Headline Writing TIPS

Use "A" "an" "the" in headlines.

• Do

• Don't

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.10

CCSS.RI.6.10

CCSS.RI.7.10

CCSS.RI.8.10

CCSS.RI.9-10.10

Be humorous and punny in your headlines every chance you get.

• Do

• Don't

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

If the story includes audio, video or photo gallery, say so in the headline.

• Do

• Don't

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.10

CCSS.RI.6.10

CCSS.RI.7.10

CCSS.RI.8.10

CCSS.RI.9-10.10

Present tense for present and past stories, future tense for future stories.

• Do

• Don't

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.10

CCSS.RI.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.11-12.10

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

Active voice, strong verbs in headlines.

• Do

• Don't

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.6

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.L.9-10.6

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

Use full names of people unless they are well known.

• Do

• Don't

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.SL.11-12.6

CCSS.SL.9-10.6

CCSS.W.11-12.2E

CCSS.W.9-10.1D

Use key words and phrases as this will help searches find you and your work!

• Do

• Don't

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.8

CCSS.RI.9-10.7

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.7

CCSS.RL.9-10.7

Make it clear why the reader should care about the story.

• Do

• Don't

Tags

CCSS.RI.1.1

CCSS.RI.2.1

CCSS.RI.3.1

CCSS.RL.2.1

CCSS.RL.3.1

Strive to make every headline an attention grabber.

• Do

• Don't

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.10

CCSS.RI.6.10

CCSS.RI.7.10

CCSS.RI.8.10

CCSS.RI.9-10.10

Use passive verbs that only tell.

• Do

• Don't

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.10

CCSS.RI.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.11-12.10

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.10