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HOW TO WRITE ARTICLE (ELABORATION OF MAIN POINTS)
ELABORATING THE IDEAS
Elaborating ideas in the main body of an article is very important as it expands your article.
The methods used is the same as you have learnt in essay writing. Thus before you start writing,
remember to brainstorm your ideas first.
1. Brainstorming Your Ideas
To expand your ideas, use DER* (Details, Examples, Reasons). Look at the diagram below for
some examples.
Benefits of recycling
▪ Details – how? – reduce waste
Ways to keep motivated
▪ Details – how? – do your hobbies
▪ Examples – listening to music
▪ Reasons – makes you happy
Advantages of social media
▪ Details – what? – connect people over long distance
▪ Examples – via Facebook and Instagram
Types of sports activities
▪ Details – what? – water sports
▪ Examples – kayaking and scuba diving
* You don’t need to use DER to expand every point. Use part of DER whenever and wherever necessary.
[PRACTICE] BRAINSTORM YOUR IDEAS
Try to brainstorm your ideas in the boxes below using the samples provided in the notes earlier.
Exercise 1
▪ Unique attractions
▪ Reasons
▪ Recommendation
Exercise 2
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HOW TO WRITE ARTICLE (ELABORATION OF MAIN POINTS)
▪ Ways to stay healthy
▪ Types of food to consume/avoid
▪ How to improve health
PREPARED BY: TUWO77@SMKTF22
HOW TO WRITE ARTICLE (ELABORATION OF MAIN POINTS)
2. Elaborating Content Points
Now you can use the ideas you have brainstormed to write the main body. When writing the main
body, remember to keep the ideas connected using suitable connectors/linkers (refer the notes on
Linking Words/Phrases).
Below are some examples on how to elaborate the content points using the linkers:
1. There are many benefits of recycling. On the one hand, it could help reduce the waste we produce
daily. On the other hand, it could also help reduce pollution.
2. There are many ways to keep ourselves motivated. Firstly, we can do our hobbies such as listening
to music or reading novels. Doing what we like can make use happy. Next, we must keep our mind
positive. For example, we can smile whenever we are facing difficulties. This will help us forget our
problems.
3. Apart from that, social media is very helpful at connecting people over long distance. For instance,
people from different sides of the globe can interact with one another via Facebook or Instagram.
4. Lastly, water sports such as kayaking and scuba diving can be interesting to teenagers too. Imagine
yourself getting splashed by the wave while kayaking or enjoying the beautiful view underwater
while scuba diving. Interesting, isn’t it?
[PRACTICE] WRITING THE MAIN BODY
Based on the points you have brainstormed, try to write the main body. You can refer to the notes
earlier for guidance.
Exercise 1
Unique
attractions
PREPARED BY: TUWO77@SMKTF22
HOW TO WRITE ARTICLE (ELABORATION OF MAIN POINTS)
Reasons
Recommendations
PREPARED BY: TUWO77@SMKTF22
HOW TO WRITE ARTICLE (ELABORATION OF MAIN POINTS)
Exercise 2
Way to stay
healthy
Types of food to
consume/avoid
How to improve
health
