1. Journalistic Writing versus “English Class” Writing
Similarities and Differences

2. Ideas to Keep in Mind Each has a different audience.
With an English class essay, the writer usually has an audience of one – the teacher.
When writing for media, the writer has a much broader audience – the entire school or community.
Each has a different purpose
Usually the English essay writer is trying to impress the teacher and get a great mark.
The journalist needs to clearly and often quickly inform, entertain or persuade an audience.

3. Here are some differences…
Not all journalistic writing is the same, just as not all “English class” writing is the same, but consider these general guidelines…
Here are some differences…

4. Sentence Structure Journalistic Writing English Class Writing
Has short, concise sentences
Has simple, understandable words
Uses short paragraphs, often one or two sentences
Has longer, more complex sentences
Uses more multi-syllable words
Often has paragraphs of 100 words or more, including a topic sentence and its support

5. Organization In News Writing… In English Class
News writing is traditionally arranged in an inverted pyramid
The first paragraph is the lead – with 5Ws and H
A summary lead is one sentence
Additional paragraphs are short and contain less and less important information
Essays traditionally are five paragraphs
The first paragraph is the introduction and the thesis statement
Second, third and fourth paragraphs develop using: compare and contrast, definition, classification, etc.
The final paragraph is the conclusion

6. Organizational Styles
English Class : Five Paragraph Essay
Newspaper: Inverted Pyramid

7. The use of quotes and information – gathering varies too…
More Differences…

8. Information Gathering
Media writing uses lots of…
Essays often require material from…
Primary Sources
experts
Spokespersons
Newsmakers
People on the streets
Secondary Sources
Official records
Reference materials other media
Reading a particular work
Drawing insight and information from previous readings or lectures
Applying personal experience

9. Use of Quotes In News Writing In English Class
The thoughts and ideas of your sources are most important.
Use full quotes whenever possible
Introduce news speakers in a complete sentence before the quote.
The author’s thoughts, ideas, and analysis are what is most important.
Integrating partial quotes from a work is most effective.
Quotes are used as support for the author’s ideas.

10. …A different audience …a different purpose
Keep in mind that while that is the case…
…A different audience …a different purpose

11. All Writing needs ATTRIBUTION
Media writing works attribution into the context
Essays use various forms
“The result is dangerous,” Mr. MacLean said.
According to Mrs. Teed, Trimble’s spirit out ranks that of other schools.
This is also necessary when using secondary sources the reporter didn’t interview
MLA
APA
This could include:
Footnotes or endnotes
Parenthetical citations
Bibliography, work cited or references

12. 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
Organization varies, but generally has:
An interesting – catching beginning
An ending that makes it feels “finished”
Plenty of short, interesting quotes
Transitions to tie all the parts together

13. Remember, news and features 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.” Who is the source? Who research this? Even if “Harrison Trimble is better off because they won the award,” the reporter shouldn’t be the one to say it.

14. What IS 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

15. Good writing is still good writing…
But when students become journalists, they have to remember that they have:
A different AUDIENCE
A different PURPOSE
That means leaving some of their “English class” writing behind.