Digital & Media Writing
Online readers scan first. Use headlines, hooks, sub‑headings, bullet points, and visuals (where allowed) to keep attention.
Hook and headline
Your headline is a promise. The hook must deliver quickly — online readers decide in seconds whether to continue.
- Clear promise: what will the reader get if they read on?
- Use numbers, specific benefits or surprising facts to draw attention.
- Keep the first paragraph short and answer who/what/why.
- "How to [benefit] in [time]" — quick, practical.
- "[Number] ways to [do something]" — scannable lists.
- "What [group] get wrong about [topic]" — contrarian angle.
Examples: "5 Study Tricks That Save 2 Hours a Week", "What Every New Student Gets Wrong About Revision"
Structure
Use short sections with sub‑headings and clear signposting. People scan online — use bullets, bold lead sentences and visuals (if allowed). End with a clear takeaway or action.
- Inverted pyramid — most important info first.
- Listicle — numbered items with short explanations.
- How‑to — steps with examples and a short FAQ.
Example
Headline: 5 Ways to Cut Your Homework Time in Half
Hook: If your evenings disappear into worksheets, try these quick wins that actually work.
If your homework keeps taking all evening, try a 25‑minute focus session followed by a 5‑minute review. Use a simple timer (phone or kitchen timer), remove distractions and write a two‑line plan before you start. You'll be surprised how much more you do when you work in short, focused bursts. Try it tonight: 25 minutes work, 5 minutes check — repeat once. That's one hour of focused study, and often it's enough to finish an assignment or make a big dent.
Practice
Draft a headline and opening paragraph for a school blog post about “Eco‑friendly swaps in the canteen”. Aim for a clear promise and a hook that answers the reader's main question.
- Write two headline options: one practical, one curious.
- Write a 100–150 word post that includes one student quote.
- Fix for publication: add a short CTA (what readers can do next).
Use a short social blurb and 1–2 hashtags when sharing school posts. Keep the blurb under 40 words and highlight the main benefit.
Editing checklist
- Is the headline clear and specific?
- Does the first paragraph answer who/what/why quickly?
- Are subheadings used to break long text?
- Have you added at least one short quote or student voice?
- Is there a clear takeaway or call to action?
- Have you checked facts, names and spellings?
Accessibility & readability
Use short paragraphs, meaningful alt text for images, and clear heading structure so screen readers and scanners can navigate the content. Avoid long sentences and jargon without explanation.
Social blurb & sharing samples
Social blurb (practical): "5 easy swaps to make our canteen greener — small changes students can try this week. 🌱 #EcoSchool"
Social blurb (curious): "What happens when your sandwich wrapper meets compost? We investigated — and these swaps surprised us. #Sustainability"
Assessment rubric (short)
- 4 — Excellent: Strong headline, compelling hook, clear structure, good use of quote/voice and a practical takeaway.
- 3 — Good: Clear writing and structure but minor weaknesses in hook or evidence.
- 2 — Satisfactory: Basic structure and idea present; needs clearer lead and supporting detail.
- 1 — Needs improvement: Unclear headline, weak hook, little supporting detail.