1. The Inverted Pyramid

2.  News stories are organized with the following 3 components: -Lead (1 st paragraph) -Body-rest of the story, generally backs up the lead -Ending

3.  Lead: Summarized the basic facts of the story Summarized the basic facts of the story Catches the readers attention and makes them want to read the rest of your story Catches the readers attention and makes them want to read the rest of your story Hard Lead: suited for an urgent, breaking event Soft Lead: more suited to feature writing

4.  Soft Lead:  “You want me to read a story?" says Sonya DeFazio, a kennel employee sitting cross-legged on the floor with a "Clifford The Big Red Dog" book on her lap.  The bedtime tale at Best Friends Pet Care caps a busy day for Max, a 7- year-old West Highland white terrier, and Leo, a 2-year-old Pomeranian. During their two-day stay, they've already had fitness sessions, walks, play time, ice cream breaks, "suite treats" and bottled water. Hard Lead: Genero Espinosa Dorantes, 35, was taken into custody Saturday in the border city of Tijuana in Baja California, Mexico, FBI and Nashville police said at a news conference. He had been on the most wanted list since August 14, 2003.

5. Body of the Story  Hard News Story Body: supports the lead, facts/ quotes are written in declining importance  After the lead, there can be a theme paragragh.  The theme is then explored in order and in greater detail.

6. Ending  Inverted Pyramid/Hard News stories don’t need a strong ending and end when there is nothing more to say.  Other kinds of stories: need a meaningful ending Kicker: catchy quote Kicker: catchy quote End with a quote or anecdote that relates back to the main theme End with a quote or anecdote that relates back to the main theme