Writing a News Article

WRITING NEWS REPORTS & ARTICLES

Arredondo, J. First Language English for Cambridge IGCSE. OUP. 2013

NEWS REPORTS & ARTICLES

Journalists and reporters can influence the way that we read their news reports and articles by what they choose to include or exclude, and the type of language they employ.

Here are some of the ways journalists and reporters try to influence readers

HEADLINES & SUBHEADINGS

• How much of the headline is speculation?

• Does the headline use emotive or sensational language?

THE STRUCTURE OF THE REPORT OR ARTICLE

• What information is given first?

• How are facts presented?

• How much of the article is factual? How muchnis comment?

• Where & how are witness statements used?

THE LANGUAGE USED TO TELL THE STORY

• Are words easy to understand or more academic?

• Is the language used sensational & dramatic or serious and objective?

• What tone does the journalist create: indignant outraged, reflective, interested, nostalgic, respectful, playful, ...?

• What type of reader is the journalist writing for?

• If the aim of an article is to persuade the reader, then the opening and closing paragraph will outline the writer’s viewpoint and make it most memorable. 

• Subheadings are sometimes used to signpost the content of each.

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