A “How to” Guide – Literacy Test Prep 2011 The News Story: A “How to” Guide – Literacy Test Prep 2011

Word Power! Learn the key terms below and you are ready to write! LEAD: the lead is the FIRST paragraph in a news story. It answers WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY in 2-3 sentences. Inverted Pyramid: this is a diagram meant to show that news writers give the MOST IMPORTANT information first and the LEAST IMPORTANT information last. Check out the diagram!

Bystander Quotation: A statement made by a person on the scene of the event or who is closely related to the situation. Your news story topic: The literacy test prep sessions. A bystander quotation??? Here’s an example: “Wow! The literacy prep sessions were so AMAZING and HELPFUL. I was lucky to be a part!” said local teacher Mrs. Lavell, one of the thrilled participants in a recent practice session.

Expert Quotation: this is a statement made by someone who has very specific knowledge about a situation. For example, a police officer or doctor. Your news story topic: The science behind literacy tests. A quotation from an expert??? Here’s an example: “Studies show that students who prepare for literacy tests do much better than those who do not,” says Dr. Ima Genius regarding her literacy test research.

Answer WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY Here’s an inverted pyramid. It represents the news story you will write! Your Lead is first! Answer WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY Next, give HOW and WHY. Remember! Most important to least important information. Add quotations!

Do your best! Use the checklist and template provided. Your task! You have been given a sample news story to write. Check out the HEADLINE and the PHOTO. Your news story idea has to relate to these. Make up information and facts about what you see. REMEMBER: you must cover the FIVE Ws and HOW. Write your story using four short paragraphs, including a quotation from either a bystander or an expert. Do your best! Use the checklist and template provided.