MM250: Major Writing Assignment #1

Writing Full News Stories

For this first major writing assignment, you are asked to create complete news stories based on facts below.

Story #1

Facts 1. There was a holdup at a gas station last night.

2. A man armed with a switchblade knife held up the attendant.

3. After the robbery, the man ran off on foot.

4. The robber took only $22.50 from the station cash register.

5. The gas station is at 204 West Main Street.

6. The attendant is Elwyn Fererra.

7. You got the facts above form the police records.

Story #2

Facts 1. A local man has a new job.

2. He has accepted a job with the Graham Associates, public relations firm.

3. He has been city editor of The Record since 2003.

4. He starts work with Graham Associates next Monday.

5. He is a 1990 graduate of the School of Journalism at Northwestern College.

6. His name is Fred W. Nelson.

Requirements for the MWA#1 include:

  1. Determine the best type of lead for each story. Begin your story with this lead.
  2. Determine the best story format type for each story. Follow this story type for the entire story.
  3. Determine the suitable length for each news story. Be sure to find the balance between being concise and to the point, while making sure to include all necessary information for full context.
  4. Outline your ideas for the story before you begin writing.
  5. Write and rewrite the stories until they are perfected. You should use the suggestions in Chapter 3 in the textbook for leads, story formats, and writing/rewriting.
  6. All AP rules should be followed in these stories
  7. Pay close attention to 66 newswriting tips on pages 60-61 in the textbook
  8. Once your stories are written, you must print TWO COPIES of each story and switch with a partner in class to get written feedback. One copy of the original writing will be submitted; the other will be given to your partner for editing (hard copies, no electronic versions).
  9. Once you receive feedback, you should edit both stories to include suggestions.

To turn in on the due date (Wednesday, September 27th):

  1. Original written stories (clean version)
  2. Revised/edited versions from your partner
  3. Updated written stories with suggestions from your partner

Partners for this Assignment

John Baker / Halle Morrell
Jeremiah Edwards / Madison Nedved
Elizabeth Hanson / Jamie Pellikaan
Sophie Heldenbrand / Kelli Peltier
Nathan Hills / Delilah Reid
Raiyona Jones / Rosie Santana
Dylan Kort / Tommy Waisner
Raven Meadows / Dan Young