Headline Quiz

Formatting Your Article

Tape or staple two pieces of paper together

Fold the paper into four equal columns

Leave three spaces across the page for an eye-grabbing headline

On the left, draw a picture box one column wide and nine spaces deep

Begin your article in the first column below the picture

Directions for Speak

Imagine you are a reporter acting on a tip about what happened at Melinda’s

high school on the day she was attacked Your task is to report what happened

Provide necessary background information so readers’ will understand the context of events

Include at least two direct citations (parenthetically noted) of people familiar with the crime

Formula for a Well-Written News Article

First Paragraph

In your first one or two sentences tell who, what, when, where, and why. Try to hook the reader by beginning with a clever or surprising statement. Go for variety: try beginning your article with a question or a provocative statement.

(75 words)

Second/Third/Fourth Paragraphs

Give the reader the details. Include one or two quotes from people involved with the case. Write in the third person (he, she, it, they.) Be objective (never state your opinion). Use quotes to express others' opinions. (75 words each)

Last Paragraph:

Wrap it up somehow (don't leave the reader hanging. Please don't say, "In conclusion…" or "To finish..." (yawn!) Try ending with a quote or with your own catchy phrase. (75 words)

Writing Tips:

Use active words (verbs that show what's really happening.) Write about the really interesting info first!

Rubric

Has a catchy headline that encourages people to read the article

Contains the most important information in the first paragraph Covers in depth who, what, when, where, why, and how

Uses your best English and remains objective or un-opinionated

Contains at least two direct citations (with parenthetical citations)

Relatively free of grammatical, mechanical, and spelling errors

Neatly printed, not hand-written