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How To Write A Great Newspaper Article

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Writing A Great Newspaper Article

This page will teach you how to write a newspaper article (and make it great). Learn how to correctly format a newspaper article through examples and learn how to cite or reference a newspaper article correctly for a school assignment.

We read and are influenced by newspaper articles on a daily basis. Newspapers and the articles contained within provide information on current events and issues, providing comprehensive detailed news reports with background information, interpretation and analysis. Newspaper articles also provide entertainment and are a reference for television, sport results, movie listings, community events and weather reports.

Newspapers use pictures and captivating headlines to draw in readers and hold their attention. Writing a great newspaper article requires an informative and persuasive language including emotive words, imagery and rhetorical questions.

The following hints, tips and ideas will help you write a great newspaper article for your local newspaper, a school assignment or just for fun.

Contents

  1. Other Helpful Newspaper Article Resources
  2. Purpose - The Aim of a Newspaper Article
  3. Types of Newspaper Articles
  4. Newspaper Article Format and Structure
  5. Example of a Newspaper Article
  6. Newspaper Article Examples and Samples
  7. Language Features - Headline
  8. Language Features - Newspaper Article
  9. Visuals
  10. The Associated Press Guide to News Writing
  11. How To Cite and Reference A Newspaper Article

Newspapers

Provide Information On Current Events & Issues.

Other Helpful Newspaper Article Resources

Ezine Articles - How to Write a Newspaper Article
A Quick overview of the basic ideas to a newspaper article.
How to Write a Newspaper Article
Key concepts to consider when writing a newspaper article.
eHow - Write a Newspaper Article
eHow provides 6 quick and easy steps to get your started on your newspaper article.
11 Simple Step Checklist
11 very simple things to check and think about while writing your article.
Writing Articles for Newspapers and Magazines
JanetShaw visits the art of writing newspaper articles on her blog.
Make a Classroom Newspaper
This page focuses on creating your own classroom newspaper. It also includes some great examples of newspaper layout and format for you to apply to any newspaper article that you write.
Newspaper Article - How to Write a Newspaper Article
About.com gives a quick overview of the basics to writing a newspaper article.

Purpose - The Aim of a Newspaper Article

newspaper article aimNewspaper articles provide information on newsworthy topics, this is any event or issue of importance to the majority of readers. News articles provide the reader with all the facts about this issue or event including who, what, where, when, why and how. Statements, comments and opinions from experts or people involved are also included.

Types of Newspaper Articles

newspaper textsNewsworthy topics will vary according to the newspaper's audience. A national newspaper will report on national issues like finance, war and politics. On the other hand a local community newspaper would report on actions and events in the area. Local newspapers tend to lean towards emotional stories, people are more interested in a local minor event then a distant disaster.

A major news report is put on the front page with a big headline and a large picture. These major stories will often have smaller related background stories which will sometimes run for several pages. Lesser stories are placed in the newspaper based on their improtance (more important news at the front) or placed based on category (world news, sports, finance).

Newspaper Articles

Should Be Objective, Factual, Accurate & Balanced.

Newspaper Article Format and Structure

The structure of a newspaper article is often compared to an inverted triangle with the most important details at the top of the article, with the least important information placed at the end of the article. It is important to keep each paragraph as independent as possible as paragraphs are usually cut yo fit in pictures and advertisements. Don't forget that newspaper articles are not written in chronological order.

A newspaper article includes the following (in order):
  • Headline and by-line (reporter's name & picture).
  • 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).
  • Further short paragrahs of about 30-40 words, each one has a main idea and different fact. They may also include quotes from people involved or experts.
  • Details are given in order of importance, with the least important details at the end of the article, this allows reader's to skim over the start of the article to gain the essential facts before deciding to read on.
  • At the end of a newspaper article the facts and opinions are summarised, detailing the issue or event.
newspaper-article-example

Example of a Newspaper Article 

Newspaper Article Examples and Samples

Sample Newspaper Articles
A collection of example newspaper articles to give you an idea of the layout, format and structure required.
Newspaper Article Templates and Worksheets
This site features numerous different layouts and styles to write your newspaper article.
Newspaper Article Examples For Kids and Children
This page features several children friendly examples of newspaper articles for them to learn from.

Language Features - Headline

Headlines convey information and attract attention using the following:
  • Short phrases and incomplete sentences.
  • Figurative Language.
  • Stereotypes.
  • Exaggeration.

Writing A Newspaper Headline

How to Write News Articles : How to Write Newspaper Headlines: Part 1
by expertvillage | video info

10 ratings | 10,807 views
curated content from YouTube

Language Features - Newspaper Article

Newspaper Articles combine the following language features to inform, entertain and persuade.
  • Clear and concise writing.
  • Are written in 3rd person.
  • Can use an active or passive voice, depending on the focus and which is more engaging for the reader.
  • 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, sexist or religious slurs.
  • Should be accurate and balanced (provide facts supporting both sides of the issue).

Language Of Newspaper Articles

How to Write News Articles : News Article Writing Process: Part 1
by expertvillage | video info

4 ratings | 6,125 views
curated content from YouTube

Visuals

newspaper-visualsHeadlines use size, bold, capitals, different font styles, underlining and sometimes colour to attract reader's attention to the newspaper article that follows. The importance of the article is generally related the size of the headline, with more important articles having bigger and bolder headlines.

Photographs, illustrations, graphs, graphics and maps are used alongside newspaper articles to help present complex information aswell as add interest and colour.

Writing A Newspaper Article

Writing, Publishing & Teaching Children to Write : How to Write a Newspaper Article
by eHow | video info

16 ratings | 6,880 views
curated content from YouTube

The Associated Press Guide to News Writing

A Great Newspaper Article Resource

The Associated Press Guide to News Writing

The Associated Press Guide to News Writing

by: Rene J. Cappon

Amazon Price: $24.79 (as of 02/14/2012)Buy Now

This book is a great reference for journalists (or inspiring journalists) and is a book that you will read, read again and then continue to read. Even for the non-journalist this book will greatly increase your writing skills and give you a insight into just how much research goes into the big headline newspaper articles.

Improve your general writing skills while also learning how to effectively edit your work.

Steps To Writing A Newspaper Article

-Brainstorm ideas.
-Whats the focus?
-Research extensively.
-Provide important facts.
-Use pictures.
-Persuade readers.

How To Cite and Reference A Newspaper Article

Below you will find several ways to reference and cite a newspaper article when you have used one for an assignment or project that requires correct referencing to be adhered too.

I have included several of the most popular and common methods that may be required, if there is one I have missed that you think needs to be included please let me know in the comment section!

If you are unsure which referencing method you are required to use then ask your teacher or check the relevant course work information provided.
  • MLA:
    Newspaper Author. "Article Name." Name of Newspaper [City] Publication Date, Newspaper Section (Sports, Weather, Editorial): Page Number of Article.
  • APA:
    Author (Name, Initial, Initial). (Year/Month/Day). Article Name. Name of Newspaper, Page Number(s) of Article
  • Harvard Referencing:
    Name, Initial Year, 'Article Name', Newspaper Name, Day and Month, Page(s) of Article.

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How To Write Articles for Newspapers 

How to Write Articles for News/Mags, 2/e (Arco How to Write Articles for Newspapers & Magazines)

How to Write Articles for News/Mags, 2/e (Arco How to Write Articles for Newspapers & Magazines)

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Amazon Price: $32.99 (as of 02/14/2012)Buy Now

A great resource for people just starting to approach the world of article or newspaper writing (either online or offline). It offers over 110 pages worth of helpful and insightful information to improve your writing skills.

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