Issues are current topics, sometimes controversial, that people care about and discuss. They can be political, economic, social or environmental. An article about an issue could be a news story or feature. It could also be a commentary, an opinion piece or a debate.
Some examples of issues are the global pandemic, the economy and terrorism. Others are less well-known, such as the fact that women earn less than men or that people in Sub-Saharan Africa have some of the highest rates of infant mortality and HIV infection in the world.
An article about an issue can be a good way to teach readers about something that affects them, or to raise awareness about an important problem or event. It is important that an article on an issue be well written. It should be clear and concise, with strong arguments and evidence that supports the author’s position. It is also helpful to have a draft version of an article before it is published, so that the writer can make sure that the facts are correct and that the argument is strong.
The word “issue” is often used colloquially to refer to problems, difficulties or challenges. For example, a business executive who has been accused of fraud might be said to have legal issues or a person who picks fights might be described as having anger management issues. Some people dislike this use of the word, claiming that it is imprecise or euphemistic, but the Usage Panel has found it to be acceptable in most contexts.