How to Write An Article: News Writing Assignment

Writing a newspaper article is a little different than other writing.  You need to grab the reader's attention immediately, give important information first, write "tight" (get to the point quickly) and be accurate and unbiased in your reporting.

These two links will give you a good idea of how to write!  Please read one of them as part of your assignment.


Links to Read (choose 1)

Scholastic News Article Writing

Wiki News Article Writing

Now, read the first page of this webquest: Writing Webquest

For your assignment, write a short article (a paragraph) on something that interests you.  Follow the format as listed in the site above.

This is due on Monday, September 8th.  You may hand it in or email/google share.

• Headline: This is a short, attention-getting statement about the event.
• Byline: This tells who wrote the story.
• Lead (first couple sentences): This has ALL the who, what, when, where, why and howin it. A writer must find the answers to these questions and write them into the opening sentence(s) of the article.
• Explanation: After the lead paragraph has been written, the writer must decide what other facts or details the reader might want to know. The writer must make sure that he/she has enough information to answer any important questions a reader might have after reading the headline and the lead paragraph. This section can also include direct quotes from witnesses or bystanders.
• Additional Information:  This information is the least important. Thus, if the news article is too long for the space it needs to fill, it can be shortened without rewriting any other part. This part can include information about a similar event.