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Nov 21, 2023 · Learn how to write newspaper articles. Examine the components of the newspaper article format, identify steps for newspaper writing, and study examples of articles. Updated:...
- 5 min
- What is a writer for a newspaper called?Someone who writes articles for a newspaper is typically called a journalist. However, they may also be referred to as a columnist, editor, or repo...
- How is a newspaper written?A newspaper is written by a journalist. The journalist must do research and interviews in order to write a credible newspaper article.
- What are the 5 parts of a newspaper article?A newspaper article should contain these five main components: a headline, a byline, a lead/lede paragraph, an explanation, and any other additiona...
- What is the format of a newspaper article?The format of a newspaper article should follow this structure: headline and byline followed by a lead/lede paragraph, explanation, and any other a...
- Overview
- Conducting Interviews and Research
- Structuring the Article
- Creating the Appropriate Voice and Tone
- Polishing the Article
A newspaper article should provide an objective, factual account of an event, person, or place. Most newspaper articles are read quickly or skimmed by the reader, so the most important information should always appear first, followed by descriptive content that rounds out the story. By conducting research and following the correct organizational st...
Contact sources for the article.
Contact your sources as far in advance as possible, as this will make arranging interviews with them easier. Try to have at least 2-3 primary sources for the article. Go for sources that are on opposite sides of a topic or subject so your article is well-rounded.
Your sources should be experts in the field your article is focusing on, such as a certified professional, a professor, or an academic. You can use sources that have extensive experience or background in a field that relates to your article.
Sources like a witness to an event can also be useful, especially if they have first-hand experience of the topic you are covering.
Conduct interviews with your sources.
If possible, try to arrange
The headline should grab the reader’s attention and give them a taste of what the article is about. A good rule of thumb is to tell the reader the “what” and “where” in the headline. Keep the headline short and clear, perhaps as brief as 4-5 words.
For example, you may create a headline like, “Teen Girl Missing in Okotoks” or “Congress Stalls on Family Planning Bill.”
In some cases, it may be easier to save the headline for last, after you have written the article, so you know what the focus of the article is and can sum it up clearly.
Open the article with a “lead” first sentence.
The lead, also spelled "lede,” contains the story's most essential details. The lead should briefly answer, “Who,” “What,” “When,” “Where,” “Why,” and “How” for the reader. It should also hook the reader in and encourage them to keep reading.
For example, you may write a lead like, "An outbreak of flu in San Francisco has led to 3 elementary school closings this week, according to school officials." Or, "A missing girl originally from Okotoks was found Monday in an abandoned cabin in the Minnetonka area, according to local police."
Use specific, clear language that is easy to follow.
Avoid vague language or general statements, as they will not be useful for the reader. Instead, use language that is simple and clear so the article is accessible for all readers. Keep your sentences no longer than 2-3 lines and break up any sentences that are too long or run-on.
For example, rather than write, “The missing girl’s mother thought it had to do with school,” you may write, “The missing girl’s mother thought bullying at school may have caused her daughter’s absences.”
Write in the active, third person voice.
, rather than passive, voice places the subject of the sentence first, making it more immediate and informative. Most newspaper articles are written in the third person so they remain objective and do not present a personal or subjective perspective.
For example, rather than write, “A press conference will be held by local police tomorrow to address the missing girls and the public’s concerns,” you may write, “Local police will address the missing girls and the public’s concerns in a press conference tomorrow.”
Once you have completed a draft of the article, read it aloud to listen to how it sounds. Notice if it answers the 5 W’s and 1 H -- “Who, what, where, when, why, and how” -- and if it it is easy to follow. Make sure your quotes are clear when read aloud and that they are not too long or convoluted.
Reading the article aloud can also help you catch any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors.
Show the article to others for critique and feedback.
Ask friends, family, mentors, and instructors to read the article. Pose questions about whether or not the article was easy to follow and understand. Find out if they were left with a clear picture of the subject matter and if they felt the article maintained an objective, factual tone throughout.
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Apr 17, 2024 · It's important to be able to convey all the relevant information in a limited word count and give the facts to your target audience concisely. Knowing how to write a news article can help a career in journalism, develop your writing skills and help you convey information clearly and concisely.
Aug 29, 2022 · There are three types of news articles: Local: reports on current events of a specific area or community. For example, “College Football Team Welcomes Legendary NFL Coach” or “School District Announces New Grading Policy.” National: reports on current affairs within a particular country. For example, “NASA’s James Webb Telescope ...
Jun 15, 2023 · Some common types of newspaper articles include: News articles: These articles report on current events and are meant to inform readers about what is happening around them. News articles are typically written in a straightforward, objective style. Feature articles: These articles are longer and more in-depth than news articles.
- How do you grab the reader's attention in the first paragraph of a newspaper article?The first paragraph of a news article is crucial because it sets the tone for the entire piece and determines whether the reader will continue read...
- What are the essential elements of a news story?A news story should include the five W's: who, what, when, where, and why. It should also answer the H question: how. In addition, a news story sho...
- How do you write a compelling headline for a newspaper article?A good headline should be concise, informative, and attention-grabbing. It should accurately reflect the content of the article and entice the read...
- What are some tips for conducting effective research for a newspaper article?To conduct effective research for a news article, start by identifying reliable sources of information. These might include government websites, ac...
- How do you structure the body of a newspaper article?The body of a newspaper article should be organized in a logical and easy-to-follow way. Start with the most important information and work your wa...
- What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a newspaper article?Some common mistakes to avoid when writing a news article include using biased language, making assumptions, and including irrelevant or inaccurate...
Oct 7, 2019 · Use the active voice —not passive voice —when possible, and write in clear, short, direct sentences. In a news article, you should use the inverted pyramid format—putting the most critical information in the early paragraphs and following with supporting information. This ensures that the reader sees the important details first.
Samuel Franklin. Updated: Nov 12, 2015. This page will teach you how to write a newspaper article (and make it great). Learn how to format a newspaper article correctly, through examples, and learn how to cite or reference a newspaper article for a school assignment.
