Newspaper report writing guidelines ^_^

1. Types of Newspaper Reports
Newsworthy topics will vary according to the newspaper's
audience.
•National newspapers will report on national issues like
finance, war and politics
•Local newspapers would report on actions and events in
the area and tend to lean towards emotional stories
Mrs Rosalind Ravi/AES/2012

2. The structure of a newspaper report is often compared to an
inverted triangle.
The most important details are at
the top.
Details and other relevant information is
placed in the body of text.
The least important information is placed at
the end of the report.
Newspaper reports are written in columns
Mrs Rosalind Ravi/AES/2012

3. 1. Headline and by-line (reporter's name & picture).
2. Opening paragraph (introduction) of about 25-40 words in length
and provides the most important and interesting news first while
answering who, what, where, when (how and why are often
reserved for later).
3. Further short paragraphs of about 30-40 words, each one has a
main idea and different fact, includes quotes from people involved
or experts.
4. Details are given in order of importance, least important details at
the end of the article.
5. At the end of a newspaper article the facts and opinions are
summarised, detailing the issue or event.
A newspaper report includes the following (in order):
Mrs Rosalind Ravi/AES/2012

4. Headline
Byline
Opening Paragraph
Short Paragraphs
Details
Quotes
Statements
Written in columns
Summary
of report
Masthead
Subheading
Mrs Rosalind Ravi/AES/2012

5. Headlines use size, bold, capitals,
different font styles, underlining and
sometimes colour to grab attention.
Photographs, illustrations, graphs,
graphics and maps are used alongside
newspaper articles to help present
complex information as well as add
interest and colour.
Visual Stimulus
Mrs Rosalind Ravi/AES/2012

6. Language Features
Mrs Rosalind Ravi/AES/2012

7. • Clear and concise writing.
• Written in 3rd person.
• Should be factual and accurate.
• Should include quotes, comments, opinions, statements and
observations from people involved or experts on the topic.
• Give people labels so that the reader knows who they are straight
away, for example: "the Minister, Mr. Dash".
• Should avoid racist, discriminatory statements and slurs.
• Should be accurate and balanced (provide facts supporting both sides
of the issue).
Language Features - Newspaper Article
Newspaper Articles combine the following language features to
inform, entertain and persuade.
One more important point is…
Mrs Rosalind Ravi/AES/2012

8. Headlines convey information and
attract attention using the
following:
•Short phrases and incomplete
sentences.
•Figurative Language.
•Stereotypes.
•Exaggeration.
Language Features - Headlines
Headlines
are very
important
for
newspaper
reports!!
Mrs Rosalind Ravi/AES/2012

9. Introductory Paragraph (Lead)
• Most important in the report
• Provides the summary of the report
• Answers the following 5-W 1-H-Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mrs Rosalind Ravi/AES/2012

10. Conclusions
• Follow-up action by the authorities
– Police are investigating the cause of the fire
• Appeal for information
– Those interested can contact the organisers at
666688823
• Quote that summarises the story
– Mr. David Teo, the CEO, told News Today, “We
are glad to see youths coming forward to
participate in this fundraising event. Our
company supports this positive trend.”
Mrs Rosalind Ravi/AES/2012

11. Your report should have at least six paragraphs. These should
answer the questions WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY
AND HOW.
1. Come up with a catchy headline and write in columns.
2. Your first paragraph should introduce the main idea of the story,
and answer the question WHO.
3. Your paragraphs should be short and to the point.
4. You should have referred to some of the things people said about the
event, written in the past tense throughout your report.
5. Your report should be easy to read and understand. It should be written in
sentences, paragraphs, and SHOULD NOT have any
spelling mistakes.
Mrs Rosalind Ravi/AES/2012