May 1, 2014 Structures in Writing What kind of writing is it?

Learning Objectives Students will analyze structure, language, and subject matter of various types of newspaper writing including hard news, feature, editorial, and sports writing, and will understand the features of each type.

Lesson Progression Gradecam quiz Class discussion Intro to newspaper writing structures Small group activity Newspaper scavenger hunt Gradecam quiz

Gradecam pre-quiz Please get a gradecam sheet and wait patiently for the pre-quiz to begin.

#1 This type of newspaper writing typically uses shorter sentences and catchy or informal language. A) Hard-News B) Feature C) Editorial D) Sports

#2 This type of newspaper writing typically starts with background information in the form of a lead or “hook,” rather than following the inverted pyramid. It still may answer the five Ws and H, but often focuses on why and how. A) Hard-News B) Feature C) Editorial D) Sports

#3 This type of newspaper writing typically expresses a point of view on an important topic, and includes evidence to support the opinion. A) Hard-News B) Feature C) Editorial D) Sports

#4 This type of newspaper writing focuses on connecting the reader with the topic, and often uses informal language. A) Hard-News B) Feature C) Editorial D) Sports

#5 This type of newspaper writing typically answers the 5Ws and H in the first two paragraphs, and makes frequent use of direct quotes. A) Hard-News B) Feature C) Editorial D) Sports

#6 This type of newspaper writing typically ends with an appeal to the reader to support a specific position. A) Hard-News B) Feature C) Editorial D) Sports

#7 This type of newspaper writing typically uses formal language and places the most important information at the beginning. A) Hard-News B) Feature C) Editorial D) Sports

#8 This type of newspaper writing typically uses an attention-grabbing lead, informal language, and is organized in a sequence (this happened, then this happened, then this happened) format that focuses on a single event. A) Hard-News B) Feature C) Editorial D) Sports

#9 This type of newspaper writing typically uses shorter sentences and catchy or informal language, and explores a topic that is of interest to readers. A) Hard-News B) Feature C) Editorial D) Sports

#10 This type of newspaper writing must meet several criteria such as importance, and timeliness before it can be considered for inclusion in the newspaper. A) Hard-News B) Feature C) Editorial D) Sports

Gradecam pre-quiz Now. Grade your quiz and place a sticky note on the scale in the box that corresponds with your score. You don’t need to put your name on it this time, just put a sticky in the box.%

Class discussion Hard-news Answers the newspaper “five Ws and H” in the first or second paragraph. Places the most important information in the lead paragraphs atop the story. Uses a formal style of writing with a lot of information in each sentence. Often includes direct quotes from relevant people in the story. Meets several news criteria about the event reported, including importance, timeliness, prominence, proximity, and uniqueness.

Class discussion Feature story Uses an attention-getting lead, or “hook.” Answers the five Ws and the H but not necessarily in the first one or two paragraphs, and sometimes emphasizes why and how. Uses a more informal style of writing. Uses descriptive language. Often includes direct quotes. Makes a direct connection between topic and reader.

Class discussion Editorial Introduces a major topic in the news. Presents a specific point of view or position. Uses facts and examples to support the position. Often challenges opposing viewpoints. Often ends with an appeal to the reader to support the editorial’s position.

Class discussion Sports story Uses an attention-getting lead. Includes information about people and events. Uses expressive words to describe people and actions. Uses informal language. Uses short sentences and use catchy language Presents information in a carefully sequenced way.

Small Group Activity Groups will search a newspaper for one example of each type of newspaper writing. On a sheet of paper, write: the name of each piece. the section/page number. the type of writing it represents. evidence from the text to support your classification.

Gradecam post-quiz Please get a gradecam sheet and wait patiently for the post-quiz to begin