INPUT ARTICLE: Article: As you’re figuring out your topic and focus, think about the type of article that will best suit the points that you want to convey. Some article types are better suited to certain topics. Some of the most common types of articles are:  News: This type of article presents facts about something that happened recently or that will happen in the near future. It usually covers the 5 Ws and H: who, what, where when, why and how. Feature: This type of article presents information in a more creative, descriptive way than a straight news article. It can be an article about a person, a phenomenon, a place, or other subject. Editorial: This article presents a writer’s opinions on a topic or debate. It is intended to persuade the reader to think a certain way about a topic.  How-to: This article gives clear instructions and information about how to accomplish some task. Profile: This article presents information about a person, using information that the writer typically gathers through interviews and background research. Make a list of potential topics. You might want to write about immigration or organic food or your local animal shelter. In order to write a coherent yet concise article, you need to narrow the topic. This will give you something more specific to write about, which will make for a more forceful article. Ask yourself these questions:  What interests you about this topic? What is a point that people usually overlook? What do you want people to know about this topic? For example, if you want to write about organic farming, you might say to yourself, “I think it’s important to know what organic labeling means on food packages. It can be very confusing to know what it all means.” Make sure it's something you can write a lot about. You should care about the topic you choose to write about. Your enthusiasm will show in your writing and will be much more engaging for your readers. Your goal is to convey enough passion that your readers think the issue in your article is worth caring about. If you’re not at all familiar with your topic (if, for instance, you need to write on a specific topic for a class assignment), then you will need to start conducting some preliminary research.  Enter some key words into an online search engine. This can lead you to sources that write about your topic. These sources can also give you an idea of different approaches to the topic. Read as much as you can on the topic.  Visit your local library. Consult books, magazine articles, published interviews, and online features as well as news sources, blogs, and databases for information.  A good place to start looking for data not readily apparent on the Internet is the Gale Directory of Databases, which exists in both book format (available in libraries) or online. When you have decided on your topic and you’ve narrowed it down to something more specific, think about how you can make this article stand out. If you are writing an article about something that other people are also writing about, try to be unique in how you approach the material. You should add to the conversation, not exist alongside it. For example, for the organic food topic, you might focus on one grocery shopper who doesn’t understand organic food labeling. Use that opening anecdote to lead into your main argument, known as a  "nut graph," which summarizes your unique idea or point of view. In most articles, the writer makes an argument. This is the main thrust of the article. Then the writer finds evidence to support this argument. In order to make a quality article, you need a quality argument. After you’ve settled on your unique angle, you can really zero in on the argument that you’re trying to make.  For example, if you are writing about how one person learns how to read organic labels, your overall argument might be that the public needs to be aware that many companies misuse organic labeling. This leads to dishonest practices in product advertising. Another topic might be: it’s important to know who owns your local media outlets. If corporate media organizations own your local newspaper, you may get very little media coverage of your area and not know much about your own community. Write your argument in one sentence. Post it near your computer or writing area. This will help you stay focused as you start working on your article.

SUMMARY: Get familiar with the type of article you want to write. Brainstorm your topic. Choose something you’re passionate about. Conduct preliminary research. Find a unique angle. Hone your argument.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Get a copy of the uniform policy and/or dress code and read it carefully. It’s super important to be respectful of your school's uniform policy to avoid getting into trouble. Look for loopholes -- you may have to wear a uniform, but the code may not say anything about wearing only your uniform.  For instance, you may be able to add a jacket, scarf, hat, buttons or pins, etc. When adding items to your uniform, make sure that they still conform to the dress code. For example, you may be able to wear a jacket, as long as it is solid-colored. If possible, choose separates, like sweaters and skirts, in multiple sizes or lengths. This will give you more variety to choose from when getting dressed for school. For example:  If you can choose the length of your skirt, get one that’s shorter and one that’s longer. Pair the longer skirt with flats and a shorter skirt with high-heeled boots. If you are allowed to choose the length of your socks, alternate between crew and knee-high socks. Some schools offer a variety of sweaters, cardigans, vests, and sweatshirts. Consider choosing 2 or 3 different items so that you aren't wearing the same thing every day. In some cases, you may have a choice between colors. For example, if your school colors are maroon and navy, you may be able to choose between those colors when picking a sweater for your uniform. Rather than making a choice, get both if your budget (or your parents’ budget) allows. That way you can have some options when getting ready.  For example, if your school offers both maroon and navy cardigans, get both! Wear the maroon cardigan one day, and the navy one the next! Keep patterns in mind. Some schools offer both plaid and solid-colored skirts. This will allow you to create more combinations and add some variety to your wardrobe. You may have the option to choose between several cuts of an item, such as pants. Rather than opting for the most basic choices, pick a cut that flatters your body. Go for a flare if that appeals to you, or choose boot-cut or baggy pants. You can even get a couple of each style so you’ll be able to make a choice in the morning.  Skirts also come in different styles. A skirt with pleats may not flatter you at all, but a skirt with a flat front and darts may. When you find a cut that flatters you, stick with it. Try to find as many lengths, colors, and patterns in that cut. If you have to wear basic items, avoid buying them from the school when possible. Instead, shop around to find items that fit the rules while still being unique. For example, pick a collared white shirt with three-quarter length sleeves, ruched sides, or pretty buttons instead of the standard collared white shirt the rest of your classmates will have. Instead of laying your collar flat like your classmates do, pop your collar up. It will make you stand out -- at least until everyone starts copying your look!  You could even wear a brightly-colored collared shirt underneath your uniform and pop both collars for a unique look. If you don't like popping your collar, consider leaving the top 1 to 2 buttons open. Double-check with your school if this is allowed first, however! Not only will a jacket keep you warm, it can show you personality, too. You can choose from a bomber jacket, peacoat, trench, and more. Pick a rain coat in a fun pattern or choose a coat that’s tailored to show off your figure.  If you don't like to wear jackets, try sweaters or cardigans. Sweater vests are also a great option! Double-check with your school's dress code first. They may only allow non-uniform jackets as long as they contain the school colors.

SUMMARY:
Look for loopholes in your school's dress code. Choose items in varying sizes or lengths. Get multiple colors. Pick a cut that flatters your body. Choose basics with fun details. Pop your collar. Add a unique jacket.