Writing a Newspaper Article

Writing a Newspaper Article

Newspaper articles require a different style of writing from what is used when writing a story. When writing a newspaper article, picture a triangle like the one shown. This style of writing is called the “inverted pyramid.”

In a newspaper article the first one or two sentences tell who, what, when, where, why and how. News articles are written this way because most readers do not read the entire newspaper article all the way through. So newspaper writers put the most critical information at the beginning. Writers also try to hook the reader by beginning with a funny, clever, or surprising statement. Sometimes they begin the article with a question or a “loaded” statement.

A typical newspaper article contains five parts:

HeadlineThis is a short, attention getting statement about the event.

BylineThis tells who wrote the story.

Lead ParagraphThis has ALL thewho, what, when, where, why and how in it. A writer must find the answers to these questions and write them into the opening sentences of the article.

ExplanationAfter the lead paragraph has been written; the writer must review the other facts and details and decide what readers might want to know. The writer must make sure to answer any important questions the reader might have after reading the headline and the lead paragraph. You may want to include one or two quotes. Make sure you write in the third person (he, she it, they). Be objective – NEVER state your opinion.

Additional InformationThis information is the least important. Try to wrap up the article. Try ending with a quote or a catch phrase or you could include information about a similar event.

Scrapbook Task - Write your Own Newspaper Article

Directions: Write a newspaper article about the Stock Market Crash of 1929. The information you gathered from your Library of Congress search will help you with this task. Use the worksheet below to help you plan the information you will include in your article.

Headline

BylineBy:

Lead ParagraphWho:

What:

When:

Where:

Why:

How:

Explanation

Possible Quotes