HOW TO WRITE A NEWS ARTICLE - INVERTED PYRAMID STRUCTURE

Writing a news article is different from writing other articles or informational pieces, because news articles present information in a specific way. It's important to be able to convey all the important information in a limited word count. You need to convey information clearly and concisely.

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Basically, a news article follows the Inverted Pyramid structure, answering the WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, HOW and WHY questions early. The least important information goes last (as few people read the conclusion).

STEP 1  Compile all your facts

• Before you write a news article, make a list or outline of all the pertinent facts and information that need to be included in the article. This fact list will help prevent you from leaving out any relevant information about the topic or story and will also help you write a clean, succinct article.

STEP 2  Start with the lead

• News articles begin with a leading sentence that is meant to grab a reader's attention and interest them. This is one of the most important parts of the piece, so start with the leading statement when writing a news article. Your lead should be one sentence and should simply, but completely, state the topic of the article.

STEP 3  Give all the important details

• The next important step to writing news articles is including all the relevant facts and details that relate to your lead statement. Include the basics of what happened, where and when it took place, who is involved and why it's newsworthy. These details are important, because they are the focal point of the article that fully informs the reader.

STEP 4  Follow up main facts with additional information

• After you've listed all the primary facts in your news article, include any additional information that might help the reader learn more, such as contact information, additional facts about the topic or people involved, or quotes from interviewees. This additional information helps round out the article.

STEP 5  Check facts before concluding

• Be sure to double check all the facts in your news article before you submit it, including names, dates, and contact information or addresses. Writing accurately is one of the best ways to establish yourself as a competent news article writer.

STEP 6  Remain unbiased (unless your Task directs you differently)

• A news article is meant to convey direct facts, not the opinions of its writer. Keep your writing unbiased and objective. Avoid any language that is overly positive or negative or statements that could be construed as support or criticism.

STEP 7  Conclude your article

• Make sure your news article is complete and finished by giving it a good concluding sentence. This is often a restatement of the leading statement or a statement indicating potential future developments relating to the article topic.

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