Journalistic writing and “English class” writing Similarities and differences by Candace Perkins Bowen Center for Scholastic Journalism Kent State University Adapted by Susan Houseman Conestoga High School

Keep these ideas in mind: Each has a different audience. English essay: TEACHER is the audience News story: BROAD audience Each has a different purpose. English essay: GET AN “A”! News story: inform readers

Here are some differences… Here are some differences… Journalistic writing short, concise sentences. simple, understandable words. short paragraphs, often one or two sentences. “ English class” writing longer, more complex sentences. more multi-syllable words. paragraphs of 100 words or more. U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords is speaking to her southern Arizona constituents, telling them in a recorded message that she's anxious to get back to work and she misses her home. Giffords' office says the minute long message was recorded last week in Houston where the three-term congresswoman has been undergoing rigorous rehabilitation therapy for 10 months. The message was released Tuesday on Giffords' Facebook page. She says in the message that she's getting stronger and better, and adds that representing Arizona is an honor. Giffords was shot in the head on Jan. 8 while meeting with constituents at a shopping center in Tucson. Six people were killed in the shooting and 13 others, including Giffords, were wounded.

Organization Five-Paragraph Essay Inverted pyramid Lead – 5Ws & H Gets less important Intro/Thesis statement Body Conclusion

And information-gathering varies, too… News writing Interviews with Experts Spokespersons Newsmakers ‘People on the street’ Research from Official records Other media Essays Read a particular work Create a thesis and find text evidence to support your ideas

BEWARE OF PLAGIARISM! All writing needs attribution… News writing uses attribution in the story: “The result is dangerous,” Mayor Fred Norton said. According to the Health Commission’s survey, 27 percent of the participants lost weight. This is also necessary when using secondary sources the reporter didn’t interview: “The result is dangerous,” Mayor Fred Norton told the Greenville Times. Essays use various citation forms: MLA (Bradbury 24) APA (Bradbury, 1951, p. 24)

Remember, news stories don’t contain reporter opinion. While all readers would agree, it’s not a “tragic fire.” Without a survey or other way to show this, it’s not accurate to say “everyone owns an iPod.” What is the source? Who researched this? And even if “Conestoga High School is better off because Mrs. Johnson won a teaching award,” the reporter shouldn’t be the one to say it. See if someone you interview will tell you that, instead

It’s not quite that simple, but… Not every assignment in English class is a five-paragraph essay. Not every story in the media is a traditional news story. Today’s publications — especially student media — often use news features. These start with a “softer” lead Anecdote Description Suspended interest, etc. Organization varies but generally has An interest-catching beginning A “nut graph” to show the focus An ending that makes it feel “finished” Plenty of short, interesting quotes Transition to tie all the parts together

What IS the same? The basic writing process Brainstorm for ideas Gather information Organize and select appropriate information Write the first draft Share with a coach Use coaching suggestions and insight for second draft Tweak as many times as necessary, polish and submit

Good writing is still good writing… But when you become journalists, you have to remember you have A different audience A different purpose And that means leaving some of your English class writing behind.