From Idea to Article: Writing for Youth Perspectives
This channel allows young writers to examine educational, social, environmental, cultural, and technological issues from a youth perspective.
| Sub-genre | Workshop title | Suggested structure |
|---|---|---|
| Opinion article | How to Write an Opinion Article | Issue → claim → reasons and evidence → alternative view → conclusion |
| Problem-and-solution article | How to Write a Problem-and-Solution Article | Problem → causes → effects → realistic solution |
| Issue explainer | How to Write an Issue Explainer | Guiding question → essential facts → different perspectives → significance |
| Survey-based article | How to Write an Article Using Survey Results | Research question → method → findings → interpretation → limitations |
| Youth commentary | How to Write a Youth Commentary | Current issue → personal perspective → evidence → wider implications |
How to Write an Opinion Article
- Identify a focused and debatable issue.
- State your position clearly.
- Present two or three well-developed reasons.
- Support each reason with evidence, examples, observation, or experience.
- Acknowledge a reasonable alternative view.
- Respond to that view fairly.
- End by explaining what should change or what readers should reconsider.
Useful structure:
Claim → Reason → Evidence → Alternative View → Response
Useful language:
- I believe that …
- One important reason is …
- This can be seen in …
- Some people may argue that …
- This concern is understandable; nevertheless, …
- A more balanced approach would be …
Possible topics include AI-assisted schoolwork, student wellbeing, screen time, multilingual education, assessment, sustainability, and community service.
How to Write an Issue Explainer
An issue explainer helps readers understand a complex topic. Its primary purpose is explanation rather than persuasion.
- Begin with a clear guiding question.
- Define essential terms.
- provide relevant background and verified facts.
- Explain the principal causes or contributing factors.
- Represent different perspectives fairly.
- Show how the issue affects young people.
- End with an unresolved question or future consideration.
Examples:
- How Is Generative AI Changing School Writing?
- Why Do International Schools Promote Service Learning?
- What Does It Mean to Be a Third-Culture Kid?
- Why Is Multilingualism Important in International Education?
APALCE Youth Writing Lab Programmes