Writing a News Story:
Planning Sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1M-X0XPmfeC1BdZjlPVYP_byvawExB8II/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=115237694256539959089&rtpof=true&sd=true
A. Inverted Pyramid Power Point- Story structure
Please take notes on this PP
Story Structure Review Notes
Write full news stories
Follow the inverted pyramid format
Lead
2nd paragraph explains lead
Body: Most impt. info to least
Quotes, attribution
several paragraphs
Conclusion
NOTES:
First Paragraph: Lead
-1-4 sentences
-Most impt. of the 5 W’s and H
-Most impt. detail first.
Second Paragraph: Explains the lead
More in depth and explains the elements in the lead (1-3 paragraphs….)
Body: Most impt. Info to least impt. Info.
-Quotes: Direct, partial, or paraphrased
-transitions
*Each new speaker is a new paragraph.
-When you quote, you’re going to use “said”
-attribution- credit
Olivia Smith, sophomore band member said,
Second time you refer to them in the article, only use last name
Smith
Conclusion
-Summary
-“for more info”
REVIEW ARTICLES:
Reviews
With reviews, you still follow the inverted pyramid style. In reviews you do not need to incorporate direct quotes, but you still need to interview.
General Reviews:
Write opinions with examples. You have to support what you say.
Be honest, use integrity and be open minded.
You may use first person in one-two paragraphs.
Make your reader want to become involved.
Include all sides, the positive and negatives.
Avoid clichés, anything that is overused.
Make sure you keep all permanent information.
No quotes
Approach each work with willingness to be convince that it’s well done
Realize criticism need no to be constructive or mean
Keep any information needed to support comparison or contrast
back up opinions with examples
before you review look for backgrounds and works similar or previously completed
Product Reviews:
Start with lead or information about the product
What does it do or what purpose does it serve?
What audience is it geared toward: location, age, sex, and race?
Does it work and is it useful?
What is the difficulty level?
How much does it cost and where can you get one?
Never refer to the product as “thing” or “it”
List reasons as to why the product should or should not be purchased
Who endorses the product?
Movie Reviews:
Always written in the compare/contrast format
Compare actors roles and previous roles other movies, old movies, and current movies
Reviews should surround all aspects of the entire movies
Tell what type of movie it is
Discuss the purpose of the movie
Evaluate the story line- Always tell what type of movie it is and include as any aspects as you can
Talk about:
Acting
Sets and location
Camera work
Lighting
Musical score
Cast
Story line
Themes that are carried in the movie
Stand out dialogue
Provide enough information to intrigue the reader and get their attention
What makes the film worth seeing or not worth seeing?
Never reveal the whole plot (don’t tell ending)
Tell human emotions portrayed in the ending
Use synonyms (use good word choices)
What is the purpose of the movie?
Was it believable or interesting?
Include rating
Where is it playing or available?
Mention if there are any sequels coming up
Use synonyms and adjectives
Talk about the theme in the movies
give enough information about the movies to get the reader attention without revealing the ending
talk about human emotions
tell the purpose of the movie
ask the following questions and answer them in the review
Is it worth seeing?
Is it believable?
Should people pay money to view this film?
Mention any upcoming sequels and include the rating at the end
Music Reviews:
Never use the word album (when talking about cds)
Can compare and contrast artists or songs on the cd
Always discuss the vocals
Pick a song that was released (try to make it two or three)
Use direct quotes from lyrics (if they contain no profanities
What message did the artist send?
Talk about style
Featured solos
If there is an interesting story behind the song or the cd, tell it
Include the price, recording company, artist and group names (spelled correctly)
Album Title- underlined or italicized
introduce the cd and tell what type it is
compare and contrast artist or songs or previous albums
*discuss vocals and discuss one to three songs in the cd
my use lyrics to profundities sexual references or criminal activities
look for messages
talk about the style of music solo or instrumental features
if there’s a story behind the song tell it
include artist group company and all group members spell correctly
TV Reviews:
Follow all rules under movie reviews
Make sure it’s a current program with current episodes
Indicate type (September- December, February)
Use all the rules from movie reviews
Tell how many seasons it has aired and if it has won any award
Tell what type of show it is
Include facts about the director, producer and cast
Talk about any special upcoming guest stars
What audience is it aimed toward?
Does is appears reruns on another station
List day time it appears on
Restaurant Reviews:
What kind of restaurant is it?
Best types to do- new or few of same types
Always include price ranges
Always include main menu items or specialty item (ex. Free bread sticks)
Describe the atmosphere
Describe the service
Look at the menu and make sure and discuss variety of items on the menu (measure the proportions if doing a comparison
Should visit the restaurant at least twice
THE FIRST THING YOU DO IS CHECK THE BATHROOM, IF IT IS NOT CLEAN THEN DON’T EAT THERE!!!!!!!!!!
Tell what kind of restaurant it is
Include main menu and specialty items
provide enough description so that people can gat a mental image of the food
discuss portion sizes and special ingredients
include prize ranges
describe the service
are there free refills
check out the bathrooms
compare the restaurant to similar restaurant for prizes for atmosphere for portion and for quality visit more then once
photo copy the menu or write down some of the items with the prices
check out local reviews on the establishments
Book Reviews:
A- Seek an original point of view
B- Be concerned with the significance of the work
C-Give a brief summary of the book
D-Has the author written about this subject or a similar book before?
E-Wrap up book review by giving number of pages, authors name, publishing company, and if it comes in hard/paperback
list web site addresses
tell what type of site it is
tell what kind of purpose or web site it provides
does it accomplish its purpose or function
is there many links and is it easy to navigate
what age level is towards
This is also known as a book review
Website Review:
The most important thing about a website is: is it credible
Most credible cites = .gov. edu. Mil
Know the purpose of the site
Know the name of the site and URL
Talk about the ease of navigation
Talk about the graphics/ icons/ links
Talk about the overall appearance of the site
Foes the site works?
Is it linked to quality sites?
Who is the sponsor/ host
You may review video games/systems
list web site addresses
tell what type of site it is
tell what kind of purpose or web site it provides
does it accomplish its purpose or function
is there many links and is it easy to navigate
what age level is towards
Gaming: Use Web Review notes
-Title/ who makes it
-Stats: Age/ cost/ features/ popularity
-Features
-animation/ graphics
-Ease of use/ navigation
-bonus features
-Who should play
-Why play
-What make this better/ worse/ similar / difft. Than other games in this category?
-Cost
-Format (Gaming system/ platform
-Issues/ difficulties
-Improvements needed
-Extra Special features
-Why play this game>
Rating System:
5-
4-
3-
2-
1-
SPORTS QUESTIONS:
Make separate interview questions for players and coaches
Sample Coach questions:
1. What is your name and how do you spell it?
2. What is your exact title?
3. Record to date
4. What is you plan / goal for the season?
5. How is your team living up to that plan/ goal?
6. Positive moments/ accomplishments
7. Areas for improvement
8. Key players and their strengths.
9. Most challenging opponent this SEASON?
10. Proudest moment from the season
11. What do you have to work on to accomplish your season goals?
Players:
Name/ position
Team strength
Team weaknesses
individual strength
Individual weaknesses
How do they feel about the season
