are naturally going to be uncooperative or even hostile to the work you’re trying to do.

It can be difficult to get the information you need to get the right results, but it can break a certain situation wide open if you’re successful in the end. One of the most important investigative journalism pieces ever written is the uncovering of the Watergate scandal by investigative reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein. Investigative journalism can cause an uproar in the public but making sure their readers and viewers know what is really going on is something all investigative journalists strive for when doing their work.

Letters to the Editor

These are actual letters written by the readers of a certain publication and therefore, their topics can include almost anything. Most newspapers consider these letters very important because they give the editors a great idea of how their readers feel about certain topics.

Most editors try to obtain a balance when choosing which letters to print, although some smaller newspapers print every letter they receive. Even people unfamiliar with various writing styles can write a simple letter to the editor, and most editors and professional writers feel that for every letter they receive that expresses a certain opinion, there are dozens or even hundreds more people who feel the same way.

Lifestyle Articles

A writer is pondering about his next lifestyle article topic.

Although the topics can vary greatly, lifestyle articles focus on issues related to one’s lifestyle. This can include everything from recreation to health and relationships to real-life interviews, and they can even include statistics if you like. Examples include describing some of the most popular restaurants in town, local options for private schools, how to use the new walking path that was just installed in your city, and dozens of other topics. With lifestyle articles, the more personalized and local the information, the better the chance that it will be read by a lot of people.

News Articles

If you watch the news every day, you’ll notice that this form of writing is very fact filled and straightforward. News articles have to be written without bias or personal interpretations by the reporters themselves. A news story is not a feature story, because it is short, to the point, and consists only of a headline and enough of an explanation to pique the readers’ or viewers’ interest.

It provides just enough information so that the reader or viewer learns what happened from the storyline and nothing else. News articles are there to relay events, basic information, and facts in an accurate, unbiased, and straightforward way. They are not there to go into a lot of detail on the story, but only to provide the basics so that the reader or viewer gets enough information to know what is going on and nothing else.

Op-Ed Articles

Short for opposite the editorial, op-ed articles are merely an opinion by the writer. Found mostly in newspapers, op-ed articles are so named because they are published on the page which is opposite an editorial. Most often, they are published by the local newspaper of the author, and they can include opinions on everything from small-town issues to major national or international stories.

As a general rule, op-ed articles offer an alternate opinion from the other editorials, and they are almost always written by someone who is an expert in that industry. Op-eds educate people about a specific issue and go into more detail than what major media outlets are offering. In other words, op-ed articles present another view from the ones already expressed in a certain publication, and they are attempts to give the publication a little more balance in the end.

Op-ed articles can help build up the image of the publication that printed them, and they can be about any type of social or political issue that is currently on everyone’s mind. They are written by experts and not writers with no knowledge of the subject area, and the specific publication will dictate the style and word count necessary to be published, although most tend to be roughly 600 words in length. In addition, op-ed articles are usually written by freelance writers and not writers hired by the publication.

Original Research Articles

Original research articles are very detailed studies that report the original research. Considered primary literature, original research articles include the background study, methods, hypothesis, results, and the interpretation of the findings, as well as a discussion of the possible implications. These articles are quite long and require an extensive investment of time. They are usually from 3,000 to 6,000 words, although for some journals the word count can be as high as 12,000.

Personality Profile Articles

If you’ve ever read an article in People magazine, you’ve read a personality profile article. These articles revolve around that interviewee’s life accomplishments and are based on an interview with that person. The articles are in-depth and look at the person’s entire life, starting at the beginning. They almost always include quirks, faults, significant events, strengths, character, and of course, their accomplishments. Personality profiles are informative but casual, and they are always a very interesting read.

Question-and-Answer Articles

A question and answer article is about to be written after this interview.

These are articles based on an interview . The difference between this and other types of articles is that a question-and-answer article does not analyze a story or build a story around the answers from the interviewee. The interviewer asks questions, then writes down the answers that are received, so it isn’t an opinion piece, but instead centers on facts. Question-and-answer articles have introductory or lead paragraphs, but the bulk of the article consists of the questions and answers discussed at the interview.

Review Articles

Review articles can be written about movies.

Reviews are part fact based and part opinion and they are there to review certain subjects. If you’ve ever read a movie or book review, you know what a review article does. Review articles work hard to accomplish two things: first, they accurately and thoroughly identify and describe the subject that is being reviewed; and second, they use experience and research to provide an informed and intelligent opinion of that subject. Review articles are not simply spewing out an opinion of what you like or dislike about the item being reviewed. They are well thought out and concise, and always utilize a certain amount of research so that the review is thoughtful and comprehensive, giving the reader or viewer an accurate representation of the subject that was reviewed.

Review articles present a constructive and critical analysis of existing literature, accomplished through analysis, comparison, and summary. They can identify specific problems or gaps and can even provide recommendations for research in the future. Considered secondary literature, the articles usually present no new data, and they consist of three main types: systematic reviews, which are usually under 10,000 words long; meta-analyses, and literature reviews, both of which can range anywhere from 8,000 to 40,000 words. However, each publication has its own requirements for word counts, so the writer should always consult with the publication itself before beginning the article.

Like the name suggests, shorts are no more than 500 words long and usually focus on a specific publication’s target market. If the magazine you’re writing for has a health-and-fitness section, for example, you may be in charge of writing a short article on a topic that applies to this section. Shorts can center on any topic, but the topic is dictated by the type of publication you’re writing for, and they can be as short as 150 words or as long as 500 words.

Sponsored Content Articles

Sponsored content articles are, in essence, a type of advertising. They look and read like regular editorials, but they are paid for by a specific advertiser and therefore, their intent is to promote the product or service of the advertiser. For instance, a car dealership may buy a one-page editorial that describes various aspects of road travel. Naturally, the advertiser is always mentioned somewhere in the article, because this is the main point of the article. Also known as “native advertising,” sponsored content articles are usually written by on-staff writers instead of freelancers because these writers tend to be more familiar with the publication’s advertisers.

Trend Articles

Trend articles showcase a movement that either decreases or increases over time. Examples include housing prices, couples that get divorced, the number of people playing a certain video game, or even the number of people buying the latest cars or sunglasses. Trends go up and down, and articles based on trends highlight that up-and-down movement during any given period of time.

The Difference Between Basic Types of Articles

Long articles.

Long articles usually range from 700 to 3,000 words in length, and the writing style is similar to that for books. Long articles can handle more complex subject areas and are meant for people at the eighth- or tenth-grade reading level. If you know your subject matter well, long articles are best because you are able to present a lot of information on that particular subject area. Because of today’s high exposure to technology and lower levels of literacy among the public, long articles need to be simple and must adjust to the needs of the reader if you want them to communicate successfully.

As a general rule, you should include both a title and one or more subtitles, with the latter being spaced roughly every 500 to 700 words. This takes a bit of preplanning, but it keeps the reader interested in the article until the very end, which of course is your ultimate goal.

Short Articles

Short articles are almost always between 500 and 700 words long, and they are usually written similar to how blogs are written. Short articles focus on only one subject or point and usually contain three- to five-sentence paragraphs that keep the reader’s attention. If you’re used to writing seven to ten sentences in each paragraph, you are better off writing long articles.

Unlike long articles, short articles are best for subject areas that you are not an expert in, and they are always simple in both content and language. Most short articles are written for people that read at a fourth-grade level. Because of this, when you’re writing your short article, picture yourself explaining something to a nine-year-old. If a nine-year-old can understand your short article, you have found the perfect language for it.

In addition, always make your short articles articulate and to the point. Keep the subject matter both simplified and focused, and keep in mind that it should be easy to understand, regardless of who the audience members are. Write in short paragraphs and not long sentences, and consider the article one that has various tidbits of information throughout it.

If you’re writing an article for a newspaper or magazine, it will require a style that is a little different than writing for a blog or website. Most publications and sites, however, will lay out in specific detail all of the information you need to know before you start writing. Because of this, you’ll know before you write the first word which style they want you to use and how many words need to be in the article. Writing both short and long articles is easier the more you do it, and the publication hiring you will make sure everything is clear before you start writing for them.

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types of article writing with examples

The Fresh Reads

Article Writing

An article is a piece of non-fiction prose writing especially meant for newspapers and magazines. It is helpful to test the students’ skills in expressing their ideas, organization of their thoughts, planning, presentation of their ideas in a chronological way, comprehending their ideas, and finally arriving at a conclusion.

While writing the article, make sure that the ideas are presented in a planned and systematic way. Avoid using vocabulary with which you are not very familiar. Use simple but effective language. Follow the word limit given in the question.

Article Writing Format

Title/Heading : Always begin the article with a title or heading. It should be eye-catching but short consisting of not more than four to five words. It should arouse the interest of the reader (and he) should come to know what the article is about after reading the title. So that he may be mentally prepared for the topic.

By Line : Write the by line i.e., the name of the person who has written the article. This name is generally given in the question. It can be written in the left-hand corner of the article or in the end also.

Introduction : Try to begin the article with a proverb or quote which catches the attention of the reader. The proverb or quotation must be in accordance with the title of the article. Try to introduce the topic while keeping in mind what, where, and when (related to the topic), e.g., if you are writing on natural disasters, you should write what are Natural Disasters in the introductory passage.

Body : The body of the article includes the details of the reasons, advantages, disadvantages, effects, etc.

Conclusion : This paragraph concludes the article by giving possible solutions, hopes, and wishes.

Article Writing Topics

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types of article writing with examples

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types of article writing with examples

Definition of Article Writing

An article writing is a kind of writing that is written to reach a massive audience with the help of the press. In the case of article writing, the press refers to publishing houses of newspapers, magazines, journals, etc. Writing a newspaper article, or writing a magazine article is not easy. It requires a lot of research and writing skills. It is written in such a way that it can inform the masses about a certain topic. The main aim of the writer here is to bring some difference in the world by changing the views of the people through article writing.

Types of Article Writing

There are various types of article writings. These are writing a newspaper article, writing a magazine article, SEO article writing, online article writing, freelance article writing, and many more.

There are divisions among these articles also. Some of the articles, like online article writing, freelance article writing, can be descriptive, or narrative that depends upon the writer and the client for whom the writer works. There are a few types of article writing that most people know about. It includes narrative and descriptive types but there are many more types other than these two. These are persuasive article writing and expository article writing.

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The most important among the types of article writings is SEO article writing. It has gained huge demand for this new generation. SEO article writing is nothing but the search engine optimization of the article that is written. The question that may arise here is how can one ensure that one’s article has achieved its goal.

To answer this question, one will have to do some research on the internet. There are several ways in which one can use most of the search engine optimization techniques. First, among them is to use keywords. Keywords refer to important words of the article that could be used several times in a paragraph or in the article to highlight the importance of the word. By doing this, the reader will be able to see the particular article among the first few results, when he searches for that category of articles in the search engines.

There are also many other options that are discussed below.

One must be consistent with using the keywords. The keywords must relate to the topic of the article; if it is not relevant to the topic, the keyword will not be considered to be effective.

While writing a news article, or any other article for that matter, one must ensure that there are no grammatical errors.

The authenticity of the article must be checked before it is uploaded on an online platform.

These are the minimum things that should be considered before one can improve one’s article writing skills. Though, in the case of writing a news article, the content of the article is of utmost importance. One should keep the content original and present it creatively.

On the internet, there are many article-writing examples available. It helps the writer who is writing an article for the first time, to understand the concept better. There is also an article writing example given below. Readers can refer to that example as well for a better understanding of the format of article writing.

Tips for Article Writing

Let us get to understand some of the points that you shall remember while attempting a topic of the writing section. 

Understand your topic 

For any given topic, you shall first be able to understand it clearly. You should be able to draw related inferences for everything that comes to your mind. Usually, in this step, your brain is flooded with a lot of thoughts and your job is to be able to identify and filter them based on your requirements. Attempting such questions without planning is never a good idea because your content will not be organised unless you organise the flow of the content. Hence, the best way before getting started with such questions is to make sure that you have a clearer picture of what the question is asking you and this way, you will be able to deliver captivating content. 

Prepare an outline 

Before starting the writing part, one should arrange the pointers in the correct sequence. It should be a logical sequence keeping in mind the objectives. Cross-checking each point whether it is relevant and needed to complete the content is again another point to be considered. Preparation of an outline is important as well as useful as it helps us know what to do next and how much is left. You should be careful while preparing an outline as it should contain all the topics and that too in the correct sequence.

Review and make relevant changes 

Revisiting all the points by reading them again is one of the important tasks for a well-written part. While revisiting you might come across some of the content which is not required, so one should leave the unnecessary points which are making the content lengthy without adding quality and relevance to the content. Then, logically rearrange the points so that the important points come first in the sequence and others follow. 

Write it 

Now after keeping all the above-mentioned things in mind, start writing. With a strong and relevant introduction one should start, followed by the correct sequence of the points adding a necessary explanation. To the point information without unnecessary elaboration always adds perfection to content.

Edit and proofread

Last but not the least, an important aspect to be considered is proofreading. Before the final submission of content, you should go through the complete content once more. Again edit the unnecessary ones and complete them. After completing the entire process your content is ready.

Other important tips that can be used to produce a good piece of writing content are mentioned below. Students shall consider referring to them whenever they plan to conquer questions of such kinds. 

Keep the list of your ideas handy as it will help you to organize your content accurately. 

Make sure that you are sitting in a distraction-free environment so that your mind is able to focus and concentrate better. 

One of the most important attributes of a good writer is being able to research well. When you research, you get to read more and this way there are a lot of new ideas that come to your mind. 

Ensure that your content is simple. It means that you should avoid too fancy words because otherwise, your content would lose the relatability factor.

You shall also focus on making your content presentable. Adding bullet points or writing in small paragraphs might be a beneficial tip. 

Adding keywords to your content is a game-changer. When you optimize your content, its value increases subsequently. 

Lastly, be precise and let your content be captivating enough for the reader.

Solved Examples

1. What is the Format of Article Writing?

Ans: The format of article writing is very easy and simple. One has to follow a few instructions to understand the format of the article writing.

Write a brief introduction in a paragraph.

Write a body of two to three paragraphs, including all the main content and points of the topic in these paragraphs.

Write a short conclusion of the article.

There is a picture attached below to give the readers a better view of the format of the article writing.

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Did You Know?

Articles almost connect their readers with the content within a very short time. It is like a direct conversation with the reader.

The main aspect of article writing that attracts its readers is the content. The content must be interesting, else no one will read it.

The article must be simple and to the point. It must not be too complicated. If it is complicated, the readers will lose interest.

types of article writing with examples

FAQs on Article Writing

1.How do I write an article with minimum mistakes and keep it to the point?

To write an article, one must keep in mind the following rules. This will ensure that the writer is making the least number of mistakes and will enable the writer to build self-confidence in the writing field.

The article should always be compact. It should include all the important aspects of the topic but still, be short and interesting.

It should include bullets, pointers, etc. to make it look interesting.

The article should have a minimum amount of grammatical errors, but the writer should not use too difficult words to convey the thoughts.

If one keeps the above points in mind while writing an article, it will not be a difficult task to achieve.

2.How to write an article by following three steps?

Many websites offer different steps to write an article. The steps mentioned below are the best in which one can write an article within a short time.

Step 1: Topic selection- An interesting topic should be selected so that the audience finds it attractive and reads the article.

Step 2: Research about your topic- After deciding on the topic, thorough research should be conducted on the same.

Step 3: Writing the article- Once done with both the above steps, it is time to turn the thoughts into words. One must write the article down, by following the format of the article writing.

Purdue Online Writing Lab College of Liberal Arts

types of article writing with examples

How to Write a Lead

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Welcome to the Purdue OWL

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Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

These resources provide an overview of journalistic writing with explanations of the most important and most often used elements of journalism and the Associated Press style. This resource, revised according to The Associated Press Stylebook 2012 , offers examples for the general format of AP style. For more information, please consult The Associated Press Stylebook 2012 , 47 th edition.

Introduction

The lead, or opening paragraph, is the most important part of a news story. With so many sources of information – newspapers, magazines, TV, radio and the internet – audiences simply are not willing to read beyond the first paragraph (and even sentence) of a story unless it grabs their interest. A good lead does just that. It gives readers the most important information in a clear, concise and interesting manner. It also establishes the voice and direction of an article.

Tips for Writing a Lead

What to Avoid

Types of Leads

Summary lead: This is perhaps the most traditional lead in news writing. It is often used for breaking news. A story about a city council vote might use this “just the facts” approach. Straight news leads tend to provide answers to the most important three or four of the Five W’s and H. Historically this type of lead has been used to convey who, what, when and where. But in today’s fast-paced media atmosphere, a straightforward recitation of who, what, when and where can sound stale by the time a newspaper hits the stands. Some newspapers are adjusting to this reality by posting breaking news online as it happens and filling the print edition with more evaluative and analytical stories focused on why and how. Leads should reflect this.

Anecdotal lead: Sometimes, beginning a story with a quick anecdote can draw in readers. The anecdote must be interesting and must closely illustrate the article’s broader point. If you use this approach, specificity and concrete detail are essential and the broader significance of the anecdote should be explained within the first few sentences following the lead.

Other types of leads: A large number of other approaches exist, and writers should not feel boxed in by formulas. That said, beginning writers can abuse certain kinds of leads. These include leads that begin with a question or direct quotation and those that make a direct appeal using the word you. While such leads might be appropriate in some circumstances, use them sparsely and cautiously.

Summary lead:

County administrator faces ouster

By Tony Cook for The Cincinnati Post, Jan. 14, 2005

Commentary: This lead addresses the traditional who, what and when. If this information had been reported on TV or radio the day before, this lead might not be a good one for the print edition of the newspaper; however, if the reporter had an exclusive or posted this information online as soon as it became available, then this lead would make sense. Note that it is brief (15 words) and uses an active sentence construction.

Lobbyists flout disclosure rules in talks with commissioners

By Tony Cook and Michael Mishak for the Las Vegas Sun, July 13, 2008

Commentary: This lead is more representative of the less timely, more analytical approach that some newspapers are taking in their print editions. It covers who, what and when, but also why it matters to readers. Again, it uses active verbs, it is specific (170 occasions) and it is brief (35 words).

Anecdotal lead:

Tri-staters tell stories of the devastating tsunami

By Tony Cook for The Cincinnati Post, Jan. 8, 2005

Commentary: This article is a local angle on the devastating tsunami that struck Southeast Asia in 2005. As a result of the massive death toll and worldwide impact, most readers would have been inundated with basic information about the tsunami. Given that context, this lead uses an unexpected image to capture the reader’s attention and prepare them for a new take on the tsunami. Again, it is brief (23 words).

Question lead:

Same lobbyist for courts, shorter term, more money

By Tony Cook for the Las Vegas Sun, June 29, 2008

Commentary: Question leads can be useful in grabbing attention, but they are rarely as effective as other types of leads in terms of clearly and concisely providing the main point of a story. In this case, the second paragraph must carry a lot of the weight that would normally be handled in the lead.

4 Types of Articles in English Grammar (Definition & Examples)

Are you an ESL student looking to improve your writing skills? In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of articles and give examples. We will also provide tips on how to write each type of article. Read on to learn more!

Why Articles are Important in English?

As an ESL student, it is important to understand the different types of articles. This will help you improve your writing skills in English. Articles are generally used to describe or give information about things. These can be people, places, or things. Whenever you are reading an article in English, recognize whether the author is using a specific type of article style. This will help you better understand what they are saying.

Now that you know why articles are important for ESL students, let’s go over the different types of articles!

Definition of  Articles

An article is a word that is used before nouns to indicate if the noun refers to a specific item or not. There are two types of articles; definite and indefinite.

In the first sentence, “ a ” is the determiner and it refers to all cats. In the second sentence, “ the ” is used because “ cat ” refers to one specific cat.

4 Types of Articles

types of articles

Definite Article

The word “ the ” is a definite article. The definite article goes before specific, known nouns. It answers what the specific thing or idea is. “ The ” is used with singular nouns, plural nouns that are considered a group, and plural nouns that have not been mentioned.

Here is another example:

As you can see in the example, the defining article ‘the’ tells us that we are specifically talking about the iPhone 7. The sentence is making it clear that the iPhone 7 will be released on September 16th, 2016. Therefore, this sentence is introducing the topic of the iPhone 7.

Indefinite Articles

Indefinite articles give more general information about something or several things without exactly specifying which one they are. This type of article can be used to introduce a new topic or give background information.

Here is an example:

In this sentence, the indefinite articles ‘a’ and ‘an tell us that iPhones are generally popular. The author does not specify which iPhones they are talking about. The author could be talking about the new iPhone 7, some older models of the iPhone, or even all models of iPhones.

Introducing Articles

Introducing articles give very specific information about a particular thing or things. This type of article precedes nouns and names to make it clear which one something is.

The introducing article ‘the’ before ‘Apple Store’ tells us which store this person is referring to. It could be any store, but the author specifies that it’s the Apple Store. Additionally, the introducing article ‘the’ tells us that this person is talking about their co-workers specifically.

Non-defining Articles

Non-defining articles give more general information without exactly specifying which one something is. This type of article can be used to introduce a new topic or provide background information for the reader.

In this sentence, the non-defining articles ‘a’ and ‘the’ tell us that iPhones are generally popular without specifying which iPhones they are talking about. The author does not specify which colors the iPhone comes in. This type of article can also be used to give background information on a topic without specifying which one it is.

When should we not use articles?

When we write essays, letters, or other papers in English, we do not use articles. Remember that articles are most important when speaking and listening to another person. You can leave out articles in most papers or texts unless you want to sound more formal or specific by using them.

Although there are several different types of articles with examples, this list contains the main types of articles. Now that you know about them, make sure to practice using each type in your writing and speaking!

Are articles part of grammar?

Yes, articles are part of grammar. Articles are words used before nouns or noun phrases to make them specific. There are several different types of articles with examples including the, a, an, and more. When writing papers in English, you do not need to use articles most of the time unless you want to sound more formal or specific.

20 Examples of Articles (The, A, An) in Sentences

1) They were going to the park.

2) Would you like a juice box?

3) Do we have an extra pencil?

4) An orange is a delicious fruit.

5) I bought a watermelon yesterday!

6) A banana would be great for breakfast.

7) The apple was too sour and made me pucker.

8) The new iPhone is sleek and expensive.

9) An ipad costs $500! I don’t think we can afford it.

10) Have you ever had a dog?

11) A dog is a loyal companion for many people.

12) The cat slept all day on the windowsill.

13) Have you seen an ant?

14) A cat is like a tiny tiger!

15) I saw an elephant at the zoo yesterday.

16) Please give me that ant farm; I want to see the ants up close.

17) How much does this apple cost?

18) The price for this orange is $1.50!

19) A jellyfish is a beautiful ocean creature.

20) My phone doesn’t have a camera so I’ll take a picture with my iPad.

Are articles important in English?

Yes, articles are important when speaking and writing the English language. Articles tell us if something is specific or not which helps us to understand what type of information is being shared. There are several different types of articles with examples including the, a, an, and more.

Infographics (Types of Articles)

definite article

Articles (a, an, the) are part of English Grammar. Articles help to make English sentences more precise. There are several types of articles with examples including the, a, an, and more. Remember that in English papers or formal texts we do not need to use articles but if you want to sound more specific or formal by all means, go ahead! If you are having difficulty using them then getting some Practice is always the best way. Happy learning!

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11 Most Popular Types of Articles to Write for Magazines

Want to write for magazines? This list includes feature stories, roundups, profiles, research shorts, human interest, how-to articles and more. You’ll be surprised by how many types of online and print magazine articles you can write! Whether you’re an aspiring freelance writer or an established author you’ll find lots of ideas in this list.

Learning about the different types of magazine articles is one thing. More important is finding courage to write boldly and the strength to keep pitching ideas to editors! May you get published again and again. And, may you prepare yourself to do the work now — before the day ends and you lose your momentum.

The most important thing to remember when you’re looking for different types of magazine articles to write is your audience. Learn how to slant your writing to the target audience, publisher, and editor of the magazine or publication. Books like  Writer’s Market: The Most Trusted Guide to Getting Published – are essential to your success. They reveal details and information for freelance writers that you won’t find online.

“You can’t sit in a rocking chair with a lily in your hand and wait for the Mood,” writes author Faith Baldwin in The Writer’s Handbook . “You have to work. You have to work hard and unremittingly, and sacrifice a great deal; and when you fall at, or fail to clear, an obstacle (usually an editor), you have to pick yourself up and go on.”

A crucial part of earning money as a freelance writer is knowing what to work hard on. Learning about the different types of magazine articles is an excellent way to start a freelance writing career, or even boost a faltering author’s yearly income. If you’re serious about selling your writing and making money writing, you need to be constantly learning about writing, getting published, and working with editors.

“Two types of articles continue to dominate the changing field of magazine publishing,” writes Nancy Hamilton in Magazine Writing: A Step-by-Step Guide to Success . “The personality profile and the how-to story with its self-help variant. Together, they account for an estimated 72% of magazine feature material.”

11 Different Types of Magazine Articles

I’ve been published in several different magazines (such as  Reader’s Digest, Chatelaine, Women’s Health  and More ) and have written each one of these different types of magazine articles…except for the exposé. My favorite is writing research shorts for magazines – but they are just that ( short ) and thus don’t pay much.

As you read through the following types of articles, think about which one you most like to read. This will help you decide what type of article to research and write. The best writing comes from writers who are enjoying their work and passionate about their topic, so don’t hesitate to choose the project that lights your fire.

1. “How To” Articles

“Easily the most popular and the shortest and easiest to write, the how-to article with its self-help variant gives instructions for how to do or be something or how to do it better,” writes Hamilton in Magazine Writing .

“How to” articles:

Examples of “how to” articles are: “How to Write Magazine Articles That Editors Love to Publish” or “How Freelance Writers Earn a $100,000 Every Year” or How to Think Like a Magazine Editor – 8 Tips for Writers . “How to” articles are my favorite type of feature articles; they simply tell readers how to do something.

Tip for freelance writers: Some magazine or newspaper editors require writers to submit their own photos for how-to articles. Before you accept an assignment from an editor, ask what their photo policy is.

2. Profile and Interview Articles

This popular type of article describes a contemporary or historical person – but a profile doesn’t have to be about a human being! Animals, communities, nations, states, provinces, companies, associations, churches can all be profiled (but not necessarily interviewed).

Personality profiles and interview articles:

Examples of profiles or interview articles are: “The Real Natalie Goldberg and Her Real Writing Career” or “Anne Lamott Shares Her Secrets for Writing Different Types of Magazine Articles.” Profiles and interview are two different types of magazine articles to write.

About this type of magazine article Hamilton says, “The most successful personality profile allows the reader to experience the story directly without having to filter that experience through the ‘I’ of an unknown writer. Despite this common-sense perspective, many magazines today prefer the ‘I’ approach for personality profiles.” Why? Because most editors want to encourage a personal relationship between the magazine and the reader by addressing them personally.

Most Popular Types of Articles to Write for Magazines

3. Informative or Service Articles

Informative articles are also know as “survey articles.” They often offer information about a specific field, such as sports medicine, health writing, ocean currents, politics, etc. Service articles are similar, but often used as shorter fillers. Service articles offer a few pieces of good advice or tips, but aren’t usually long or involved.

Informative or service articles:

Examples of this type of magazine article include: “How to Write Query Letters for Magazines” or “ 10 Magazine Writing Tips From a Reader’s Digest Editor ” or “11 Types of Magazine Articles to Write for Magazines.”

The informative or service article is similar to the how-to type of magazine article. I’d love to write a service article for the SPCA, but I’m too busy with my blogs to pitch article ideas to editors.

4. The Alarmer-Exposé

“A Reader’s Digest staple, the alarmer-exposé is designed to alert and move the reader to action,” writes Hamilton in Magazine Writing . “Well-researched and heavy with documentation, this type of magazine article takes a stance and adopts a particular point of view on a timely and often controversial issue. Its purpose is to expose what’s wrong here.”

“This article is best written by an established writer who is skilled in reporting an issue and building a case without flagrant – and apparent – bias,” says Hamilton.

Examples of an exposé magazine article are: “Stephen King’s Ghostwriter Reveals Secret Writing Career” or “95% of Natalie Goldberg’s Writing is From a Ghostwriter!” Those aren’t actual feature articles that were written by freelance writers – they’re just examples of the different types of magazine articles.

5. Human Interest Magazine Articles:

Examples of human interest magazine articles are: “Anne Lamott Shares Her Secrets to Success as a Single Mother and Bestselling Author” or “Mark Twain’s Great-Granddaughter Discovers a Brand New Type of Magazine Article.” This type of feature article interests the majority of readers of a specific, niched magazine.

People  is currently one of the most popular magazines on the market, and it specializes in this type of article. If you find someone who has done or experienced something extraordinary – and if your writing skills are pretty good – you might consider sending a query letter to the editors at People .

6. Essay, Narrative, or Opinion Articles

This is my least favorite type of magazine article or blog post to write! I’m not a big writer of personal stories (nor do I like to read autobiographies, biographies, or personal blogs). I’d much rather encourage readers by sharing information – such as these 11 different types of articles to write magazines 🙂

Essay, narrative, or opinion articles:

Here’s some great writing advice from Hamilton: “The narrative uses fiction technique to recreate the tension, the setting, the emotion – the drama – of something that actually happened. The article must have implications and ramifications that are meaningful to a reader. It must be relevant to what’s going on today – one event that relates to the larger whole.”

Examples of this type of magazine article are: “What I Think of Natalie Goldberg’s Decision to Retire From Her Writing Career” or “Anne Lamott’s Most Famous Writing Mistakes.”

If you feel overwhelmed with all these types of magazine articles, read How to Write When You Have No Ideas .

7. Humor or Satire Articles

Humor or satire articles are really hard to write. I just read today – in the University of Alberta’s Trail  magazine – that it takes the Simpsons’ writers and staff SIX MONTHS to write and produce a single episode! That’s because humor writing seems easy and fast, but it’s actually the hardest type of writing to learn…not to mention master.

Humor or satire articles:

Examples of humor or satire articles might include:  “Ode to Stephen King’s Typewriter” or “What Margaret Laurence Ate the Day She Started Writing Articles for Magazines.”

8. Historical Articles

What can I say? A historical article describes a moment in time. Or an epoch. Or an era. Or an eon.

Historical articles:

Examples of this type of magazine article include: “The Typewriter Mark Twain First Used” or “How Freelance Writers Submitted Articles Before Typewriters Were Invented” or “How the Use of the Word ‘Tweet’ Evolved From 2005 to Now.”

9. Inspirational Magazine Articles

Examples of different types of inspirational articles for magazines are: “How You Can Change the World With Your Writing Career” or “13 Tips to Improve Your Writing Confidence.”

This is probably my second most favorite type of feature article to write. It’s definitely the post I write most often on my Blossom blogs!

10. Round-Up Magazine Articles

The Round-Up was one of my favorite types of magazine articles to write when I was freelancing. Examples of round up articles are: “ 12 Fiction Writing Tips From Authors and Editors ” or “1,001 Types of Articles to Write for Magazines.” I enjoy writing round-ups because I can squeeze in lots of information in 1,000 words.

11. Research Shorts

Research Shorts for the “Front of the Book” are those little blurbs of scientific research you see at the beginning of many magazines.   Examples of these types of articles for magazines include: “How Alliteration Affects Your Memory” or “What Anne Lamott’s Writing Does to Your Brain Waves.”

Shorts aren’t really a type of magazine article, but they’re a great way to get your foot in the door and learn what articles editors will pay to publish .

Types of Magazine Articles You Can Write

In 11 Most Popular Articles to Write for Magazines | Tips for Freelance Writers I share different types of articles to write, to help you get published in the right magazine.

My list includes feature length stories, roundups, personality profiles, research shorts, human interest pieces, and “how to” articles. I also included examples of magazines that publish each type of article. Whether you’re an aspiring freelance writer or an established author you’ll find lots of ideas in this list.

Here’s a tip from bestselling author Natalie Goldberg about being a successful writer: “I hear people say they’re going to write. I ask, when? They give me vague statements,” she writes in  Thunder and Lightning: Cracking Open the Writer’s Craft . “Indefinite plans get dubious results.”

What are your writing goals, and how will you achieve them? Have you made a specific plan? After you read through these different types of articles to write for magazines, create goals for yourself.

Writer’s Digest Magazine

Writer’s Digest Magazine  is my favorite periodical about writing; a subscription is both motivating and informative. The more you learn about freelance writing – including the business of writing – the easier it’ll be to remember the different types of magazine articles you can write for magazines.

If you want to be a freelance writer, you have to do more than just learn about the different types of magazine articles to write for magazines. You need to research professional writing organizations, learn how to write query letters for editors, and where to pitch your ideas.

If you have any thoughts or questions about writing these types of feature articles for magazines and other publications, feel free to share below.

Uprooted She Blossoms Laurie Pawlik Kienlen

Need encouragement? Stay in touch! Get my free weekly email

31 thoughts on “11 most popular types of articles to write for magazines”.

What if you wrote a catchier title? I don’t want to tell you how to run your Successful Writers blog, but suppose you added something to possibly grab folk’s attention? I mean 11 Popular Magazine Articles That Editors Love to Publish is a little vanilla. You ought to peek at Yahoo’s home page and see how they create post titles to get viewers to click. You might try adding a video or a related pic or two to get readers interested about everything’ve got to say. Just my opinion, it could make your Successful Writers blog a little livelier.

Thank you , Laurie! I am just starting my online magazine UpMixed in a month so these tips are going to help me.

“By the time I was fourteen the nail in my wall would no longer support the weight of the rejection slips impaled upon it. I replaced the nail with a spike and went on writing.” ~ Stephen King

Most writers starts their publishing journey the wrong way. They want to start big. They want a book contract, a speaking tour, and all-around international fame and notoriety. But that’s not how this thing works. we need to start small. This is a blessing in disguise, actually, as you are probably not that good when you are just beginning. You need time to practice writing articles for magazines that are of publishable quality.

Dear Newbie Magazine Writer,

Here’s an article that will give you a few pointers:

How to Write a Query Letter and Get Your Article Published https://www.theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting/how-to-write-query-letters-for-magazine-articles/

Let me know what happens after you pitch your query to the magazine editor! It sounds like a winner 🙂

I have a brilliant idea for an article, and I believe it’s perfect for the publication I have in mind. I just don’t know how to write a query letter to a magazine. Can you help me by giving me a formula or structure on how to pitch my idea to the editor? I haven’t done much research or reading, but I found this article on the different types of magazine articles helpful. Thank you for any direction you can offer!

Nice ☺☺☺ would give some topics of Articles. ..?

I also need some topics

Dear Lokesh,

Your first step is to learn how to write English really, really well. Take ESL courses, read books, practice writing, do whatever it takes to learn how to write English.

At the same time, you need to learn the business of freelance writing. It’s a career, not a hobby. It takes time, dedication, and energy.

Here’s one place to start:

How to Become a Freelance Writer https://www.theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting/how-to-be-a-freelance-writer/

Read books about freelance writing, pitching articles to editors, and becoming a journalist. Rolling Stone is an amazing magazine and it’s difficult to get published in it — but you CAN do it!

Take it one step at a time. Keep learning English – you’re doing great so far – and keep reading articles, blogs, and books about becoming a freelance writer for magazines.

You can do it! Remember that nothing worth having is easy. Everything good in life takes hard work. If it was easy, everyone would do it.

Blessings, Laurie

Thanks for the help Ressa, I am just a student and I confuse for my future because every time I thinking a new Idea like what I want or which field is good for me and finnaly I diciede what I want….!! Article writer and for me I think it’s a very good choice but still I little confused that how I write my first artical, actually the problem is that my mind is confuse that what is a good topic for me…. cause I need a very new or u can say a “fresh” topic which is never be write buy anyone And unlucky my first problem is that I am not good in English as well as in grammar so, If u don’t mind any u tell me any idea how to start my dream work ???? And Yaa one more thing I want to tell my dream company also which I want to work with and the name is (rolling stone) so u think in future there is any chance to get or touch my dream???

Thanks Ressa, I appreciate your thoughts! A profile is one type of feature article, so I meant what I originally wrote 🙂

There sure are a lot of choices for magazine articles…but my favorite is still blogging. I love the freedom and immediacy of writing blog posts, without having to worry about pitching article ideas to editors. But, blogging doesn’t offer as much exposure as writing for magazines does. Unless of course you write for the HuffPost!

Your writing is very easy to read! Before I knew it, I’d read several of your posts (although I’m supposed to be writing instead).

Thank you for this spectacular blog. These tips and ideas are really helping a lot! As a newbie in the freelance writing field, I’m feeling a little lost, but now I think my feet are finally touching firm ground. I’m going to start looking around for writing jobs in more places than just Upwork and Freelancer.

Thank you very much! You deserve two cookies. 🙂

PS In the first point under the heading “Profile and Interview Articles”, did you mean “interview” when “you interview the source him or himself”?

>>In a profile, you use additional sources, such as friends, family, kids, neighbors, colleagues. In a profile {interview}, you interview the source him or herself.<<

it is very helpful to know different types of articles I can write for magazines, thank you.

am a young writer.. am quite confused about what to write and how to start…… I find your post very helpful

I stumbled across your site when searching for affiliate marketing tips and have just spent the last 30 minutes reading through a plethora of your articles! I am very particular with you a bookmark, but your content is amazing! As a business enthusiast turned content marketer/blogger, I am seeking out tips to develop phenomenal content – and your site is probably my favorite to date! Thank you for your tremendous value and I thoroughly enjoy your writing style. I hope I can emulate your writing to keep my writing engaging and unpromotional sounding. You guide the reader to your conclusions openly, and I really enjoy that. Anyway, thanks again and I will inevitable be back – so keep writing!

Thank you for your comments! I hope this list of the different types of articles to write for magazines was helpful. I always tend to write feature articles, and forget about the value of shorts and other types of articles.

I finally found inspiration, thanks to your invaluable work. I must admit i was stuck in my second assignment of my creative writing distance learning course from Writers bureau UK. I reside in Nairobi, Kenya

Thank for you for this extensive list. I have a couple of magazines that I’d like to pitch. These will come in handy.

Thanks for your good work.I have really benefited in my research.Iam an up-coming journalist student at Mt Kenya university in Thika.Keep it up!

Thanks for your comments, Phoebe! I’ve been to Thika, in Kenya 🙂 I lived in Nairobi for three years, teaching at Rosslyn Academy. My close friend went to church in Thika, and I went with her a couple times. Thika sorta scared me a little, but my friend was totally at home there.

Good like with your writing and journalism career!

Writing feature articles is one of my favourite unit so far in journalism and mass media.Reading your work has helped me move a step ahead

its great work that you are doing.I have learnt alot from you

Thanks for your comment; I appreciate it! I taught feature and magazine writing to high school students, and wish I had this information back then. 🙂

I’v bn teaching feature & magazine article writing for some time now, but I find your post quite insightful. Kudos.

Chicago Blogger, I’m glad this article is helpful, and appreciate your feedback! 🙂 .-= Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen´s last blog post ..Starting a Magazine Writing Career – How to Make Money as a Freelancer =-.

This post is a good resource for brainstorming ideas for new articles… quite helpful. thanks! .-= Chicago Blogger´s last blog post ..Training for Feature Writing =-.

My dream is to write a feature magazine article that is on the front cover of Oprah Magazine. Thanks for this writing information, because it helped me figure out what type of article to write!

Thanks for taking the time to comment, Sarah — and I love the title of your last blog post. .-= Laurie PK´s last blog post ..Quips and Tips From J.K. Rowling =-.

Thanks for the great article! It’s sooo helpful and informative. .-= Sarah´s last blog post ..Write Often = Write Well =-.

Thanks for your comment, Lisa — I appreciate the specific, positive feedback! .-= Laurie PK´s last blog post ..8 Different Tips for Promoting Your Blog =-.

Great post! Thanks for the information, very helpful. Btw, I discovered your site and blog last week and I’m quite impressed. Love the clarity and forthrightness in everything you write. It is appreciated! .-= Lisa (lablady)´s last blog post ..The Importance Of Laughter =-.

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The 9 Types of Diction in Writing, With Examples

Matt Ellis

In writing , diction is the strategic choice of words based on the audience, context, or situation. It can also express additional meanings or particular styles. The words you’d choose in an email to your teacher or work colleague are different from the words you’d choose when speaking to a close friend—that’s diction. 

Of course, in practice diction is a little more complicated, so here we discuss everything you need to know about diction. We’ll start with a more precise definition of diction and then continue with the different types of diction, including diction examples.  Give your writing extra polish Grammarly helps you communicate confidently Write with Grammarly

What is diction in writing? 

The short answer is that diction is word choice . Different situations and audiences call for different styles. For example, work and school matters require formal language, while conversations with friends use informal language. It goes even deeper than that—consider the language you use when you’re speaking to a child or trying to describe a feeling you can’t quite explain. 

So what is diction in writing ? Diction determines the words you use, which consequently determines the writing style and type of tone you use. Through diction, a writer can sound friendly or serious, knowledgeable or clueless, poetic or dry. 

Good writers use diction to also communicate subtext and layered meanings beyond words’ literal definitions. For example, if a character speaks with large academic words, the reader can assume that they want other characters to think they’re smart. Showing character detail through indirect characterization like this has more impact than expressing it literally through words alone, as with direct characterization . 

Diction also affects sentence structure . For example, you might use shorter sentences when speaking to people with short attention spans and use longer, complex sentences around a more patient audience. 

Sentence structure in turn affects paragraph structure , so it’s best to also put some thought into diction before your writing goes in a direction you didn’t intend. This makes diction a crucial part of all writing careers . 

What is diction in speech?

Diction is a confusing subject because the word actually has two meanings. We explained the first meaning, diction in writing, above. The second meaning, diction in speech, is completely different. 

Diction in speech refers to enunciation , or how well a speaker pronounces their words. A person who speaks clearly has good diction, while a person who mumbles or mispronounces their words has poor diction. Speech diction is an important skill for public speakers , actors, singers, and those in careers with an emphasis on speaking clearly. 

In this article, however, we focus solely on diction for writing, the choice of words. 

Diction vs. syntax

Diction is often confused with another language concept, syntax . While diction deals with the choice of words, syntax deals with the arrangement and organization of words. 

Although the two are related and affect one another, they represent different ideas. Diction involves choice and flexibility—different writers can use different words to sound unique, even when they are describing the same thing. Syntax, on the other hand, is more tied to grammar rules , so there’s less flexibility involved. Certain words must go in certain orders to be grammatically correct. 

9 types of diction in writing

There are different types of diction, each with its own specific style that works best in particular scenarios. Below, we outline the nine most common and useful types of diction; understanding these will increase the quality of your writing in a variety of situations. 

For these examples , we illustrate the different types of diction by demonstrating what a speaker or writer would say using that style. To best show the differences in each of the diction types, we use the same example: the speaker disagreeing with what was just said. 

1 Formal diction

Formal diction uses the proper definitions of words in a mostly serious tone. This is the style of workplaces, schools, and other formal environments. Formal language doesn’t take any risks and can come across as bland or boring, but for the sake of clarity, it’s the best choice when speaking to strangers or authority figures. 

Example of formal diction: 

Respectfully, I must disagree. 

2 Informal diction

Informal diction is the opposite of formal diction; it involves the playful use of words, including jokes and wordplay. Informal diction is the way you talk to the people closest to you, as opposed to strangers or work colleagues. It’s best in casual situations, but it can sound out of place in serious situations. 

Example of informal diction: 

No way, that’s not true at all. 

3 Pedantic diction

Pedantic diction uses an excessive amount of academic or “big” words, as if the speaker is trying to prove how smart they are. Pedantic diction comes across as arrogant in real life, but it’s nonetheless useful as a writing tool. In fictional dialogue, it can show that a character is overly concerned with appearing intelligent or sophisticated, as with Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby .  

Example of pedantic diction: 

In examination of your stance, I have identified some critical errors that I will now expound on. 

4 Pedestrian diction

Pedestrian diction is considered the opposite of pedantic; instead of trying to sound smart, it’s trying to sound normal or common. Pedestrian diction, which doesn’t use fancy words or slang, is thought to be how regular people talk. It’s the type of diction used by politicians when speaking to diverse crowds or by people with technical knowledge when explaining something to people without that knowledge. 

Example of pedestrian diction: 

I understand what you’re saying, but there’s something very important that you’re missing. 

Diction with slang, an extension of informal diction, encompasses words and phrases that only a particular type of person understands. Slang is often divided by generation, such as “sussy,” used by Gen Z, and “nifty,” used by baby boomers. Slang can also encompass business jargon , which is slang that’s understood only by people in a certain profession or trade. 

Example of slang diction: 

You’re full of it! 

6 Colloquial diction

Similar to slang, colloquial diction refers to specific words or phrases used in particular geographical locations. For example, people in the Northeast and on the West Coast of the US use the word “soda,” those in the Northwest and Midwest say “pop,” and those in the Deep South use “coke” as a generic term. All three words mean the same thing but reflect the language of a specific region. Colloquial diction also includes special expressions that are popular only in certain areas. 

Colloquial diction can also represent dialects of a language, such as the Argentine dialect Rioplatense Spanish , whose grammar rules and pronunciation differ from those of proper Spanish. 

Example of colloquial diction: 

Sounds like you’ve loaded the wrong wagon. 

7 Abstract diction

Abstract diction refers to discussing something intangible, like an idea or emotion. It’s hard to put abstract thoughts into words, so abstract diction often comes across as vague or ambiguous. 

Example of abstract diction: 

What you said doesn’t feel right. 

8 Concrete diction

The opposite of abstract diction is concrete diction, which uses specific and direct language with minimal ambiguity. Concrete diction describes things as they are, adhering to the proper definitions of words and citing only the facts. 

Example of concrete diction: 

I understand that you believe you are correct, but you are missing a necessary piece of information. 

9 Poetic diction

Poetic diction makes use of rhymes, rhythm, and phonetics to make words sound pleasing together. While it’s out of place in everyday speech and writing, it’s a necessary element of many creative outlets such as poetry, song lyrics, rap, and to some extent speechwriting. 

Example of poetic diction: 

What a foolish and ignorant thing you just said

Hear my rebuttal and your cheeks will burn red

Diction FAQs 

What is diction.

In writing, diction refers to the words the writer chooses to use. The decision to use one word instead of another, even when they have similar meanings, changes the reader’s interpretation. 

What is the purpose of diction?

Diction allows the writer to communicate tone with subtlety and nuance. For example, formal diction comes across as more serious and professional, while informal diction comes across as more playful and friendlier. 

What are the different types of diction?

There are a few different diction types, but the common ones include formal, informal, pedantic, pedestrian, slang, colloquial, abstract, concrete, and poetic. 

How is diction used in writing?

Through word choice, diction effectively determines the style and tone of a piece of writing, making diction an important tool. It can also aid indirect characterization when applied to a character’s dialogue. 

types of article writing with examples

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The Four Main Types of Essay | Quick Guide with Examples

Published on September 4, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on December 6, 2021.

An essay is a focused piece of writing designed to inform or persuade. There are many different types of essay, but they are often defined in four categories: argumentative, expository, narrative, and descriptive essays.

Argumentative and expository essays are focused on conveying information and making clear points, while narrative and descriptive essays are about exercising creativity and writing in an interesting way. At university level, argumentative essays are the most common type. 

In high school and college, you will also often have to write textual analysis essays, which test your skills in close reading and interpretation.

Table of contents

Argumentative essays, expository essays, narrative essays, descriptive essays, textual analysis essays, frequently asked questions about types of essays.

An argumentative essay presents an extended, evidence-based argument. It requires a strong thesis statement —a clearly defined stance on your topic. Your aim is to convince the reader of your thesis using evidence (such as quotations ) and analysis.

Argumentative essays test your ability to research and present your own position on a topic. This is the most common type of essay at college level—most papers you write will involve some kind of argumentation.

The essay is divided into an introduction, body, and conclusion:

The example below is a paragraph from the body of an argumentative essay about the effects of the internet on education. Mouse over it to learn more.

A common frustration for teachers is students’ use of Wikipedia as a source in their writing. Its prevalence among students is not exaggerated; a survey found that the vast majority of the students surveyed used Wikipedia (Head & Eisenberg, 2010). An article in The Guardian stresses a common objection to its use: “a reliance on Wikipedia can discourage students from engaging with genuine academic writing” (Coomer, 2013). Teachers are clearly not mistaken in viewing Wikipedia usage as ubiquitous among their students; but the claim that it discourages engagement with academic sources requires further investigation. This point is treated as self-evident by many teachers, but Wikipedia itself explicitly encourages students to look into other sources. Its articles often provide references to academic publications and include warning notes where citations are missing; the site’s own guidelines for research make clear that it should be used as a starting point, emphasizing that users should always “read the references and check whether they really do support what the article says” (“Wikipedia:Researching with Wikipedia,” 2020). Indeed, for many students, Wikipedia is their first encounter with the concepts of citation and referencing. The use of Wikipedia therefore has a positive side that merits deeper consideration than it often receives.

An expository essay provides a clear, focused explanation of a topic. It doesn’t require an original argument, just a balanced and well-organized view of the topic.

Expository essays test your familiarity with a topic and your ability to organize and convey information. They are commonly assigned at high school or in exam questions at college level.

The introduction of an expository essay states your topic and provides some general background, the body presents the details, and the conclusion summarizes the information presented.

A typical body paragraph from an expository essay about the invention of the printing press is shown below. Mouse over it to learn more.

The invention of the printing press in 1440 changed this situation dramatically. Johannes Gutenberg, who had worked as a goldsmith, used his knowledge of metals in the design of the press. He made his type from an alloy of lead, tin, and antimony, whose durability allowed for the reliable production of high-quality books. This new technology allowed texts to be reproduced and disseminated on a much larger scale than was previously possible. The Gutenberg Bible appeared in the 1450s, and a large number of printing presses sprang up across the continent in the following decades. Gutenberg’s invention rapidly transformed cultural production in Europe; among other things, it would lead to the Protestant Reformation.

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A narrative essay is one that tells a story. This is usually a story about a personal experience you had, but it may also be an imaginative exploration of something you have not experienced.

Narrative essays test your ability to build up a narrative in an engaging, well-structured way. They are much more personal and creative than other kinds of academic writing . Writing a personal statement for an application requires the same skills as a narrative essay.

A narrative essay isn’t strictly divided into introduction, body, and conclusion, but it should still begin by setting up the narrative and finish by expressing the point of the story—what you learned from your experience, or why it made an impression on you.

Mouse over the example below, a short narrative essay responding to the prompt “Write about an experience where you learned something about yourself,” to explore its structure.

Since elementary school, I have always favored subjects like science and math over the humanities. My instinct was always to think of these subjects as more solid and serious than classes like English. If there was no right answer, I thought, why bother? But recently I had an experience that taught me my academic interests are more flexible than I had thought: I took my first philosophy class.

Before I entered the classroom, I was skeptical. I waited outside with the other students and wondered what exactly philosophy would involve—I really had no idea. I imagined something pretty abstract: long, stilted conversations pondering the meaning of life. But what I got was something quite different.

A young man in jeans, Mr. Jones—“but you can call me Rob”—was far from the white-haired, buttoned-up old man I had half-expected. And rather than pulling us into pedantic arguments about obscure philosophical points, Rob engaged us on our level. To talk free will, we looked at our own choices. To talk ethics, we looked at dilemmas we had faced ourselves. By the end of class, I’d discovered that questions with no right answer can turn out to be the most interesting ones.

The experience has taught me to look at things a little more “philosophically”—and not just because it was a philosophy class! I learned that if I let go of my preconceptions, I can actually get a lot out of subjects I was previously dismissive of. The class taught me—in more ways than one—to look at things with an open mind.

A descriptive essay provides a detailed sensory description of something. Like narrative essays, they allow you to be more creative than most academic writing, but they are more tightly focused than narrative essays. You might describe a specific place or object, rather than telling a whole story.

Descriptive essays test your ability to use language creatively, making striking word choices to convey a memorable picture of what you’re describing.

A descriptive essay can be quite loosely structured, though it should usually begin by introducing the object of your description and end by drawing an overall picture of it. The important thing is to use careful word choices and figurative language to create an original description of your object.

Mouse over the example below, a response to the prompt “Describe a place you love to spend time in,” to learn more about descriptive essays.

On Sunday afternoons I like to spend my time in the garden behind my house. The garden is narrow but long, a corridor of green extending from the back of the house, and I sit on a lawn chair at the far end to read and relax. I am in my small peaceful paradise: the shade of the tree, the feel of the grass on my feet, the gentle activity of the fish in the pond beside me.

My cat crosses the garden nimbly and leaps onto the fence to survey it from above. From his perch he can watch over his little kingdom and keep an eye on the neighbours. He does this until the barking of next door’s dog scares him from his post and he bolts for the cat flap to govern from the safety of the kitchen.

With that, I am left alone with the fish, whose whole world is the pond by my feet. The fish explore the pond every day as if for the first time, prodding and inspecting every stone. I sometimes feel the same about sitting here in the garden; I know the place better than anyone, but whenever I return I still feel compelled to pay attention to all its details and novelties—a new bird perched in the tree, the growth of the grass, and the movement of the insects it shelters…

Sitting out in the garden, I feel serene. I feel at home. And yet I always feel there is more to discover. The bounds of my garden may be small, but there is a whole world contained within it, and it is one I will never get tired of inhabiting.

Though every essay type tests your writing skills, some essays also test your ability to read carefully and critically. In a textual analysis essay, you don’t just present information on a topic, but closely analyze a text to explain how it achieves certain effects.

Rhetorical analysis

A rhetorical analysis looks at a persuasive text (e.g. a speech, an essay, a political cartoon) in terms of the rhetorical devices it uses, and evaluates their effectiveness.

The goal is not to state whether you agree with the author’s argument but to look at how they have constructed it.

The introduction of a rhetorical analysis presents the text, some background information, and your thesis statement; the body comprises the analysis itself; and the conclusion wraps up your analysis of the text, emphasizing its relevance to broader concerns.

The example below is from a rhetorical analysis of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech . Mouse over it to learn more.

King’s speech is infused with prophetic language throughout. Even before the famous “dream” part of the speech, King’s language consistently strikes a prophetic tone. He refers to the Lincoln Memorial as a “hallowed spot” and speaks of rising “from the dark and desolate valley of segregation” to “make justice a reality for all of God’s children.” The assumption of this prophetic voice constitutes the text’s strongest ethical appeal; after linking himself with political figures like Lincoln and the Founding Fathers, King’s ethos adopts a distinctly religious tone, recalling Biblical prophets and preachers of change from across history. This adds significant force to his words; standing before an audience of hundreds of thousands, he states not just what the future should be, but what it will be: “The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.” This warning is almost apocalyptic in tone, though it concludes with the positive image of the “bright day of justice.” The power of King’s rhetoric thus stems not only from the pathos of his vision of a brighter future, but from the ethos of the prophetic voice he adopts in expressing this vision.

Literary analysis

A literary analysis essay presents a close reading of a work of literature—e.g. a poem or novel—to explore the choices made by the author and how they help to convey the text’s theme. It is not simply a book report or a review, but an in-depth interpretation of the text.

Literary analysis looks at things like setting, characters, themes, and figurative language. The goal is to closely analyze what the author conveys and how.

The introduction of a literary analysis essay presents the text and background, and provides your thesis statement; the body consists of close readings of the text with quotations and analysis in support of your argument; and the conclusion emphasizes what your approach tells us about the text.

Mouse over the example below, the introduction to a literary analysis essay on Frankenstein , to learn more.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific advancement unrestrained by ethical considerations. In this reading, protagonist Victor Frankenstein is a stable representation of the callous ambition of modern science throughout the novel. This essay, however, argues that far from providing a stable image of the character, Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to portray Frankenstein in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as. This essay begins by exploring the positive portrayal of Frankenstein in the first volume, then moves on to the creature’s perception of him, and finally discusses the third volume’s narrative shift toward viewing Frankenstein as the creature views him.

At high school and in composition classes at university, you’ll often be told to write a specific type of essay , but you might also just be given prompts.

Look for keywords in these prompts that suggest a certain approach: The word “explain” suggests you should write an expository essay , while the word “describe” implies a descriptive essay . An argumentative essay might be prompted with the word “assess” or “argue.”

The vast majority of essays written at university are some sort of argumentative essay . Almost all academic writing involves building up an argument, though other types of essay might be assigned in composition classes.

Essays can present arguments about all kinds of different topics. For example:

An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.

An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.

The key difference is that a narrative essay is designed to tell a complete story, while a descriptive essay is meant to convey an intense description of a particular place, object, or concept.

Narrative and descriptive essays both allow you to write more personally and creatively than other kinds of essays , and similar writing skills can apply to both.

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The 4 Main Types of Writing Styles and How to Use Them as a Writer

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Understanding the 4 main types of writing styles can help you grow as a writer and attract an audience for your written work. Here’s how to identify each style of writing and tips for using each of the 4 common writing styles to develop your written skills.

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One of the things that can help you grow as a writer is to learn the 4 main types of writing styles and use the characteristics of each to further develop your own personal voice as a writer.

types of article writing with examples

By learning how to use the different writing styles in your work, you will not only improve your skills as writer, but also learn ways to better connect with your audience of readers.

In this post we’ll cover the 4 main types of writing styles and how to use them as a writer to create compelling books, stories, essays, poetry, articles and more.

What are Writing Styles?

Writing styles are basically another way of saying the form or type of written work you are creating. Think of it as a classification for being able to identify what kind of writing you are creating.

For example, if you are writing a cookbook, that is a completely different style of writing than if you were writing a steamy romance novel!

Each writing style has a different purpose – and therefore, different characteristics are present when you are writing each type of different work.

Now that we understand what a writing style is – let’s talk about the 4 main writing styles which are commonly talked about amongst writers and literary educators.

The 4 Main Writing Styles & What They Mean

The four main writing styles which are commonly recognized are expository , descriptive , narrative , and persuasive .

Style #1: Expository

expository writing styles meaning

The definition of expository is this: “intended to explain or describe something.”

Most types of written work that fall into this category explain something in more detail, or provide insight and instruction in regards to a particular topic.

What types of writing fall into this category of expository writing style?

While there are many different types of written work which can be categorized as expository style of writing, you can often identify this type of writing by noticing the purpose of the work.

expository newspaper writing style

Here are some examples of the different types of writing pieces which can fall into the category of expository writing:

When you write expository style pieces, your main goal as a writer is to inform your readers with insight and facts that pertain to the subject of your piece.

For example, if you are writing about the history of ice cream, you would be including a lot of research and fun facts into your piece.

Note that this type of writing style is not intended to persuade or influence your audience. In writing your piece on the history of ice cream, you would NOT be trying to persuade your readers.

You would not want to say things like “Everybody should eat ice cream!” and “These 5 reasons will convince you forever to choose strawberry swirl flavored ice cream as your favorite flavor.”

Sometimes it can be confusing on whether an article is expository or persuasive. For example, an article called “The 5 Unexpected Health Benefits of Ice Cream” – would not fall into expository writing, even though it is providing information.

The word “benefits” has a positive connotation to the title. If you were to be writing an article on possible health benefits on ice cream, it would be very important that you as the writer keep your opinion separated from the facts and information if you plan for it to be an expository style piece. To be expository in nature, you would want to use a title such as “Scientists Research The Health Effects of Ice Cream.”

Books and articles that explain how to do something are also very popular examples of expository writing. Cookbooks are very popular, as they explain to others the tips, techniques, and recipes on how to cook something. How-to books for hobbies and crafts are also a good example of this type of writing.

Style #2: Descriptive Writing

descriptive writing styles

Descriptive writing goes deeper than expository writing. While expository writing might have some descriptive details and factual information, descriptive writing will make use of many writing elements and literary devices such as metaphors and similes.

The purpose and goal of descriptive writing is to bring your reader into the written work as if the reader were to be experiencing it first hand.

Most fictional pieces fall under the category of descriptive writing, and even some non-fiction pieces such as memoirs and creative non-fiction can fall under the category of a descriptive writing style.

If you are writing fiction, the more descriptive you can be with your words, the more relatable your story will be to the reader.

For example, we recommend that writers ask their characters questions as one way to really intimately understand the details about a character. Details about the setting, events, and people present in a story will help your readers be able to imagine and understand the piece.

This style also includes poetry. If you browse through some of our poetry writing prompts , you will see there is a lot of attention put on using details to create a scene or feeling in writing a poem!

Here are some examples of types of descriptive writing pieces:

Most pieces using only a descriptive writing style are not very long. It is uncommon for a fictional novel to be 100% fully descriptive without getting into our next writing style, which is narrative writing.

Style #3: Narrative Writing

types of article writing with examples

Narrative writing is far more complex that simple descriptive writing.

While a poem for example may describe a scene or even events or people – generally you do not get into the deep inner thoughts of the characters or even get a full story with a clear middle, beginning, and end complete with conflict and dialogue.

Nearly all fiction novels fall into the case of narrative writing, as well as longer epic poems and sagas.

In narrative writing, there is a story to be told – a clear plot complete with setting, characters, dialogue, conflict and resolution. A narrative piece often has a timeline or sequence of events which further build to the point of conflict and resolution.

Here are some examples of the works which would be considered to have a narrative writing style:

Narrative writing pieces are generally easy to identify, although sometimes it can be confused with descriptive writing styles. The key difference in determining which one a written work might be is whether or not there is a developed storyline or plot.

If there is a well developed plot and storyline, you are most likely reading narrative writing.

Style #4: Persuasive Writing

A speech to convince others to vote for you is an example of persuasive writing.

Persuasive writing is a type of writing style where the purpose is to influence someone into believing or doing something. As the word “persuasive” suggests – your goal is to persuade someone’s actions or thoughts to align with your own goals as the writer.

The persuasive writing essay is a popular homework assignment for many kids. For example, a student might be assigned to write an essay to convince their parents of something. “Why We Should Get a Pet Rabbit” and “5 Reasons You Should Not Make Me Clean My Room”.

Persuasive writing is intended to convince someone of something, and so it usually needs to have a good bit of research and logical analysis – but also should attempt to make an emotional connection to the desired audience as well.

A classic piece of writing which serves as an example of persuasive writing is Thomas Paine’s book Common Sense , which was written in the Colonial times of the American Revolutionary War, urging citizens that separating from England was of utmost importance.

Here are some examples of types of writing which are persuasive writing:

When the intention of the work is to convince the audience of something – this falls into persuasive writing.

How to Use the 4 Main Different Writing Styles as a Writer

Now that we know the different types of writing styles, you may be wondering how do you use each style?

writing styles usage examples

The first thing to do is think about what you are planning to write and what the intention is. What is your goal and what type of message are you trying to communicate to your readers?

Expository Style Writing:

In this type of writing your goal is to inform your readers about research or data.

When writing expository style pieces, follow these guidelines:

Descriptive Writing Style:

This type of writing has the goal to describe something and bring into your reader’s imaginations

Here are some tips for writing with descriptive writing styles:

Narrative Writing Style:

In narrative writing style, your goal is to convey a storyline to your readers.

Here is how to achieve this type of writing style:

Persuasive Writing Style:

When you are writing to persuade, your intention is to convince your readers to side with you. This can be as simple as convincing them to buy your latest new product, or even writing about important social and humanitarian issues.

Here are some tips for writing persuasively:

Understanding Writing Styles Can Help You Be a Better Writer

No matter what type of writing you enjoy creating – understanding the basic main 4 types of writing styles can help you become a better writer.

If you are writing a how-to article for example, you will be able to understand what types of elements to ensure your piece of work includes. If you’re writing a descriptive poem, knowing what type of language to use can help convey your message for abstract concepts.

Use these different writing styles as a fun writing exercise!

Even if you typically only write for one style, it can be a lot of fun to push yourself to try to write for the different types of styles. For example, try writing a persuasive essay, and then a descriptive essay on the same topic. It can also be fun to write a descriptive poem and then turn it into a narrative essay or short story.

Not sure what to write about using these different writing styles? We have TONS of ideas for you with many different writing prompts! Check out our list of 365 writing prompts ideas which are sure to inspire your creative muse!

Using prompts is a great way to help you start writing in different writing styles and push yourself to a new exciting challenge for your writing skills!

I hope this article about the different writing styles and how you can use them as a writer will be helpful for you in building and developing your written skillset.

What types of writing styles do you enjoy writing the most? Have any tips for writing in expository, descriptive, narrative or persuasive styles of writing? We’d love to hear your ideas and experiences in the comments section below!

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Chelle Stein wrote her first embarrassingly bad novel at the age of 14 and hasn't stopped writing since. As the founder of ThinkWritten, she enjoys encouraging writers and creatives of all types.

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15 comments.

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I am glad it is helpful for you Nazz!

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To which writing style would a conversational manner apply best?

A writing that talks about the cages people Live can be classified as what type?

Great work!

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An article one can easily connect with. It brings clarity and understanding to the different writing styles as discussed. Kudos.

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11+ Article Writing Examples for Students – PDF, DOC

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16 Writing Techniques to Make Your Articles Shine

types of article writing with examples

In this article

Are you struggling to bring your writing to life?

It can be frustrating when you can’t find the right words to express yourself. It all sounds great in your head until you try to put it on paper. But did you know you can learn how to write better if you use the right techniques?

The writers in our very own  content marketing agency  use it on a daily basis.

Here are some of the best writing techniques you can use when you feel stuck – and how to apply them.

But before we start, let’s dig into the topic a bit.

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What are Writing Techniques?

Writing techniques refer to different styles and literary devices a writer can use to communicate a message to the reader. Creative writing techniques are particularly important to follow if you plan on having anybody enjoy your writing.

In your career, you’ll need to write various types of writing meant for different target readers. Knowing how to apply the best writing techniques can help you adjust your style to the audience you’re writing for and reach your goal.

Most of these writing techniques are also covered in MasterClass where you can learn from famous writers such as Neil Gaiman to name a few.

#1: Use metaphors

A metaphor is a literary device where you refer to an object by describing something else similar (especially when readers are more familiar with that something else). Using metaphors isn’t desirable when you need to write directly, but there are topics that allow more creativity.

This technique can make your article more interesting and lively. Keep in mind that the metaphor is an effective literary device that can bring your creative writing to a whole new level.

Compared to a metaphor, a simile directly compares two things and can be used much more frequently, albeit often lacking the desired narrative effect that a good metaphor can bring to a story. Metaphors also shine in a poem or a memoir, where similes might fail in that regard for being too unimaginative.

#2: Storytelling

It’s one of the most popular writing techniques in marketing. Storytelling allows you to use narration, description, and create the whole event in the mind of your reader. It’s particularly useful in persuasive writing, like when you’re telling a client’s story to gain the trust of a prospective one.

A solid narrative writing technique is critical to master if you plan on telling a story that people will actually want to listen to. It might sound odd, but the fact is that this is even more important for writing something like a short story, when you want to convey a full story in just a few pages.

Fiction writers often have a much harder time with storytelling as it’s all made up out of thin air, and not based on real life. Having good grammar is crucial because you could be a great storyteller but your story would have less of an impact if the reader notices little errors every now and then.

#3: Use euphemisms

A milder expression used to avoid offending someone or sounding too negative is called a euphemism. If you think your article sounds too pessimistic, you can use euphemisms to make it sound more cheerful. For example, instead of saying that something is annoying, you can use “not very pleasant.”

Example screenshot of writing techniques (euphemisms).

( Image Source )

#4: Use empathy

Using emotive language and showing empathy for your readers means you describe their feelings and showing them you understand. This technique makes your writing more relatable and establishes a good relationship between you and your audience.

Empathy is a great literary device to use in expository writing, when you want people to listen to the truth and to side with your opinion.

#5: Be specific

Instead of being vague and using general information, don’t be afraid to be more specific when writing. Don’t say you use many writing techniques to improve your writing – tell your readers what they are. It will contribute to them perceiving you as an expert.

Yeah, it all starts with an idea, but it needs to be a specific and refined idea if you want it to make sense in the grand scheme of things.

#6: Use active voice

Putting the verbs in the active voice will make your article more dynamic. When you use too many passive constructions , it can slow down your storyline and make it unclear. But when you express the verbs in the active form, you can encourage your audience to take some action.

#7: Use colloquial language

Sometimes, your topic will require a conversational tone. It’s like you’re talking to a friend. This technique is common when your readers are young. They can relate better to an article that doesn’t feature too many “big” words that they might have to look up. When it comes to things like business writing however, using colloquial language might not be the best idea.

#8: Use hyperbole

When you need to emphasize a point in your article and you don’t want to repeat yourself, you can use a hyperbole. It refers to excessive exaggeration, like in the following example: I told you a million times to stop biting your nails.

Example screenshot of writing techniques (hyperbole).

You can also use this technique for persuasion purposes. Take a look at this example from Mark Twain’s “Old Times on the Mississippi.” Using hyperbole can often be an effective tool to use in persuasive writing.

#9: Target positive emotions

Using a light tone and lots of positive words in your article can provoke positive emotions in your readers. Focus on love, empowering messages, humor, and optimism when writing.

One of the best recent examples is the story of the fireman who saved numerous animals from a fire in Australia. The photo of him giving water to a koala quickly went viral, giving people hope.

#10: Use descriptions

Describing is one of the basic writing techniques. Use adjectives and consult a thesaurus to find more picturesque synonyms for your words. It’s something like painting with words – you’re helping the reader visualize your story. That’s why we sometimes don’t like the choice of actors when watching a movie based on a book.

We’ve been imagining them differently. The paragraph in the picture illustrates the point perfectly.

#11: Create an unexpected turn

Letting your reader think that the plot will go one way and then creating an unexpected turn of events can make them sit up and listen. The best thrillers are based on this writing technique. Sudden changes in the storyline can make the reader race to the end of the text.

#12: Use assonance and alliteration

These writing techniques refer to the use of specific words where sounds and vowels repeat. It can add to a better flow of your article or make it sound more poetic, if necessary. It can also sound very catchy if you’re writing slogans, for instance.

You’ve probably heard of Jaguar’s slogan: “Don’t dream it. Drive it.”

This is an example of alliteration — one of the best literary devices out there in terms of descriptive writing that really pops off the page.

Example screenshot of writing techniques: assonance and alliteration.

#13: Avoid digressions

Among all the writing techniques, this one may be the toughest when you’re writing about a personal experience. Make sure you stick to the main storyline and skip unnecessary details and digressions. You don’t want to leave the reader confused – they may miss the point of your article.

#14: Use the PAS formula

PAS stands for “problem, agitate, solution.” This is a great template to follow if you’re not sure where to start. It’s quite good for writing “how to” articles. First, identify the issue. Then agitate to make it more painful (but not too far). Then offer a solution.

#15: Use a proven structure

A familiar structure, such as the one we all use for writing essays in school, can prevent you from losing track. Introduce the topic, analyze the existing data, raise counterarguments, and then conclude. Sticking to a structure like this will create a logical flow and make your writing look neat.

#16: Write in the first person

Writing in first person may sound more persuasive. If you’ve written an article, but it doesn’t feel trustworthy to you, it probably won’t sound convincing to your readers either. If you put the whole article into the first person, it may have the effect of a testimonial and higher validity.

Example screenshot of writing techniques: first, second and third person.

Academic Writing Techniques

While the above techniques are great for general use articles, novels, and professional writing, there is a notable exception that requires a different set of rules.

Academic writing much prefers the use of passive voice. Sentences in a passive voice might appear dull and boring, but they are much better at conveying objectivity and distance from the subject of the academic paper at hand. 

However, some recent scientific papers have also called for the increased use of active writing to make researchers and scientists appear more involved in the process rather than merely being observers.

The use of passive voice can also apply to writing an essay. In education, knowing how to best approach a subject and write objectively about it is the key to submitting a successful academic paper, no matter your knowledge or education level.

Additionally, using hyperbole or colloquialism is highly discouraged. A scientific paper aims to convey facts, and as such, the related writing process will naturally differ from the works of a fiction writer, who has much more freedom. 

Additionally, it helps to write in the third person, as these have to be rather impersonal. On the opposite end of the spectrum is the memoir, which is the incarnation of subjectivity.

Can Online Tools Help?

If you don’t think you have a handle on the above-mentioned techniques, there are several apps available that can help you with them.

English writing technique assistants have evolved from simple grammar and spell checker software to become AI-powered and effective at helping writers achieve their potential.

Microsoft Word has a basic spell checker and punctuation module that will eliminate small errors that can ruin what is generally good writing. Google Docs have a similar feature. However, these don’t have the necessary robustness to be sufficient for fiction writing or story crafting.

Grammarly is a great online tool that has a free version to get you started on your writing journey. While the free add-on is pretty bare-bone, only focusing on basic sentence structure, misspellings, and punctuation, the Premium version includes more options. These include repetition checking, as well as the detection of generally overused words or phrases. 

Grammarly can also be set according to your writing technique and writing style, meaning that you can use it for an academic paper, essay, poem, or story.

Another great app for this purpose is Writer . However, it focuses more on professional writing, brand awareness, and a cohesive writing style among groups of writers. It also has several advanced features, such as improving a writing method by suggesting words already used or favored by your company. 

With Writer , you can craft a story related to your brand that resonates across the platforms you use and captivates your target audience with good writing, storytelling, and character.

On the other hand, the Scrivener app is all you need to craft a compelling story, outline your memoir, or decide where to go next with your narrative. It has excellent features that make a story easy to sort, separate, and overview, as well as great character sheets that can be used for reference at any time.

Find What Works for You

We hope this article helps you understand writing techniques better. It’s essential to remember that you should experiment and mix different techniques until you find what works for you and your audience. The bottom line is that it’s the reader that needs to enjoy and understand your writing.

If you experience the writer’s block, just select one of these and start writing whatever comes to your mind. It’s an excellent way to break the blockade.

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Article Writing Format, Topics, Examples | How To Write an Article

February 15, 2023 by Veerendra

Article Writing:  Do you know exactly how to write an article to get maximum audience traffic? you have come to the right page. Here we are going to discuss what is it, format for Article Writing, Article Writing Topics & Examples, How to Write an Article? and Article Writing Rules for creating unique, inspiring & influencing articles.

Article Writing Format, Topics, Examples | How To Write an Article and Article Writing Rules

Check out this entire article & know complete idea about writing perfect articles on various topics like person, place, things, current trending issues, technical & non-technical advancements, etc. However, you will also find a wide range of Article Writing Topics on different subjects here. Look no further just dive into this ultimate article writing guide.

Topics & Examples of Article Writing

This section is the heart of this article where you can view the most awaiting content about article writing ie., Topics & Sample examples. The best & traffic attained article writing topics like health, education, creativity, technical developments, productivity, and many more are shared here in the accessible links.  From this list of the collection, you will definitely find interesting articles that are important for your board exams or competitions or magazines.

Are you ready to dive in? Check out the below list & pick any of the article writing topics that you are excited to publish.

What is Article Writing?

An article is a written work published in a print/electronic medium. It may be for the purpose of delivering news, researching results, academic analysis, or debate. Usually, an article is a piece of writing that is published in a newspaper or Magazine for guiding a large audience on a particular topic or subject. The main objective to write an article is to make some changes to the world by presenting facts, stats, or views.

Well, there are so many objectives of Article Writing on various topics like society, persons, locations, rising-issues, and technical developments. It influences some readers and some may fail in audience perception because of messiness in your article writing. So, following the correct format of writing an article may convey your views, facts, or stats to the world.

Article Writing Format

To write a perfect article, one should have in-depth knowledge about the topic to deliver 100% information regarding the product, services, brands, etc., Well, you need to do some research and also planning before start writing an article. To make your article stood out of the crowd & gain max audience traffic; some basic format for article writing is necessary. The article writing format is given below.

The format of an article consists of the following parts:

1. HEADING:  It should be catchy & also need to relate to the reader’s search term. The length of the heading shouldn’t cross 5-6 words. Think creatively & impressed audience or readers with this one line & increase their anxiety to continue their read in your article.

2. BY LINE:  It means the name of the person writing the article. It is generally given in the question. If asked then only write your personal details.

3. BODY:  The body is the main part of article writing which carries more weightage of marks. Usually, the body of the article consists of at least 3 to 4 paragraphs.

4. CONCLUSION:  Final paragraph of an article should be like recommendation, anticipation, views, appeal, etc where readers’ must feel happy with your article.

Checking out this format & try to implement it during the article writing as it is very important for all students of CBSE and other boards to secure more marks & readers’ attention.

How To Write an Article?

The following steps guide you on how to write an article in a well-structured manner which helps you grab your audience’s attention & traffic for web-based published articles.

Article Writing Rules – Rules for Writing a Good Articles

FAQs on Article Writing Format | Topics of Article Writing & Article Writing Tips

1. What is the format for article writing?

There are four stages that students should remember while writing an article on any of the subjects. By following the structure you can reach more audiences with your article. So, check out the structure for article writing & publish it in that form for gaining a huge traffic. The article writing format is as follows:

2. Where can I get a huge variety of article writing topics to fulfill the reader’s needs?

You can find a wide range of article writing topics from our page along with related information about article writing like tips, rule, format, & how to write it uniquely.

3. What are some good topics to write an article?

You can avail the list of good article topics on our website Aplustopper.com along with some enough examples of article writing on our page.

4. What are some best tips to write good articles?

Here are some of the important tips to write good articles:

Writing Transitions — Types and Examples

Daniel Bal

What is a transition?

A transition is a word or phrase used to help connect a writer's thoughts and ideas. Transitions allow readers to easily follow the progression of the writing. To enhance the flow, writers use transition words within paragraphs, between paragraphs, and between sections.

types of article writing with examples

Writers use short phrases (2-3 words) or single linking words to connect ideas within a paragraph . These transitions are subtle and highlight the relationship of the elements within the paragraph.

Transitions within paragraphs

To connect ideas between paragraphs , writers typically utilize transition phrases that identify the logical connection between the two. These phrases can either be at the end of the paragraph with the concluding remark or at the beginning of the new paragraph with the topic sentence .

Longer works that have multiple sections incorporate transition paragraphs to connect large portions of the text. These paragraphs often summarize the information that preceded it while connecting it to what follows.

Transition words and phrases

When transitioning within and between paragraphs, writers incorporate certain connecting words and phrases that help organize their thoughts and ideas. These words and phrases can also indicate shifts, comparisons, results, examples, and importance. Regardless of the purpose of the transition word or phrase, they can be at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.

Transition words and phrases

Sentence transitions

By using common transition words in sentences, writers can accomplish the following:

Detail the logical relationship that exists between the previous argument or sentence and what follows.

Provide readers with a blueprint for how to combine the ideas to understand the purpose of the essay.

Avoid choppy and abrupt writing by creating a smooth organizational flow.

Types of transitions

The main types of transitions include addition, contrast, emphasis, and summary:

How to transition to another paragraph

To transition from one paragraph to another, consider the connection, transition, focus, and sentence:

Determine how each paragraph connects to the writer's purpose.

Identify the type of transition needed.

Briefly highlight the focus or key topic of each paragraph.

Compose a sentence utilizing a transition word/phrase while detailing the purpose of the paragraph before and after the transition.

How to transition paragraphs

Transition examples

The following sentences utilize the various types of transitional words and phrases:

The weather report predicted low temperatures all week. Furthermore , there will be snow showers for the next two days.

In addition to birthday cake, there was ice cream at the party.

He had no problem driving everyone to school that morning. Besides , he wanted to show off his new car.

The new study will not earn any additional funding. As a result , the lab will close.

She had no idea that the storm knocked out the power last night. Consequently , there was no alarm to wake her up in the morning.

The contractor was three hours late to an appointment. For this reason , the homeowner decided to hire someone else.

When the book was originally released, it was a best seller. Likewise , the sequel was just as successful.

In comparison to her other artwork, this piece was similarly abstract.

The drink should be made with ice cream in the same way as a milkshake.

They were all able to buy tickets to the new movie even though they were late.

Although the temperature was below freezing, they were still able to go sledding.

We luckily caught our flight despite the fact that we were stuck in traffic for an hour.

Their dog barks constantly throughout the day; however , their cat just lays in the sun.

The farmer desperately needed it to rain, yet the drought continued.

He was so quiet when he was young, but since he left for school, he has become quite social.

The class always went outside for recess, even when it was raining.

The promotion increased her salary more than she thought. In fact , she was able to buy a new car thanks to the raise.

The weather here is always dry, so much so that most yards have little to no grass.

Had had many other options he could have chosen for vacation. For example , he could have gone to Hawaii.

The gardener seemed to have missed trimming some of the trees. For instance , both maple trees look unchanged.

The art teacher used the Mona Lisa to illustrate da Vinci's work.

The CEO referenced the report the employee had mentioned earlier .

The coach expected to see some improvement eventually .

After dinner, they were finally able to move on to dessert.

In the distance , he could see they were approaching the beach.

Off to one side were the instructions for the table, while the ones for the chair were nearby .

Their new house is adjacent to the park.

In conclusion , the author used the story as a metaphor for growing up.

In the end , no one was able to solve the equation.

In other words , the experiment was a complete success.

The following examples include transition sentences used to connect paragraphs:

While Golding uses the character of Simon to show man's instinctual nature, he incorporates Piggy to showcase man's rational side.

The transition indicates that the writer is moving from a paragraph that analyzes Simon's role in The Lord of the Flies while introducing the purpose of the following paragraph -- an analysis of Piggy.

Transition example

Even though early experiments suggested the medication had little impact on treating the disease, more recent tests have proven otherwise.

The transition identifies that the following paragraph will contrast with the previous paragraph concerning the effectiveness of the medication.

While it is important for students to have a solid foundation in the sciences, the arts also play an essential role in their academic development.

The transition highlights that the focus of the next paragraph will be the benefits of the arts, while the previous paragraph detailed the advantages of the sciences.

Types of Writing Genres: A Short Guide

types of writing genres

In this blog, we will discuss the different types of writing genres. Every genre of writing has its mindset and set of expectations. Genres are the tool for creativity and provide various perspectives to tell your story in different ways. 

As a writer, your work will fit into a certain genre whether you want it or not, and that is purely based on what you are creating. On one side, some work may fit into one Genre. On the other hand, some may have different genres.

There are three different types of writing genres that we will take a look at in this blog. We have separated writing genres like Professional Writing, Literary Writing, and, lastly, Academic Writing.

If you’re wondering which one is right for you then this is the right place for you. 

Here we will discover different writing genres that you need to know!

So, without further ado, let’s dive into it!

Table of Contents

What are Writing Genres?

The writing Genre is mostly called the name of Literary Genre. It is a type of narrative that can be used or written. Mostly, it is used for one purpose only to share emotions, ideas, and news with other people. Writing Genre is used to tell the story interestingly. 

Writing within each Genre will reflect a whole new story and share several features like rhyme, image, and stylistic devices. The main focus of each Genre is to describe the events, theory, and several ideas in certain ways. In other words, the aim of each writing genre is how the elements are conveyed and described. 

What are the Different Types of Writing Genres?

Three main types of Writing Genres are as follows:

Professional Writing Genre (Types of Writing Genres)

Social media .

Social Media is a growing genre in business communication. The level of discussion in social media may vary depending on the topic and audience. Well-considered successful post on social media to help understand how it’s used to reach a wider target audience.

Business Letters

It can be both formal and informal. A perfectly written business letter shows the reader why it is important. If you want successful communication, then a structured approach is very important.

Memos 

Well, Memos provide a clear summary, and the most crucial information is given at the beginning, but Paper Memos are no longer used nowadays. A positive tone is used to help the reader understand what the author is trying to say, making it appropriate for the users. 

In the past, memos were considered the best business correspondence. The Main Guideline of the memo still exists, even if the median of the paper memo has been changed. 

Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes include dates, times, attendees, and location. This is the standard format of Meeting Minutes. It is also important to record the most crucial details to avoid any misunderstanding later.

As a result, there are many ways involved in recording meeting minutes. The minutes should be uniform with the location and names. Unnecessary information should be avoided so that it can not cause any difficulty later.

This is the end of the Professional writing genre. Now we move to the Literary writing genre, and lastly, we will continue with the Academic Genre. 

Literary Writing Genre (Types of Writing Genres)

Mystery .

This Genre is mostly associated with crime, mainly murder, but it does have to be. Any story which involves the unraveling of a secret or mystery would be considered within this Genre. 

This Genre often describes a criminal investigation or legal case. Well, the most popular novel is The Sherlock Holmes Story. Mystery novels are a genre that typically has a problem to solve. 

Category of Mystery Genre:

Literary nonfiction

Literary nonfiction is all about real events and people. Nonfiction can be found in magazines like The Atlantic, The New York, and Harper’s Magazine. 

This type of Genre is associated with creating feelings of fear and dread. Some of you might think of this Genre as full of “blood and gore”. Anything which creates negative feelings about something will come under the category of Horror. 

Horror is the genre of film, literature, and TV shows. The main aim of the horror genre is to create fear. 

Gothic novels are an example of ancient horror literature. On the other hand, Stephen King is considered the father of modern horror literature. Well, nowadays, new writers have pushed the boundaries of horror stories. Writers include John Langan, Stephen Graham Jones, and many more.

In the Historical Genre, the story takes place in the past. Sometimes real people are included to interact with the fictional character to create a sense of realism. 

Romance 

This Genre deals with the love stories between two people. The element of romance can be found in many types of literature. Romance has been there since ancient times, but time travels so fast, and the paranormal romances have become more popular nowadays. 

Science Fiction

As the name suggests, Science Fiction is the genre that deals with science and technology in society. Science fiction is a special type of Genre that includes elements of time travel, futuristic societies, and space. People often call Science Fiction ( Sci-Fi ) . 

Magical realism

Magical realism is a type of literature in which the real world is depicted with an influence of magic and fantasy. In magical realism, the stories may occur in the real world but with some supernatural elements. Magical realism has close ties with Latin American Authors. Magical realism is used by literature from around the globe.

Fantasy novels are fiction stories that are set in imaginary universes. This Genre is inspired by folklore and mythology that is enjoyed by both children and adults 

Dystopian novels are about futuristic and oppressive societies. In other words, the Dystopian novel features some political and social unrest. It can help us examine real types of fear like mass surveillance by the government.

Graphic Fiction

Graphic Fiction is the category of Graphic Novels and Comic Books.

Short Stories

Well, this type of Genre may fit into any number of genres. In Short stories, there is only one plot to it, no subplot in this Genre. 

Tall Tales stories are not realistic or don’t try to become realistic. 

Academic Writing Genre (Types of Writing Genres)

Analytical writing.

In Analytical writing, the author has a chance to include persuasive writing. A common layout uses the structure of methods, results, introduction, summary, and discussion. 

Professional Writing 

Professional Writing is a wide category that includes emails, studies, reports, business letters, and summaries. If you are writing for a client, then it is beneficial for you to follow the style rule of the company. 

Argumentative Writing

Argumentative writing is a type of academic essay. In this, the writer breaks down an idea into its parts and then offers evidence for each part. This writing is mostly based on understanding and reading fiction or nonfiction texts. 

Argumentative writing has three sections:

Most Common Types of Writing Genres That You Should Know

Descriptive writing .

In Descriptive writing, the author writes about every aspect of the person, place, or event and describes all aspects in detail. 

Example of Descriptive Writing:

Expository Writing

Expository writing is used to educate the reader. So the main goal of expository writing is to teach the reader rather than entertainment.

Example of Expository Writing:

Narrative Writing

Narrative Writing is used to tell people what happens somewhere or with someone. Narrative Writing includes Fiction and nonfiction. Whereas nonfiction is based on real events, and fiction writing is completely made up. 

Example of Narrative Writing:

Persuasive Writing

Persuasive writing is used to convince the reader about something. This type of writing is written when the author has a strong opinion on something. It is used to encourage people to take action regarding any issue. 

Example of Persuasive Writing:

Read more about writing styles: Different Types Of Writing Styles

Now you know the different types of writing genres and their most used forms. So which Genre or form is close to you, and which one do you use the most. In this blog, we provide you with a short guide to types of writing genres, with the most common Genre that you should know. 

I hope you like it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1.what are the seven styles of writing.

The seven most common types of essay writing Narrative Descriptive Expository Persuasive Compare  Reflective Personal

Q2. What are the three main genres of literature?

The three major genres are: Drama Poetry Prose

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Become a Writer Today

13 Types Of Writing Every Writer Should Master

Do you want to take your writing skills to the next level? Learn the types of writing you can try for your job or fun.

As someone who makes a living writing for other people’s websites, I often adapt my writing style for different audiences and situations. The way I write conveys meaning beyond the words I use or what I say. Some forms of writing paint a picture, convince a reader to act or communicate facts while using reliable sources.

Choosing from the different types of writing and adapting to the requirements of a professor, business, or client is crucial to writing success. Below, I’ll share the different types of writing you can practice to become a better writer .

1. Expository Writing

2. narrative writing, 3. persuasive writing, 4. descriptive writing, 5. technical writing, 6. diary writing, 7. business writing, 8. copywriting, 8. content writing, 10. critical writing, 11. scientific writing, 12. travel writing, 13. blogging, the final word on types of writing, faqs about types of writing.

types of article writing with examples

Expository writing focuses on providing facts and research about a given topic. In this writing style, you’ll explore an idea in detail and expand on that idea using factual statements. 

When writing an expository essay, you don’t seek to prove a point, persuade, or evoke emotions. Your goal is to explain something in an objective and balanced way. Here are some examples of expository writing you’re probably familiar with, whether you’ve written them or read them:

Can you see how inserting opinion, bias, or emotion into these types of writing could be problematic? Read our guide to the best essay writing topics .

Stories are everywhere around you and provide ample opportunity for you to express your imagination.

In narrative writing, you tell a story that’s 100 per cent truthful, primarily factual but embellished for reader enjoyment or fiction. Stories are everywhere around you and provide ample opportunity for you to express your imagination.

Examples of the narrative style include:

The journalist Hunter S. Thompson popularised this type of writing in his articles and essays, whereby his journalism often reads like a novel. If you’d like to learn more about this style, read our guide to narrative essays .

Business proposals

In a persuasive essay, your goal is to convince the reader to agree with you through strategic argumentation. To accomplish this, you employ various argumentation techniques like presenting supporting evidence for your argument, laying out points in a logical order that slowly generates buy-in from the reader, and telling a story that evokes emotion to make the case.

Examples of persuasive writing include:

Politicians and leaders use persuasive writing to popularize ideas like Barack Obama’s book The Audacity of Hope . If you’d like to learn more, read our guide to persuasive essays .

Descriptive writing is a type of writing style that overlaps with others in this list. It’s one of the most common types of writing as students often write descriptive essays in school.

One of the essential concepts in descriptive writing is to “show, not tell”. Rather than simply saying what happened, explain the how and the why behind it to paint a picture. You’ll use numerous literary devices to accomplish this, such as:

For this writing style, you’ll choose a point of view to relate to readers. The POV can change the tone of the piece, with the third-person often sounding more formal and objective, while the first and second can seem informal. You may need a combination of more than one POV for the piece to work. Examples of POV usage:

If you’d like to learn more, read our guide to descriptive essays .

Technical writing involves communicating something complex in a way the audience can understand. To accomplish this, the technical writer must have in-depth knowledge of the topic they’re explaining and an understanding of the audience’s level of experience.

Technical writing is devoid of personal opinions. Instead, it explains a topic or concept step-by-step or logically. Examples of technical writing include:

If you’d like to learn more, read our guide explaining how to become a technical writer . We also like this technical writing course for engineers from Google .

Diary Writing

Diary writing is a more personal form of writing intended to log events in a person’s life and often their emotions. If you think you might be famous someday, keeping diaries could one day be resource materials for your auto-biography!

That point aside, many people use diaries as an external way to process how they’re feeling to deal with anger, regret, grief, fear, jealousy, and sadness. It’s cheaper than therapy. 

Diary writing can be a positive experience. People often write about what they’re grateful for, express their joy around fortuitous events in their life, or set life goals and celebrate accomplishments.

Examples of diary writing include

Read our guide explaining the differences between a diary and a journal .

Business writing is a commonly misunderstood type of writing. Many consider business writing stuffy and formal, but it’s a stimulating and well-paying field. A business writer follows a company style guide to convey an idea or concept for internal and, sometimes, external use.

For example, a business writer could take notes from an executive and turn them into a compelling business case for the wider team. They could also articulate the values of a business in everyday concise language for a presentation, pitch deck or company manifesto.

Copywriting describes using words to sell products and services to a target audience. A copywriter produces copy for websites, sales pages and email funnels. They aim to convince readers to act, for example, opting in for a lead magnet with their email address, taking out a trial or buying a product.

A copywriter can also branch into related areas like social media and content writing. Copywriters can earn high-five and even six figures annually by providing this service to companies or clients.

The art of copywriting involves holding the attention of readers. For this reason, it’s a valuable skill for those writing online. A good copywriting formula can help a writer finish an article or blog post quicker.

Learn how to become a copywriter .

Content writing is similar to copywriting. A content writer produces blog posts, articles, ebooks and guides for companies or online businesses. They may also write YouTube video scripts and social media posts.

A content writer typically charges clients a per-word rate, usually between four and ten cents, depending on the complexity of the topic. Content writing has become more popular for freelancers because most online businesses thrive on content.

A well-run niche website, for example, publishes a set number of SEO-optimized articles each month to increase traffic and revenue. The owner of this site depends on a team of knowledgeable content writers to achieve their publication and revenue goals.

If you’d like to try this discipline, read our guide explaining what does a content writer do ?

Poetry

Poetry is something most writers try for fun. It’s a surprisingly rewarding discipline as a writer can play around with words, imagery and sensory language. Usually, an aspiring poet isn’t trying their hand at this type of writing to supplement their income. Instead, it’s a creative challenge.

Perhaps the most accessible type of poetry to start with is Haiku. It’s a type of Japanese poetry whereby the first line contains five syllables, the second 7 and the third 5. For example, consider this ancient Haiku by Japanese poet Matsuo Bashō:

An old silent pond A frog jumps into the pond— Splash! Silence again.

Haiku is only one form of poetry to explore. Read our guide to the most common types of poetry .

A critic considers a piece of popular media and analyzes it for a general audience. The most obvious example is a film critic who watches a film and then explains, in newspaper articles or online, if readers should watch it.

Critical writing is often subjective rather than objective in that it’s written from the reviewer’s point of view. After all, one person’s art is another’s trash! However, writing reviews requires deep knowledge and understanding of the topic or medium in question… or at least an ability to entertain readers with your point of view.

Popular forms of critical writing include:

For more, learn how to get paid to write reviews .

Scientific writing involves writing literature reviews, papers for peer-reviewed journals and even grant proposals. They read the prevailing literature about a topic, review current thinking and then provide a synopsis and evaluation. A scientific writer backs up their argument or points with evidence and citations. Ideally, a scientific writer demonstrates precision, clarity and objectivity.

However, they’re usually writing for an expert audience who understands the topic, prevailing literature, or works in the field. Therefore a scientific writer doesn’t always have to explain basic concepts and ideas as they can assume their audience knows the basics.

Travel Writing

Travel writing describes writing about your experiences while visiting a country, city or location. It sounds like a glamorous profession because you get paid to go on holiday!

However, professional travel writers are often under strict deadlines and have to see and do as much as possible in a short period. That often cuts out any socializing. Travel writers also face competition from locals who can write about a location with more expertise than a visitor. Travel writers can earn a nice side income by blogging and writing about their trips online.

For more, read our guide explaining how to become a travel writer .

Blogging is an immensely rewarding form of writing that started in 1997. If you’re going to start a blog today, expect competition. Reportedly over 600 million blogs exist worldwide.

However, a writer can find success more easily if they write within a specific niche about topics readers are searching for, rather than their day or personal lives. The best blogs are self-hosted on WordPress and monetized through display advertising, affiliate promotions, and digital products.

To learn more, read our guide to blogging for writers .

Writers can explore many different styles, from creative to commercial. Selecting the right one depends on the reader, editor, publication and your writing goals . If you’re bored with one style, you can always try another for fun or to flex your creative muscles. 

How Do I Choose The Right Writing Style For A Piece?

Consider your audience and the style guide for the publication in question. Identify what type of writing the editor expects for this topic, publication, situation, or brand. Consider how your piece can inform, educate, inspire or entertain readers.

How Can I Learn To Write In Various Styles?

One of the best ways to learn writing styles is to read examples of them. Notice how the writer grabs your attention, unfolds their main points, and communicates with you along the way. Then practice, and ask someone–preferably a writer–to give you some feedback. 

How Important Is Grammar In Writing?

Proper grammar enhances communication, while incorrect grammar and spelling can lead to confusion. For some audiences, bad grammar may reflect poorly on your attention to detail or intelligence. Unless you’re intentionally using “bad” grammar as a device to connect with the audience, you should generally avoid it.

Be extra careful about mixing up homonyms, misspelling words, or creating ambiguous sentences. Don’t trust your ability to proofread your work without help. Use a grammar and spell-checker like Grammarly , which has a basic version that’s free of charge.

Other online tools like Hemingway Editor and Yoast Content Analysis can help you refine your writing skills by pointing out, for example, if you overuse passive tense, adverbs, or long sentences.

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types of article writing with examples

Bryan Collins runs things around here. He's also a non-fiction writer and author.

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What Is An Article? Types & Examples

The man ate an extravagant meal at a fancy restaurant . Ritzy! This classy sentence uses three of some of the most commonly used words: the , a , and an . However, there is more to these words than simply the number of times that we use them. These three words belong to a class of words known as articles . If you want to become a grammar master, it is really important to know how to use articles because of how often they show up in our sentences.

What is an article ?

An article is a word that is used to indicate that a noun is a noun without describing it. For example, in the sentence Nick bought a dog , the article a indicates that the word dog is a noun. Articles can also modify anything that acts as a noun, such as a pronoun or a noun phrase.

Often, a sentence needs an article before a noun in order to make grammatical sense. For example,

❌  Incorrect:  I have box. ✅ Correct:  I have a box.

❌  Incorrect:  She opened door. ✅ Correct: She opened the door.

❌  Incorrect:  French is spoken by French. ✅ Correct:  French is spoken by the French.

⚡️ Article examples

In English, there are only three articles. They are:

The following sentences show examples of how we use articles in sentences:

Types of articles

We can separate the articles into two different types.

Definite articles

In English, the only definite article is the word the . A definite article has several roles that it performs.

1. A definite article is used to refer to unique things or groups. A definite article can indicate that something is unique and only one of it exists.

2. A definite article is used to refer to specific things that both the speaker and the listener know the identity of.

In writing and speech, the word the is typically used after the speaker or writer first introduces a thing that they are talking about. The word the then references back to this same thing. For example,

types of article writing with examples

Indefinite articles

In English, there are two indefinite articles : a and an . A is used before consonants or consonant sounds, and an is used before vowels or vowel sounds. Indefinite articles are basically the reverse of definite articles and have several different roles.

1. Indefinite articles are used to refer to things that aren’t unique.

2. Indefinite articles are used to refer to nonspecific things.

In this same sense, indefinite articles are often used to refer to something as an idea or concept.

Did you know that all articles are determiners, but what exactly is a determiner? Find out here.

3. Indefinite articles are used to refer to things that the speaker and listener don’t know the identity of.

In writing and speech, indefinite articles are often used to introduce the first mention of a noun. Once the noun has been introduced, it is then possible to use a definite article.

Unlike definite articles, it is considered grammatically incorrect to use indefinite articles with plural nouns.

✅ Correct: I have a cat . ❌ Incorrect:  I have a cats .

Nouns that don’t take articles

Some nouns do not take articles. Unfortunately, there is no general rule for when this happens, and you’ll just need to learn these instances as you encounter them. Some common types of nouns that don’t typically use articles include:

Make Your Writing Shine!

Many nouns (including some that fit into the categories above) may take an article only in some instances, depending on how they are used in a sentence. Some examples of this include:

Choose the best word with the Grammar Coach™

We like to think our writing tool,  Thesaurus.com Grammar Coach ™, is one of a kind. This writing platform catches grammar and spelling errors, making writing papers, essays, emails, and a whole lot more a whole lot easier. Its Synonym Swap will find the best nouns, adjectives, and more to help say what you really mean, guiding you toward clearer, stronger, writing. Start writing smarter today with Grammar Coach™.

Quick! How many types of nouns can you name? Learn about all of them here.

types of article writing with examples

Ways To Say

Synonym of the day

Mar 9, 2023

Types of journal articles

It is helpful to familiarise yourself with the different types of articles published by journals. Although it may appear there are a large number of types of articles published due to the wide variety of names they are published under, most articles published are one of the following types; Original Research, Review Articles, Short reports or Letters, Case Studies, Methodologies.

Original Research:

This is the most common type of journal manuscript used to publish full reports of data from research. It may be called an  Original Article, Research Article, Research, or just  Article, depending on the journal. The Original Research format is suitable for many different fields and different types of studies. It includes full Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion sections.

Short reports or Letters:

These papers communicate brief reports of data from original research that editors believe will be interesting to many researchers, and that will likely stimulate further research in the field. As they are relatively short the format is useful for scientists with results that are time sensitive (for example, those in highly competitive or quickly-changing disciplines). This format often has strict length limits, so some experimental details may not be published until the authors write a full Original Research manuscript. These papers are also sometimes called Brief communications .

Review Articles:

Review Articles provide a comprehensive summary of research on a certain topic, and a perspective on the state of the field and where it is heading. They are often written by leaders in a particular discipline after invitation from the editors of a journal. Reviews are often widely read (for example, by researchers looking for a full introduction to a field) and highly cited. Reviews commonly cite approximately 100 primary research articles.

TIP: If you would like to write a Review but have not been invited by a journal, be sure to check the journal website as some journals to not consider unsolicited Reviews. If the website does not mention whether Reviews are commissioned it is wise to send a pre-submission enquiry letter to the journal editor to propose your Review manuscript before you spend time writing it.  

Case Studies:

These articles report specific instances of interesting phenomena. A goal of Case Studies is to make other researchers aware of the possibility that a specific phenomenon might occur. This type of study is often used in medicine to report the occurrence of previously unknown or emerging pathologies.

Methodologies or Methods

These articles present a new experimental method, test or procedure. The method described may either be completely new, or may offer a better version of an existing method. The article should describe a demonstrable advance on what is currently available.

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types of article writing with examples

Pronouns – Definition, Types and Examples

What is a pronoun.

A  pronoun  is used in place of a specific noun mentioned earlier in a sentence so that you don’t have to keep saying/writing that particular noun.

Pronouns - Definition, Types and Examples

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Types of pronoun:, subject pronouns.

Subject pronouns  work as the subject of the verb in a sentence. A subject pronoun normally replaces the subject/object (a noun) of the previous sentence.

Object Pronouns:

Object pronouns  work as the object or indirect object in a sentence replacing the antecedent object. This form of the pronoun is also used after prepositions.

Possessive Pronouns:

Possessive pronouns  replace the nouns of the possessive adjectives: my, our, your, her, his, their. The possessive pronouns are  mine ,  ours ,  yours ,  hers, his, its ,  theirs . The pronoun ‘who’ also has a possessive form,  whose .

You have to take either her car or theirs. Hers is better than theirs. (Here, ‘her’ is possessive adjective and ‘hers’ and ‘theirs’ are possessive pronouns which replaced ‘her car’ and ‘their car’)

Reflexive Pronouns:

Reflexive pronoun  redirects a sentence or a clause back to the subject, which is also the direct object of that sentence. A reflexive pronoun comes when the subject performs its action upon itself. Here, ‘itself’ is a reflexive pronoun.

Intensive Pronouns:

Intensive pronouns  add emphasis/importance but do not act as the object in the sentence. They can appear right after the subject.

Relative Pronouns:

Relative pronouns  introduce the relative clause. They are used to make clear what is being talked about in a sentence. They describe something more about the subject or the object.

The relative pronouns are:

Demonstrative Pronouns:

Demonstrative pronouns  normally indicate the closeness of or distance from the speaker, either literally or symbolically.   This ,  these ,  that,  and  those  are the demonstrative pronouns. They also work as demonstrative adjectives when they modify a noun. However, demonstrative pronouns do not modify anything rather replace the nouns/noun phrases.

Sometimes  neither, none  and  such  are also used as demonstrative pronouns.

Interrogative Pronouns:

Interrogative pronouns  produce questions. They are  what, which, who, whom , and  whose .

Who, whom , and  whose  refer to questions related to a person or animal;  what  refers to an idea, object, or event; and  which  can indicate either a person/s or a thing/s.

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Unsupervised Learning Explained Using K-Means Clustering

Different learning methods and patterns are generally associated with the human mind. The visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and reading/writing methods of learning are widely recognized as the four primary methods by which humans learn. The utility of these learning methods varies from person to person. While Jack may learn more effectively by reading a book and writing key points from what he has learned, Jill may learn more effectively by doing and putting what she has learned into action, which is the kinesthetic form of learning.

Machine learning models, like humans, can learn patterns in data in a variety of ways. There are two main methods of learning: supervised and unsupervised learning. These learning methods, similar to humans, may be great for some use cases but may not be as effective when applied to other problems.

In this article, we will look at the various machine learning methods, their differences, and their respective use cases. Then, we’ll take a closer look at how unsupervised learning works by studying the k-means clustering algorithm and implementing it in Python. It is recommended that you are familiar with the Python programming language in order to follow along with this article.

Types of Machine Learning Methods

As previously stated, there are two methods for training a machine learning model: supervised and unsupervised learning.

Supervised Learning

This training method involves feeding labeled data to the machine learning algorithm and allowing it to find patterns in the data. Labeled data is data that has a tag, or, better yet- a description. In essence, the algorithm understands the meaning of the data or its relevance.

Consider data containing images of animals and their names. A picture of a cat, for example, is labeled with the name: cat, as are pictures of dogs, birds, and all other animals. With this information, the algorithm can use the animal names to find similarities between the images. As a result, when tested with an image of a cat it has never seen before, it can infer from previous data that the image presented is of a cat.

There are two types of supervised learning: classification and regression. Predicting a discrete output, such as whether it will rain today or the name of an animal, is what classification is all about. Regression, on the other hand, predicts continuous values such as the price of a house or an employee’s salary. Linear Regression, Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machines, K-Nearest Neighbors, and Decision Trees are examples of supervised learning algorithms. Supervised learning is frequently used to solve problems like weather forecasting, sales forecasting, and stock price analysis.

The next we’ll discuss unsupervised learning.

Unsupervised Learning

Unsupervised learning is the polar opposite of supervised learning. Knowing this, you’ll understand that it entails training machine learning algorithms on unlabeled data. It is unlabeled because it has no tag or description. The goal of unsupervised learning is to find patterns in data and classify it into different sets based on similarities.

Consider another image dataset, but this time without any labels. The unsupervised algorithm finds similarities between these images and categorizes them based on how similar they are. The catch here is that the algorithm is unaware that the group of images are of cats, while the others are of dogs. It simply determines that these images should be grouped together based on their similarities.

Clustering and association are the two types of unsupervised learning. Clustering involves the algorithm grouping similar data points together, such as grouping cats and dogs together because they are animals and grouping books and pencils together because they are stationary objects. Association, on the other hand, measures the likelihood of two things being related.

A good example of this can be illustrated by training an unsupervised algorithm on grocery data. It will most likely group bread and butter together because they are for the most part purchased together. Furthermore, clustering is concerned with samples (rows of data), whereas association is concerned with variables.

K-Means Clustering, Hierarchical Clustering, DBSCAN, and Principal Component Analysis are examples of unsupervised learning algorithms (PCA). These algorithms can be used to solve customer segmentation, churn analysis, cross-selling strategies, and image segmentation problems.

K-Means Clustering: What Is It?

Before delving into the concept of K-Means Clustering, it is necessary to first define a cluster. A cluster is a group of data points that have been brought together due to certain similarities . The value of K chosen determines the number of clusters. There are two methods for determining the value of K. The first is to use trial and error methods, which can take time and may not produce the required accuracy. The Elbow method or Silhouette method are two better ways to select the value of K.

Now, let’s talk about K-Means clustering. K-Means clustering is an unsupervised machine learning algorithm that groups similar data points together into clusters based on similarities. The value of K determines the number of clusters. K-Means clustering is a form of partitional clustering, which separates a data set into sets of separate clusters.

K-Means Clustering: How It Works?

Next let’s understand how it works.

This is how K-Means clustering is executed:

Implementing K-Means Clustering In Python

For the Python implementation of K-Means clustering we’ll use the sklearn library to access the K-Means algorithm and the matplotlib library for visualization in this article.

We start by importing the necessary libraries:

import numpy as np import matplotlib.pyplot as plt from sklearn.cluster import KMeans

Following that, we generate some random data to train the algorithm. The following code generates 1500 data points in 2D space.

# Generating random data np.random.seed(0) n_samples = 1500 X = np.random.randn(n_samples, 2)

The next step will be to apply the K-Means algorithm to the above data. The number of clusters is set to 3 in the code below, but you can experiment with different numbers to see what happens.

# Applying K-means clustering kmeans = KMeans(n_clusters=3) kmeans.fit(X) y_kmeans = kmeans.predict(X)

Finally, to see the clustering result, use the code below to visualize it:

# Visualizing the results plt.scatter(X[:, 0], X[:, 1], c=y_kmeans, s=50, cmap=’viridis’) centers = kmeans.cluster_centers_ plt.scatter(centers[:, 0], centers[:, 1], c=’black’, s=200, alpha=0.5); plt.title(‘K-means clustering’) plt.show()

Here’s the result for a cluster of 3:

For a cluster of 4, here’s the result:

And lastly for a cluster of 5:

At a certain point, increasing the number of cluster will stretch the clusters too thin for there to be any strong similarity between the data points. Hence it is advisible to use the Elbow or Silhouette methods to find out the optimal number of clusters required.

In this article, we offered an overview of two types of machine learning methods. This helps one better understand what is unsupervised learning with the K-Means clustering algorithm. This algorithm is useful for image segmentation, customer segmentation, and anomaly detection in real-world applications.

However, K-means clustering has limitations, including sensitivity to initial centroid placement and the assumption of equal variance within each cluster. As a result, it is critical to evaluate the clustering algorithm’s performance using appropriate metrics and consider alternative approaches if the results are not satisfactory.

That’s all for now, see you at our next article.✌

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The anatomy of a good design: an analysis of 4 sites.

Summary:  Visually pleasing designs use consistent type styles and spacing, create a visual hierarchy, and utilize an underlying grid structure.

By Sarah Gibbons, Kelley Gordon

on 2023-03-05 March 5, 2023

In a previous article we broke down why three designs look good. In this article we will analyze four additional user-interface designs and discuss the visual-design principles that make them attractive. Afterall, how something looks affects the perception of how well it functions.

Example 1: Comfortable Editing Experience

Our first example is from Dovetail , a data-analysis platform. This design used a grid, a type system, and consistent iconography to create a comfortable editing and reading experience.

types of article writing with examples

Alignment to a grid. A 3-column grid acted as a base to which elements are aligned. The leftmost grid line provided a vertical anchor for the sidebar navigation. The middle column of text was also left aligned to a grid line, and the rightmost grid line separated the tags and comments area. Setting up a grid in your designs will keep elements aligned consistently across different screens.

Type styles for different types of content. Dovetail used a single font family to provide a consistent typographic experience. Within this font family, there were multiple type text styles and color variations (navy blue and gray). Each variation was used to differentiate between types of content, thus taking advantage of the Gestalt law of similarity . For example, in the sidebar navigation, Add a view and New tag board are both unbolded and gray indicating they were the same type of action (creation Avoid using many different type styles in your design, so you do not overwhelm your users.

Text-line spacing and length. The large text block was airy due to its generous leading (i.e., the distance between the baselines of two consecutive  lines of text) and, together with the relatively short line length, allowed for comfortable reading (and editing) experience, since  the eye could easily locate the next line down.

Visually consistent icons. The many icons used in Dovetail’s app shared line thickness, slightly rounded corners, and looked similar in size. These small details create a unified icon set and bring polish to your design. However, remember that icons are always more easily recognized and, according to Fitts’s law , faster to tap if they have labels .

Example 2: Modular Grid

Our second example is from MoMA (Museum of Modern Art)’s website . This design utilizes a modular grid structure, a fun color palette, and imagery to create an exciting, appealing visual experience.

types of article writing with examples

Asymmetrical balance. Balance is the satisfying arrangement or proportion of design elements and occurs when there is an equally distributed amount of visual signal on both sides of an imaginary axis. In this case, this imaginary axis runs vertically through the middle of the screen (in orange). If you look at the design elements on either side of this axis, you will see colorful blocks of text and images that alternate on both sides. This weaving effect creates a sense of balance, as well as a sense of energy and movement, begging us to engage with it. No one element, or in this case exhibition, is more important than the others.

The type of balance that you should use in your designs depends on what you want to convey. Asymmetrical balance, like in this example, is dynamic and engaging, whereas symmetrical balance is quiet and static.

Playful color use. MOMA uses a complex, yet playful color system in its design. Its color system is constantly evolving as new exhibitions are added to the site and old exhibitions conclude. These playful color blocks encourage the user to click and discover. More importantly, colors are used consistently throughout the site. For example, the hot pink used for the Refik Anadol exhibit on this homepage, is also used on the specific exhibit page.

Content styling.  The typographic styling and color use make the content blocks feel special, allowing them to stand on their own if needed. Although the content changes, the type treatment remains consistent and the only variation is in text size (large vs. small).

Meaningful imagery. Images provide a glimpse into what each exhibit offers, rather than being purely decorative. They are cropped appropriately, with the most important element still in view. Your images should add value to your page — for example, by adding supplementary information and detail about a product or concept. Make sure your cropped images make sense, especially at different screen sizes .

Modular grid structure. These content blocks and images are laid out on a modular grid structure with both rows and columns (or modules). At this desktop size, rows are made up of 3 consistently sized modules. The colorful blocks of text take up one complete module and their corresponding images take up 2 modules each. This type of grid structure is very flexible and allows for many combinations, making it suitable for lots of different designs.

Example 3: Monochromatic Color Palette and Symmetrical Imagery

Our third example is from Aesop , a luxury skincare company. This design utilizes a monochromatic color palette and negative space to create a refined, clean interface.

Aesop Example

Monochromatic color palette. Color palettes are sets of colors that have been selected for a particular project, brand, or set of designs. Each individual color plays a role and adds to the visual appeal of the interface. Aesop’s monochromatic color palette is harmonious — though the muted yellows used for the background are similar, slight variations differentiate among the navigation and title area, the product area, and the hover state (in the screenshot above, the item in the middle). Gray and black work together to create a visual hierarchy for typography (black for primary text and gray for secondary).

Monochromatic color palettes are the easiest to create and apply and require little visual-design experience. By limiting your palette to 3-4 colors, you will be able to easily convey visual hierarchy and contrast because there will be fewer elements to overwhelm or distract users.

Uniform secondary content. Aesop’s design is especially good looking for three primary reasons. First, it uses two stroke widths (the top one bold to separate the main product from its attributes, the bottom ones lighter to separate the attributes). Second, type variation (bold for the attribute labels and normal for the attribute values) allows the eye to quickly focus on whatever attribute is most important for that particular user. Third, alignment to a grid makes the design looked polished and clean, while also facilitating scanning. Each item’s secondary content has same height and padding and is left-aligned to the same grid line. In the screenshot below, you can see the same visual system for secondary content applied on individual item pages to organize additional information.

Aesop Example of Consistent Secondary Info

Symmetrical imagery. Symmetry makes an interface feel balanced and predictable. Aesop uses symmetrical imagery to balance and anchor each product. The imagery is centered within the column and anchored to the same baseline. This gives the interface visual order — everything else within the column can center on the same axis: product title and size, the secondary-content lines, and the Add to cart button.

Consistent, fixed heights. When designing responsive websites, widths, heights, and paddings may adjust depending on the overall width of your user’s window. However, within each responsive range, consistent, fixed widths help designs look aesthetically pleasing and refined. In the above Aesop example, interface elements such as the Filter by button, the Suited to ’ and Skin feel secondary information rows, and the Add to cart button have the same height, regardless of window width.

Example 4: Simple and Plain

Our fourth example is from Superhuman, an email client. This example proves that you do not need color, fancy icons, or imagery to make a design look good. Even a simple interface can look aesthetically pleasing if it leverages basic principles of visual design.

Super Human Example

Scale to create hierarchy. In simple, text-oriented interfaces, varying your text size creates visual hierarchy and clarity, while also  breaking up what would otherwise be a wall of text. The email subject Closing our deal has the largest type size to appropriately indicate its relative importance on the page. To use scale to create hierarchy in your own designs, first identify what is most important. Make this component 30–50% larger than other components.

Subtle drop shadows. Drop shadows and gradients add depth and create differentiation between UI elements. However, they can also be misused and overused. In the Superhuman example, drop shadows create a focus area (the email thread) and differentiate it from additional information (the navigation and details about the sender). The drop shadows also help the user identify the primary buttons (the close X and paging arrows).

When applying drop shadows and gradients in your own designs:

Foreground and background distinction. The best way to visually breakup an interface is with a shift of background colors. This shift creates the illusion of a foreground (which will draw the users’ attention first) and background. In Superhuman’s example, the email thread is on a white background, while the sender’s information is on light gray. If they were both the same color, the interface would lack depth and it would be harder to distinguish between different areas of the interface ad their relative importance.  

When using background color to create distinction in your interface, choose colors that are the same saturation. For example, white pairs well with light gray, while black pairs well with dark gray. If your background is a color, choose a secondary monochromatic as your foreground color.

Color Scheme Examples

Varying type styles within a consistent font family. Superhuman uses different type styles from within the same font family (small caps and bold) and slight changes in color (green, black, and gray) to differentiate between different types of content and focus the user. For example, Draft is the same font and size as the rest of the header to Laura Shea , but the change in color keeps the design from feeling flat and makes it easy to scan, while also appropriately differentiating the state of the email (draft versus sent).

As a rule of thumb, identify a typographic system and consistently use the same type variant or style (color, bold, small caps) for the same purpose. You see this recommendation in practice in Superhuman’s example:

It takes careful consideration to create good-looking designs. Following visual-design principles is the first step in producing a beautiful design.

About the Authors

Sarah Gibbons is Vice President of Nielsen Norman Group. She works at the intersection of design research, strategy, and user experience design.

Kelley Gordon is a Digital Design Lead with Nielsen Norman Group. She leads NN/g’s digital design and strategy, including the NN/g website and conference platform, newsletter, and Instagram account. Kelley is the visual design resource at NN/g and is passionate about utilizing visuals to explain complex concepts and bring clarity to users’ experiences.

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WallStreetMojo

Retail Operations

' src=

What Are Retail Operations?

Retail operations are the processes and activities involved in running a retail business. It establishes strong relationships with suppliers, manages inventory levels, and optimizes logistics processes. Well-trained and engaged employees are essential to the success of retail operations.

Retail Operations

You are free to use this image on your website, templates, etc., Please provide us with an attribution link How to Provide Attribution? Article Link to be Hyperlinked For eg: Source: Retail Operations (wallstreetmojo.com)

It aims to ensure that a retail business operates efficiently, maximizes sales, and delivers a positive shopping experience. Therefore, it encompasses all the activities involved in managing a store or a chain of stores.

Table of contents

Retail operations explained.

How To Improve?

Frequently asked questions (faqs), recommended articles, key takeaways.

Retail operations is a set of processes and activities involved in the management of a retail business, including the design and layout of stores, the selection and sourcing of products to sell, the management of inventory levels and supply chain logistics, the execution of sales and marketing strategies, and the provision of excellent customer service.

Retail operations play a critical role in the success of a retail business. Here are some key reasons why retail functions are essential:

There are several types of retail operations, and the kind of operation a business uses can depend on the specific business model , target market , and industry. However, here are some common types of it:

5S Of Retail Operations

The 5S of retail operations is a system of organizing and managing a retail store or warehouse designed to improve efficiency and productivity. The five S’s stand for:

Let us understand it in the following ways.

Suppose a new retail business called “Green Market” plans to open its first store in a busy urban area. The company aims to offer eco-friendly and sustainable products, including organic food, natural cleaning supplies, and reusable household items. In addition, green Market plans to implement the 5S system to ensure efficient retail operations, sorting and organizing all products by category and labeling each item with a QR code for easy tracking. The store will also have a mobile app that allows customers to browse and order products for delivery or pickup.

These efforts will help Green Market create a streamlined and efficient retail operation aligned with its sustainability and environmental responsibility values.

In 2020, Target Corporation announced a significant expansion of its retail operations by opening small-format stores in various cities across the United States. These stores, typically less than 50,000 square feet, are designed to offer customers a more convenient and personalized shopping experience in urban areas. The stores feature curated product assortments, digital shopping tools, and same-day delivery services, among other features. This expansion of Target’s retail operations aimed to reach new customers and increase the company’s market share .

There are several ways to improve retail operations, and here are some examples:

Retail operations management manages the various functions and techniques of a business’s day-to-day operations. This includes managing inventory, supply chain logistics, store layout and design, sales and marketing, and customer service.

While wholesale and retail operations differ regarding their customer base and pricing models, they play essential roles in the distribution chain. Wholesalers enable manufacturers to sell their products in large quantities and help retailers stock their stores with various goods. Retailers, in turn, provide a convenient and accessible way for customers to purchase goods and provide valuable feedback to manufacturers and wholesalers about product demand and trends.

Its four primary functions of it are Merchandising, Sales, and Marketing. Inventory Management. Store Operations. These functions are closely interrelated and depend on each other to operate smoothly. Therefore, effective management of these functions is critical to the success of a retail operation.

This article has been a guide to what are retail operations. Here, we explain the topic in detail, with its types, examples, 5s, and how to improve it. You may also find some helpful articles here –

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  5. ChatGPT Article Writing Sinhala

  6. Examination & its Types || Article 132 QSO 1984

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  1. Learn 4 Types of Writing

    Learn the Types of Writing: Expository, Descriptive, Persuasive, and Narrative. Whether you write essays, business materials, fiction, articles, letters, or even just notes in your journal, your writing will be at its best if you stay focused on your purpose. While there are many reasons why you might be putting pen to paper or tapping away on ...

  2. 21 Different Types of Articles

    Considered secondary literature, the articles usually present no new data, and they consist of three main types: systematic reviews, which are usually under 10,000 words long; meta-analyses, and literature reviews, both of which can range anywhere from 8,000 to 40,000 words.

  3. Types of Sources Explained

    Revised on November 11, 2022. Throughout the research process, you'll likely use various types of sources. The source types commonly used in academic writing include: Academic journals. Books. Websites. Newspapers. Encyclopedias. The type of source you look for will depend on the stage you are at in the writing process.

  4. Article Writing

    Article on Beggars - A Nuisance Article on Books Are Our Best Companions Article on Cable TV - A Boon or Bane Article on Causes of Stress on Modern Generation Article on Child Labour Article on Children Working in Hazardous Factories Article on Clean India Campaign Article on Cleaner and Greener India

  5. 10+ Article Writing Examples & Samples in DOC

    Here are some guidelines you need to follow when writing an article: 1. Choose a topic Carefully pick a timely topic around your area. 2. Read other articles Different articles will show you different writing styles. 3. Know the purpose of the article Why are you writing the article? What do you want to achieve or prove?

  6. Article Writing

    There are various types of article writings. These are writing a newspaper article, writing a magazine article, SEO article writing, online article writing, freelance article writing, and many more. There are divisions among these articles also.

  7. Writing Leads

    Tips for Writing a Lead. The Five W's and H: Before writing a lead, decide which aspect of the story - who, what, when, where, why, how - is most important. You should emphasize those aspects in your lead. Wait to explain less important aspects until the second or third sentence. Conflict: Good stories have conflict.

  8. 4 Types of Articles in English Grammar (Definition & Examples)

    20 Examples of Articles (The, A, An) in Sentences 1) They were going to the park. 2) Would you like a juice box? 3) Do we have an extra pencil? 4) An orange is a delicious fruit. 5) I bought a watermelon yesterday! 6) A banana would be great for breakfast. 7) The apple was too sour and made me pucker. 8) The new iPhone is sleek and expensive.

  9. 11 Most Popular Types of Articles to Write for Magazines

    Examples of round up articles are: " 12 Fiction Writing Tips From Authors and Editors " or "1,001 Types of Articles to Write for Magazines.". I enjoy writing round-ups because I can squeeze in lots of information in 1,000 words. 11. Research Shorts. Describe current scientific information.

  10. The 9 Types of Diction in Writing, With Examples

    For example, people in the Northeast and on the West Coast of the US use the word "soda," those in the Northwest and Midwest say "pop," and those in the Deep South use "coke" as a generic term. All three words mean the same thing but reflect the language of a specific region.

  11. The Four Main Types of Essay

    Argumentative and expository essays are focused on conveying information and making clear points, while narrative and descriptive essays are about exercising creativity and writing in an interesting way. At university level, argumentative essays are the most common type.

  12. The 4 Main Types of Writing Styles and How to Use Them as a Writer

    Here are some tips for writing with descriptive writing styles: Use literary devices such as metaphors and similes. Use well thought out adjectives and adverbs to describe nouns and verbs. Bring attention to small details. Use the 6 senses: sight, touch, taste, smell, sound, and feeling.

  13. 11+ Article Writing Examples for Students

    1. The reader is identified. An article is basically a direct conversation with your reader. If a portion in an exam is for you to write an article, the reader may be identified or specified as part of the instructions. That way you can write your article as if you are directly discussing your topic with them.

  14. 16 Writing Techniques to Make Your Articles Shine

    Take a look at this example from Mark Twain's "Old Times on the Mississippi." Using hyperbole can often be an effective tool to use in persuasive writing. #9: Target positive emotions Using a light tone and lots of positive words in your article can provoke positive emotions in your readers.

  15. Article Writing Format, Topics, Examples

    The best & traffic attained article writing topics like health, education, creativity, technical developments, productivity, and many more are shared here in the accessible links. From this list of the collection, you will definitely find interesting articles that are important for your board exams or competitions or magazines.

  16. Writing Transitions

    Types; Examples; What is a transition? A transition is a word or phrase used to help connect a writer's thoughts and ideas. Transitions allow readers to easily follow the progression of the writing. To enhance the flow, writers use transition words within paragraphs, between paragraphs, and between sections.

  17. 19 Different Types of Writing Genres: A Short Guide

    In Descriptive writing, the author writes about every aspect of the person, place, or event and describes all aspects in detail. Example of Descriptive Writing: Narrative Nonfiction. Fictional Stories. Expository Writing Expository writing is used to educate the reader.

  18. 13 Types Of Writing Every Writer Should Master

    6. Diary Writing. Many people use diaries as an external way to process how they're feeling to deal with anger, regret, grief, fear, jealousy, and sadness. Diary writing is a more personal form of writing intended to log events in a person's life and often their emotions.

  19. What Is An Article?

    Most sentences we say include an article, even this one! Learn how to use the three articles that English has in a sentence.

  20. Types of journal articles

    It is helpful to familiarise yourself with the different types of articles published by journals. Although it may appear there are a large number of types of articles published due to the wide variety of names they are published under, most articles published are one of the following types; Original Research, Review Articles, Short reports or Letters, Case Studies, Methodologies.

  21. A List of Skills for a Resume (With Improvement Tips)

    5. Writing. Writing skills apply to many jobs and industries, even ones not specifically requiring them. You use written communication in letters, emails, proposals, presentations and other business interactions. This is an important skill in many workplaces that hiring managers consider and evaluate in candidates. Examples of writing skills ...

  22. Pronouns

    A pronoun is used in place of a specific noun mentioned earlier in a sentence so that you don't have to keep saying/writing that particular noun. Example: Michael is a good boy. He gets up early in the morning. The coach selected several key points. He wanted the team to memorize them. Pronouns - Definition, Types and Examples Types of Pronoun:

  23. Article explores two types of machine learning methods. This algorithm

    This article explores two types of machine learning methods. ... and reading/writing methods of learning are widely recognized as the four primary ... for example, is labeled with the name: cat ...

  24. The Anatomy of a Good Design: An Analysis of 4 Sites

    In this article we will analyze four additional user-interface designs and discuss the visual-design principles that make them attractive. Afterall, how something looks affects the perception of how well it functions. Example 1: Comfortable Editing Experience. Our first example is from Dovetail, a data-analysis platform. This design used a grid ...

  25. Retail Operations

    The 5S of retail operations is a system of organizing and managing a retail store or warehouse designed to improve efficiency and productivity. The five S's stand for: Sort: The first step is sorting and organizing all store or warehouse items. This involves removing any items that are not needed, disposing of or donating items that are ...