Formula for a Well-Written News Article 

Style:

You will be writing in a different style than you are used to in class. Newspaper articles generally contain sentences and paragraphs that are short and direct. Most paragraphs in news articles contain a maximum of three sentences.

Format:

Newspaper articles should contain the following items:

· Headline–An attention getting phrase at the top of the article.

· Byline – By, your name.

· Lead Paragraph – Start with a strong, interesting sentence to get the reader engaged. Include the who, what, when, where, why, and how as appropriate.

· Explanation and Amplification–This section will include several brief paragraphs explaining the details surrounding your story.

Background Information–This section will include several brief paragraphs explaining events leading up to the story, related national stories, etc.

Bias:

Newspaper articles should be written without bias. In other words, you should report the facts objectively – don’t give opinions in your news article. Do use "I" in the story.

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