Article Writing Guide
IGCSE ESL — Writing 120–160 Words
Master the format, style, and techniques for engaging IGCSE ESL articles — from attention-grabbing headlines to strong conclusions.
- Article structure — master the format for engaging IGCSE ESL articles
- Headline writing — create attention-grabbing titles that hook readers
- Opening techniques — start articles with impact
- Paragraph development — build coherent body paragraphs with examples
- Engaging style — techniques to keep readers interested
- Word count management — stay within the 120–160 word requirement
Time management
Planning: 3–5 minutes · Writing: 20–25 minutes · Checking: 3–5 minutes · Total: 30–35 minutes
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Understanding the Task
IGCSE ESL articles require you to write an engaging piece for a magazine, newspaper, or website in 120–160 words. Unlike essays, articles should be personal, interesting, and reader-friendly.
Typical article questions
"Your school magazine has asked for articles about hobbies. Write an article describing your favourite hobby and why others should try it."
"A travel website is looking for articles about interesting places to visit. Write an article about a place you recommend."
"Your local newspaper wants articles about technology. Write an article giving your views on how social media affects young people."
Article
More personal, engaging, uses questions and direct address ("you"), can include anecdotes, friendly tone
Essay
More formal, presents arguments, uses third person, focuses on reasons and evidence
Articles prioritise engaging the reader. Write as if talking to someone, not presenting to an examiner.
Article Structure
A successful IGCSE ESL article follows a clear structure that engages readers from start to finish.
Headline
3–8 words · catchy · not counted in word total
Opening
~20–25 words · hook the reader · introduce topic
Body para 1
~35–45 words · first main point with details
Body para 2
~35–45 words · second main point with details
Conclusion
~20–30 words · final thought or call to action
Total: 120–160 words · Headline: not counted
Opening: ~20–25 words (18%) · Body 1 + 2: ~70–90 words (60%) · Closing: ~20–30 words (22%)
Boring headline · weak opening with no hook · overly formal language · no personal touches · abrupt ending
Writing Headlines
Your headline is the first thing readers see. It should be short, catchy, and make people want to read more. Do not include it in your word count.
Use questions: "Why Should You Learn a Musical Instrument?"
Use numbers: "5 Reasons to Visit Paris"
Be direct: "The Hobby That Changed My Life"
Create intrigue: "The Secret to Staying Fit and Happy"
Strong headlines
"Why Photography is the Perfect Hobby for Everyone"
"Discover the Hidden Gems of Barcelona"
"Is Social Media Ruining Our Social Skills?"
Specific · intriguing · make you want to read onWeak headlines
"My Hobby" · "A Place I Visited" · "About Social Media"
Vague · generic · give no reason to click[Engaging word/question] + [Specific topic] — e.g. "Why Photography is Perfect for Everyone"
Writing the Opening
Your opening paragraph must hook the reader immediately. Use questions, interesting facts, or personal anecdotes to grab attention.
Start with a question: "Have you ever wondered what it's like to…"
Share a fact: "Did you know that over 2 million people…"
Tell a story: "Last summer, I discovered something amazing…"
Make a bold statement: "Learning guitar changed my life completely."
Topic: Photography as a hobby
"Have you ever captured a perfect moment that takes your breath away? Photography is more than taking pictures — it's about preserving memories and seeing the world differently." (24 words)
Practice: Write your opening paragraph
Grabs attention immediately · introduces the topic · uses engaging language · makes readers want to continue · 20–25 words
Writing Body Paragraphs
Write two body paragraphs, each focused on one main idea. Each should be around 35–45 words.
Firstly, photography helps you become more observant and creative. When you look through a camera lens, you notice details you'd normally miss. This skill develops over time and modern smartphones make it easy to start.
Moreover, photography creates lasting memories and connections. Every photo tells a story, from family celebrations to exciting trips. You can share your work on social media, join photography clubs, and explore new places with friends.
Useful linking words
Adding points: Firstly, Secondly, Moreover, Furthermore, Additionally, Also
Giving examples: For example, For instance, Such as
Showing results: As a result, Therefore, This means
Practice: Write a body paragraph
Writing the Conclusion
Your conclusion should wrap up the article effectively. End with a call to action, recommendation, or thought-provoking statement.
Call to action: "Why not pick up a camera and start today?"
Recommendation: "I highly recommend giving this hobby a try."
Personal reflection: "Looking back, I'm glad I discovered…"
Final thought: "Photography truly is a hobby for everyone."
"In conclusion, photography is a fantastic hobby that combines creativity and social connection. Whether using a camera or phone, why not try it? You might discover a lifelong passion." (28 words)
Practice: Write your conclusion
Don't introduce completely new ideas · don't end abruptly · don't just repeat what you already said · don't forget to engage the reader one last time
Complete Model Article
Task
"Your school magazine has asked for articles about hobbies. Write an article describing your favourite hobby and why others should try it."
Headline
Why Photography is the Perfect Hobby for Everyone
Opening (24 words)
Have you ever captured a perfect moment that takes your breath away? Photography is more than taking pictures — it's about preserving memories and seeing the world differently.
Body 1 (38 words)
Firstly, photography helps you become more observant and creative. When you look through a camera lens, you notice details you'd normally miss. This skill develops over time and modern smartphones make it easy to start.
Body 2 (42 words)
Moreover, photography creates lasting memories and connections. Every photo tells a story, from family celebrations to exciting trips. You can share your work on social media, join photography clubs, and explore new places with friends.
Conclusion (27 words)
In conclusion, photography is a fantastic hobby that combines creativity and social connection. Whether using a camera or phone, why not try it? You might discover a lifelong passion.
Engaging headline · strong question hook · personal and friendly tone · two well-developed body paragraphs · good linking words (Firstly, Moreover, In conclusion) · ends with a call to action · 139 words ✓
Creating an Engaging Style
Articles should be interesting and reader-friendly. Use these techniques to make your writing more engaging.
Flat — avoid
"People should try this hobby."
"This hobby is very popular."
"Many people enjoy photography."
"The place was nice."
Engaging — use
"You should definitely try this hobby."
"Why is this hobby so popular? Let me tell you."
"I discovered photography three years ago, and it changed my life."
"The place was breathtaking, with stunning views and vibrant colours."
Instead of "good": excellent, fantastic, wonderful, amazing, brilliant
Instead of "nice": delightful, pleasant, enjoyable, charming
Instead of "interesting": fascinating, captivating, intriguing, engaging
Be enthusiastic but not over-the-top · use contractions (I'm, you'll, it's) to sound natural · vary sentence length · include opinions and feelings · write as if talking to a friend
Planning Your Article
Spending 3–5 minutes planning will make your writing faster and better organised.
Headline: Write 2–3 options, choose the best
Opening: How will you hook the reader?
Main point 1: First key idea + example
Main point 2: Second key idea + example
Conclusion: How will you end? Call to action?
Planning example — "Write about a place you recommend"
Headline: "Discover the Magic of Barcelona"
Opening: Question about travel + why Barcelona is special
Point 1: Amazing architecture (Gaudí buildings, unique style)
Point 2: Great food and culture (tapas, beaches, friendly people)
Conclusion: Recommend visiting + personal reflection
A student magazine wants articles about technology. Write an article giving your views on how smartphones affect teenagers. Take 3 minutes to plan using the template above before writing.
Managing Your Word Count
Too short — under 120 words
Add specific examples ("fresh seafood paella and churros")
Expand descriptions with sensory details
Include a brief personal anecdote
Develop points with "This means…" or "As a result…"
Too long — over 160 words
Remove repetition — don't say the same thing twice
Cut unnecessary adjectives ("very, very beautiful" → "stunning")
Combine two short sentences into one
Remove minor details that don't add value
- Count words as you write (~15–20 words per line)
- Each paragraph should be 3–5 sentences
- If close to 160, stop and check before adding more
- Leave 2–3 minutes to count and adjust if needed
Practice Questions
Choose one and write a complete article (120–160 words)
Q1 — Hobbies: A student magazine is looking for articles about unusual hobbies. Write an article describing an interesting hobby and explaining why it appeals to you.
Q2 — Travel: A travel website has asked for articles about memorable trips. Write an article about a journey or holiday that you particularly enjoyed.
Q3 — Technology: Your school magazine wants articles about modern technology. Write an article giving your opinion on whether video games are good or bad for young people.
Q4 — School: A student website is collecting articles about school experiences. Write an article describing your favourite subject and explaining why you enjoy it.
Write your complete article here
Checking Your Work
Always leave 3–5 minutes to check your article carefully.
Step 1: Count words (120–160?)
Step 2: Check headline (catchy and relevant?)
Step 3: Read opening (does it hook readers?)
Step 4: Check body paragraphs (clear points with examples?)
Step 5: Review conclusion (strong ending?)
Step 6: Check spelling, grammar, and punctuation
Common errors to check
Spelling: definately → definitely · beleive → believe
Grammar: "I have went" → "I have gone" / "I went"
Punctuation: missing commas in lists, apostrophes in contractions
Tense consistency: don't switch between past and present randomly
Read your article quietly to catch awkward phrasing · check each paragraph has a clear topic · make sure you've answered the question · verify your tone is engaging · look for repeated words and replace with synonyms
Self-Assessment Checklist
Structure & format
- I wrote an engaging headline
- My opening paragraph hooks the reader
- I have 2 well-developed body paragraphs
- My conclusion wraps up effectively with a call to action
- I used appropriate paragraph breaks
Content & style
- My article is interesting and engaging
- I used direct address ("you") to connect with readers
- I included specific examples and details
- I used personal experiences or anecdotes
- My tone is friendly and appropriate for an article
Language & accuracy
- My word count is between 120–160 words
- I used varied and interesting vocabulary
- I included linking words (Firstly, Moreover, In conclusion)
- My spelling and grammar are accurate
- My sentences are varied in length and structure
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Writing like an essay
"In my opinion, photography is beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, it develops observational skills…" → Use a personal, conversational tone instead.
Boring headlines
"My Hobby" / "About Photography" → Make headlines specific and engaging: "Why Photography is the Perfect Hobby for Everyone"
Weak openings
"In this article, I will write about my hobby, which is photography." → Start with a hook: "Have you ever captured a perfect moment that takes your breath away?"
Being too general
"Barcelona is nice and has many things to see." → Include specific details: "Barcelona's stunning Gaudí architecture will leave you speechless."
Abrupt endings
"That is why I like photography. The end." → End with a call to action: "So why not pick up a camera today? You might discover a passion that lasts a lifetime."
Quick Reference Guide
Headline: Catchy + Specific (3–8 words, not counted)
Opening: Hook + Topic Introduction (~20–25 words)
Body 1: Main Point 1 + Details/Examples (~35–45 words)
Body 2: Main Point 2 + Details/Examples (~35–45 words)
Conclusion: Summary + Call to Action (~20–30 words)
Total: 120–160 words
Essential linking words
Opening: Have you ever…? / Did you know…? / Imagine…
Adding points: Firstly, Secondly, Moreover, Furthermore, Additionally
Examples: For example, For instance, Such as
Results: As a result, Therefore, This means
Concluding: In conclusion, Overall, To sum up, Finally
Engagement phrases
Direct address: You might be wondering… / You'll love… / You should try…
Personal touch: In my experience… / I discovered… / I highly recommend…
Final Tips for Success
Week 1–2: Practice writing headlines and openings (10 min daily)
Week 3–4: Write complete articles on different topics (30 min, 3× per week)
Week 5–6: Focus on improving weak areas from self-assessment
Week 7–8: Timed practice under exam conditions
Good luck with your IGCSE ESL exam.