How to write an article

An article tells the reader something true in a way that is worth their time. Whether it is news or a feature, the craft is the same: find a real story, gather facts, and write them clearly and fairly.

What it is

An article is a piece of non-fiction reporting or commentary for a publication or blog. News reports facts and events; features explore a subject in more depth, often with a narrative and human voices.

How to write it

Find a real story, not a topic. A story has a new fact, a surprising angle, or a person who makes the subject live. Ask: what is the news here, or the change worth reporting?

Report before you write. Interview people, gather facts, use reliable sources, and record where each fact came from. An article is only as strong as its reporting.

Lead with the lede. The opening paragraph should answer who, what, where, when and why, and grab the reader. This is the "inverted pyramid" for news — the most important information first. A feature may open on a scene or a scene-setting detail instead.

Structure it for the reader. For news, put the key facts first and fill in detail after. For a feature, use a narrative arc — an opening scene, a build, and a payoff.

Quote real people. Direct quotes add voice and authority. Attribute them accurately and fairly.

Be fair and accurate. Attribute every claim. Do not state opinion as fact. Write for a reader who needs to trust you.

End with resolution or a strong close. A news article may simply end when the facts are reported; a feature should land on a note that ties it together.

News vs feature

• News: facts first, inverted pyramid, timely, answers the basic questions in the lede.
• Feature: story-led, more depth and character, a narrative shape, less bound to the immediate news cycle.

The structure to copy

News: lede (who/when/what) → support with key facts → quotes → background → any other detail.

Feature: opening scene or hook → context and the subject → development with quotes and detail → a turn or insight → a strong close.

Common mistakes

Starting with a generic lede ("in today's world..."). Reporting opinion as fact. Not quoting anyone. No clear focus. Burying the most important fact. Padding.

Practical tips

• Write a strong lede; most readers decide in the first line.
• Verify facts with at least one reliable source.
• Let a real person or story carry the piece.

Checklist

• I found a real story, not just a topic.
• I reported and can verify the facts.
• My lede holds the key information and grabs the reader.
• I used appropriate structure for news or feature.
• I quoted real people accurately.
• I was fair, accurate and attributed my claims.