INVERTED PYRAMID STYLE for writing a newspaper article

INVERTED PYRAMID STYLE for writing a newspaper article

the most important information comes first followed by additional details and information this allows the reader to get the important information then decide whether to continue reading

Headline Lead: 5 Ws + 1 H Supporting Details Conclusion

THE STRUCTURE Headline: � The most important part of a newspaper article because it is what will attract readers to an article. � It should be large and bold font. � A headline is different than a title because it is often a very short summary of the lead. � E, g. a title would be: “Red Sox Game, ” whereas a headline would be: “Red Sox dominate Braves. ” Headlines need to be a clear and accurate reflection of the article.

A few simple rules to follow: Headlines must have a subject and a verb. Red Sox dominate Braves. Subject Verb The word “is” is rarely used in headlines, it is understood. China keeping Hong Kong deadline. A comma will often take the place of the word “and. ” United States, Iraq hold more talks. Semicolons are used when a headline contains two short sentences. Bay sells building; store to be repurposed.

The Lead(First Paragraph) � The first line (or two) after the headline that is intended to grab the reader’s attention and make them want to read on in the article. � Article leads are sometimes categorized into hard and soft leads. A hard lead aims to provide a comprehensive thesis which tells the reader what the article will cover NASA announced today a plan to send another mission to the moon; this time the agency hopes to establish a long-term facility as a jumping-off point for other space adventures. The budget requests approximately ten billion dollars for the project. A soft lead introduces the topic in a more creative, attention-seeking fashion. Humans will be going to the moon again. The NASA announcement came as the agency requested ten billion dollars of appropriations for the project.

Common Types of Leads: 1. Straight Summary Lead: Twenty-eight passengers and crew of four were killed last night when a single-engine plane crashed four miles south of Bloomington. 2. Picture or Dramatic Lead: Mourners lined up for miles yesterday in the pouring rain to take one last look and lay flowers near the coffin of Mother Teresa, who lived among Calcutta’s sick and needy for 35 years. 3. Background Lead: After two weeks of picketing, United Auto Workers put down their signs yesterday following an agreement which would give members a 10 percent raise.

4. Quotation Lead: “I don’t want to sound anti-American, ” poet Derek Walcott told his audience at Illinois Wesleyan University, “but this country is the only nation that taxes the Nobel Prize. ” 5. Ironic or Contrast Lead: St. John’s Church survived the 1868 fire that destroyed most of Bloomington, and it weathered firebombs thrown in anger during the sixties. But it crumbled last night under the weight of snow from yesterday’s freak storm.

Body (Second/Third/Fourth Paragraphs) � Give the reader the details � Include quotes from people you interviewed �Write in third person (he, she, it, they) �Use quotes to express others’ opinions � Use active verbs (verbs that show what’s really happening)

Conclusion (Last paragraph) � Wrap your article up Do not leave the reader hanging or wondering about any details Do not end with “In conclusion. . . ” or “To finish. . . ” Try ending with a quote or a catchy phrase that makes the reader want to find out more about the topic