what is satire?
definition
Satire is a literary form through which a writer pokes fun at those aspects of society, especially those people and those social institutions, that the author thinks need to change.
example
In 'The Beginner's Guide to Police Harassment' ( http://www.policeassn.org.nz/newsroom/publications/featured-articles/beginner%E2%80%99s-guide-police-harassment ) a police sergeant ridicules a member of the public for asking “I would like to know how it is possible for police officers to continually harass people and get away with it?” by using detailed statistics to mathematically calculate how much time is available for the activity of 'harassment'. (S)He then goes on to point out the very real actions of police officers in real situations but cites them as 'harassment'. The writing style is very tongue-in-cheek and the writer humorously cites situations that are obviously not harassment, but a very real and necessary public service.
explanation
The intent of satire is to bring about change by making us laugh at our weaknesses and flaws. In this article, the writer is making the reader laugh by writing about harassment as if it were a fun and jovial activity. A humorous effect is created as the writer describes a police workforce who like to drink coffee, particularly iced coffee. The writer goes on to detail some examples of genuine police work which make the term 'harassment' seem ludicrous. Ultimately, the writer is mocking the person who asked the question to suggest that the question is ridiculous.
how to write in this style
NOTE: Satire is one of the most difficult types of humor to write because your humorous viewpoint could be contentious to others.
1) One way to do this is to take an existing story and take it over the top as much as you dare.
2) Another way is to take a public figure and exaggerate them or their qualities.
3) Note that satire completely disregards the truth and makes up facts.
4) Try to make your words and tone - sharp and thereby effective.
5) The best satire mimics authoritative presentation so that at a glance it might appear to be real.
The more knowledgeable and authoritative you sound, the more effective your satirical piece will be.
6) Make the farcical element very clear and obvious.
7) The trick is appearing to be serious in style but without serious content or vice versa.
1) One way to do this is to take an existing story and take it over the top as much as you dare.
2) Another way is to take a public figure and exaggerate them or their qualities.
3) Note that satire completely disregards the truth and makes up facts.
4) Try to make your words and tone - sharp and thereby effective.
5) The best satire mimics authoritative presentation so that at a glance it might appear to be real.
The more knowledgeable and authoritative you sound, the more effective your satirical piece will be.
6) Make the farcical element very clear and obvious.
7) The trick is appearing to be serious in style but without serious content or vice versa.