Assignments
Try to explain the following words and word-combinations in your own terms:
Headline-
References-
Redirection-
Inverted pyramid style
Copy editing-
Features-
Umbrella term-
Column-
Essay-
Sidebar-
Lead or lede-
To top-load smth-
Billboard or nut graf-
Narrative hooks-
Find any interesting material and try to break news in two different writing styles. The example given below can serve you a good piece of instruction:
In most news stories, the news style of writing is used, and the essential facts of a story are included in the lede (or lead), the first sentence or two of the story. For example, a story about crime statistics written in news style might start out with a lede like: "Violent crime is down in Anytown but shoplifting is soaring, according to statistics released by the Anytown Police Department Tuesday." Good ledes try to answer who, what, when, where, why and how as quickly as possible.
However, in feature stories, or in news written in a feature style, the story will often begin in a more narrative manner. For instance, if a story on crime statistics were written in feature style rather than news style, the first few paragraphs might start by introducing a local business owner who was affected by the boom in shoplifting. The nut graf, which often will start in the third or fourth paragraph, will explain what the story is about, including much but rarely all of the information that would have been contained in a lede, so as to keep the reader interested.
Speak on the following:
Which style of writing articles do you prefer and why?
What style does your favourite journalist practice? Does he/she have his/her own recognizable slant? Can you characterize his/her writing?
Which style is more valued? Why? Give your reasons.