2.  A news report is a short factual account of the news of the day.  It presents only the facts and NEVER the opinion of the person who is writing it.  A good news report always cover the 5 W’s….

3.  The standard length of a traditional news report is 5 paragraphs.  Transitional words and phrases must be used to connect ideas and sentences.  It must be written in full sentences, using correct grammar, spelling and punctuation

4.  Most importantly, it is ALWAYS in 3 rd person past tense. Meaning the event always took place yesterday! (Hint, add – ed to the word. For example: watch = watched, happen= happened)  News reports are always written in the “inverted” pyramid style. The essential or most important facts are presented in the beginning of the article or lead paragraph.

5. The Lead or First Paragraph covers the: Who, What, Where, When The body covers the: How and Why + Quotes from witnesses Conclusion covers the: Non- essential information Lead

6.  Headline: title of article (eye catching and appealing)  Paragraph 1 – who, where, when and what happened. (to gather reader’s interest)  Paragraph 2 – why and how it happened (additional information)

7.  Paragraph 3&4 – Quotes from eye witnesses, experts, people on the scene.  Paragraph 5 – Conclusion – non essential info. (e.g. police are interviewing witnesses for more information)