How to Write an Article for a School Newspaper (with Pictures)

2024 Author: Jason Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 10:50

Writing articles for the school newspaper can be fun and exciting, especially after seeing your own printed article with your name on it. To write an article, you must first have an interesting story idea, then you can do research, interview sources, submit a story, and write it into an article with a good and correct newspaper format.

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Part 1 of 4: Understanding the Structure and Rules of Newspaper Articles

Step 1. Understand the two types of newspaper articles

Most newspaper articles are divided into two types, namely news articles and special articles. There are also opinion page articles, such as editorials and reviews of books or films on the pages of your school newspaper. However, usually writing will focus on news articles or special articles.

• News articles cover the basics of current events. The discussion will focus on 5 key questions: who, what, where, when, and why.
• Special articles cover an event at longer and more depth than news articles. The discussion will focus on a single issue from various points of view and written in a more creative format.
• Both types of articles require accurate research and reporting. If you write a custom article, you may get more freedom in the structure of the article. In contrast, news articles are always fixed on an inverted pyramid structure or a structure with five articles.

Step 2. Understand the structure of the article

A newspaper article is always written in an inverted pyramid format, i.e. by discussing the most important information in the first paragraph (the largest part of the pyramid), followed by additional information in the last paragraph (the smallest part of the pyramid). News articles are basically made up of 5 parts:

• Headline or headline: Also called "hed", which is a short statement to attract the reader's attention about an event. The headline always appears at the top of the article.
• Byline: Line to write the name of the author of the article. If you write an article, your name will appear in the byline of the article.
• News terrace or lead paragraph ("lede"): The first paragraph that reports news based on who, what, when, where, and why questions in a minimum number of words. This paragraph should be able to provide answers to all five questions in the first 1-3 sentences of the article.
• Explanation: The second to third paragraphs of an article should include facts and details that the reader needs to know. These paragraphs will usually answer important questions that readers may have after seeing the headlines and headlines. In addition, direct quotes from witnesses or observers can also be included in this section.
• Additional information: The last paragraph of an article usually contains additional information. For example, information about events that are similar to the events that are the subject of your article. Your editor may delete this paragraph if the article is written beyond the space provided in the newspaper.

Step 3. Learn the meaning of "deck" and "lede"

Both of these abbreviations have a fairly important position in newspaper writing. Usually the editor will ask about the " deck " and " lede " of your article after the topic is submitted.

• " Deck " is a short description or description of the content of the article, usually consisting of one to two sentences, which will appear below the article's headline. For example, an article discussing fiber might have a headline: "Eat Lots of Fiber!" and the "deck" of this article is "Ten Reasons To Eat More Fiber."
• "Lede", derived from the word lead, is a journalistic jargon for the introduction of news articles.
• " Lede " must be able to provide answers to 5 basic questions in journalism. What happened? Who did it? Where did that happen? When did this happen? Why did it happen? Some articles may also require "how to" questions to complete the article, but these questions can usually be answered by answering the 5 basic questions.

Step 4. Pay attention to the tone and point of view used in a newspaper article

Usually, news articles are written objectively, from a third person point of view. Unlike opinion or editorial pages, news articles should not use the first person "I" point of view when making statements, such as "I believe" or "I think". The main purpose of an article is to inform the reader about various facts related to a story or event. Make sure your entire article uses a neutral tone of writing and includes all perspectives from all sides.

• However, most news has a certain point of view. That is, the news focuses on a particular aspect or element of a larger issue. For example, news about fireflies may focus on the threat of firefly populations due to the use of pesticides in the air. Using this point of view is an excellent way to convey a story that is clearer, more focused, and unique so that it is easy to get people's attention to read the news.
• Custom articles can use the "me" first point of view. Recently, the personal narrative style has begun to be widely used online. An article with a personal narrative style is an article that conveys a story using the word "I" and contains a personal story.

Step 5. Read the sample articles

Now that you're familiar with basic news article structure and terminology, start reading some sample articles to understand how to write an article even better:

• " Pandemic Level Increased ", news article about swine flu.
• "Harry Potter Opens July 15", a creatively written news article about the release of the Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince films.
• "Fireflies Count!", an example of a special article written using the first person point of view.
• "Pregnant at Harvard?", an example of a special article written in a personal narrative style for The Harvard Crimson, a university publication.

Step 6. Notice if the sample articles have all five article sections

Look for headlines, bylines, headlines, explanatory paragraphs, and additional information at the end of the article.

• For example, the headline for the article " Pandemic Level Increased " has a byline: Daniel Wetter.
• This article also has a news headline that begins with the headline: "The swine flu outbreak turned into a phase 6 pandemic on June 11, declared by the World Health Organization (WHO). Known as the H1N1 virus, this flu is widely transmitted in North America. and Australia. The swine flu outbreak became a phase 6 pandemic on June 11, declared the World Health Organization (WHO). Officially known as the H1N1 virus, the flu is being transmitted community-wide in both North America and Australia. A pandemic is an epidemic (disease outbreak) over a widespread geographical area."
• The news story is then followed by a lengthy explanation accompanied by quotes from two doctors or medical sources.
• The article ends with additional information, or a closing sentence that reinforces the point of view of the article: "Being health conscious and getting vaccinated will make you part of the solution."

Step 7. Identify “hed”, “dek”, and “lede” sample articles

"Hed " or headline should be easily visible. "Deck" or short descriptions usually consist of 1-2 sentences that explain the content of the news. This section is located under " hed ".

• For example, the "deck" in the article "Harry Potter Opens July 15" is "The magic and mystery that characterizes the release of the latest Harry Potter film in New York -- Magic and mysteries in the air at Harry Potter's New York premiere."
• " Lede " in the article must be able to answer basic journalistic questions. " Lede " in the article about the first screening of the Harry Potter films appears in the second paragraph. "At the launch of the new Harry Potter film in New York City on July 9th, I stood on the red carpet watching enthusiastic Potter fans huddle behind an iron barrier, waiting for the stars to arrive. Some sported sorting hats, Potter's trademark round glasses., and various mystical garments from the world of Hogwarts. Several fans held up banners. One of them read: "Shout if you like Harry." And there was so much screaming, cheering and singing.“Snape! Snape! Sirius! Snape!” It was so magical! -- At the premiere of the newest Harry Potter movie in New York City July 9, I stood along the red carpet watching as excited Potter fans crammed together behind metal barriers waiting for the stars to arrive. Some sported sorting hats, the signature round rimmed Potter glasses, and other mystical garments from the world of Hogwarts. Some held up signs. One read: “Honk if you love Harry." And there was honking-and yelling and cheering and chanting. "Snape! Snape! Sirius! Snape!" It was magical!"
• The article's " Lede " then progresses to the third paragraph: "The crowd was filled with shouts and cheers as the actors got out of their limos and made their way to West 54th Street in front of the Ziegfeld Theatre. You could even see the excitement of Potter fans hovering around the corner. air! -- The crowd ignited with screams and cheers as the actors stepped out of their limos and onto West 54th Street in front of the Ziegfeld Theatre. There was so much excitement in the air you could taste it!"
• This "lede" can answer the questions who (Harry Potter fans, including the author of the article), what (the release of the Harry Potter films), where (Ziegfeld Theatre, New York City), when (July 9), and how (the first screening occurred because the film The new Harry Potter has just been released and Harry Potter fans are very enthusiastic about the film).

Step 8. Pay attention to the point of view and tone used in each article

Tone and point of view are two important elements in a news article. Usually, news articles should maintain a neutral or objective tone. However, each article must also have a certain point of view or focus when discussing an issue from all sides.

• For example, articles about Harry Potter are written in first person, by Harry Potter fans, so the news will be told from a certain point of view. The author makes various statements, such as: "What a miracle!" and "You can even see the excitement of the Potter fans hovering in the air!" Statements like this are purely derived from the author's own opinion and serve to provide variety and personal perspective in the delivery of news.
• On the other hand, articles about swine flu are written using a third person point of view and do not present the author's existence by not using the word "I" or any other personal statement. This article is standard in the use of tone and expression of opinion, presenting only facts and details regarding the swine flu outbreak and ways to prevent the spread of the disease.
• In the special article The Harvard Crimson, namely " Pregnant at Harvard? ", the issue discussed is the author's personal experience when studying at Harvard while pregnant. The author uses many personal notes and moments to provide a unique perspective on the article. Because it is considered capable of showing the relationship between the author and the issues presented and the presence of personal opinions, articles of this kind have become popular in various publications and school newspapers.

Part 2 of 4: Coming up with Story Ideas

Step 1. Use a writing prompt

Writing prompt is a technique of writing by recording short ideas about a topic. Journalism students often use this technique to develop their story ideas. Here are some examples of early ideas that can be developed:

• "That's when I…": Recall an experience or moment that has changed your life. For example, when you almost drowned in a swimming pool near your house, when you ate instant noodles continuously for 2 months, or when your relationship with your lover who often behaved rudely finally ended. Then, think about how you can translate this personal experience into a story idea. For example, the safety of a swimming pool near the house, health issues related to consuming instant noodles every day, or the steps needed to get out of an abusive relationship.
• "A day in life": Describe an attractive person by following his daily life for one day. For example, someone with an interesting job at your school, a student at your school working on a social or political project, or a teacher teaching with a unique approach. You can also talk about your school's star athletes or athletes who have gone through tough times to become successful.
• "Daily school topics": Think about your daily school routine and take note of the things that you find interesting and unique. For example, the habit of gossiping on the bus to school that might spark an idea, macaroni cheese that looks weird as your lunch, being taught by a teacher who has or does not have the competence to teach. Look for an issue you encountered at school, or a conflict you might want to delve deeper into.

Step 2. Generate ideas from different points of view

Another way to turn one simple idea into a story idea is to generate ideas from multiple points of view. Select current issues, such as same-sex marriage in America or sex identity, and gather ideas from different perspectives on the issue. Or you can also choose issues related to your school, such as the school's budget for next year's classes.

• Write the word or idea in the middle of the paper.
• Write down other words or terms related to the main idea. Do not stop evaluating or revising the words that have been written. You don't have to worry if the words sound weak, and don't cross out or ignore the idea.
• Keep adding words or terms until you feel like you've had enough. Read again and circle or mark terms that you find useful or can lead you to a point of view on the topic to be discussed.

Step 3. Think of ways to relate your ideas to controversial or current topics

Read other news sources to see what topics are currently being discussed. Go back to the issues covered in your school paper and look at the topics covered in previous articles. Is there a current topic that can respond to previous articles? Or are there any ideas that could relate to a controversial topic?

For example, maybe you have trauma related to a current topic, such as sex identity, abortion, same-sex marriage, or police brutality. Or maybe you know someone, such as a friend or relative, who could be an interest in one of these topics. This person can serve as the main source of your article

Step 4. Ask your editor what story to write

Sometimes, if you are a staff writer for a newspaper or have signed a contract as a contributing editor for one of the publications, you will be tasked with a particular story idea. You may also be assigned to write a seasonal article, such as a Christmas or Halloween-themed story, that will become a seasonal issue in the newspaper.

Most editors will ask you about the topic you want to write about, or if you have a particular point of view on a particular topic or issue before they assign an assignment with a story idea. Keep an open dialogue with your editors so they know what topics you are interested in and what kind of story ideas might work for you

Part 3 of 4: Doing Research and Telling Stories

Step 1. Do your research before you submit a story

Once you've determined your story idea, you'll need to do some basic research to make sure your story is worthy of submission. In addition, you should also make sure beforehand that no one has written an article with a story or point of view similar to yours.

• Use Google to do a search with your topic as a keyword. For example, if you're writing an article about social justice in a high school class, do a basic search of courses in your area.
• It's also a good idea to make a list of sources you can contact and interview for your story.
• If you've been tasked with a story idea, you no longer need to write a story submission letter. However, you should still do your research before writing an article.

Step 2. Arrange the interview in advance

The first thing to do is to contact potential interviewees and schedule an interview. You can also conduct interviews via telephone or email (email). However, if possible, interviews should be conducted in person. Interviews via email usually seem more rigid because interviews are conducted in writing, not verbally.

• Contact the resource person via email or phone. Provide the interviewee with a brief summary ("lede") of the article you will be writing, and confirm the appropriate time for the interview. Allow at least 45 minutes for the interview, especially if they are key informants. Make sure to take time to meet the resource person.
• For a standard news article, you should have at least one or two sources. Trusted sources are usually people who have qualifications related to your topic, such as a medical doctor or specialist. The resource person should have a solid knowledge of your topic, either on a professional or personal level, and be willing to answer all questions while being recorded.

Step 3. Prepare questions

You must have at least 10 questions for the interviewee, and not forget 3 backup questions.

• Focus on open-ended questions that require expansive answers, not yes-or-no answers. Instead of starting with "What do you think," start the question with "What do you think" or "How is that possible."
• Don't be afraid to ask stupid questions, like "How does this work?" or "What do you mean by that term or abbreviation?" It can be very useful if you are interviewing experts in a particular field or about a complex idea and simplifying it for the general public.
• Provide short questions and follow-up questions. Most interviewers make the mistake of sticking to a written question plan rather than having a free-flowing conversation with the interviewee. Start with a short basic question, such as "How can you teach social justice in schools?" or "How do you balance athletics with school?" then develop the respondent's answer again. Make long questions shorter so that the interviewee doesn't get confused by your questions.
• Combine light questions with more difficult questions. A good interview will produce quotes from sources that add weight to your topic and point of view. However, make sure you don't always ask the interviewer difficult questions because this can cause the interviewee to tire of answering your questions. Interspersed with light questions to make the interviewee feel comfortable and calm during the interview.

Step 4. Use a digital recorder or recording app during the interview

For accurate quotations, use a small digital recorder. Place it on a flat surface and make sure the speaker knows that all the conversation will be recorded before you turn it on.

• You can also download a recording application on your mobile phone to record face-to-face or telephone interviews.
• If the interview is conducted via Skype, you can also use a recording application via Skype.

Step 5. Create a story submission letter or pitch letter

If you've been assigned a story idea by the editor, you don't need to compose or send this letter. On the other hand, if you propose a new idea to the editor of the newspaper at school, you must write a letter of submission. Make sure the letter is short, concise, and clear. Follow the following format:

• Address the letter to the editor of the newspaper, by title or name. Example: "Dear Editor-in-Chief of the Chronicle" or "Dear Mrs. Jenna Smith".
• Create a catchy opening sentence. Make sure you don't tell the editor that you have a great story or you, the writer, will satisfy them. Start by conveying the things that are the main attraction of your topic, including the point of view that will be used. Example: "The World Health Organization (WHO) recently stated that swine flu has now become a phase 6 pandemic. However, so far, there are no known ways to prevent the spread of the swine flu virus in the classroom."
• Content: Describe your article in more detail. Make sure the editor understands if you are planning to interview a specific resource person. If you have a personal relationship or experience with the topic proposed, include it in the body of the letter. For example: "As a student at Roosevelt High, I think it is important for students to know about swine flu and how to prevent it from spreading. In my article, I will discuss the dangers of swine flu and techniques to avoid it with two medical experts as resource persons. I plans to see how students can practice simple habits every day to prevent the transmission of this disease."
• Closing: End the letter by telling the editor that you have done some preliminary research on the topic and that you already have experience writing similar articles. Example: "Based on my initial research, swine flu is a dangerous disease that is still unknown to the general public or school students." Provide links to snippets or examples of your writing in other publications. After that, close the letter with "Sincerely" or "Thanks for your attention."

Step 6. Get replies and word count limits from the editor

After submitting your story submission letter, give your editor time to review. Then, ask if they have any suggestions for sources or viewpoints for your story. You may also be given a word limit for creating articles. Most news articles are limited to a small number of words, which is 400-500 words.

Part 4 of 4: Article Writing

Step 1. Create a news terrace that is unique and weighty

Make sure you start with a sentence that grabs the reader's attention and piques their interest to continue reading the entire article. Start with the most important information.

• Example: “The swine flu outbreak became a phase 6 pandemic on June 11, declared the World Health Organization (WHO)” or “I'm like a hunter in a game of quidditch, but not the golden snitch I'm looking for… I'm looking for an amazing actor who stars in the latest Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince -- I was like a seeker in the game of quidditch, but I wasn't searching for the golden snitch…I was searching for the golden actors who star in the latest Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.”
• The first news terrace conveys news more factually, objectively, and clearly. This news informs that there is a medical issue that needs attention.
• The second news terrace conveys the news more personally and uses the first person point of view. This story grabs the reader's attention by using terms from the fictional world of Harry Potter and unique language to capture the reader's heart.

Step 2. Avoid language that is too grandiose or a tone that is too casual

Don't use too many adverbs or adjectives in your articles. Make sure the language used is simple and clear, with solid verbs and nouns. Do not include words that do not play an important role in the story.

• Using clear language will build reader confidence in the information presented in your article, especially if you are discussing a complex medical topic. That way, you can get loyal readers for your other articles.
• Use no more than 25 words in a sentence. Make sure you focus more on clear language than academic or technical jargon.

Step 3. Write articles for your readers

Know who your target audience is. If it's for the general public, you should assume that the reader doesn't have a deep understanding of your topic. Imagine if you were explaining a certain topic or issue to someone who had never heard of the topic. However, if you write about current issues that everyone is familiar with, such as the latest political scandal, or the victory in a football match on Friday, you may assume that the topic is well known to many people. Therefore, articles must present new and up-to-date information for their readers.

• If you're writing an article for a specific section of the newspaper, such as the arts and culture section, you can assume that the reader is familiar with some famous artists or current cultural trends.
• You can also write about a topic familiar to most readers, such as Harry Potter. In this case, you can use terms or phrases that are well-known to readers who are passionate about the topic, such as articles about the Harry Potter films.

Step 4. Use active sentences

Solid verbs will make your articles bright and interesting. Focus on using active verbs such as “he stands”, “walks”, “runs”, “finds his teammates”, or “talks to his coach”. On the other hand, passive verbs can give the reader the impression of being boring.

In most cases, editors recommend using sentences with the present tense instead of the past tense so that the article gives the impression of being close to the time when the article was read. However, you can use the past tense if your editor says otherwise

Step 5. Reinforce your story with quotes

Submission of information in the article must be factual. All subjective opinions or descriptions must be accompanied by the name of the source. Your article must be supported by quotes from at least two sources. For example, instead of telling your readers to be on the lookout for swine flu, use quotes from experts to support statements to make them more accurate and reliable.

• Example: “'It's time for us to worry,' says Dr. Trochet. This problem can no longer be ignored, but can still be prevented with easy steps, he stressed. Dr. Trochet and Dr. Tom Hopkins, Lead Medical Correspondent at NBC Sacramento station KCRA, recently told Scholastic Kids Press Corps about swine flu. They also discussed ways to prevent disease transmission.”
• Use “he said” or “tell me” when loading citations, and only use the last name or title and name of the source.

Step 6. Follow the five sections in the article structure

Make sure your article follows the five article sections:

• The headline or " hed ".
• byline.
• Terrace news or " lede ". This section should be able to answer the basic who, what, when, where, and why questions in a succinct manner.
• Explanatory paragraphs, including direct quotes from sources.
• Supplementary information, the final paragraph that provides small additional information as a supplement.

Step 7. Revise and make following article format

Check for spelling or grammatical errors. Make sure your article has a weighty "lede" and follows the five parts of the article structure.

• You should also compile articles according to the writing format recommended by your publication. If your publication is an online publication, ask the editor if there is a specific format you need to follow, such as adding a link to the text.
• Your school newspaper may also have a style guide with rules regarding certain phrases or terms in published articles. Ask your editor about these guidelines and tailor the article to follow them.