UNIT 3: CAPTION WRITING

A picture is worth 1000 words

Looking at a picture without a caption is like watching television with the sound turned off. The photograph should attract the attention of the reader and introduce the story, but only a good caption can continue that story.

WHAT IS A CAPTION?

1. A caption is a short description of a picture located near the picture 2. A caption doesn’t always tell the whole story. A caption often accompanies a story. 3. A caption contain a very detailed and specific information, but short and to the point.

WHY ARE CAPTIONS IMPORTANT?

1. People look at headlines and pictures to decide what they want to read in the newspaper. If a picture grasps their attention, they will read the caption. If the caption is interesting to them, they will read the article. 2. Captions add color and make the newspaper more interesting.

What information should be in your caption?

Get your facts: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How (How much/How many?)

Who Education Minister Datuk seri Mahdzir khalid(third from right) What Launching the National Language Month 2016 programme When yesterday Where Putrajaya Why - How

TYPES OF CAPTION

A one-sentence caption Caption headline: usually clever tie-in to the photograph Sentence 1: Names all visible people and details the action/reaction. The first sentence completely identifies the:- who, what, when and where Caption headline: Cargo train derails in Batu Gajah, no fatalities reported Sentence 1: The derailed cargo train at Kampung Bakap, Batu Gajah. The two train drivers were injured in the incident. Courtesy pix.

Two-sentences caption Caption headline: usually clever tie-in to the photograph Sentence 1: Names all visible people and details the action/reaction. The first sentence completely identifies the who, what, when and where Sentence 2: Gives needed information that is not obvious in the photograph. Written in past tense, it presents behind-the-scenes facts. This part of the caption often focuses on the why and how.

Caption headline: All 23 Op Water II suspects released, says MACC source on the Sabah graft scandal Sentence 1: All 23 suspects detained under MACC Op Water 11 have been released from remand pending investigations on a multi-million graft case. Sentence 2: The second wave operation was launched after an MACC special task force found new evidence and information linked to the Sabah water Development’s multi-million graft scandal.(Photo courtesy of MACC)

EXERCISE 1 A one-sentence caption