Writing Articles

YOU HAVE PLENTY OF TIME…DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!!! Writer’s job/Good articles - interview and quote at least three diverse, relevant sources (not all students) - use specific, relevant, unbiased information - information is newsworthy, timely, focused topic - edit names and information - meet the deadline YOU HAVE PLENTY OF TIME…DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!!!

All articles most contain newsworthy elements including… Factual – Based on fact not rumor or opinion (unless an opinion piece) Timely – Facts/events are current Proximity – Event relates to the reader Prominence – Involves someone famous or a large majority of people or is unique or unexpected Consequence – Information affects people; is important

A good lead will… Answer at least three of the ws and h Be one long, non-run-on sentence Catches the reader’s attention Quickly summarizes in the first few words the most important fact of the story. Is specific

Summary lead (which can lead any type of article) –Straight forward summary of article including the ws and h in one-two longer sentences: Students who are chronically tardy to class may find themselves suspended if a policy being considered by the Lewiston School Board and faculty is passed at the March 23 school board meeting.

Summary lead (which can lead any type of article) –Straight forward summary of article including the ws and h in one-two longer sentences: Students who are chronically tardy to class may find themselves suspended if a policy being considered by the Lewiston School Board and faculty is passed at the March 23 school board meeting. WHO?

Summary lead (which can lead any type of article) –Straight forward summary of article including the ws and h in one-two longer sentences: Students who are chronically tardy to class may find themselves suspended if a policy being considered by the Lewiston School Board and faculty is passed at the March 23 school board meeting. WHAT?

Summary lead (which can lead any type of article) –Straight forward summary of article including the ws and h in one-two longer sentences: Students who are chronically tardy to class may find themselves suspended if a policy being considered by the Lewiston School Board and faculty is passed at the March 23 school board meeting. WHY?

Summary lead (which can lead any type of article) –Straight forward summary of article including the ws and h in one-two longer sentences: Students who are chronically tardy to class may find themselves suspended if a policy being considered by the Lewiston School Board and faculty is passed at the March 23 school board meeting. HOW?

Summary lead (which can lead any type of article) –Straight forward summary of article including the ws and h in one-two longer sentences: Students who are chronically tardy to class may find themselves suspended if a policy being considered by the Lewiston School Board and faculty is passed at the March 23 school board meeting. WHEN?

Summary lead (which can lead any type of article) –Straight forward summary of article including the ws and h in one-two longer sentences: Students who are chronically tardy to class may find themselves suspended if a policy being considered by the Lewiston School Board and faculty is passed at the March 23 school board meeting. WHERE?

Background information: Flooding closed Mount Si High School for two days in Dec. The Sonoma Valley School Board has issued a revised schedule for the rest of the school year. Instead of extending the school year, the board has decided that students must make up the missed days on two days originally scheduled as part of Spring Break Figure out the Ws and H: Who: Students What: must make up two school days When: during Spring Break Where: Mount Si High School Why: Because they missed two days due to flooding How: The Sonoma Valley School Board has issued a revised schedule

Who: Students What: must make up two school days When: during Spring Break Where: Mount Si High School Why: Because they missed two days due to flooding How: The Sonoma Valley School Board has issued a revised schedule Once the facts are broken down, the lead practically writes itself: Students at Mount Si High School must attend classes for two days during Spring Break to make up for the two days missed due to the flooding that occurred in late December.

Body of article Lead Direct Quote Fact/Transition Direct Quote DQ Fact/Transition Fact Each one is a new paragraph

Wording Be careful of adjectives because they show bias Use specific, informative words Focus on one aspect of the general topic Make sure the information relates to your audience

Quotes Always use at least three sources (people who are knowledgeable about the topic who are not on the newspaper staff, are not your friend, and are not a family member Always use as many direct quotes as necessary – make sure you get the quote word-for-word and have the person sign the interview