How to write a column? Column-Writing.pptx

tips in column writing

1. Column Writing

2. What is Column? A column is a recurring piece or article in a newspaper, magazine or other publication, where a writer expresses their own opinion in few columns allotted to them by the newspaper organization. People who write columns are described as columnists.

3. Key Elements of a Good Column Strong columns have a compelling headline, a clear introduction, well-developed body paragraphs, and a satisfying conclusion.

4. Key Elements of a Good Column Headline Catchy and informative, grabbing the reader's attention and setting the tone. 1

5. Headline Be Clear & Direct - The title should give readers a clear idea of the topic or argument of your column. Avoid complex language. Ex. Instead of “Thoughts on Education”, a more direct title could be, “ Why Our Education System Needs Urgent Reform”

6. Headline Use Action Words -- strong verbs or action words make your title more dynamic and engaging. Ex. “How Social Media is Reshaping Modern Communication “ is more compelling than “Social Media and Communication”.

7. Headline Use Humor or Wit (if appropriate) - a witty or humorous title can grab attention, but make sure aligns with the tone of your column. Ex. “Why Your Cat Knows More About Relaxation Than You Do”

8. Headline Include a Question - a question in the title can draw readers in, making them want to discover the answer. Ex. “Can Technology Really Solve the Climate Crisis?”

9. Headline Keep It Concise - column titles should be short and to the point. Aim for not more than 8-10 words, as long titles may lose reader interest

10. Key Elements of a Good Column 2 Introduction Hooks the reader with a relevant anecdote, question, or statement, providing context for the topic.

11. Introduction Start with a Hook a striking fact or statistic: start with a surprising or shocking piece of information. a provocative question: ask a question that challenges conventional thinking. Ex. “Millions of children still go to bed hungry every night-how did we let it get this bad?”

12. Introduction Set the Context after hooking the reader, give a little background or context to your topic. This helps ground the reader in the issue you’re addressing without overwhelming them with details right away. Ex. “In recent years , the gap between the wealthy and the poor has widened dramatically, leading to more families struggling to meet their basic needs.”

13. Introduction Present Your Opinion or Main Point in a column, your opinion is the central focus, so make it clear early on what you’re arguing. Be direct about your stance without over-explaining. Ex. “It’s time for us to address income inequality, head-on, before it tears our society apart.”

14. Introduction Keep it Concise - An introduction should be brief, clear, and to the point. It sets up the rest of your argument, so don’t dwell too long on background information.

15. Introduction Engage Emotionally - appeal to your reader’s emotions by using language that evokes empathy, outrage, or inspiration. Emotional engagement often draws people into your piece. Ex. “Imagine trying to raise a family on a minimum wage salary that barely covers rent, let alone food or healthcare.”

16. Introduction Establish Your Voice - your voice is key in a column, so your introduction should reflect your personality or style- whether it’s witty, serious, conversational, or bold. Ex. “Let’s be honest: the system isn’t just broken-its rigged. And we’re the ones who need to fix it.

17. Introduction Preview What’s to Come - without giving everything away, hint at the main arguments or points you will discuss in the body of the column. This sets expectations for the reader. Ex. “ In this column, I’ll explore why our current policies are failing and what practical steps we can take to ensure a more equitable future.”

18. Key Elements of a Good Column 3 Body Paragraphs Develop the main points with supporting facts, examples, and personal experiences, using transitions to ensure smooth flow.

19. Body Paragraphs Topic Sentence - start with a clear sentence that introduces the main idea or argument of the paragraph. It should directly connect to your overall thesis or opinion. Ex. One key issue affecting education today is the lack of adequate resources for teachers.

20. Body Paragraphs Support/Explanation - Provide an explanation or elaboration on your point. This could involve discussing why the issue is important, its causes, or its impact. Ex. Many public schools struggle with outdated textbooks and insufficient classroom supplies, which hinder both teaching and learning.

21. Body Paragraphs Evidence/Examples - Use examples, statistics, or real-world situations to back up your point. This adds credibility and helps illustrate your argument. Ex. A study conducted by the Department of Education found that over 40% of teachers report spending their own money on classroom materials.

22. Body Paragraphs Link to the next paragraph or reinforce the point - Wrap up the paragraph by reinforcing the idea or by leading into the next topic. Ex. If this trend continues, teachers will be unable to provide the quality education students deserve, leading to long-term consequences.

23. Key Elements of a Good Column 4 Conclusion Summarizes key points, restates the main idea, and leaves the reader with something to ponder.

24. Conclusion Restate the Main Idea - Summarize your overall argument or the key point you’ve made without simply repeating your thesis word-for-word. Ex. In the face of growing educational challenges, it’s clear that we must prioritize supporting teachers and students with better resources.

25. Conclusion Highlight Key Takeaways: - briefly recap the most important points or evidence from your column, focusing on what you want readers to remember. Ex. As public schools continue to face resources shortages, the gap in educational quality only widens, putting many students at a disadvantage.

26. Conclusion Call to Action or Thoughtful Insight - End with a call to action, a suggestion for future actions, or a final thought that provokes further thinking. Ex. It’s time for both the government and communities to step up, ensuring that every child has access to the tools needed for success.

27. Conclusion End with a Strong Closing Sentence - Your final sentence should leave an impact, making the reader reflect on the topic or encouraging them to take action. Ex. The future of our education system depends on what we do today-let’s not wait until it’s too late.

28. Effective Research and Information Gathering 1 Identify Reliable Sources Seek out reputable sources, such as books, academic journals, or government websites, to ensure the information is accurate and trustworthy.

29. Effective Research and Information Gathering Fact-Check Information 3 Verify the accuracy of the information obtained by cross-referencing sources and seeking confirmation from reliable sources.

30. Developing a Compelling Writing Style Writers should strive to write in a clear, concise, and engaging style. They can use vivid language, strong verbs, and sensory details to bring their writing to life.

31. Developing a Compelling Writing Style Vivid Language Use descriptive words and phrases to paint a picture in the reader's mind.

32. Developing a Compelling Writing Style Strong Verbs Choose verbs that convey action and energy, creating a more dynamic and engaging reading experience.

33. What is the Difference Between Column and Editorial? Column Authorship : written by specific individual such as columnist, who has their own voice and perspective. Editorial Authorship : represents the official opinion of the editorial board or the publication

34. What is the Difference Between Column and Editorial? Column Perspective : reflects the personal opinions, style, or expertise of the columnist. Readers often follow columns to hear the particular viewpoint of the writer. Editorial Perspective : offers a unified stance on current issues, often reflecting the viewpoint of the publication as a whole.

35. What is the Difference Between Column and Editorial? Column Content : can cover a wide range of topics, from politics to lifestyle, depending on the columnist’s area of expertise . Editorial Content : focuses on current issues or events of public concern, providing analysis or urging action from readers.

36. Pronoun Usage in Columns Personal Columns often use first-person pronouns (I, me, my) to express individual opinions and experiences. 2 Conversational Columns tend to have a more conversational tone, employing second-person pronouns (you, your) to engage the reader directly. 1

37. Pronoun Usage in Editorials Impersonal Editorials frequently employ third-person pronouns (he, she, they) or sometimes first-person pronouns like “we” but avoid individual perspectives like “I”.

38. Write an article on the topic below: Digital Responsibility: The importance of being responsible online, using social media wisely, and understanding cyber safety.