Journalism 101: News Writing Tips
If you’ve ever stared at a blank page wondering how to start your news article, here’s my formula…
News Writing Tip 1: A Technical Guide to Writing Your Article
🖊️Structure of a News Article
1st Paragraph: Lead Paragraph
This is the most important part of your story. The lead should immediately capture attention and summarize the “who, what, when, where, and why.” By the end of this paragraph, readers should already understand the core of your news.
NOTE: There are many ways to write the lead. I will post about it soon.
🖊️Structure of a News Article
1st Paragraph: Lead Paragraph
This is the most important part of your story. The lead should immediately capture attention and summarize the “who, what, when, where, and why.” By the end of this paragraph, readers should already understand the core of your news.
NOTE: There are many ways to write the lead. I will post about it soon.
2nd Paragraph: Nutgraph or Supporting Statement
Here, you expand on the lead. This can be a statement from the agency or person involved, giving context or background to the event. 3rd Paragraph: Direct Quote
Include a direct quote from an interview or speech. This adds authenticity and makes the story more engaging. 4th Paragraph: Supporting Details of P3
Provide more information that supports the quote, such as context, reactions, or related facts. These initial four paragraphs are crucial in news writing. By this point, readers should already grasp the story and be hooked.
📌 Additional Details
5th Paragraph: Extra Event Details
Add more information about the event that wasn’t covered in the lead. 6th Paragraph: Agency or Person’s Statement
Include what an agency or individual said regarding the details in P5. 7th Paragraph: Indirect Quote or Supporting Detail
You can paraphrase (Indirect Quote) or summarize what was said, or add related information. 8th Paragraph: Minor Details or Quotations
End with the smallest but still relevant detail. This can be a direct or indirect quote that ties the story together. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER: All information above is based on my personal guide in my journey through campus journalism. Remember, there are many styles of news writing, and this is just one approach. I simply want to share what I know to help others prepare for upcoming contests. I hope this guide is useful! — written with insight by Queensie Belle Eso (๑ᵔ⤙ᵔ๑) (credits: Pixlr served as my platform in creating the graphics above)
Here, you expand on the lead. This can be a statement from the agency or person involved, giving context or background to the event. 3rd Paragraph: Direct Quote
Include a direct quote from an interview or speech. This adds authenticity and makes the story more engaging. 4th Paragraph: Supporting Details of P3
Provide more information that supports the quote, such as context, reactions, or related facts. These initial four paragraphs are crucial in news writing. By this point, readers should already grasp the story and be hooked.
📌 Additional Details
5th Paragraph: Extra Event Details
Add more information about the event that wasn’t covered in the lead. 6th Paragraph: Agency or Person’s Statement
Include what an agency or individual said regarding the details in P5. 7th Paragraph: Indirect Quote or Supporting Detail
You can paraphrase (Indirect Quote) or summarize what was said, or add related information. 8th Paragraph: Minor Details or Quotations
End with the smallest but still relevant detail. This can be a direct or indirect quote that ties the story together. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER: All information above is based on my personal guide in my journey through campus journalism. Remember, there are many styles of news writing, and this is just one approach. I simply want to share what I know to help others prepare for upcoming contests. I hope this guide is useful! — written with insight by Queensie Belle Eso (๑ᵔ⤙ᵔ๑) (credits: Pixlr served as my platform in creating the graphics above)
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