There are usually five sections to an article:
Headline - The headline is the first thing that readers will see. It is the "hook" that will intrigue a reader, making them read more. It should be catchy, make the reader curious about what the article is about, and grab their attention. They should want to read to find out more. You can find good examples of headlines in magazines and newspapers. Make a note of what makes the headline good (or bad) and what elements it contains that make you want to read more.
Introduction - The introduction gives the reader an idea of the content of the article. It should build on the headline and be the second line of enticement to get the reader to read further. A thesis statement is a good move as a way of pulling the subject matter into a concise sentence or group of sentences.
Body - The body is the "meat" of the article. It contains all of the information that is required on the topic to impart the intended message as well as any anecdotes if they are included.
Conclusion - It is the conclusion that sums up all of the information that is delivered through the article. It is only one or two paragraphs and gives closure to the piece. In marketing copy or persuasive writing, this is where the call to action is placed. In how to or informational articles, the conclusion is where the writer places the benefits of what has been discussed.
Bibliography - A bibliography is not always necessary but sometimes editors want to see your sources even though they may not publish them. If a longer article contains specific information that is privy to certain professions, such as medical information, then a bibliography may be included to add substance and credibility.
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