ESL - Writing a newspaper article (step-by-step guide)

Main Ideas / Concepts Taught

• Goal of the lesson: Learn how to write a newspaper/news article step-by-step.
• Article types (context):
  • Feature articles: Longer and more in-depth; cover one subject from multiple angles; written in a more creative/entertaining way.
  • News stories (focus of this lesson): Cover the basics of current events; answer who/what/how/where/when; can also be creative/entertaining.
• Key reminder: Both news and features require the same level of research and reporting.

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Step-by-Step Methodology for Writing a Newspaper Article

Basic story process (foundation)

1. Write an outline
2. Review your research and notes
3. Write briefly ideas for the following six sections (the “foundation” for the final story)

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Structure of a Newspaper Article (Six Required Elements)

1. Headline
2. Byline
3. Place line
4. Lead
5. Body
6. Quotations

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Detailed Guidance for Each Element

1) Headline

• Purpose: Catch attention and summarize the story in an interesting way.
• Suggested formula (given):
  • Number/trigger word + adjective + keyword + promise
• Example concept from subtitles:
  • “How you can effortlessly sell your home in less than 24 hours”

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2) Byline

• Includes:
  • Writer’s name
  • Writer’s speciality (e.g., sports, food, crime)
  • Date
• Example format shown:
  • “John Smith (sports reporter) date Wednesday June 7th 2020”

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3) Place Line

• Where the story begins / location of the news.
• Examples:
  • Toronto, Vancouver, New York, Paris, etc.

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4) Lead (First or Second Sentence)

• Purpose: Present the most important information immediately, using attention-grabbing wording.
• Emphasis: A news lead should help answer the five W’s and H:
  • Who, What, When, Where, Why, How
• Lead strategies:
  • Keep it short (usually one sentence)
  • Include something in the lead that you will cover in the body
  • Use interesting wording while staying within the five W’s and H

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5) Body (Main Article)

Writing style

• Bottom-up / inverted pyramid approach: present the most important information first, then progressively less detail.
• Contrast noted: novels often start with little info and build later.

Content requirements

• Answer the five W’s right away
• Expand on them with more detail
• Include quotes (using witness/expert/participant statements)

Paragraph guidelines

• Short paragraphs: about two to four sentences

Historical background rule

• The information “has just happened,” so don’t explain the history that led up to the event.

Tone / voice

• Third person
• Formal voice
• Use pronouns: he, she, it, they

Perspective / role-play instruction

• “Put your mindset to write as a reporter”
• Use news report language and create a meaningful report

Quote placement rule

• Quotations are included in the body and require context around them.

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6) Quotations

• Purpose:
  • Include things people actually said
  • Add accuracy to the story
• Requirements:
  • Use quotation marks
  • Use reported speech format (example provided in subtitles)

Recommended body paragraph organization (detailed outline)

• Paragraph 1: who / what / where / when
• Paragraph 2: why / how (more specific + more detail)
• Paragraph 3: Quote #1 (witness/expert/participant)
  • Include a sentence or two before and after to explain who the speaker is and their connection
  • Example format: “Ms. Kerry … said it was terrible”
• Paragraph 4: Quote #2 (different witness/expert/participant)
  • Same format: explain the speaker before/after
  • Example format: “Frank Mars … stated …”
• Paragraph 5: Final concluding statement
  • Provide information for readers to learn more about the news event

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Speakers / Sources Featured

• Mr P (presenter / instructor of the lesson)