News writing refresh
Reporting & Writing1
Spring termrefresher Assessment dates Portfolio Story writing refresher
Welcome back!
17/01/2013
News writing refresh2
Timed test dates
Mock: NCTJ styleTuesday, January 29
2hr timed test 1: NCTJ styleTuesday, February 12
2hr timed test 2: Press conference60wpm statement
Tuesday, February 26
These make up 30% of your final mark for Reporting & Writing
17/01/2013
Timed tests will run 10am to noon
News writing refresh3
Portfolio
Coursework portfolioDue 4pm on the last day of term
Includes: 1,000 word feature Two 500 word page leads Three other stories, which have a
combined total of 500 words (min. 150 words each)
17/01/2013
Stories can also be used in the NCTJ Portfolio next year
News writing refresh4
News writing key points A strong, clear angle in the top line. Your story must answer who, what,
where, when, why and how quickly and clearly.
Identify the key details and angles before you start writing.
Then make sure none of them are buried away at the bottom of the story.
17/01/2013
The news pyramid
News writing refresh5
News writing key points Keep intros under 25 words Keep other pars under 30 words Quotes in a new paragraph – and split
them up if they get too long. Give readers as much detail as you can
about people and places Use quotes to add colour and opinions –
but make sure they sound natural and spoken.
17/01/2013
News writing refresh6
Picture words and vivid writing“Use the right word, not the approximate one.”
Is it a fire, a blaze, or an inferno? Did he fall, plummet or plunge? Is it small, tiny or pint-sized? Is he a man, or is he a father, or a golfer, or
a animal rights campaigner or an accountant or a dog-walker or a 58-year-old?
17/01/2013
Mark Twain – writing tips
News writing refresh7
Digging up a story Write a story of 275-325 words. Pick a strong angle and try to give readers a clear and vivid mental picture of
what has been discovered.
17/01/2013