20 Guided Writing Exercises
Every great writer begins somewhere, and most start with guided practice.
Article writing is one of the most valuable skills a student can develop. It teaches clarity of thought, organisation of ideas, and the ability to express opinions persuasively and professionally. Yet in most classrooms, students are handed a topic and expected to produce a polished piece of writing with little more than a word count and a deadline.
This guide takes a different approach.
Across 20 guided writing exercises, students explore thought-provoking topics such as climate change, media literacy, cultural diversity, healthy lifestyles, responsible technology use, community service, education for the future, and global citizenship. Each exercise provides not only a writing prompt but also a clear structure that helps students develop their ideas step by step.
Every exercise includes a situational context, a structured task breakdown, and a bank of ready-to-use key phrases organised into three thematic columns, carefully aligned with each writing objective. This scaffolded approach helps students move from ideas to well-organised articles with confidence.
Designed for students aged 13–18 and adaptable for both classroom use and independent study, this resource supports learners in developing strong writing habits, critical thinking, and clear communication skills.
Through 20 carefully designed guided writing exercises, students learn not just how to write articles, but how to think, analyse, and express their ideas with clarity, structure, and genuine purpose.
Write Here : Essay Writing Helper
📌 How to Use This Guide
Each question comes with a Writing Task and a Key Phrases Table. Use the phrases to structure your paragraphs, then add transition words (e.g. Furthermore, However, In addition) to link your ideas smoothly. Aim for approximately 180 words per article, writing in a semi-formal style.
Useful Transition Words & Phrases
| Adding Ideas | Contrasting | Giving Examples | Concluding |
| Furthermore, Moreover, In addition, Also | However, On the other hand, Although, Despite this | For instance, For example, Such as, Like | In conclusion, To sum up, Overall, Ultimately |
Question 1 – Protecting the Environment
📋 Situation: Your school magazine is preparing a special issue about protecting the environment and has invited students to contribute articles.
✍️ Writing Task
Write a semi-formal article (about 180 words) in which you:
1. Explain why protecting the environment is important.
2. Describe actions students can take to help protect the environment.
3. Give your opinion on how schools can encourage environmentally friendly behaviour.
🔑 Key Phrases Table
| Why It Is Important | Actions Students Can Take | How Schools Can Encourage Eco-Friendly Behaviour |
| Protecting our planet for future generations | Recycle paper, plastic and metal at school | Organise regular environmental campaigns and events |
| Reducing pollution and waste | Use reusable bottles and lunch containers | Include environmental topics in different subjects |
| Preserving natural resources like water and energy | Switch off lights and computers when not in use | Put recycling bins in classrooms and corridors |
| Protecting animals and plants from extinction | Walk, cycle or share transport to school | Reward classes that reduce waste or save energy |
| Improving health and quality of life in our community | Join or start an eco-club or clean-up project | Invite guest speakers or NGOs to talk about the environment |
| Slowing down climate change and global warming | Plant trees or create a school garden | Create posters, assemblies and newsletters about green habits |
💡 Tip: Open with a thought-provoking question or surprising fact to engage readers.
📝 Target word count: approximately 180 words | Style: Semi-formal
Question 2 – Social Media and Teenagers
📋 Situation: Your school website is publishing a series of articles about social media and young people.
✍️ Writing Task
Write a semi-formal article (about 180 words) in which you:
1. Explain how teenagers commonly use social media.
2. Describe both the advantages and disadvantages of social media.
3. Give your advice on how young people can use social media responsibly.
🔑 Key Phrases Table
| How Teenagers Use Social Media | Advantages | Disadvantages & Responsible Use |
| Staying connected with friends and family | Accessing information and news quickly | Risk of cyberbullying and online harassment |
| Sharing photos, videos and personal experiences | Building online communities and support networks | Potential privacy and data security concerns |
| Expressing opinions, ideas and creativity | Developing digital communication and marketing skills | Encouraging unrealistic body image comparisons |
| Following trends, influencers and public figures | Raising awareness about social and global issues | Creating addictive habits and excessive screen time |
| Messaging friends and organising social events | Promoting businesses and personal projects | Spreading misinformation and fake news rapidly |
| Discovering entertainment, music and art | Enhancing collaboration and group learning | Managing screen time and protecting personal information |
💡 Tip: Use the PEEL structure: Point → Evidence → Explanation → Link.
📝 Target word count: approximately 180 words | Style: Semi-formal
Question 3 – Healthy Lifestyle
📋 Situation: Your school is organising a ‘Healthy Week’ to encourage students to adopt healthier habits.
✍️ Writing Task
Write a semi-formal article (about 180 words) in which you:
1. Explain why having a healthy lifestyle is important for young people.
2. Describe activities students can do to stay healthy.
3. Give your opinion on how schools can support healthy lifestyles.
🔑 Key Phrases Table
| Why a Healthy Lifestyle Matters | Activities to Stay Healthy | How Schools Can Help |
| Maintaining physical fitness and stamina | Participating in team sports and individual exercise | Providing healthy, balanced meal options in the canteen |
| Boosting mental well-being and emotional resilience | Eating a balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables | Organising regular sports days and fitness challenges |
| Improving concentration, focus and academic performance | Getting adequate sleep of 8–9 hours per night | Including wellness and nutrition lessons in the curriculum |
| Reducing stress, anxiety and mood swings | Practising mindfulness, yoga or meditation | Creating relaxation spaces and mental health support |
| Preventing serious health problems in later life | Staying hydrated by drinking enough water daily | Encouraging walking or cycling to school |
| Building positive, lifelong habits from an early age | Limiting junk food, sugary drinks and processed foods | Running after-school clubs for sports and physical activity |
💡 Tip: Include a personal opinion paragraph and a clear concluding sentence.
📝 Target word count: approximately 180 words | Style: Semi-formal
Question 4 – Technology in Education
📋 Situation: Your school is planning to introduce more technology into classroom lessons and has invited students to share their opinions on the school website.
✍️ Writing Task
Write a semi-formal article (about 180 words) in which you:
1. Explain how technology can help students learn more effectively.
2. Describe possible problems or disadvantages of using technology in lessons.
3. Give your opinion on the future role of technology in education.
🔑 Key Phrases Table
| How Technology Helps Learning | Possible Problems | Future Role of Technology |
| Creating interactive and engaging learning experiences | Causing distractions such as social media and gaming | Enhancing traditional teaching rather than replacing it |
| Giving access to vast digital resources and databases | Technical difficulties disrupting lessons | Making personalised learning accessible to all students |
| Enabling personalised learning at each student’s pace | Reducing face-to-face social interaction and teamwork | Preparing students for digital careers and workplaces |
| Facilitating collaborative work on online platforms | Increasing screen time and related health issues | Bridging the gap between classroom and real-world skills |
| Developing essential technical and digital literacy skills | Risk of academic dishonesty and plagiarism online | Supporting teachers with data-driven teaching insights |
| Using multimedia content to explain complex concepts | Creating an unequal experience for students without devices | Connecting students globally for collaborative projects |
💡 Tip: Vary your sentence length to make your writing flow naturally.
📝 Target word count: approximately 180 words | Style: Semi-formal
Question 5 – Volunteering in the Community
📋 Situation: Your school encourages students to take part in volunteer activities and would like to publish student opinions in the school magazine.
✍️ Writing Task
Write a semi-formal article (about 180 words) in which you:
1. Explain why volunteering is important for communities.
2. Describe examples of volunteer work that teenagers can do.
3. Explain how volunteering can benefit young people personally.
🔑 Key Phrases Table
| Why Volunteering Is Important | Examples of Volunteer Work | Personal Benefits for Young People |
| Strengthening community bonds and social cohesion | Organising charity fundraising events and drives | Developing empathy, compassion and social awareness |
| Supporting people in need such as the elderly or disabled | Visiting and assisting elderly people in care homes | Gaining valuable real-world experience and skills |
| Making a visible, positive difference in local areas | Participating in environmental clean-up projects | Building self-confidence and leadership abilities |
| Promoting a culture of generosity and civic responsibility | Tutoring younger or disadvantaged students | Improving CV and university or college applications |
| Filling gaps that governments and services cannot address | Working at local food banks or homeless shelters | Creating a sense of purpose, achievement and fulfilment |
| Raising awareness about important social issues | Joining conservation or wildlife protection programmes | Forming meaningful friendships and community connections |
💡 Tip: Check your word count — aim for 175–185 words.
📝 Target word count: approximately 180 words | Style: Semi-formal
Question 6 – Climate Change Awareness
📋 Situation: Your school is organising a ‘Climate Awareness Day’ and students are invited to write articles for the school magazine.
✍️ Writing Task
Write a semi-formal article (about 180 words) in which you:
1. Explain what climate change is and why it is a global issue.
2. Describe how climate change affects people and the environment.
3. Suggest actions students can take to help reduce climate change.
🔑 Key Phrases Table
| What Climate Change Is | How It Affects People & Environment | Actions Students Can Take |
| A long-term rise in global average temperatures | Causing more frequent and severe extreme weather events | Reducing personal energy consumption at home and school |
| Caused mainly by greenhouse gas emissions from human activity | Melting polar ice caps and rising sea levels worldwide | Recycling and reusing materials to reduce landfill waste |
| Accelerated by burning fossil fuels and deforestation | Threatening biodiversity and destroying natural ecosystems | Choosing sustainable transport such as cycling or buses |
| A global issue requiring international cooperation | Affecting food and water supplies for millions of people | Avoiding single-use plastics and fast fashion |
| Linked to extreme heat waves, floods and droughts | Displacing communities and causing climate refugees | Joining or starting environmental clubs and campaigns |
| Already visible through changing weather patterns globally | Damaging coral reefs, forests and natural habitats | Spreading awareness through social media and school events |
💡 Tip: Use formal connectives such as Furthermore, Nevertheless, and In contrast.
📝 Target word count: approximately 180 words | Style: Semi-formal
Question 7 – Reading Habits
📋 Situation: Your teachers would like students to read more books and have asked for articles for the school magazine about reading habits.
✍️ Writing Task
Write a semi-formal article (about 180 words) in which you:
1. Explain why reading is important for students.
2. Describe ways young people can develop good reading habits.
3. Explain what type of books you enjoy reading and why.
🔑 Key Phrases Table
| Why Reading Is Important | Developing Good Reading Habits | Types of Books & Why You Enjoy Them |
| Expanding vocabulary and language fluency | Setting aside 20–30 minutes for reading each day | Adventure stories for their exciting plots and heroes |
| Improving concentration, focus and patience | Joining a school or public library book club | Mystery novels for suspense and problem-solving elements |
| Enhancing imagination, creativity and storytelling ability | Visiting the school or local library regularly | Science fiction for exploring future worlds and technology |
| Developing critical and analytical thinking skills | Exploring different genres to find personal interests | Historical fiction for learning about the past engagingly |
| Gaining knowledge, new ideas and global perspectives | Setting a reading challenge or goal each term | Non-fiction and biographies for real-world inspiration |
| Improving writing style, grammar and communication | Recommending and discussing books with friends | Fantasy novels for their rich world-building and creativity |
💡 Tip: Start with a strong headline that reflects the article’s main argument.
📝 Target word count: approximately 180 words | Style: Semi-formal
Question 8 – The Importance of Exercise
📋 Situation: Your school wants to encourage students to be more physically active and is publishing articles about exercise on the school website.
✍️ Writing Task
Write a semi-formal article (about 180 words) in which you:
1. Explain why regular exercise is important for teenagers.
2. Describe different types of physical activities students can do.
3. Suggest ways schools can encourage students to exercise more.
🔑 Key Phrases Table
| Why Exercise Is Important | Types of Physical Activity | How Schools Can Encourage Exercise |
| Maintaining physical health, fitness and healthy weight | Team sports such as football, basketball and volleyball | Providing a wide range of varied sports facilities |
| Building strength, endurance and cardiovascular health | Individual activities like swimming, running and cycling | Organising engaging after-school sports clubs and activities |
| Improving mental well-being and reducing depression | Dance classes, aerobics and fitness group sessions | Making physical education lessons fun and motivating |
| Reducing stress, anxiety and improving mood naturally | Yoga and stretching for flexibility and relaxation | Hosting inter-class or inter-school sports competitions |
| Boosting self-confidence and a positive body image | Outdoor activities like hiking, climbing and orienteering | Partnering with local sports clubs for expert coaching |
| Promoting better quality sleep and energy levels | Active commuting by walking or cycling to school | Recognising and celebrating sporting achievements publicly |
💡 Tip: Address the reader directly using ‘we’ or ‘our’ for a semi-formal tone.
📝 Target word count: approximately 180 words | Style: Semi-formal
Question 9 – Cultural Festivals
📋 Situation: Your school is planning to organise a Cultural Festival to celebrate different traditions and cultures.
✍️ Writing Task
Write a semi-formal article (about 180 words) in which you:
1. Explain why cultural festivals are important for communities.
2. Describe activities students might enjoy at such a festival.
3. Give your opinion on why learning about different cultures is valuable.
🔑 Key Phrases Table
| Why Cultural Festivals Matter | Activities at the Festival | Why Learning About Cultures Is Valuable |
| Celebrating cultural diversity and heritage | Traditional music performances and live concerts | Broadening perspectives and challenging stereotypes |
| Bringing people of different backgrounds together | Authentic food stalls representing global cuisines | Developing respect and appreciation for differences |
| Promoting mutual understanding and social harmony | Traditional dance displays and participatory workshops | Reducing prejudice, discrimination and misunderstanding |
| Preserving cultural traditions for future generations | Art and craft demonstrations from different cultures | Preparing students for a multicultural global society |
| Strengthening community pride and shared identity | Storytelling sessions and cultural history exhibitions | Building empathy and emotional intelligence |
| Encouraging inclusivity and social integration | Traditional costume displays and photography stations | Creating curiosity about global history and geography |
💡 Tip: End with a call to action to make your article memorable and impactful.
📝 Target word count: approximately 180 words | Style: Semi-formal
Question 10 – Saving Water
📋 Situation: Your community is running a campaign to encourage people to save water and has invited young people to contribute articles to a local newsletter.
✍️ Writing Task
Write a semi-formal article (about 180 words) in which you:
1. Explain why saving water is important today.
2. Describe ways people can reduce water waste at home or school.
3. Suggest how communities can raise awareness about saving water.
🔑 Key Phrases Table
| Why Saving Water Is Important | Ways to Reduce Water Waste | Raising Community Awareness |
| Protecting our planet’s limited fresh water resources | Turning off taps immediately after use | Organising community water-saving awareness campaigns |
| Ensuring reliable water supplies for future generations | Taking shorter showers instead of long baths | Distributing practical tip leaflets to households |
| Addressing the growing global water scarcity crisis | Fixing dripping taps and leaking pipes promptly | Running school projects and competitions about saving water |
| Supporting agriculture and food production stability | Using water-efficient appliances and low-flow taps | Sharing statistics and facts on social media platforms |
| Reducing energy used to treat and pump water | Collecting rainwater for watering gardens and plants | Inviting water conservation experts to give school talks |
| Helping ecosystems and rivers maintain natural flow | Only running dishwashers and washing machines when full | Placing informative posters in schools and public spaces |
💡 Tip: Avoid informal contractions (e.g. write ‘do not’ instead of ‘don’t’).
📝 Target word count: approximately 180 words | Style: Semi-formal
Question 11 – Environment and Local Businesses
📋 Situation: Your English teacher has asked you to write an article for the school magazine about how companies in your town can be more environmentally friendly.
✍️ Writing Task
Write a semi-formal article (about 180 words) in which you:
1. Explain why pollution and waste are a problem in your area.
2. Suggest ways local companies could reduce their negative impact on the environment.
3. Give your opinion on how customers can encourage companies to change.
🔑 Key Phrases Table
| Why Pollution & Waste Are Problems | How Companies Can Become Greener | How Customers Can Drive Change |
| Increasing air pollution from vehicles and factories | Switching to renewable energy sources like solar power | Choosing to buy from eco-friendly businesses only |
| Excessive plastic waste polluting streets and waterways | Reducing unnecessary packaging and using biodegradable materials | Boycotting companies with poor environmental records |
| Contaminating rivers and groundwater with chemicals | Implementing effective workplace recycling programmes | Writing reviews and feedback requesting greener practices |
| Harming local wildlife and natural ecosystems | Reducing carbon emissions through greener delivery methods | Demanding clearer environmental labelling on products |
| Affecting public health and residents’ quality of life | Encouraging staff to adopt sustainable daily habits | Petitioning local councils to enforce environmental standards |
| Damaging the visual appeal and tourism potential of the area | Partnering with environmental NGOs for sustainability audits | Supporting and promoting local sustainable businesses online |
💡 Tip: Use passive voice occasionally to add variety and formality.
📝 Target word count: approximately 180 words | Style: Semi-formal
Question 12 – Equality
📋 Situation: Your school is organising a ‘Fairness Week’ about equality. Students are invited to write an article for the school website.
✍️ Writing Task
Write a semi-formal article (about 180 words) in which you:
1. Explain what equality means for young people today.
2. Describe some examples of unfair treatment that teenagers might experience.
3. Suggest what schools can do to promote equality among students.
🔑 Key Phrases Table
| What Equality Means Today | Examples of Unfair Treatment | How Schools Can Promote Equality |
| Treating every person fairly regardless of background | Discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation | Creating clear anti-discrimination and bullying policies |
| Having equal opportunities in education and society | Prejudice about appearance, weight or clothing style | Celebrating diversity through assemblies and events |
| Respecting every individual’s rights and dignity | Exclusion from social groups or school activities | Training all teachers in inclusive classroom strategies |
| Challenging unfair systems that disadvantage groups | Stereotyping based on ethnicity, religion or culture | Establishing student equality and diversity committees |
| Recognising and valuing differences as strengths | Bullying and harassment targeting vulnerable students | Providing equal access to resources and support for all |
| Working together to remove barriers to participation | Unequal access to resources, devices or opportunities | Addressing discriminatory incidents quickly and firmly |
💡 Tip: Include at least one rhetorical question to engage the reader’s thinking.
📝 Target word count: approximately 180 words | Style: Semi-formal
Question 13 – Responsible Tourism
📋 Situation: A youth travel website is asking for articles about ‘responsible tourism’.
✍️ Writing Task
Write a semi-formal article (about 180 words) in which you:
1. Explain how tourism can have negative effects on the environment or local people.
2. Describe ways tourists can travel more responsibly.
3. Give your opinion on how travel companies could support responsible tourism.
🔑 Key Phrases Table
| Negative Effects of Tourism | How to Travel Responsibly | How Travel Companies Can Help |
| Damaging fragile natural habitats and ecosystems | Researching and respecting local customs and traditions | Promoting eco-certified hotels and sustainable accommodation |
| Overcrowding popular destinations and damaging sites | Supporting local businesses, guides and artisans | Offering carbon-offsetting options for flights and tours |
| Disrupting the daily lives of local communities | Minimising waste and plastic use while travelling | Educating travellers about responsible behaviour beforehand |
| Increasing pollution from transport and waste | Avoiding activities that exploit animals or cultures | Limiting group sizes at sensitive natural and cultural sites |
| Exploiting cultural heritage purely for profit | Choosing low-impact transport options where possible | Donating a percentage of profits to local conservation |
| Straining local water, food and energy resources | Leaving no trace and keeping natural areas clean | Partnering with local communities and sharing tourism revenue |
💡 Tip: Paragraphs should have one main idea each, supported by relevant detail.
📝 Target word count: approximately 180 words | Style: Semi-formal
Question 14 – Media and Young People
📋 Situation: Your school newsletter wants articles about ‘media and young people’.
✍️ Writing Task
Write a semi-formal article (about 180 words) in which you:
1. Explain how news and social media can influence teenagers’ views on global issues.
2. Describe both positive and negative effects of this influence.
3. Suggest how schools and parents can help teenagers use media in a sensible way.
🔑 Key Phrases Table
| How Media Influences Teenagers | Positive & Negative Effects | How Adults Can Help |
| Shaping opinions and attitudes on current events | Raising awareness about important social issues | Teaching critical media literacy in school lessons |
| Exposing young people to diverse global perspectives | Encouraging civic engagement and youth activism | Discussing news stories together at home openly |
| Setting trends in behaviour, fashion and lifestyle | Promoting social causes and fundraising campaigns | Monitoring online content and setting screen time limits |
| Creating emotional reactions to news and world events | Spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories rapidly | Helping teenagers identify credible news sources |
| Influencing political and social views significantly | Creating anxiety, fear and negative mental health impacts | Encouraging reflection and open debate about media content |
| Normalising certain values, behaviours and lifestyles | Encouraging unrealistic comparisons and low self-esteem | Modelling responsible, balanced media consumption habits |
💡 Tip: Use the column headers as your paragraph topics for a clear structure.
📝 Target word count: approximately 180 words | Style: Semi-formal
Question 15 – Future Jobs and the Environment
📋 Situation: Your teacher has asked you to write an article for a careers website about ‘future jobs and the environment’.
✍️ Writing Task
Write a semi-formal article (about 180 words) in which you:
1. Explain why environmental problems are important for young people planning their future careers.
2. Describe at least two types of jobs that can help protect the environment or promote equality.
3. Give your opinion on what skills students should develop for these jobs.
🔑 Key Phrases Table
| Why Environment Matters for Careers | Green & Social Justice Jobs | Skills to Develop for These Careers |
| Addressing urgent global challenges shaping all industries | Renewable energy engineers designing solar and wind systems | Developing strong scientific and analytical problem-solving |
| Creating entirely new sustainable industries and roles | Environmental scientists researching ecosystems and pollution | Building excellent written and verbal communication skills |
| Making traditional careers increasingly eco-focused | Conservation officers protecting wildlife and natural habitats | Learning to use environmental technology and data tools |
| Driving government policy, law and international agreements | Sustainability consultants advising businesses on green practice | Cultivating teamwork, leadership and project management abilities |
| Influencing consumer choices and corporate responsibility | Green architects designing eco-friendly sustainable buildings | Developing empathy, cultural awareness and global perspective |
| Offering exciting, meaningful and growing career opportunities | Social justice advocates and equality policy officers | Staying curious, adaptable and committed to lifelong learning |
💡 Tip: Re-read your article aloud to check for awkward phrasing or repetition.
📝 Target word count: approximately 180 words | Style: Semi-formal
Question 16 – Education for a Better World
📋 Situation: A school in another country is making an online magazine about ‘education for a better world’ and has asked your school to contribute.
✍️ Writing Task
Write a semi-formal article (about 180 words) in which you:
1. Explain how education can help solve global problems such as poverty or inequality.
2. Describe projects or activities students could do at school to learn about these issues.
3. Give your opinion on how schools can motivate students to take action.
🔑 Key Phrases Table
| How Education Solves Global Problems | School Projects & Activities | How Schools Can Motivate Students |
| Empowering individuals with knowledge and critical thinking | Organising international charity fundraising campaigns | Inspiring through real stories of youth changing the world |
| Breaking cycles of poverty through improved opportunities | Connecting with schools in developing countries online | Recognising and publicly celebrating student contributions |
| Promoting awareness of equality, rights and responsibilities | Researching global challenges for class presentations | Providing meaningful, hands-on opportunities to contribute |
| Creating informed, engaged and responsible global citizens | Running debates and Model United Nations (MUN) events | Linking learning directly to real-world impact and change |
| Developing empathy and understanding across cultures | Participating in UN Sustainable Development Goals projects | Setting ambitious but achievable goals for student action |
| Encouraging social responsibility and community leadership | Inviting speakers working on global issues to school | Creating a school culture that values making a difference |
💡 Tip: Ensure your introduction clearly states what the article will discuss.
📝 Target word count: approximately 180 words | Style: Semi-formal
Question 17 – Young People and the Media
📋 Situation: Your local council is running a competition for the best article on ‘young people and the media’.
✍️ Writing Task
Write a semi-formal article (about 180 words) in which you:
1. Explain how the media presents global issues such as climate change or migration.
2. Describe how this can affect the way young people think and feel.
3. Suggest how young people can check that the information they see is reliable.
🔑 Key Phrases Table
| How Media Presents Global Issues | Effects on Young People | Checking Information Is Reliable |
| Highlighting urgent problems using dramatic language | Creating heightened awareness and social concern | Verifying information through multiple trusted sources |
| Using emotional imagery to generate strong reactions | Inspiring positive action and community engagement | Checking whether the author and website are credible |
| Simplifying complex topics into short, punchy headlines | Causing anxiety, worry and feelings of helplessness | Looking for research, statistics and expert opinions |
| Focusing on negative, dramatic stories over solutions | Shaping political and social attitudes significantly | Identifying whether the article is news or opinion |
| Sometimes presenting only one-sided or biased views | Overwhelming young people with constant negativity | Using fact-checking websites to verify specific claims |
| Framing issues differently depending on political stance | Motivating or discouraging civic participation and activism | Discussing questionable content with teachers or parents |
💡 Tip: Your conclusion should summarise key points and offer a forward-looking view.
📝 Target word count: approximately 180 words | Style: Semi-formal
Question 18 – Green Travel
📋 Situation: Your school is planning a ‘Green Travel Day’ and has asked students to write for the school blog.
✍️ Writing Task
Write a semi-formal article (about 180 words) in which you:
1. Explain why the way people travel can be a global issue.
2. Describe at least two changes students could make to travel in a more environmentally friendly way.
3. Give your opinion on how schools or governments can support greener transport.
🔑 Key Phrases Table
| Why Travel Is a Global Issue | Eco-Friendly Travel Changes | Support from Schools & Governments |
| Transport is a major contributor to carbon emissions globally | Walking or cycling for short journeys instead of driving | Improving and subsidising public transport networks |
| Air travel significantly increases individual carbon footprints | Using buses, trams or trains rather than private cars | Creating safe, well-maintained cycling lanes and paths |
| Congestion and pollution damage urban air quality severely | Carpooling and sharing rides to school and activities | Incentivising electric vehicles through tax breaks and grants |
| Fossil fuel dependency accelerates global climate change | Choosing electric or hybrid vehicles where possible | Banning or restricting petrol vehicles near schools |
| Noise pollution from transport affects health and well-being | Reducing unnecessary long journeys by planning carefully | Running ‘Walk to School’ or ‘Cycle to School’ challenges |
| Global trade and shipping create enormous hidden emissions | Supporting active travel campaigns and school events | Requiring all school buses to be electric or low-emission |
💡 Tip: Avoid starting every sentence with ‘I’ — vary the subject of your sentences.
📝 Target word count: approximately 180 words | Style: Semi-formal
Question 19 – Part-time Work and Global Issues
📋 Situation: A student website is collecting articles on ‘part-time work and global issues’.
✍️ Writing Task
Write a semi-formal article (about 180 words) in which you:
1. Explain how part-time or voluntary work can help with problems such as poverty, inequality or environmental damage.
2. Describe at least two kinds of jobs or volunteering that teenagers could do.
3. Give your opinion on why young people should or should not do this kind of work.
🔑 Key Phrases Table
| How Part-time Work Addresses Global Issues | Jobs & Volunteering Teenagers Can Do | Arguments For & Against Youth Work |
| Making practical contributions to vulnerable communities | Working at charity shops or fundraising for organisations | Develops social responsibility and real-world awareness |
| Supporting environmental protection through direct action | Participating in local environmental clean-up projects | Builds confidence, maturity and valuable work experience |
| Raising public awareness about inequality and poverty | Tutoring disadvantaged or younger students in the community | Improves future career prospects and university applications |
| Providing essential services gaps that governments miss | Helping at community centres, shelters or food banks | Must be balanced carefully with academic study demands |
| Generating small but meaningful income for local causes | Joining conservation, animal welfare or nature programmes | Can be exhausting and stressful if poorly managed |
| Modelling active citizenship for others in the community | Supporting fair trade businesses or ethical enterprises | Teaches time management, teamwork and problem-solving skills |
💡 Tip: Use specific, concrete examples to support your arguments convincingly.
📝 Target word count: approximately 180 words | Style: Semi-formal
Question 20 – Media and Equality
📋 Situation: Your school newspaper wants articles about ‘how the media shapes our ideas about equality’.
✍️ Writing Task
Write a semi-formal article (about 180 words) in which you:
1. Explain how films, adverts or social media can influence people’s opinions about different groups in society.
2. Describe both the positive and negative ways the media portrays equality issues.
3. Give your opinion on how the media could do more to promote equality.
🔑 Key Phrases Table
| How Media Shapes Views on Equality | Positive & Negative Portrayals | How Media Can Promote Equality Better |
| Reinforcing or challenging gender stereotypes and roles | Representing diverse cultures, backgrounds and identities | Increasing diversity in casting, writing and directing roles |
| Shaping perceptions of race, ethnicity and cultural identity | Giving a platform to marginalised voices and communities | Avoiding stereotypical, offensive or one-dimensional portrayals |
| Influencing beauty standards and body image expectations | Normalising discrimination and harmful social stereotypes | Producing content that reflects the real diversity of society |
| Presenting certain groups as inferior, dangerous or criminal | Promoting campaigns for gender pay equality and fairness | Challenging sexist, racist and discriminatory advertising |
| Normalising privilege and excluding minority perspectives | Perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards and body ideals | Creating educational content about equality and human rights |
| Setting social expectations about success, class and status | Inspiring activism and raising awareness of injustice | Giving equal airtime to diverse perspectives and experiences |
💡 Tip: Proofread carefully for spelling mistakes before submitting your article.
📝 Target word count: approximately 180 words | Style: Semi-formal
✅ Semi-Formal Article Writing Checklist
Structure
- Introduction that clearly introduces the topic
- Body paragraphs addressing each task point
- Conclusion that summarises and gives a final opinion
Language & Style
- Semi-formal vocabulary (avoid slang and very casual language)
- Varied sentence structures for fluency
- No informal contractions (write ‘do not’ instead of ‘don’t’)
Content
- All three task points clearly addressed
- Personal opinions included where requested
- Relevant examples or details to support your ideas
Cohesion
- Transition words used to link ideas smoothly
- Clear topic sentence at the start of each paragraph
- Logical progression from one idea to the next
Accuracy
- Correct spelling throughout
- Grammar and punctuation checked
- Approximately 180 words (not significantly over or under)
Article Writing Questions with Key Phrases Guide • 20 Topics • Guided Writing Practice
