TASK OVERVIEW
Magazine articles offer a behind -the-scenes look at the people and
places involved in news events. Some articles investigate a
complicated issue and inform us about the different side of the story.
Some articles are human interest stories about people who are special
in some way, or are about travel or interesting events. Other articles
give information and advice on many different topics.
Magazine articles entertain as well as well as inform us. Often they
include photographs or illustrations that give a sense of the whole
picture. Unlike newspaper articles, magazines articles have a long life
and remain timely - they get clipped out, passed around, or saved.
INSTRUCTIONS
On page 44 of your "Writing Sense" booklet, there is an informational article by a group of grade 6 students about different situations
affecting young people and their health.
Special Features:
* Magazine articles can be long or short
* They are factual stories about people, places, recent events, and current issues
* Articles are accompanied by headlines, which give a hint of what the article is about,
* The first paragraph is called the lead
* Most articles have an angle, which is the point of view from which the article is written. A combination of facts and opinions support
the point of view.
* Quotes and/or statistics may be used to support the facts
* Photographs have captions that explain them
* Clear language and correct spelling and punctuation are used
Choose an Idea:
Try one of these ideas:
* Investigate what's going on in your neighbourhood or school, and write a magazine article about it. Check bulletin boards in libraries,
notices, and community newspapers for events that would make interesting articles.
* Write an article about an athlete, writer, or artist in your school
* Turn a science or social studies research project into a magazine article. Find out as much as you can about the topic. Dig deep for
unusual and surprising facts.
* Write a magazine article about your favourite sport, hobby, or other interest
* Write an article about events reported in your local newspaper. Think about the lives and stories behind the headlines.
* Choose your own topic
Writing your magazine article tips:
Refer to page 46 of your "Writing Sense" booklet for more in depth information.
1. Decide who your target audience is.
2. Narrow your subject.
3. Collect your information.
4. Take photographs or cut out photographs and illustrations from old magazines or newspapers.
5. Organize your research and interviews.
6. Develop your angle.
7. Write your lead.
8. Write your article.
Revise and edit:
Refer to page 47 of your "Writing Sense" booklet for a revising and editing checklist
* also, ensure that you have met all the expectations
ASSESSED SKILLS
Communication
Are you communicating your ideas to your audience?
- communicates ideas and information for a variety of purposes (to inform, to persuade, to explain) and to specific
Organization of Ideas
Paragraphing - introduction, body, conclusion, flow
- organizes information to convey a central idea, using well-linked paragraphs
Communication
Using proper magazine techniques
- produces pieces of writing using a variety of forms, techniques and resources appropriate to the form and purpose, and materials from other media
Application of Language Conventions
proofreading for grammar, spelling, punctuation and writing style
- proofreads and corrects final drafts, focusing on grammar, punctuation, spelling, and conventions of style