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

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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)

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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