Unit 4: Writing for the News News Writing Basics 4-1 “LEDE”ing the Reader

Warm-Up Discussion What is Journalism? What makes this newsworthy? Review? Warm-Up Discussion What is Journalism? What is its purpose? What is the most important thing a journalist must never show in their writing? What makes this newsworthy? Who decides? Where do we get our news from? What are some news stories or headlines that you have heard of recently? Is that “hard news” or “soft news?” What news outlet would be more likely to cover a story about twenty-one pilots? A natural disaster?

Doesn’t matter Hard or Soft News… All begin with the Perfect LEDE the WHAT & the HOW

What is a LEDE? Purpose? Purpose- sets up the story; getting the audience’s attention! tells reader what the story will cover (5PEssay) summarizes the story (5PEssay) entice the reader to continue to read (NewsWriting) Or all three (3) What to Include… Lead with what is newsworthy Lead with what is dramatic and / or captivating Inform the reader Tease, Anger, Challenge, Tickle, or Prepare reader with what is next Readers are picky; it you bore them, they retaliate… they refuse to read the rest of what you’ve written! This is the part you have to take your time… it pays off in the end!!! Include?

Crafting the “perfect” LEDE TIME? Crafting the “perfect” LEDE Time- ½ crafting LEDE, ½ researching, interviewing, writing, completing LEDE saves time by setting up rest of article How? Sets up a dialogue b/t author and audience Steps LEDE Insert quote from interview One that engages and grabs reader Then ask what would the reader want to know next Then answer that question Rinse and repeat step 3! STEPS?

Article Work Partner Work Examine the Article Change articles… Break it into Parts List common characteristics for each part What do you notice? Change articles… Repeat Process Are their similarities b/t the articles? other than content in regards to format or schema For example, the lead is about 20-30 words, contains 5 W’s, a hook, etc. The middle contains the action, details of the story, quotes, etc. The end contains a quote, a finite ending, etc.

Whole-Class Discussion… What are some of the similarities? What did you notice??? Read the LEDE Whole-Class Discussion… What are some of the similarities?

Perfect LEDE Crafting the… 1.) 1-2 Sentences 2.) 30-45 Words 3.) Answers all of the “5 W’s” 4.) Includes a Dramatic HOOK to grab the reader

Article Work (Pt. II) Think / Pair / Share Examine the Article Homework Practice Article Work (Pt. II) Think / Pair / Share Examine the Article Read the professionally written LEDEs Identify the “5 W’s” Who What When Where Why Identify the “H” Hook What is not complete becomes HW For example, the lead is about 20-30 words, contains 5 W’s, a hook, etc. The middle contains the action, details of the story, quotes, etc. The end contains a quote, a finite ending, etc.