1. Journalism I Final Exam Writing Review
Headlines, News Writing, and Editorials

2. Headline Writing Rules
Use specific phrasing—choose your words carefully
Each must contain a subject and a verb
Emphasis should be on ACTION verbs
No articles—a, an or the
Use a comma to replace and
Use present or future tense
Avoid bad splits—subject and verb, adjective and noun, adverb and verb, parts of a verb, prepositional phrases
Don’t repeat words
Avoid names (unless well known) and weird abbreviations

3. News Writing
Use the inverted pyramid—most important to least important.
DO NOT write news stories in chronological order!
Leads should include the 5 Ws—possibly the H—don’t use creativity. Get straight to the point!
Avoid editorializing—NO OPINION!
Use AP style
Attribute and identify sources properly
Omit extraneous information
Use tight writing with active verbs

4. Editorials Intro presents the problem and the staff’s stance
Lead/intro grabs reader’s attention
Staff stance is supported with evidence
Avoid direct quotes unless absolutely necessary
Present other viewpoints in addition to staff viewpoints
Solution(s) is provided when necessary
Conclusion recaps staff’s position and includes call to action when appropriate
Tone is fair and mature
Avoid preachiness