Journalism I Final Exam Writing Review

1. Journalism I Final Exam Writing Review Headlines, News Writing, and Editorials

2. Headline Writing Rules • Use specific phrasing—choose your words carefully • Each must contain a subject and a verb • Emphasis should be on ACTION verbs • No articles—a, an or the • Use a comma to replace and • Use present or future tense • Avoid bad splits—subject and verb, adjective and noun, adverb and verb, parts of a verb, prepositional phrases • Don’t repeat words • Avoid names (unless well known) and weird abbreviations

3. News Writing • Use the inverted pyramid—most important to least important. • DO NOT write news stories in chronological order! • Leads should include the 5 Ws—possibly the H—don’t use creativity. Get straight to the point! • Avoid editorializing—NO OPINION! • Use AP style • Attribute and identify sources properly • Omit extraneous information • Use tight writing with active verbs

4. Editorials • Intro presents the problem and the staff’s stance • Lead/intro grabs reader’s attention • Staff stance is supported with evidence • Avoid direct quotes unless absolutely necessary • Present other viewpoints in addition to staff viewpoints • Solution(s) is provided when necessary • Conclusion recaps staff’s position and includes call to action when appropriate • Tone is fair and mature • Avoid preachiness