7 GREAT WAYS TO START AN ARTICLE
INTRODUCTION
Many young writers are full of ideas on topics to write about but they are often stumped about how to begin a piece. Sometimes, after writing and cancelling their first few sentences, they tend to give up. Below are seven ideas of what to start your articles with. The hyperlinked posts under each number show where these suggestions have been applied.
7 GREAT WAYS TO START AN ARTICLE
1. Summarise Your Main Point
You can summarise what you want to say at the beginning. Then you elaborate on it. That is how news stories are written.
The advantage of this is that it helps give your writing focus and saves time and effort for your readers- they don’t have to fish through a sea of words to catch your main point.
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2. Ask A Question/s
You can ask some questions related to your theme in the first paragraph. Subsequently, you carefully answer those questions.
The merit of asking questions is that they provoke curiosity and engagement. Some readers would begin to answer those questions and read to see if your answers align with theirs.
3. Tell A Brief Story
You can tell a story that you want to use as an illustration of your message. (This is actually my favourite.) Immediately after that, you connect the story to your message and drive the latter home.
Stories are great attention-grabbers and work very well as long as they are concise and clearly related to your message. And stories are everywhere. You can get them from the news, literature, the Bible, interpersonal and group communication, etc. You will recall that Jesus told a lot of stories called parables to buttress his teachings.
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4. Make A Contrast
You can show striking contrasts between your subject and something else. If it’s a person, you can show how they’ve greatly changed over time in temperament or status, you can contrast them with someone else or you can show them in diametrically opposite roles.
Exploring the differences between the two things you have identified and expanding on the one that is your focus would make an interesting read if you describe them well.
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5. Draw An Analogy
You can also make an analogy. Comparing one thing to another stimulates visualisation and keen thinking as the reader seeks to see if the analogy is tenable. Your job will be to validate your assertion that the two things are similar.
Analogies make for compelling reading for the same reason that figures of speech aid effective writing. They elicit mental images and show us similarities we would not otherwise see between objects and other phenomena.
6. Cite A Maxim or A Striking Quotation
You can use a related maxim or a profound quotation. Thereafter, you establish its relevance to your theme and expound on your subject.
Maxims and striking quotations are nuggets of wisdom that appeal to people’s intellect and get them ready to absorb the substantiation or invalidation of the saying by your article.
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7. Use Direct Address
You can talk to the reader directly through the second person pronoun, you. You do this when you want to establish a connection that will give the reader a sense of involvement and identification with your message.
This works best when the writer is prepared to be very frank. So do not humour or patronise the reader. And it’s not a good approach when the writer is not empathetic.
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These are just some examples of how to start articles. You can even join elements of two or three of these approaches. However, what you use should depend on what you’re writing. The more you read and write, the more you’ll be able to instinctively choose the right beginning for each article you write.
Beyond the devices listed above for starting an article, the content the reader meets in the first few paragraphs matters a lot. Besides being able to hold his attention, it should be appropriate to the nature of the article and make a good impression of the motivation and character of the writer. This is especially important for Christian writers, who as representatives of Christ, are expected to be trustworthy and bear the fruit of the Spirit.
EXAMPLES OF BAD ARTICLE BEGINNINGS
• A fictional story on infidelity that starts by defining infidelity or giving statistics about the prevalence of infidelity or condemning infidelity.
The inclusion of such material is inappropriate. When writing fiction, you don’t teach explicitly or do direct exposition and commentary, except through your characters.
• A personality profile that begins with praise singing of the subject. That would make the credibility of the writer suspect.
If the subject deserves praise, it should come from direct quotes of people interviewed to write the story. It can also be deduced by the reader from the factual narration of the subject’s achievements or generosity.
• A motivational post that begins by ridiculing or disparaging the readers. A condescending attitude will elicit hostility and resistance from the readers.
Even if what you’re writing about is a common wrongdoing, do not assume all your readers are guilty. And assuming they are all guilty, they may not take kindly to being upbraided by you.
Unless you’re seeking notoriety, in which case you deliberately provoke people to receive an avalanche of insults, include yourself among the guilty by using the first person plural or lay blame on some people, not everyone.
CONCLUSION
I hope you’ve found these 7 tips on how to start your articles helpful. I would be gratified if I learnt that you’ve actually started writing (if you weren’t doing so already) and that you’re no longer bogged down wondering, “How do I start my article?”
Feel free to share your experiences and ask questions on this topic in the main comment thread. God bless you.
Further reading:
HOW TO BEGIN AN ESSAY: 13 ENGAGING STRATEGIES
A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO WRITING A COMPELLING ARTICLE INTRODUCTION
You may also like these related posts:
AFRAID YOUR WRITING WON’T BE GOOD ENOUGH? 5 tips to help writers defeat self-doubt
Nice one ma’am ?……early morning lecture for me.
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Have a great day!
This post is very important. These are major writing techniques to start feature leads ( articles) and alternative leads. Thanks ma.
Good morning and thank you, Willie!
Thank you ma for your unrelenting effort to educate this generation of future scholars. More grace
Very well stated ma.
These points if well applied help beautify an article.
An article has to be interesting to capture the readers’ attention which will motivate them to continue reading.
Making use of stories in article goes a long way in spicing it up.
True. Thank you!
I believe this piece is solely for me, how to start writing an article most times is difficult for me not that I don’t know how to write but how to roll out my points, how am gonna pen them down mostly, I can relate this to when I listen to some of my favourite music and feel like shaking my body to the beats, I have all the moves and steps in my head but how to bring it to life is the problem ?
Thank you ma for this piece.
Practice next
Yes, practice is very important. God’s grace to you!
This is really helpful for me…..
Pls ma, can you throw more light on Point four- Make a contrast and Point five- Make an analogy
Read the posts for illustration under those numbers and see how they are done. That will make the explanation clearer. Cheers!
Wow… This is so true and helpful to me. Thanks to you ma for taking out your time to enlighten me more on this. I will try to put it into practice.
This guidelines are definitely important in writing articles, thanks for sharing because I must confess I also get stuck when trying to start articles.
I had to save this post. I like the way you gave us the hyperlinks for illustrating the points. It was very helpful. Thank you ma.
Glad you found it helpful. Looking forward to your contribution to the Facebook group. You are richly blessed in Jesus’ name.
A good detailed post as usual from our tutor. The good thing is that one can easily return to this blog anytime, anyday to learn again and get ideas on how to embark on a particular writing, whenever he/she stumbles.
You captured the reason for this labour of love. Social media posts are hard to locate after a long while unless you saved their links. But you can find what you want on a blog straight from a search engine.
Have a blessed day!
I read and made mental notes and I also intend to return to this post whenever necessary.
If one could master these steps, writing an article would be something one could do just after waking up from slumber.
In writing an article, can this be applied to both fictional and nonfictional stories, ma?
Sometimes, yes. Read some of the stories in the Short Stories (Fiction) and Nonfiction categories on this blog and see how they were started. I don’t mean the Introductions I do to guide young people. I mean the actual beginning of the stories. Happy Sunday!
Thanks ma.
I find this… So helpful, especially That Number two (Ask a question/s) is my best way to start an article because it will give me more reasons and valid points to write on.
Great ma, I learnt a lot
Well articulated, will be stored in my archive, thanks ma.
This is really helpful.when writing I get stuck and do not know which direction to channel my thoughts to.
Now that I have a better and more enlightened scope on it,I know I’ll do better
These tips are indeed helpful and will go a long way in helping me build up my writings. But, Ma, how do I overcome the fear of imperfections in writing? Cause anytime I feel I’m not getting it, I just lose interest in writing.
Read the article, “Afraid your writing won’t be good enough?”
Just what I’ve been dying to read!
Recently, I wrote a piece that began with a brief story, but wasn’t very confident about the validity of that style.
But only yesterday, I read a story from the Feature text that used the same format, and I was encouraged to write further, and now this!
Thank you so much ma
Good morning ma.
This really came in handy. Thank you so much for sharing this
Thanks so much ma’am.I must confess that the aforementioned tips are very helpful and captivating. I learnt that one should organize his/her thoughts in an orderly manner while writing.
I find this post most helpful, since starting my write up is the hardest part. It will be a lot easier following what is said in the first point, that is, making a summary of the article first and elaborating further.
This is a very nice and well-detailed piece. I love the part that says “tell a brief story” most writers and even public speakers do this a lot. “Summarise Your Main Point:
You can summarise what you want to say at the beginning. Then you elaborate on it.” This is what a lecture of mine called “Tell them what you are going to tell them, tell them, tell them what you have told them”.
Thanks ma, the tips are very helpful.
Well – detailed and very enlightening write – up. Thank you so much ma for this wonderful post…It has really helped to clear any doubts in writing an article and this will definitely be a good guideline to follow.
God bless you ma.
Indeed,this post have been helpful. Thank you for taking out time to explain concisely to us. May your labor of love be rewarded.
Thank you ma. I learnt that I should summarize my subject matter in order to help me draw my point well while writing.
This is a very helpful piece,we can a tually come back and pick ideas on whatever we need. Thank you ma.
I believe that this article is meant for me. Most times it is always difficult for me to write an article.thank you ma for this post is really helpful
You are not only good in writing, you are also good in helping others be like you. Most people can write very well but can’t guide others to be like them but you can do both. I hope that one day I can be very good in writing like you and I will be able to nurture other young writers the way you are nurturing me with these write-ups.
Thank you very much, ma!
Wow, this is very touching and encouraging! May God bless you awesomely and grant you your heart’s desire in Jesus’ name.
This piece is really helpful. I haven’t really tried article writing not because of the inability to put anything down but because of the difficulty on how to put out my points. With this, I should be able to write a good article . Thanks Ma
Sometimes we have an idea about a message but organising the message becomes a problem. Thanks Ma for this tips, they were really helpful
This is an important post, most times i have a lot of ideas but how to construct and write down my points is sometimes difficult for me. However, these steps will help me henceforth.
Well-detailed ma! I believe with this I can be able to resume my article writing. Thank you ma for this as I pray to put all of these into practice soon.
Getting the readers involved,seems that has been lacking in my articles. Hope to put this to my work. Thank you ma.
Well detailed ma…this is really going to help me write something great down.
Thank you so much ma now I know my faults from my article in my secondary school magazine. I need maximum focus and effort especially when it comes to the story and analogy, just to make my work near using second person pronoun.
Great tips Ma’am
The fear of making mistakes, using wrong sentences and plenty words has stopped many people from writing.
Practice makes perfect, with these words of encouragement and upliftment. I will start writing today.
Well done done ma,
Summarising what you want to say at the beginning helps to give an idea of what your article will look like
This is so helpful and detailed, I was afraid about starting an article, but with this explanation I can comfortably start one. Thank you, ma!
It good to ask question when writing an article to get more information.
Thank you ma! For another detailed guideline in writing an article.
With your guidance I believe I will become as good as you are in writing
You take your time in nuturing students
What a selfless act !!… thank you ma
Thanks a lot for your kind words. Glory to God!
Thank you very much ma for this nice write-up, with this, anyone can easily start up an article. I will surely follow these guidelines while writing an article
I’m happy I came across this post honestly, because I have always wanted to write an article but the thought that it may not be approved and the feeling that I may not do well discourages me. But with this, I’ve known what to look out for and
the steps to take so I’m starting to practice right away. Thank you ma!!
I’m surely going to put each ways to practice while writing an article, I’m sure it’ll turn out great. Thanks ma.
Getting the readers involved, seems that was lacking in my articles.hope to put this to my work.thank you ma.
This article is really helpful especially to me .I love your write up ma well done keep it up God bless you
Well detailed ma!…This is a very nice write-up. With these, I can complete my article..Thank you ma.
Interesting! The tips are really helpful ma,will put it in mind while writing an article.
This is an eye opener and knowledge impact post. Honestly following this seven ways i will be able to write a good article.
This point you gave are very important, especially the involvement of stories. I just love reading stories related to the piece of work, they is that clear view you get and it will make you read more.
Starting with a question or a short story is particularly for me. Actually, this goes a long way to answer the question I asked earlier. Thanks ma’am for the enlightenment
Thanks ma, I find this post very helpful, especially the third point.
This is a major writing technique to start, all you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know. Write what should not be forgotten.
After reading this, trust me Ma, I’m no longer scared of beginning an article. Thank you Ma. You’re a blessing to every young and aspiring writer here.
This is interesting, the seven tips given is helpful. Now I can start writing my article
“Starting a piece with a story” oh woowww???Thank you for strengthening my convictions ma
GLORY! This post came at the right moment! i almost quit writing on my Facebook wall because of my inability to start up a post…. thanl you sooo much ma!
Oh yeah! That’s interesting , cause I hardly write any motivational books or words, novels without any idiom in it . Proverbs, idioms and maxims make a story enticing, it’s just like adding ingredients that will make a food delicious and tasty .
With this seven ways of writing I think I can start to actualize my dream. Initially didn’t understand but I decided to follow the ways and the piece of work according to my mentor it was awesome. So to me particularly I am grateful for this teaching
More grace ma’am
Thanks ma, This is really awesome and motivational. With this tips my fears have been allayed and I know that my writing and that of every young inspiring writers will definitely improve to its best.
Want to capture my curiosity and interest? Tell a story. Nothing thrills me and captures my attention and focus,than story. I love,love,love,love stories. And I’m so much obsessed with it. Now, think about what a writer,who starts off his write-up,with a story…Towing the line of storytelling at the initial part of your story,is a big turn up for me. Thank you,Ma.
Another splendid post from a splendid author, rich in lessons as well.
I have always had problems with writing articles and I’ve always found them tasking but with these points of yours, I think I’ve found the courage to finally get to writing one and writing it well. Thank you.
Thank you ma for this helpful tips.
The 7 tips are really helpful.
The seven point you listed are very helpful. I would definitely not get stuck even before I start to write, because of the seven points, thanks
Thanks ma for helping we the upcoming writer like me. May your ocean of wisdom never run dry..
..amen
This writing throws light in ways to write perfectly thank you so much for this
I indeed have work to do!!!
These are seven great tips of being able to connect with your readers!!!
You are not only good in teaching but also in encouraging young one’s on how to write well. Thank you ma for your good work.
This really speaks to me ma. On many occasions, I will envisage great ideas in my head, it will sound so perfect in my head, but when I pick up a pen and paper to put it to writing, I get stuck, but with these guidelines enlisted here, I will definitely give it a try…
Personally, I’ve been sceptical on how to go about my articles. But coming across this guidelines has really given me a head start ?. Thank you ma’am for this great piece and the zeal to keep we communicators in line♥️
I have always wanted to start writing but didn’t know how but these tips ,I can do something. Thanks ma.
I will try to put this tips in consideration when writing an article. Thanks for sharing.
These few points are like eye openers. I would definitely not get stuck in-between my write-ups . Thank you mah.
Indeed these a great ways to start an article. I learnt alot ma, thankyou
Nice one ma,thank for this write up, it really educative and it will go a long way in educating us the upcoming writers.
Nice write-up. I find this very useful because I do write articles and I believe these tips will help me to be better.
What a relief. Before I find it hard to start or write an article,but with this I think, no not just think I know that I’m good to go.
When I head the word “Article” I thought that is only meant for graduates, degree holders, I never knew that an undergraduate can possibly write one, thank you so much for opening my eyes and thank you for the tips also may God keep giving you knowledge. At least I can write a good article with thsu seven points
The tips are well detailed with examples to drive home the point. Thank you Ma’am
The seven keys listed , if probally used will make ones write up or article unqiue.thanks Ma I would love to be like u (Academically) by his grace
The seven keys listed , if probally used will make ones write up or article unqiue.thanks Ma I would love to be like u (Academically) by his grace amen
Starting my writing is a really the hard part for me but with this helpful tips I know my writing will definitely improve. Thanks ma.
Following this 7 ways will help save the time of an article writer.
Stories are great when used as illustrations especially when the writer skillfully connects the story with the message. The story magnets the attention of the reader and intrigues them to follow up with the remaining message
This would be of great help to me… I just began. Thanks for the enlightenment ma.
This your write up is very helpful, I believe that whenever I put this into practice, it will help me become a good writer by tomorrow. When we apply all this seven point while writing an article, it will capture the readers attention , it will also push them to continue reading the article.
Asking questions is one of the most helpful points to me. It will help me build up not just the beginning but also the body of the article. Thank you for this ma.
The 7th point caught my attention ma’am.
It was actually speaking to me directly besides the fact that it’s a point you were making in relation to your blog. Using Direct address usually keeps the readers on their toes as they try to picture themselves in the write up.
Thanks a lot ma’am, this tips were helpful
Thanks ma for this tips, it’s really motivational and helpful.
Thank you ma for this write-up it’s really educative and it will go a long way in helping us th young writers
Asking questions to provoke curiosity is so true and helps always. These tips and guidelines will definitely help us upcoming writers to do better.
Very helpful tip ma.
But when thought provoking questions are not asked when starting an article does it always lead to loss of interest from the reader?
The reader will be irritated, his interest will not be ignited.
This post provides helpful tips on effective ways in which a young writer can start an article. This is particularly helpful to first year mass communication students. Thank you ma.
Telling a story to begin an article is actually a great idea especially when the story will help the audience understand the article properly. Short stories are catchy and easy to comprehend.
Ma this is an eye opening write up.
It is really educative and enlightening.
With this guidelines, I can start writing my own articles. Thank you for this beautifully written work.
With these points one is good to go.
The seventh point would make the writer look confident.
Do not overlook the simplest things while writing!
Elaborate on main or central ideas to start a piece.
It seems like these guidelines were perfectly designed for me, because I need it most.
This post is so helpful and do detailed in every way especially number 1, I fine it important for any new beginner in article writing
I believe that when these tips are applied to your writings, it will attract more readers
You can actually pass the message completely through a brief catchy story.
A short story paints the picture of the message in the minds of the audience.
using point 3 is much fun as you are able to create a scene in the readers mind.
Thank you very much ma!
You’ve given us choices to choose from while battling with how to start an Article. I’ve been making use of № 1, in order to write sometimes I’d make use of the Inverted Pyramid writing my main point first before narrowing down even to the minor details in it.
You’ve been a great help to us and I really appreciate your effort ma.
I can also tell a story that I want to use as an illustration of my message then connect it to my Central idea.
This are great tips for my upcoming Gsp 101 exams which could turn out to be an article as we were informed. Thank you ma for this, it came timely to me.
Thanks for your helpful tips and experiences in writing. Idi uko
Thai is very helpful when one wants to write an article. If on follows all the step judiciously ,he will be able to write a nice and interesting piece
Excellent ma!!, I learnt a lot from this post.thanks for sharing ma
Thank you ma’am for this post. I really learnt something new while reading it.
Thank you ma for this wonderful guide, it will really go a long way for me
Thanks so much ma’am. I must confess that the aforementioned tips are very helpful and captivating.
One should recognize his or her thoughts in an orderly manner while writing.
recognize or organize?
Well-detailed ma! I believe with this I can be able to resume my article writing. Thank you, ma, for this as I pray to put all of this into practice soon.
Great one ma. Starting out an article has is one big difficulty writers, especially beginners, face. This has definitely brought a solution to that.
This post is really important for budding writers like me.
I’ve come across articles that are no serious they become boring. People should understand the need to make their articles interesting and educating.
Thank you ma.
What an interesting and inspiring article that shows how to write captivating introductions for articles. Thanks, Ma, for presenting to us seven great ways to start an article,
Wow, I have learnt a lot.
I really enjoyed reading this ma, thanks for this,now I can write an article myself for my next story😊😊