Friday, April 9, 2010
Feature story
For most seniors, the first school day back from spring break sets the terrain for a very steep senior slide. Suddenly everyone becomes more interested in finding out where he or she soaked up some quality sun rays, and they’re less focused in the classroom and the text books start collecting dust. Soon enough most students are just sick of being back to school, that is when the momentum on the senior slide picks up and u can’t stop yourself from crashing at the finish line, or end of 3rd quarter. Some are kept in check from awaiting college acceptations, and others would take a bullet for the sake of turning in every assignment, but most join the senior slide band-wagon. I choose if I’m going to take a ride down the slide I’m setting up bumpers at the bottom, handing in late-work might take a toll on the GPA, but I’ve learned it is always better late than never. When I asked former Eastview student Matt Kiefer how he kept on track during his senior year he spoke wise words. “I never once didn’t do my homework my whole school career. I kept my grades from slipping by convincing myself the harder I worked at the end of the year the faster the year will end.” Matt is the classic “good student”, he doesn’t allow himself to become lazy just because the end is drawing near. Unfortunately the majority of seniors do not share the same work ethics as Matt. When I asked David Prahl if he has noticed a change in his motivation from before spring break and after he said “Ever since I came back from Mexico, I’ve been completely uninterested in doing homework and studying for tests, and I usually push it off until literally the last second. The warm spring weather lubricates the slide for most who enjoy spending their day outside under the sun rather than inside. More activities that warm weather brings are once again available and kids are eager to pick up where they left off. The relatively new sport of Frisbee golfing (frolf) has gained the attention of many. Groups of friends are now flocking to local frolf courses like Al’Magnet to kick off the new season and dust off the spider webs that collected over the winter. Tossing around a football or baseball also is a great way to help relieve the many pressures school unloads on students, and a good way to kill time with friends. When more and more of time is spent being active outdoors, less time is spent cracking the books to secure their academic future. Year after year, generation after generation, school and warm weather prove they do not mix well together. It’s not easy to pay attention during class when you’re constantly distracted by thoughts of more fun things are on mind. Some simply give less effort because they see their friends and other classmates going down the slide. One slacker that has the power of sabotaging the GPA of others is a problem that I believe happens in about every classroom, even though they may trigger sliding to others unintentionally, it isn’t academically healthy for the students in the class. That is still no excuse, students must learn how to maintain self control in the classroom, even if it’s their best friend sitting in the desk right next to them and is attempting to spark up a conversation. Other distractions like cell phones and ipods suddenly become more appealing than they were before spring break. Txting takes away all concentration in the classroom, and listening to music changes from a helpful method for working hard, to a way to hardly work. Students will try to get away with txting at all costs so I believe teachers need to increase their authority by taking away cell phones. The teachers popularity will go down in the eyes of the students, but that should be the least that teachers worry about. Higher levels of discipline usually result in higher test scores due to more time spend actually listening to the teacher, rather than downing their voice out while listening to music, and txting. There is never a shortage of distractions during and after school hours, but responsibility should’t be forgoten about. Obviously it is a no brainer that the average student will choose an activity that interests them over homework anyday, anytime, and anywhere. Peer pressure also claims many victims, it’s hard enough as it is to come home right after school and sit down to take care of work, but when you have your friends insissting that you stop what you’re doing to toss around the pigskin it makes the right choice a hard one. The responisble student will decline the offer usually, but sometimes it’s harder to leave your friends behind and miss out on the fun. Growing up in a time where technology has never been more advanced is just as much of a privalige, as a curse. Endless amounts of time are wasted on technology every week, but nothing consumes a larger puportion of my generation’s lives than video games. Everyday kids go home and power up their xboxes and playstations, suddenly 10 minutes of gaming turns into 3-4 hours spent infront of the television. Video game consoles double as a vacuum in space comparible in strength to a black hole of wasting time, time that you can never get back. 17 and 18 year olds never ever in a million years enjoy being controlled by their parents, it’s the time in their life where they feel the need to branch out and make their own choices. As long as teen brains devolope this way, the task of a parent will never be easy, especially if the first step to bringing up their son/daughter’s quarter grades means taking away video games. Most people who sink that much time into video games preform poorly in school and that’s when I believe the parents should take games away in order to repair grades. Obviously the fabled senior slide has been an excuse to get away with lazyness for countless years, and the report cards you already know your parents will demand to see will reveal how little effort was put into school. Some seniors may think they can justify not doing assignments because the end of the near is closer every day that passes, but the fact is students truly show much less effort towards the end of the year. If more is done in, and outside of school to maintain academic focus and take time away from enjoyable distractions will pave the road to a successful future.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Peer reviews
Paige
1.Is there a clear point of view? (position)
Yes, she made it very clear she does not approve of the quality of the lunch food.
2. Does the Op-Ed state the problem and solution simply?
yea i aggree that more kids will buy lunch of it tastes better so it will eliminate cost issues.
3. Does the piece address the counter arguments?
yes, better food will cost more.
4. Is the Op-Ed interesting?
yes very interesting because I also feel the same way about the quality, I can't stand days when i'm hungry yet none of the food looks appetizing.
5. Are the paragraphs organized logically?
Yes they are.
6. Does each paragraph develop an idea to support the thesis?
yes Paige had some very good ideas throughout the whole article.
7. Is the writing clear?
yes, very easy to read and follow the story the entire time.
Asad's review
1. Yes he is obviously intimidated by huge loans which we all should be, he wasn't saying don't take out loans, but make sure you will be able to pay off a massive loan due to over whealming interest costs.
2. Yes he made it clear that interest builds up fast, and the only solution is being well planned out.
3. Yeah.
4. very interesting because I know i will take out loans myself one day.
5. yes well organized it was easy to understand and follow the story.
6. yes and he also used real examples of people being overwhelmed by huge loans.
7. Asad's writting was crystal clear and well written.
1.Is there a clear point of view? (position)
Yes, she made it very clear she does not approve of the quality of the lunch food.
2. Does the Op-Ed state the problem and solution simply?
yea i aggree that more kids will buy lunch of it tastes better so it will eliminate cost issues.
3. Does the piece address the counter arguments?
yes, better food will cost more.
4. Is the Op-Ed interesting?
yes very interesting because I also feel the same way about the quality, I can't stand days when i'm hungry yet none of the food looks appetizing.
5. Are the paragraphs organized logically?
Yes they are.
6. Does each paragraph develop an idea to support the thesis?
yes Paige had some very good ideas throughout the whole article.
7. Is the writing clear?
yes, very easy to read and follow the story the entire time.
Asad's review
1. Yes he is obviously intimidated by huge loans which we all should be, he wasn't saying don't take out loans, but make sure you will be able to pay off a massive loan due to over whealming interest costs.
2. Yes he made it clear that interest builds up fast, and the only solution is being well planned out.
3. Yeah.
4. very interesting because I know i will take out loans myself one day.
5. yes well organized it was easy to understand and follow the story.
6. yes and he also used real examples of people being overwhelmed by huge loans.
7. Asad's writting was crystal clear and well written.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Editorial Final draft
Have you ever felt like someone has been lying to your face for years and you didn’t even know about it? It seems that the teachers and administration of Eastview high school have been working for a healthier student body for the past few years, which is obviously quite the opposite. They have been making major changes in the lunch room and down grading the snack quality in the vending machine for years. I remember back to my freshman year grabbing a bag of chips and a bottle of cola, those were the good days. Now every other bag of chips is baked instead of fried in some good ol’ grease, and non-diet sodas are nowhere to be found. This troubles me greatly, it’s even affecting me in the classroom. I can’t pay attention during notes, slide-shows, or even teacher’s lectures due to lack of caffeine and sugar in my daily life. How can they expect students to get through class without their mental power-ups they purchase 2 minutes before the class bell, I mean they know we’re quite capable of throwing our garbage away ourselves. None of this adds up so I decided to look into the matter to find out some real answers. As I was pondering the matter at my study hall table in the East commons chatting with some buddies, I witnessed who appeared to be a teacher walk out of the teacher conference room holding a bottle of mountain dews finest refreshment. Completely blinded by jealousy, I did not even begin to start putting pieces together in my mind, I just simply figured they smuggled their own beverage in from home, smart. It wasn’t until the next day when I saw the same teacher walk into the very same room holding nothing, and exit the room with a full bottle of Mountain Dew. With my mind completely and utterly blown away my spidy-like senses began to ring like the bell in a fire house during a code-red emergency. Being as brave as a fireman, I lurked my way into the room and what I discovered made my jaw drop down to the floor. I stood there petrified, I felt like I was starring into the eyes of Medusa herself. As I glazed upon the 7 foot, brightly colored and well advertized soda machine I tried to find one soda I wouldn’t drink on a warm summer day. I was amazed that this machine wasn’t stocked with a single diet bottle of soda. My heart began to tear into two pieces as I realized what has been going on all these years. The teachers have been hording all of the good non-diet soda in the teacher’s conference room, saving all the refreshing caffeine and sugar for themselves. I felt like a professional boxer wound up and punched me right in the gut, I was devastated to say the least. I felt totally betrayed by the same people I trusted with my education, and not to mention my safety as a student of Eastview high school. I’m writing this story today as a fellow student who is being wrongfully stripped of his/her privileges of a good refreshing and energizing beverage in hopes to bring down the wall of lies that the school has been feeding us the past 3 years. Someday I hope to come back to this school and see happy students throughout the commons, halls and classrooms sipping on a beverage of their choice.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Soda Issues
1. A major issue that effects all Eastview student is the holdout on regular soda.
2. My view point is every student is capable of choosing the beverage of their choice, rather than limiting our choices to diet.
3. I would like to bring back good soda.
4.
A. More money for school.
B. Greater selection.
C. More energy in class.
D. Student's choice of beverage besides just diet.
5. I will uncover more feelings and ideas about the fact that the school is hording soda in the teacher's conferense room.
6. My editorial will bring good soda back to the students who have been stripped of their rights long ago.
2. My view point is every student is capable of choosing the beverage of their choice, rather than limiting our choices to diet.
3. I would like to bring back good soda.
4.
A. More money for school.
B. Greater selection.
C. More energy in class.
D. Student's choice of beverage besides just diet.
5. I will uncover more feelings and ideas about the fact that the school is hording soda in the teacher's conferense room.
6. My editorial will bring good soda back to the students who have been stripped of their rights long ago.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Peer edit
I also read Nick Hiracheta's rough draft
1. I think you could be much more detailed on the cat's appearences.
2. The lead is heart warming and made me want to hear the epic story of finding the perfect new cat.
3. The intro was descriptive, I could almost picture being at your aunt's house in Wisconsin because I have family there and i believe they also take in a few strays.
4. I would like to hear more about how this cat became so massive, I could only imagine the size of Godzilla's food dish.
1. I think you could be much more detailed on the cat's appearences.
2. The lead is heart warming and made me want to hear the epic story of finding the perfect new cat.
3. The intro was descriptive, I could almost picture being at your aunt's house in Wisconsin because I have family there and i believe they also take in a few strays.
4. I would like to hear more about how this cat became so massive, I could only imagine the size of Godzilla's food dish.
Peer edit
I reviewed Asad's feature story about the fall of Barry Bonds.
1. You state that Bonds grew cocky of himself, I believe you should be more descriptive of what he said to reporters and fans.
2. I do not know any additional sources but the lead brought me and had me interested in hearing many different view points on Bonds.
3. Yes, you did a very good job creating an image in my mind of the game that he passed the single season home-run record, very descriptive and well detailed.
4. I would have liked to hear maybe one or two more view points on Bonds.
1. You state that Bonds grew cocky of himself, I believe you should be more descriptive of what he said to reporters and fans.
2. I do not know any additional sources but the lead brought me and had me interested in hearing many different view points on Bonds.
3. Yes, you did a very good job creating an image in my mind of the game that he passed the single season home-run record, very descriptive and well detailed.
4. I would have liked to hear maybe one or two more view points on Bonds.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
news story
The topic of my feature story will be the importance of the new award winning movie "The Hurt Locker" that beat out Avatar for best picture and best director. I'll be interviewing people who have seen the movie and getting their view point and their feelings on how it brings the real dangers of war to life.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Final news story
Hockey fans around the world watched as two of the greatest hockey nations battled into sudden death overtime during the final event of the 2010 winter Olympics. The weight of the world was on the shoulders of each athlete as they proved they were ready to battle to the final seconds of the game for their country, pride, bragging rights, and the gold medal. The heated rivalry between the two neighboring hockey nations has never been more glorified then this final game allowing it to come down to one final goal shot off the stick of Sidney Crosby in sudden death overtime making the final score 4-3. He clinched the gold medal for his home country of Canada. Almost 80% of Canada tuned in to watch the game from their homes. At that same moment countless Americans also watched as their dreams of gold were crushed. Crosby is used to being in the spotlight but now more than ever will he be remembered as a hockey hero, at least in the eyes of his fellow Canadian citizens. However, many Americans feel differently about “Sid the Kid”, as I discovered after interviewing some of my peers. When I asked Tony Companion how he felt about Crosby he said, “I think he is a solid player, but I hate that he plays for Canada.” I also asked Nick Taschner if he loved, hated, or respected Crosby’s overtime goal he said, “I hate it because I’m American, but I respect it because I love hockey.” I have not yet had a chance to speak with anyone from Canada, but I’m sure they would have only great things to say about their new hero. There will always be mixed feelings about an athlete who is so influential in the game, but it seems everyone can at least agree he’s a top player on a world wide scale now.
Amongst all the excitement and drama over the hockey game and the Olympics, there are concerns about the next upcoming winter Olympics. There is debate on whether or not the NHL will allow its players to compete overseas at a chance to live in immortal glory. This debate brings up many mixed issues. Some believe that the best players should compete whether or not they are professional, while others believe the Olympics and NHL hockey should remain two different things. I asked a few of my friends what they thought about the issue, they both basically agreed on the same thing. When I asked Nick Taschner how he felt about NHL players competing in the Olympics he said “I like it because it makes it more competitive, and makes it a better hockey game.” Tony Companion says, “Yes because they are the best players we have to offer.” Most people enjoy watching their favorite hockey all-stars play in the Olympics, unless they are representing a different country that beats them of course. It also gives the players a chance away from the NHL to showcase their talent in front of millions of fans who may not watch them because of the location of their NHL team. Others believe if a player wanted to pursue a professional hockey career they shouldn’t be side tracked away from the NHL to the Olympics because they should continue practicing with their team. Another thing some people do not like is that the hockey league has to take a break in order for the few selected players to be able to compete in the Olympics. The games receive much more attention by fans when they see players who they know on the ice. Either way when it comes down to it the final outcome of the pro player’s Olympic future is in the hands of the people who will decide on the new rule for the next winter Olympics.
Amongst all the excitement and drama over the hockey game and the Olympics, there are concerns about the next upcoming winter Olympics. There is debate on whether or not the NHL will allow its players to compete overseas at a chance to live in immortal glory. This debate brings up many mixed issues. Some believe that the best players should compete whether or not they are professional, while others believe the Olympics and NHL hockey should remain two different things. I asked a few of my friends what they thought about the issue, they both basically agreed on the same thing. When I asked Nick Taschner how he felt about NHL players competing in the Olympics he said “I like it because it makes it more competitive, and makes it a better hockey game.” Tony Companion says, “Yes because they are the best players we have to offer.” Most people enjoy watching their favorite hockey all-stars play in the Olympics, unless they are representing a different country that beats them of course. It also gives the players a chance away from the NHL to showcase their talent in front of millions of fans who may not watch them because of the location of their NHL team. Others believe if a player wanted to pursue a professional hockey career they shouldn’t be side tracked away from the NHL to the Olympics because they should continue practicing with their team. Another thing some people do not like is that the hockey league has to take a break in order for the few selected players to be able to compete in the Olympics. The games receive much more attention by fans when they see players who they know on the ice. Either way when it comes down to it the final outcome of the pro player’s Olympic future is in the hands of the people who will decide on the new rule for the next winter Olympics.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
News Article
Hockey fans around the world watched as two of the greatest hockey nations battled into sudden death overtime during the final event of the 2010 winter Olympics. The weight of the world was on the shoulders of each athlete as they proved they were ready to battle to the final seconds of the game for their country, pride, bragging rights, and the gold medal. The heated rivalry between the two neighboring hockey nations has never been more glorified then this final game allowing it to come down to one final goal shot off the stick of Sidney Crosby in sudden death overtime. He clinched the gold medal for his home country of Canada as a reported 80% of all Canadian’s tuned in to watch the game from their homes. At that same moment countless Americans also watched as their dreams of gold were crushed. Crosby is used to being in the spotlight but now more than ever will he be remembered as a hockey hero, at least in the eyes of his fellow Canadian citizens. However, many Americans feel differently about “Sid the Kid”, as I discovered after interviewing some of my peers. When I asked Tony Companion how he felt about Crosby he said “I think he is a solid player, but I hate that he plays for Canada.” I also asked Nick Taschner if he loved, hated, or respected Crosby’s overtime goal he said “I hate it because I’m American, but I respect it because I love hockey.” I have not yet had a chance to speak with anyone from Canada, but I’m sure they would have only great things to say about their new hero. There will always be mixed feelings about an athlete who is so influential in the game, but it seems everyone can at least agree he’s a top player on a world wide scale now.
Amongst all the excitement and drama over the hockey game and the Olympics, there are concerns about the next upcoming winter Olympics not allowing professional NHL players to compete for their country. This also brings up many mixed issues, some believe that the best players should compete whether or not they are professional, and some believe the Olympics and NHL hockey should remain two different things. I asked a few of my friends what they thought about the issue, they both basically agreed on the same thing. When I asked Nick Taschner how he felt about NHL players competing in the Olympics he said “I like it because it makes it more competitive, and makes it a better hockey game.” Tony Companion says “Yes because they are the best players we have to offer.” Most people enjoy watching their favorite hockey all-stars play in the Olympics, unless they are representing a different country that beats them of course. It also gives the players a chance away from the NHL to showcase their talent in front of millions of fans who may not watch them because of the location of their NHL team. Others believe if a player wanted to pursue a professional hockey career they shouldn’t be side tracked away from the NHL to the Olympics because they should continue practicing with their team. Another thing some people do not like is that the hockey league has to take a break in order for the few selected players to be able to compete in the Olympics. The games receive much more attention by fans when they see players who they know on the ice. Either way when it comes down to it the final outcome of the pro player’s Olympic future is in the hands of the people who will decide on the new rule for the next winter Olympics.
Amongst all the excitement and drama over the hockey game and the Olympics, there are concerns about the next upcoming winter Olympics not allowing professional NHL players to compete for their country. This also brings up many mixed issues, some believe that the best players should compete whether or not they are professional, and some believe the Olympics and NHL hockey should remain two different things. I asked a few of my friends what they thought about the issue, they both basically agreed on the same thing. When I asked Nick Taschner how he felt about NHL players competing in the Olympics he said “I like it because it makes it more competitive, and makes it a better hockey game.” Tony Companion says “Yes because they are the best players we have to offer.” Most people enjoy watching their favorite hockey all-stars play in the Olympics, unless they are representing a different country that beats them of course. It also gives the players a chance away from the NHL to showcase their talent in front of millions of fans who may not watch them because of the location of their NHL team. Others believe if a player wanted to pursue a professional hockey career they shouldn’t be side tracked away from the NHL to the Olympics because they should continue practicing with their team. Another thing some people do not like is that the hockey league has to take a break in order for the few selected players to be able to compete in the Olympics. The games receive much more attention by fans when they see players who they know on the ice. Either way when it comes down to it the final outcome of the pro player’s Olympic future is in the hands of the people who will decide on the new rule for the next winter Olympics.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Interview questions
(Nick Taschner):
1. How do you feel about NHL players competing in the olympics?
"I like it because it makes it more competitive, and makes it a better hockey game."
2. Do you hate, love, or respect Sydney Crosby’s sudden death goal?
"I hate it because i'm American, but respect it because I love hockey."
3. What were you feeling as team USA tied the game at the end of the 3rd period?
"I felt a bit of excitment, and extremely pumped."
4. Who was your favorite player to watch, why?
"I liked watching Patrick Cane because he moves the puck well, and is a solid playmaker."
5. Who were you with while watching the game?
"My family in my living room"
(Tony Companion):
1. What team did you want to bring home the gold and why?
"USA because it's my home country"
2. Was there any player you enjoyed watching the most?
"Brian Rafalski because he is a defensmen and he lead USA in goals."
3. Do you think NHL players should or shouldn’t be allowed to compete in the olympics, why?
"Yea because they are the best players we have to offer."
4. Did you lose faith in USA towards the end of the game?
"No, because I thought after the goal we were going to win.
5. What do you think about Sidney Crosby?
"I think he is a solid player, but i hate that he plays for Canada.
(Mike Chacich):
1. Where were you while watching the game?
"At my house"
2. Which team were you rooting for?
"Team USA because i'm a patriot."
3. Who were you with while watching the game?
"My girlfriend Jordan."
4. How much faith did you have in team USA?
"Honestly not that much because I knew how good Canada was."
5. Who was your favorite player from USA and Canada?
"Sydney Crosby from Canada and Zach parise from USA."
1. How do you feel about NHL players competing in the olympics?
"I like it because it makes it more competitive, and makes it a better hockey game."
2. Do you hate, love, or respect Sydney Crosby’s sudden death goal?
"I hate it because i'm American, but respect it because I love hockey."
3. What were you feeling as team USA tied the game at the end of the 3rd period?
"I felt a bit of excitment, and extremely pumped."
4. Who was your favorite player to watch, why?
"I liked watching Patrick Cane because he moves the puck well, and is a solid playmaker."
5. Who were you with while watching the game?
"My family in my living room"
(Tony Companion):
1. What team did you want to bring home the gold and why?
"USA because it's my home country"
2. Was there any player you enjoyed watching the most?
"Brian Rafalski because he is a defensmen and he lead USA in goals."
3. Do you think NHL players should or shouldn’t be allowed to compete in the olympics, why?
"Yea because they are the best players we have to offer."
4. Did you lose faith in USA towards the end of the game?
"No, because I thought after the goal we were going to win.
5. What do you think about Sidney Crosby?
"I think he is a solid player, but i hate that he plays for Canada.
(Mike Chacich):
1. Where were you while watching the game?
"At my house"
2. Which team were you rooting for?
"Team USA because i'm a patriot."
3. Who were you with while watching the game?
"My girlfriend Jordan."
4. How much faith did you have in team USA?
"Honestly not that much because I knew how good Canada was."
5. Who was your favorite player from USA and Canada?
"Sydney Crosby from Canada and Zach parise from USA."
Monday, March 1, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
pre-writing notes
Hard news (+/- 600 words): This is how journalists refer to news of the day. It is a chronicle of current events/incidents and is the most common news style on the front page of your typical newspaper.
It starts with a summary lead. What happened? Where? When? To/by whom? Why? (The journalist's 5 W's). It must be kept brief and simple, because the purpose of the rest of the story will be to elaborate on this lead.
Keep the writing clean and uncluttered. Most important, give the readers the information they need. If the federal government announced a new major youth initiative yesterday, that's today's hard news.
Soft news (+/-600 words): This is a term for all the news that isn't time-sensitive. Soft news includes profiles of people, programs or organizations. As we discussed earlier, the "lead" is more literary. Most of YPP's news content is soft news.
Feature (+/-1500 words): A news feature takes one step back from the headlines. It explores an issue. News features are less time-sensitive than hard news but no less newsworthy. They can be an effective way to write about complex issues too large for the terse style of a hard news item. Street kids are a perfect example. The stories of their individual lives are full of complexities which can be reflected in a longer piece.
Editorial: The editorial expresses an opinion. The editorial page of the newspaper lets the writer comment on issues in the news. All editorials are personal but the topics must still be relevant to the reader.
Structure for your article
The structure of a news story (hard & soft news & features) is simple: a lead and the body.
The lead
One of the most important elements of news writing is the opening paragraph or two of the story. Journalists refer to this as the "lead," and its function is to summarize the story and/or to draw the reader in (depending on whether it is a "hard" or "soft" news story - See below for the difference between these two genres of news stories).
In a hard news story, the lead should be a full summary of what is to follow. It should incorporate as many of the 5 "W's" of journalism (who, what, where, when and why) as possible. (e.g. "Homeless youth marched down Yonge St. in downtown Toronto Wednesday afternoon demanding the municipal government provide emergency shelter during the winter months." - Can you identify the 5 W's in this lead?)
In a soft news story, the lead should present the subject of the story by allusion. This type of opening is somewhat literary. Like a novelist, the role of the writer is to grab the attention of the reader. (e.g. "Until four years ago, Jason W. slept in alleyways...") Once the reader is drawn in, the 5 "W's" should be incorporated into the body of the story, but not necessarily at the very top.
The body
The body of the story involves combining the opinions of the people you interview, some factual data, and a narrative which helps the story flow. A word of caution, however. In this style of writing, you are not allowed to "editorialize" (state your own opinion) in any way.
Remember:
The role of a reporter is to find out what people are thinking of an issue and to report the opinions of different stakeholders of an issue. These comments make up the bulk of the story. The narrative helps to weave the comments into a coherent whole. Hint: Stick to one particular theme throughout the story. You can put in different details but they all have to relate to the original idea of the piece. (e.g. If your story is about black youth and their relationship with the police you DO NOT want to go into details about the life of any one particular youth).
As a reporter, you are the eyes and ears for the readers. You should try to provide some visual details to bring the story to life (this is difficult if you have conducted only phone interviews, which is why face-to-face is best). You should also try to get a feel for the story. Having a feel means getting some understanding of the emotional background of the piece and the people involved in it. Try to get a sense of the characters involved and why they feel the way they do.
Okay, got it? Let's look at two examples as a way of summarizing the essentials:
Youth are banding together to start an organization. You want to show why are they doing that and the changes are they trying to make in the world. You want to say who they are and the strategies they are using.
An artist is having her first show. Why? What is it that she believes about her art? Is her artistic process rational or from the soul? What does the work look like?
4. Further tips for news writing
Finding story ideas
Keep your eyes and ears open; listen to what your friends are talking about.
Read everything you can get your hands on; get story ideas from other newspapers and magazines.
Think of a youth angle to a current news story.
Research a subject that interests you ask yourself what you would like to know more about.
Talk to people in a specific field to find out what is important to them.
Newsgathering
Begin collecting articles on your subject.
Talk to friends and associates about the subject.
Contact any agencies or associations with interest or professional knowledge in the area.
Create a list of people you want to interview; cover both sides of the story by interviewing people on both sides of the issue.
Collect government statistics and reports on the subject get old press releases or reports to use as background.
Interviewing do's and don'ts
Be polite.
Explain the ground rules of the interview to people unfamiliar with how the media works - this means that you tell them the information they give you can and will be published. If they do not want any part of what they say published, they need to tell you it is "off the record."
Tape the interview (so if anyone comes back at you, you have the proof of what was said).
Build a relationship with the person being interviewed.
Start with easy questions; end with difficult questions.
Read the body language of the person you're interviewing and if they get defensive, back away from the question you are asking and return later.
Don't attack the source.
Keep control of the interview; don't let the subject ramble or stray from the subject.
On the other hand, don't let your "opinion" of what the story should be colour the interview. Always remember that the person you are talking with knows more about the subject than you do.
Organizing the information
Gather your notes, interviews and research into a file.
Review your notes.
Look for a common theme.
Search your notes for good quotes or interesting facts.
Develop a focus.
Write the focus of the article down in two or three sentences.
Writing and editing
Remember you are the narrator, the story teller.
Don't be afraid to rewrite.
Be as clear and concise in the writing as possible.
Avoid run-on sentences.
Be direct.
Tell a good story.
Tell the reader what you think they want to know.
Always ask yourself what the story is about.
Read the story out loud; listen carefully.
1. Find a topic.
2. Find an angle on the subject.
3. Collect information.
4. Conduct interviews.
5. Organize information and write.
6. Revise and edit.
It starts with a summary lead. What happened? Where? When? To/by whom? Why? (The journalist's 5 W's). It must be kept brief and simple, because the purpose of the rest of the story will be to elaborate on this lead.
Keep the writing clean and uncluttered. Most important, give the readers the information they need. If the federal government announced a new major youth initiative yesterday, that's today's hard news.
Soft news (+/-600 words): This is a term for all the news that isn't time-sensitive. Soft news includes profiles of people, programs or organizations. As we discussed earlier, the "lead" is more literary. Most of YPP's news content is soft news.
Feature (+/-1500 words): A news feature takes one step back from the headlines. It explores an issue. News features are less time-sensitive than hard news but no less newsworthy. They can be an effective way to write about complex issues too large for the terse style of a hard news item. Street kids are a perfect example. The stories of their individual lives are full of complexities which can be reflected in a longer piece.
Editorial: The editorial expresses an opinion. The editorial page of the newspaper lets the writer comment on issues in the news. All editorials are personal but the topics must still be relevant to the reader.
Structure for your article
The structure of a news story (hard & soft news & features) is simple: a lead and the body.
The lead
One of the most important elements of news writing is the opening paragraph or two of the story. Journalists refer to this as the "lead," and its function is to summarize the story and/or to draw the reader in (depending on whether it is a "hard" or "soft" news story - See below for the difference between these two genres of news stories).
In a hard news story, the lead should be a full summary of what is to follow. It should incorporate as many of the 5 "W's" of journalism (who, what, where, when and why) as possible. (e.g. "Homeless youth marched down Yonge St. in downtown Toronto Wednesday afternoon demanding the municipal government provide emergency shelter during the winter months." - Can you identify the 5 W's in this lead?)
In a soft news story, the lead should present the subject of the story by allusion. This type of opening is somewhat literary. Like a novelist, the role of the writer is to grab the attention of the reader. (e.g. "Until four years ago, Jason W. slept in alleyways...") Once the reader is drawn in, the 5 "W's" should be incorporated into the body of the story, but not necessarily at the very top.
The body
The body of the story involves combining the opinions of the people you interview, some factual data, and a narrative which helps the story flow. A word of caution, however. In this style of writing, you are not allowed to "editorialize" (state your own opinion) in any way.
Remember:
The role of a reporter is to find out what people are thinking of an issue and to report the opinions of different stakeholders of an issue. These comments make up the bulk of the story. The narrative helps to weave the comments into a coherent whole. Hint: Stick to one particular theme throughout the story. You can put in different details but they all have to relate to the original idea of the piece. (e.g. If your story is about black youth and their relationship with the police you DO NOT want to go into details about the life of any one particular youth).
As a reporter, you are the eyes and ears for the readers. You should try to provide some visual details to bring the story to life (this is difficult if you have conducted only phone interviews, which is why face-to-face is best). You should also try to get a feel for the story. Having a feel means getting some understanding of the emotional background of the piece and the people involved in it. Try to get a sense of the characters involved and why they feel the way they do.
Okay, got it? Let's look at two examples as a way of summarizing the essentials:
Youth are banding together to start an organization. You want to show why are they doing that and the changes are they trying to make in the world. You want to say who they are and the strategies they are using.
An artist is having her first show. Why? What is it that she believes about her art? Is her artistic process rational or from the soul? What does the work look like?
4. Further tips for news writing
Finding story ideas
Keep your eyes and ears open; listen to what your friends are talking about.
Read everything you can get your hands on; get story ideas from other newspapers and magazines.
Think of a youth angle to a current news story.
Research a subject that interests you ask yourself what you would like to know more about.
Talk to people in a specific field to find out what is important to them.
Newsgathering
Begin collecting articles on your subject.
Talk to friends and associates about the subject.
Contact any agencies or associations with interest or professional knowledge in the area.
Create a list of people you want to interview; cover both sides of the story by interviewing people on both sides of the issue.
Collect government statistics and reports on the subject get old press releases or reports to use as background.
Interviewing do's and don'ts
Be polite.
Explain the ground rules of the interview to people unfamiliar with how the media works - this means that you tell them the information they give you can and will be published. If they do not want any part of what they say published, they need to tell you it is "off the record."
Tape the interview (so if anyone comes back at you, you have the proof of what was said).
Build a relationship with the person being interviewed.
Start with easy questions; end with difficult questions.
Read the body language of the person you're interviewing and if they get defensive, back away from the question you are asking and return later.
Don't attack the source.
Keep control of the interview; don't let the subject ramble or stray from the subject.
On the other hand, don't let your "opinion" of what the story should be colour the interview. Always remember that the person you are talking with knows more about the subject than you do.
Organizing the information
Gather your notes, interviews and research into a file.
Review your notes.
Look for a common theme.
Search your notes for good quotes or interesting facts.
Develop a focus.
Write the focus of the article down in two or three sentences.
Writing and editing
Remember you are the narrator, the story teller.
Don't be afraid to rewrite.
Be as clear and concise in the writing as possible.
Avoid run-on sentences.
Be direct.
Tell a good story.
Tell the reader what you think they want to know.
Always ask yourself what the story is about.
Read the story out loud; listen carefully.
1. Find a topic.
2. Find an angle on the subject.
3. Collect information.
4. Conduct interviews.
5. Organize information and write.
6. Revise and edit.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
ethics notes
Five freedoms of first amendment:
1. Freedom of speech
2. Press
3. Religion
4. Petition
5. Assembly
The Tinker Standard:
Students speech cannot be censored as long as it does not "materially disrupt class work or involve substantial disorder or invasion of the rights of others."
The Fraser Standard:
Because school officials have an "interest in teaching students the boundaries of socially apporopriate behavior, " they can censor student speech that is vulgar or indecent, even if it does not cause a "material or substantial disruption."
The Hazelwood Standard:
Censorship of school-sponsored studen expression is permissible when school officials can show that it is "reasonably related to legitimate pedagogical concerns."
The Frederick Standard:
January 2002, olympic torch travels through town, principal cancels school, Senior Frederick unveils banner on the sidewalk across street which reads "bong hits 4 Jesus"- suspended for 10 days.
1. Freedom of speech
2. Press
3. Religion
4. Petition
5. Assembly
The Tinker Standard:
Students speech cannot be censored as long as it does not "materially disrupt class work or involve substantial disorder or invasion of the rights of others."
The Fraser Standard:
Because school officials have an "interest in teaching students the boundaries of socially apporopriate behavior, " they can censor student speech that is vulgar or indecent, even if it does not cause a "material or substantial disruption."
The Hazelwood Standard:
Censorship of school-sponsored studen expression is permissible when school officials can show that it is "reasonably related to legitimate pedagogical concerns."
The Frederick Standard:
January 2002, olympic torch travels through town, principal cancels school, Senior Frederick unveils banner on the sidewalk across street which reads "bong hits 4 Jesus"- suspended for 10 days.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
News Notes
Define “Journalism” in 1-3 sentences.
List and describe the six criteria of newsworthiness.
TITLE DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE
1
2.
3.
4.
5.
6. Human interest; feel good story; tyler cropsy story in paper.
What are the advantages of print journalism?
1. you have advantage of reading when you want. choose what you read.
2. tangable, can take with you. More discriptive.
3. good reading material in bathroom.
What are the advantages of broadcast journalism?
1. much more current, live broadcast.
2. audio brings the situation to life.
3. more accessable.
Why has online journalism (convergent media) become so popular? It allows more people to access information via internet. It also ties all other forms of media into one.
List and describe the six criteria of newsworthiness.
TITLE DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE
1
2.
3.
4.
5.
6. Human interest; feel good story; tyler cropsy story in paper.
What are the advantages of print journalism?
1. you have advantage of reading when you want. choose what you read.
2. tangable, can take with you. More discriptive.
3. good reading material in bathroom.
What are the advantages of broadcast journalism?
1. much more current, live broadcast.
2. audio brings the situation to life.
3. more accessable.
Why has online journalism (convergent media) become so popular? It allows more people to access information via internet. It also ties all other forms of media into one.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
sdjkg
Today i read an article from the StarTribune about the rising sales of cheaper lower end liqour due to the recession. People are choosing to not purchase their favorite brands due to higher prices, they're also staying at home rather then going to the bars.
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