| REPORTING & WRITING

Verbal Storytelling

Headlines primary | secondary

Stories traditional feature | quick reads/infographs

Captions ID | summary | expanded

Headline | Story | Caption

< Headline

< Story

< Caption

Getting StoriesInterview every individual in school Find out what they think, feel, say, do

Uncover entertaining ways to tell stories

Interview substantial numbers of individuals for each story idea Tell the complete story

Offer differing perspectives

Interview through polls and surveys, focus groups and one-on-one inquiries

Crafting QuestionsFive W’s and H Ask who, what, when, where, why, how

Objective short answer Provide factual and numerical details

Multiple choice Offer readers a collection of details and opinion

Subjective Gain quotable, anecdotal reactions from readers

HeadlinesPrimary Captures readers’ attention with key word/phrase

Secondary Dates year with details personalizing coverage

Formats kicker | wicket | hammer | tripod

Band NoiseClass chants CostumesCheerleaders Face paintFight song Red & whiteFootball team Skits

Noise Boys Toys Joys Poise

Kicker headline | Maize South Middle School | Wichita, KS

Wicket headline | Maize South Middle School | Wichita, KS

Hammer headline | Maize South Middle School | Wichita, KS

Tripod headline | Maize South Middle School | Wichita, KS

StoriesTraditional FeatureTell the five W’s and H. Begin with catchy lead followed by short paragraphs featuring meaningful quotes and transitional paragraphs contains facts and figures.

Quick Reads/InfographsTell facts or opinions in a concise and visually engaging presentation. They’re often packed with graphics.

Traditional Feature

Lead

Quote

Transition

Quote Conclusion

Glenbrook South High School | Glenview, IL

Glenbrook South High School | Glenview, IL

Glenbrook South High School | Glenview, IL

Glenbrook South High School | Glenview, IL

Glenbrook South High School | Glenview, IL

Glenbrook South High School | Glenview, IL

CaptionsIDIdentifies individuals and offers a brief explanation of the photos’ content.

SummaryHighlights the most important aspects of the five W’s and H.

ExpandedAnswers the five W’s and H and provides additional details, often direct quotes from the individuals pictured.

CaptionsLead-in Makes a recognizable verbal/visual connection

First sentence Answers most important five W’s and H

Written in present tense

Second sentence Adds insight not obvious in photo

Written in past tense

Quotable reaction to content of photo

Ident |

FLAG FOOTBALL.Senior Mark Bellman, four-year letterman.

Summary |

FLAG FOOTBALL.To the roar of the home fans, senior Mark Bellman leads the varsity players onto the field against rival University High School in the last game of the district season. For the first time in eight years, the team advanced to regional play-offs shutting out the Tigers, 21-0.

Expanded |

FLAG FOOTBALL.To the roar of the home fans, senior Mark Bellman leads the varsity players onto the field against rival University High School in the last game of the district season. For the first time in eight years, the team advanced to regional play-offs shutting out the Tigers, 21-0. “When I was injured in the third game of the season, I just knew my senior year would be the biggest bummer ever. However, when my teammates unanimously voted to let me lead them onto the field the rest of the games, I knew I was still a part of the team and became its biggest fan and cheerleader from the sidelines,” said Bellman, a four-year letterman.

Copy EditingAvoid boring nouns and weak verbs Students, members, players

Is, are, was, were, be, being, been, appears

Keep paragraphs short

Avoid word overuse and labels, names Focus on first five-seven words; avoid a, an and the

Don’t use “this year” or overuse school name, mascot

Eliminate editorializing Delete opinionated words like busy, successful, diligent, winning, hard-working, difficult

Be objective avoiding first and second person

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