ISS Writer of the Year: Featured Entries and Practical Writing Tips

Curious what made an article stand out for the ISS Writer of the Year tag? This page brings together strong pieces and useful advice so you can read great work and write better. You’ll find clear opinion pieces like “Will I be beaten, if I hit a cow on Indian streets?”, practical lists such as “What are some of the 15 minutes Indian breakfast ideas?”, and deeper how-tos like “An overview of the IB extended essay requirements and challenges for students.” The selection shows how a good idea can fit lots of styles and topics.

What this tag collects

Think of this tag as a shortlist of visible, well-crafted posts. You’ll see: punchy personal takes that hook readers, explainers that break complex topics into simple steps, and cultural pieces that use concrete details to connect. Posts range from quick recipes and travel-culture notes to education guides and civic how-tos. Use the summaries to find pieces that match the tone or subject you want to study—then read the full post to see structure, voice, and pacing.

When scanning entries, look for a strong opening line, paragraphs that stay short and focused, and at least one specific example that makes the point real. Good posts balance opinion and fact, and they close by giving the reader something to do or think about next.

Simple tips from standout posts

Here are practical moves you can apply right away. First, nail your headline: make it clear and a little surprising. Second, lead with a small, vivid scene or one bold fact to pull the reader in within the first two sentences. Third, break information into short paragraphs and use one idea per paragraph—this keeps readers scrolling. Fourth, add one concrete example or anecdote; a single specific detail often beats three vague claims.

Also, edit like you’re cutting a story for space. Remove filler words, check facts, and read the piece aloud to catch clunky phrasing. For web writing, sprinkle a couple of natural keywords so your article is easier to find, but don’t force them into the text. If you plan to submit work for awards or features, follow the publication’s style and submission rules: word count, original content, and a short author bio can matter.

Want to learn fast? Pick one post here that you admire and rewrite its first 300 words in your voice. That practice sharpens headline choices, pacing, and clarity. Come back after a few days and compare. The improvement shows up quickly.

Read the pieces tagged here to see a range of successful approaches. Try one tip, write a short piece, and ask for feedback. Good writing grows from doing—reading excellent examples helps you do it better and faster.