Youtube Exercise » English Grammar Homework

B2-C1

How to write an Article (Cambridge First, Advanced; Blogs)

Write to the Top

809K views 9 years ago

Warm-up Questions

When you hear “How to write an Article,” what makes you think an article is different from an essay?
If you wrote a blog post for Cambridge First/Advanced, what topic would you choose to make it interesting?
What do you think examiners want to see in an article task: formal language or a more conversational style?

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Start With: Word Definition

Order: Alphabetical Random

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How to write an Article (Cambridge First, Advanced; Blogs)

Purpose of the task + writing an effective title (00:00 – 05:40)

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1. Who is the video mainly aimed at?

People practicing informal texting abbreviations
People learning pronunciation for job interviews
People studying math vocabulary for exams
People preparing for Cambridge First or Advanced writing tasks (and also blog writers)

2. In the sample task, what must the writer answer about “the most useful thing I have ever learned”?

Where it happened, how long it took, and how much it cost
What it was, who taught it, and why it is useful
What the writer dislikes about it and how to avoid it
Which books were read, which films were watched, and which websites were used

3. What length does the speaker recommend for an article title?

Ten to fifteen words
One full grammatical sentence of at least 12 words
A title that repeats the task prompt exactly
Two to five words

How to write an Article (Cambridge First, Advanced; Blogs)

Organization + style: making articles engaging (not academic) (05:40 – 11:24)

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1. What is the main difference the speaker highlights between article writing and essay writing?

An article must avoid personal examples, while an essay must include them
An article is always longer than an essay
An article must include citations, while an essay must not
An article aims to entertain, while an essay is more academic and argumentative

2. Which organizational features does the speaker suggest can make an article easier to read?

Lots of unrelated ideas in each paragraph
Only one long paragraph to show advanced grammar
Subheadings, bullets, and numbers
Complex footnotes and references

3. Which language choice does the speaker advise you to avoid in an article?

Using “I” and “you”
Keeping language simple and conversational
Using some idioms and collocations
Academic connectors like “consequently”

How to write an Article (Cambridge First, Advanced; Blogs)

Two sample articles (cooking + music) and exam criteria (11:24 – 19:52)

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1. According to the speaker, Cambridge writing is marked on four main areas. Which option matches what he lists?

Creativity, humor, personal opinions, and drawings
Grammar, spelling, handwriting, and speed
Listening, reading, speaking, and pronunciation
Content, communicative achievement, organization, and language

2. In the cooking sample, what does the speaker say “smorgas board” means?

A buffet; something full of variety
A strict schedule for meals
A kitchen tool for cutting vegetables
A type of frying pan

3. What word does the speaker use as an example of a “big word” that can fit well in an article when used appropriately?

alleviate
jurisdiction
infrastructure
photosynthesis

How to write an Article (Cambridge First, Advanced; Blogs)

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1. Which title best follows the speaker’s advice (short, clear, interesting, not a full sentence)?

The Most Useful Thing I Have Ever Learned (Copied From The Task)
Music, Moods, and Memories
There Are Many Things That I Like And This Is One Of Them
In This Article I Will Explain Exactly Why Music Is Very Important In Our Daily Lives

2. What is the best overall tone/register for a Cambridge-style article on a website, according to the speaker?

Extremely informal, with lots of slang and swear words
Casual and conversational, but not slangy or offensive
Completely impersonal, avoiding “I” and “you”
Very academic and formal, like a university paper

3. Which writing move is recommended to help keep the reader engaged from the start?

Begin with a list of grammar rules
Begin with an interesting question
Begin with a long definition of “article”
Begin with “In conclusion”

Discussion Questions

Discuss the ideas from this video

How to write an Article (Cambridge First, Advanced; Blogs)

Do you agree that articles should be more entertaining than essays? Why or why not?
What topic could you write about that answers three questions clearly (what, who from, why useful) but still feels fun to read?
Which is easier for you: writing with subheadings/bullets, or writing in short paragraphs? Explain your choice.
What are two idioms, collocations, or “playful” phrases you could include in an article without sounding too informal?