Mastering Article Writing
A Complete Guide to IB English B — Paper 1 & Written Assignment
This guide teaches you how to craft compelling articles that inform, persuade, and captivate your readers — essential skills for Paper 1 and your Written Assignment at B2–C1 level.
19 slides covering foundations, structure, language, worked examples, practice tasks, and a quick-reference checklist — everything you need to write confidently under exam conditions.
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What is an Article?
In IB English B, an article is a written piece of text that provides information, presents ideas, or shares opinions on a specific topic.
What can articles do?
- Describe an experience, event, person, or place
- Present a balanced argument on an issue
- Share a strong opinion or viewpoint
- Inform readers about important topics
- Entertain while educating
Articles are versatile and can be published in newspapers, magazines, blogs, or school publications. Your writing must be clear, engaging, and appropriate for your audience.
Why it matters for IB
Article writing demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively, structure information logically, and engage a specific readership — adapting your writing to different contexts and purposes.
The Foundation: C–A–P
Before writing a single word, understand your Context, Audience, and Purpose. These three pillars guide every decision you make.
C — Context
The "where & why"
What situation prompted this article? School newspaper, community magazine, or online blog? Context influences topic, tone, and information.
A — Audience
The "who"
Who will read this? Peers? Teachers? General public? Their age, interests, and knowledge shape your vocabulary, style, and depth of explanation.
P — Purpose
The "what & why"
What do you want to achieve? Inform about a policy? Persuade readers to act? Entertain with a story? Purpose guides your entire approach.
Your CAP determines tone, vocabulary, length, structure, and style. Always start here.
Revision Task 1: C–A–P Analysis
Identify the C–A–P
Scenario: Write an article for your school magazine about the benefits of introducing a four-day school week. Your goal is to inform students and persuade school administration to consider this change.
Identify the Context, Audience, and Purpose:
Context: School magazine article addressing a potential policy change. Semi-formal publication read by the school community.
Audience: Primary — students directly affected. Secondary — teachers and administrators who make decisions. Mix of ages and perspectives.
Purpose: Inform both groups about the four-day week concept and persuade them it could benefit student wellbeing, academic performance, and school culture. Present balanced arguments while advocating for consideration.
Approach: Respectful, semi-formal tone with evidence-based arguments. Acknowledge potential concerns and appeal to both student interests and administrative priorities.
Article Structure: the Blueprint
A well-structured article keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
1. Headline
Catchy, informative, grabs attention. Your first impression.
2. Byline
Author credit: "By [Your Name]"
3. Introduction
Hook readers, introduce topic, state what the article covers.
4. Body paragraphs
One idea per paragraph, supported with details and evidence.
5. Conclusion
Summarise points, leave a lasting impression, call to action.
Each section has a specific job. Don't mix them up. Your introduction shouldn't conclude, and your body paragraphs shouldn't introduce new topics without development.
The Headline: Your First Impression
A great headline is clear, catchy, concise, and accurately represents the content.
Strong headlines
"Four-Day School Week: The Change Students Are Asking For"
"Why Our School Needs to Rethink the Five-Day Week"
"Less Time in Class, More Time to Learn?"
Clear topic, engaging, makes readers curiousWeak headlines
"School Week"
"An Article About School"
"Something Interesting"
Vague, boring, tells readers nothingUse questions, numbers, powerful words, or intriguing statements: "5 Reasons Why…", "The Truth About…", "How X Could Change…"
The Introduction: Hook Your Reader
Your introduction must:
- Grab the reader's attention immediately
- Introduce the topic clearly
- Indicate what the article will cover
- Set the tone for the rest of the piece
1. Surprising fact or statistic
"Studies show that students at schools with four-day weeks report 30% less stress and improved academic performance."
2. Provocative question
"What if you could have every Friday off and still get a better education?"
3. Anecdote or scenario
"Picture this: It's Thursday evening, and instead of dreading two more days of early mornings, you're looking forward to a three-day weekend."
4. Bold statement
"The five-day school week is outdated, and it's time for change."
Body Paragraphs: Develop Your Ideas
Each body paragraph should:
- Focus on one main idea
- Start with a clear topic sentence
- Include supporting details, examples, or evidence
- Use transitions to connect to other paragraphs
- Be logically organised
Strong body paragraph example
[Topic sentence] First and foremost, a four-day school week could significantly improve student mental health. [Evidence] Research from schools in Colorado that implemented this system found a 25% decrease in student-reported anxiety and depression. [Explanation] The extra day allows students time to rest, pursue hobbies, or simply catch up on sleep — luxuries that are often impossible with the current schedule. [Connection] When students are less stressed, they're more engaged and perform better academically, creating a positive cycle of wellbeing and achievement.
Support your claims. Use facts, statistics, expert quotes, examples, or logical reasoning. Don't just state opinions without backing them up.
The Conclusion: Leave a Lasting Impression
Your conclusion should:
- Summarise your main points briefly
- Offer a final thought or reflection
- Leave readers with something to think about
- Include a call to action (if appropriate)
1. Call to action
"It's time for our school community to seriously consider the four-day week. Talk to your teachers, discuss it with your parents, and let administration know that students are ready for this change."
2. Thought-provoking question
"The question isn't whether we can afford to make this change — it's whether we can afford not to."
3. Future vision
"Imagine a school where students arrive refreshed every Monday, ready to learn. That future could be closer than we think."
4. Circular ending (return to opening)
"That three-day weekend isn't just a dream — it could be our reality, and the benefits extend far beyond an extra day off."
Complete Article Example
Four-Day School Week: The Change Students Are Asking For
By Sarah Johnson, Grade 11
What if you could have every Friday off and still get a better education? It sounds too good to be true, but schools across the country are proving that a four-day school week isn't just possible — it might actually be better for students, teachers, and learning outcomes.
First and foremost, a four-day school week could significantly improve student mental health. Research from schools in Colorado that implemented this system found a 25% decrease in student-reported anxiety and depression. The extra day allows students time to rest, pursue hobbies, work part-time jobs, or simply catch up on sleep — luxuries that are often impossible with the current schedule.
Additionally, teachers benefit enormously from the extended weekend. With more time for lesson planning, grading, and professional development, educators can deliver higher-quality instruction. Happy, well-rested teachers create better learning environments, which directly benefits students.
Financially, the four-day model also makes sense. Schools save on transportation, utilities, and cafeteria costs for that fifth day. These savings can be redirected toward resources that truly matter: updated technology, better facilities, and expanded programmes.
Of course, concerns exist about childcare and maintaining academic standards. However, schools that have made this transition report that longer school days during the four-day week maintain instructional time, and many offer optional Friday programming for students who need supervision.
It's time for our school community to seriously consider the four-day week. The evidence is clear: this model supports student wellbeing, teacher satisfaction, and academic success. The question isn't whether we can afford to make this change — it's whether we can afford not to.
Notice the engaging headline, clear byline, hook in the introduction, organised body paragraphs with evidence, a balanced paragraph addressing concerns, and a strong conclusion with call to action.
Language & Style
Tone and register
Match your tone to your publication, topic, and audience:
- Formal: National newspaper, academic journal — objective, serious
- Semi-formal: School magazine, community publication — professional but personable
- Informal: Blog, student newspaper — conversational but still clear
Be clear
Use precise, simple language. Avoid unnecessary jargon.
Be engaging
Use vivid descriptions, strong verbs, varied sentences.
Be cohesive
Use transitions and connectors to link ideas smoothly.
Be active
Prefer active voice for impact and clarity.
Use sparingly but effectively — repetition for emphasis, rhetorical questions for engagement, metaphors for clarity. Don't overdo it.
Revision Task 2: Fix This Introduction
Identify and rewrite
Weak introduction:
"This article is about climate change. Climate change is bad. I will talk about it. Many people think we should do something about climate change. It affects the environment."
List at least 4 problems with this introduction:
Now rewrite it as an effective introduction:
Problems:
- No hook — doesn't grab attention
- Repetitive and simplistic language
- Vague statements — "bad", "do something", "affects"
- No clear direction or thesis
- Boring, predictable structure
Improved version:
"By 2050, rising sea levels could displace 200 million people worldwide. This isn't a distant dystopian future — it's the reality we're creating today. Climate change has moved beyond an environmental issue to become the defining challenge of our generation, affecting everything from global food security to economic stability. While the problem seems overwhelming, understanding the specific ways climate change impacts our daily lives is the first step toward meaningful action."
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Weak headlines
Don't use vague or boring titles. Your headline should make readers want to read more.
No clear structure
Articles need organisation. Use paragraphs properly — one main idea each.
Unsupported claims
Don't just state opinions. Back them up with evidence, examples, or reasoning.
Wrong tone
Match your tone to your audience and publication. Too casual for a formal newspaper? Too stiff for a blog? Adjust accordingly.
Rambling paragraphs
Stay focused. Each paragraph should have one clear point. If it's getting too long, split it.
Word Count & Time Management
For IB English B Paper 1, articles should be 450–600 words. Aim for 500–550 words to ensure you're comfortably within range.
Formatting essentials
- Always include a headline/title
- Always include a byline with your name
- Use clear paragraph breaks
- Keep paragraphs focused (4–7 sentences typically)
- Proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation
Time management for Paper 1
Planning (5 min): Analyse CAP, outline structure, note key points
Writing (30–35 min): Draft your article following your outline
Proofreading (5–10 min): Check for errors, improve clarity
Total: 45 minutes
Different Purposes, Different Approaches
To inform
Headline: "New School Recycling Programme Launches Next Month"
Approach: Factual, clear, organised. Present who, what, when, where, why. Neutral tone. Include specific details and practical information.
To persuade
Headline: "Why Every Student Should Learn a Second Language"
Approach: Argumentative with evidence. Use rhetorical techniques, emotional appeals, strong examples. Build a logical case. Address counterarguments.
To describe
Headline: "A Day in the Life of Our School's Newest Exchange Student"
Approach: Vivid, sensory language. Show, don't just tell. Include quotes, anecdotes, specific details. Create a picture for readers.
To present both sides
Headline: "School Uniforms: Examining the Debate"
Approach: Balanced, objective. Present arguments for and against fairly. Let readers draw conclusions or offer a measured final opinion.
Revision Task 3: Write Your Article
Full article practice — 450–550 words
Choose one scenario:
- Option A — Write an article for your school magazine describing a recent school event and its impact on the school community.
- Option B — Write an article for a local youth magazine persuading teenagers to volunteer in their communities.
- Option C — Write an article for an online education blog discussing whether technology in classrooms helps or hinders learning.
- Does it have a clear headline and byline?
- Does the introduction hook readers?
- Is each paragraph focused with supported claims?
- Does the conclusion leave a lasting impression?
Quick Reference Checklist
Before you write
- Identified context (publication type and situation)
- Identified audience (who will read this)
- Identified purpose (what I want to achieve)
- Created a brief outline of main points
Structure check
- Catchy, clear headline
- Byline with author name
- Engaging introduction with hook
- Body paragraphs (one main idea each)
- Strong conclusion that leaves an impression
Content check
- Clear main message throughout
- Claims supported with evidence or examples
- Appropriate tone for audience and publication
- Smooth transitions between paragraphs
- Engaging, varied language
Final polish
- Proofread for grammar and spelling
- Checked word count (450–600 words)
- Consistent tone throughout
- Clear and cohesive writing
Pro Tips for Success
Strong opening = strong article
Your introduction determines whether people keep reading. Spend extra time crafting a compelling hook.
Show, don't just tell
Instead of "The event was fun," write "Students' laughter echoed through the hall as they competed in teams." Use specific, vivid details.
Vary your sentence structure
Mix short, punchy sentences with longer, more complex ones. This creates rhythm and keeps readers engaged.
Use transitions effectively
Words like "however," "furthermore," "in addition," "consequently" guide readers through your argument smoothly.
Read your article aloud
This helps you catch awkward phrasing, run-on sentences, and unclear ideas. If you stumble reading it, your reader will too.
End strong
Your conclusion is the last thing readers remember. Make it count with a memorable statement, call to action, or thought-provoking question.
Assessment Criteria for Articles
What examiners look for:
Purpose & Audience
- Clear understanding of context, audience, and purpose
- Appropriate register and tone throughout
- Effective engagement with intended readers
Organisation & Development
- Clear, logical structure with effective paragraphing
- Well-developed ideas with supporting details
- Smooth transitions and cohesion
- Compelling introduction and conclusion
Language & Style
- Varied and appropriate vocabulary
- Range of grammatical structures used accurately
- Clear, engaging, and effective communication
- Minimal errors that don't impede understanding
Format & Conventions
- Proper article format (headline, byline)
- Appropriate length (450–600 words)
- Correct spelling and punctuation
You're Ready to Write
Mastering article writing for IB English B is all about:
- Practise writing articles on different topics
- Read quality articles from various publications
- Always plan before you write
- Focus on clarity and engagement
- Proofread carefully
Good luck with your IB English B exam.