1. News Writing Analysis

2. Top 5 Common Mistakes Avoid cliches in the hook.
Avoid writing incomplete nut graphs.
Avoid using “I” or “we.”
Avoid repeating the interview question.
Avoid making judgments about your subjects.

3. Avoid cliches in the hook.
 Example
“An outcome can be defined by fear. Fear is common in almost every part of the world and for these 3 little pigs, it was no different. ”
How can we hook the reader with more specific information from the story?

4. Use direct leads Example:
“Three Little Pigs scrambled to fend off a wolf they claimed had attacked them this weekend.”

5. Incomplete nut graph
“As all 3 pigs were living on their own they decided to build their house nearby each other on the same street. One day a wolf decided to attack the 3 pigs because he was filled with hunger and tried to blow their houses down. ”
When did the wolf come knocking?
What happened to the pigs?
What happened to the wolf?

6. Nut graph
Should explain the most important information first, in addition to the 5W’s and H.
The Pigs reported that Big Bad Wolf, age 46, attempted to blow down their houses and threatened to eat them for supper this past Friday. While the pigs suffered property damage, the pigs managed to get away and kill their attacker.”

7. Avoid using “I” or “we” Avoid repeating the question
Example
We asked pig number 1 what made him decide to build his house out of straws and what made him think the house would stay sturdy? 
“ I didn't have the energy to build the house out of something for heavier” he said. “ I was way too tired to do anything!

8. Instead, summarize as a statement and use 3rd person voice
Pig NO. 1’s house collapsed immediately after the Wolf came huffing and puffing because it was made of straw.
“I didn't have the energy to build the house out of something for heavier” he said. “ I was way too tired to do anything!

9. Avoid making judgments about your subjects.
Example:
“Pig number 2 was also lazy as well. After the first attack by the wolf, Pig number 1 fled and tried to go to the second pig’s house who was made from sticks.”
“I believed I had a good house made from sticks. Sticks are as good as anything out or at least I thought.”

10. Instead, allow the reader to make their own judgments about their character.
Example:
The second pig made his house out of sticks. It served as a temporary shelter for Pig 1 and 2, until the Wolf blew that house down too.
“I believed I had a good house made from sticks,” Pig 2 said. “Sticks are as good as anything out or at least I thought.”

11. Top 3 Strengths Story structure Specific and accurate facts
Balancing opinions

13. Story Structure

14. Specific and accurate facts
“The wolf tried to blow it down to no avail and decided to climb the chimney. From there he met an endless doom and felt into a roast pot and he was cooked alive.”

15. Balancing opinions Pigs
“I believed I had a good house made from sticks. Sticks are as good as anything out or at least I thought.”
Wolf
Before the wolf lost his life we asked how he felt his hunting skills were after this situation.
“I feel like I messed up and I'm not good anymore. Those darn dumb pigs got me!”

16. HW
Re-write your news story using these tips as a guideline