News+Story+Writing

Use this tool to help evaluate a news story for the 5 W's and 1 H. Also, make note of the following:
 * News Story Analyzer**

Each of the above could be a slant for a story on butterflies, yet each story would be very different from the others.
 * Lead** = What did the author say to grab your attention or make you want to care?
 * Tone** = Is it neutral, serious, light-hearted?
 * Audience** = Who the story is intended for.
 * Slant/Theme** = What is the big message of the story? Usually, a slant for a well-written news story does NOT try to p** ersuade the reader. Facts are presented to the reader to interpret however they wish. A slant is similar to a theme in that it is something the reader can interpret. Take, for example, a news story written about "butterflies." What could a slant be? Maybe: **
 * 1) Butterflies are migrating to a nearby area once again.
 * 2) Butterfly populations are declining and scientists are puzzled as to why.
 * 3) Butterflies are causing problems for local residents.
 * 4) Butterfly watchers are a unique breed of people.
 * Quotes** = Ask, "Why was this quote added? What does it provide?" Quotes often are added to provide:
 * 1) support
 * 2) interpretation by a person involved with the story
 * 3) humor
 * 4) a "personal connection" to a story



**Dissecting a News Story** ** Check out this story from //Time for Kids//. **

**News Story Checklist** ** Check out this checklist on what to include in a news story by //Time for Kids//. **

**Sample News Stories to Evaluate** ** Check out these news stories from //Time for Kids//. Use the News Story Analyzer to assist. **
 * [[file:Life in Space.doc]] || [[file:Harry Potter story.doc]] || [[file:Green House.doc]] ||
 * [[file:Garden story.doc]] || [[file:Fireflies Count.doc]] || [[file:Swine Flu story.doc]] ||

**Types of News Stories** ** Not all news stories are the same. Here are a few different types of news stories that can be written. ** **Remember: News articles focus only on the facts. They don't contain anyone's opinion There are several types of news articles. **

> > > > > >
 * 1) A **local news** article focuses on what's going on in your neighborhood. An example of a local news story would be an article on a city council meeting.
 * 1) A **national news** article focuses on what's happening in the United States. An example of a national news article would be an article on the U.S. Senate passing a new bill.
 * 1) An **international news** article focuses on news that's happening outside the United States. A story on an influenza outbreak in Chile would be considered an international news story.
 * 1) A **feature article** is an article that is about "softer" news. A feature may be a profile of a person who does a lot of volunteer work in the community or a movie preview. Feature articles are not considered news stories.
 * 1) An **editorial** is an article that contains the writer's opinion. Editorials are usually run all together on a specific page of the paper and focus on current events. Editorials are not considered news stories.
 * 1) A **column** is an article written by the same person on a regular basis. A columnist (the writer of the column) writes about subjects of interest to him/her, current events or community happenings. Columns are not considered news stories.

**C** **heck out the following Power Point.**
 * Do you notice similarities or differences in the types of news stories?**