An audit of the ONS website identified two main purposes for articles: to provide analysis and to provide information. There are seven types of article within these categories:
Article sections separate the different types of content on the page. Consistency is important for our users, so we should aim to use standard section headings where possible.
We have created recommended structures for each of the article types based on research.
| Article type | Description | Recommended structure |
| In-depth analysis (template (Word, 169KB)) | An in-depth look at a topic using new or experimental data |
Main points Labelled analysis section(s) [Topic] data Glossary Data sources and quality Future developments Related links |
| Cross-cutting analysis (template (Word, 169KB)) | Broader analysis formed from linking separate data and topics |
Main points Labelled analysis section [Topic] data Glossary Data sources and quality Future developments Related links |
| Review (template (Word, 169KB)) | A retrospective examination of previously published data from a different angle |
Main points Labelled analysis section(s) [Topic] data Glossary Data sources and quality Future developments Related links |
| Commentary (template (Word, 169KB)) | Commentary on trends found in thematically linked bulletins published on the same day |
Main points Overview of [topic] Labelled analysis section(s) Related links |
| Methodology changes (template (Word, 169KB)) | Explanation of how recent or upcoming changes in methodology affect data or findings |
Main changes Overview of [method or topic] Labelled section per change Future developments Related links |
| Progress report (template (Word, 169KB)) | Description of a project, programme or roadmap, or an update on any progress, changes or developments |
Overview of project or changes Labelled section per bullet Future developments Related links |
| Digital content article | Short articles on a timely topic that are collaboratively written with the Digital Content team and focus on visual representation of data | Email DigitalContent@ons.gov.uk to find out more about Digital content articles and how to commission them. |
Download one of our templates to help you draft your article. We have created templates for the different article types:
We are constantly improving our guidance based on research, so there may be some small changes to the guidance; we will keep you updated with any significant changes on the Updates page.
Next section: Article titles and summaries