How To Write A How-To Article | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
How To

How To Create The Best How-To Article And Use It To Nail Your Next Writing Assignment

The perfect how to on "how-to."

333
How To Create The Best How-To Article And Use It To Nail Your Next Writing Assignment

Finding an idea to write an article on can be hard work. For one thing, there are so many subjects to write about: politics, religion, love, friends, family, nature, and more. Once you find a topic, the hunt for a more specific idea seems simpler. However, if finding an article idea is still too much, writing a "how-to" article can be a great way to combat writer's block. Sometimes I even approach the start of class assignments as if I am writing a how-to article. Doing so helps me organize my ideas in a way that will support my thesis. The how-to article is a great general outline for any writing assignment because it forces you not only to define your claim but to then explain it in simple terms of how.

When writing a how-to, you must first choose what needs to be explained and answer questions like "Who is the audience for this piece?" Figuring out these questions will not only create an even more narrow idea of the article's topic but will help you to cater your writing to the chosen audience.

After the topic and target audience have been chosen, figure out a few of the most important things in your topic to point out. For example, if you are talking about creating a garden, what are the most important aspects of this? Color scheme? Soil types? Weather conditions? Season? This will allow the reader to be able to find the most pertinent information. Otherwise, the article can feel like digging through a textbook.

After this, simply follow your outline of key ideas and explain why they are necessary for your topic! How-to articles can lead to a great final product or act as a brainstorming session that will lead to a more immersive topic idea. They are highly beneficial for any writing assignment you may be having difficulty starting, or even if you are struggling to get past a thesis statement. Thinking of things in terms of "how to" definitely boosts ideas and concepts that can further develop an article or paper, or it may just turn into an article on how to do something specific!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

The Unwritten Rules Of "Talking"

What is "talking?" How does one "talk?"

6586
girl holding phone
NYCPRGIRLS

Now that it seems “talking” is the new way to date, and will stay that way until another idiotic term is used to describe the people who can’t settle down and just date someone, I feel as if it’s time to go over the unwritten rules of “talking.”

Rule 1. Having feeling without feeling.

Keep Reading...Show less
The Stages of Having FOMO in College
iamthatgirl.com

Are you one of those people that gets super upset when you miss out on anything? Well, you may have FOMO, or fear of missing out. In college it’s not hard to experience FOMO every once in a while. You just love doing everything and anything, so hen you have to miss out on something it's the worst possible thing in your mind. Whether you’re sick, have to work, or have so much work to do you could cry – FOMO will hit you hard in college.

Keep Reading...Show less
Vivien Leigh
Revelist

I've lived a whole 21 years with an RBF (Resting Bitch Face), so naturally, I go through most of these struggles on a daily basis.

And before you ask, yes I'm fine. No, I'm not mad. This is just my face, so take it or leave it! To those of you who have been #blessed with an RBF, you'll probably relate to these more than you'd like to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Iconic Duos: Timeless Legends

From Luke and Leia to Beyonce's twins...

774891
Luke and Leia from Star Wars, a iconic duo
Lucasfilm

“Name a more iconic duo... I'll wait." OK, well, if you insist. In no particular order, here's a list of 100 iconic duos that seem to be timeless.

SEE MORE: This Is The ICONIC Disney Sidekick You Are To Your BFF, According To Your Zodiac Sign

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

A Candid Letter to My Best Friends Ex

Because this is the real form of torture you deserve.

1959
middle finger
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

What's up Asshat,

I've composed a list of things that I wish upon you, and they're harsh and cruel. These things are things that I wouldn't wish upon my worst of enemies, not even that Starbuck's barista who always screws up my order, not even him. You fall into a whole other category of hate. You surpass Starbucks barista. Congratulations, I'm actually a pretty nice person, making you worthy of every single bit of torture I wish upon you. What are these things I wish upon you you might ask?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments