1
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 with 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 can require an informative and persuasive language including emotive words, imagery and rhetorical questions.
The following hints, tips and ideas will help you write a newspaper article for your local newspaper, a school assignment or just for fun.
Purpose - The Aim of a Newspaper Article
Newspaper 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
Newsworthy 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 importance (more important news at the front) or placed based on category (world news, sports, finance).
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 paragraphs 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 readers 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 summarized, detailing the issue or event.
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 can be cut to 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 summarized, detailing the issue or event.
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).
(