Writing Newspaper Articles

Why do people write newspaper articles? National newspapers will report on national issues like finance, war and politics. Local newspapers lean toward emotional stories, and events in the area.

News article vs. Feature article Cover the basics of current events Feature article More in depth Cover one subject from multiple angles More creative, entertaining format

What’s in a News Article? A News Article answers the questions Who What Where How When

How do I write one? Start with an outline An outline helps you write your story I challenge you to finish your outline TODAY!

Outline – part 1 Lead sentence Introduction Opening quotation Grab and hook your reader right away Introduction Which facts and figures will ground your story Tell your readers where and when this story is happening Opening quotation Give the reader a sense of the people involved and what they are thinking

Outline – part 2 Main body Closing quotation Conclusion The heart of your story Closing quotation Something that sums the article up in a few words Conclusion The closing quote may do the job Memorable way to end your story If you have more than one point of view in your story do not end your story with one person’s quote! It can tilt the story in their favor!

Let’s check out a sample paper http://www.timeforkids.com/files/homework_helper/aplus_p apers/NewsStorySampler.pdf

Where do I start? http://www.timeforkids.com/files/homework_helper/aplus_p apers/NewsStoryorganizer.pdf

Wait, what about the headline?? Headlines are JUST as important about what’s in the article! They get your audience to READ your article! Tips for headlines Short phrases and incomplete sentences Figurative language Stereotypes Exaggeration http://www.squidoo.com/newspaper-article#module72471021