How to Create Newspaper Articles

Writing newspaper articles requires a lot of work and dedication.

Creating a newspaper article includes planning, researching, writing, editing, re-writing and re-editing. If you are interested in going to school for journalism, or if you are writing an article for a school newspaper or assignment, it is essential to practice reading and writing newspaper articles.

Instructions

Writing a Newspaper Article

1. 

   Brainstorm a topic before you write about it.

   Choose a topic. You should probably choose a topic that interests you and about which you have some previous knowledge or expertise in. If you are required to choose a topic from a list provided by a teacher or school editor, choose the one that interests you the most. If a teacher or editor has assigned a topic for you, research the topic a little more if you don't fully understand it.

2. 

   List as many as possible people to interview.

   Make a list of people you would like to interview or the types of people you would like to interview. You will need to interview at least two types of sources, an expert and an affected person. For example, if you are writing an article about a lecturer visiting a college campus, then interview the lecturer and someone attending the lecture. Get both sides of a story if there is some opposition.

3. 

   Call the people on the list of potential sources.

   Call the people on the list. When someone answers, tell her who you are, what article you are writing, why you are writing it, and that you would be interested in setting up an interview with her. If she approves, then schedule a time to meet, usually in a public place or at an office.

4. 

   Remember: Who? What? Where? When? Why?

   Write a list of questions before the interview. Keep in mind that for every newspaper article you will always want to be able to answer these questions: Who, what, where, when and why? Sample questions could be, "Who is giving the lecture?" What topic will he be addressing? Where is it located? When will it be? Why is he visiting this particular college, or why is he talking about the topic?"

5. 

   Recording the interview is a good idea.

   Bring a notepad, pencils and audio recorder with you to the interview. Ask the interviewee if he would mind if you recorded the interview. As he answers the questions, write down particular quotes and information you know you will want to use in the article.

6. 

   Data from documents are needed in the article.

   Ask to look at any data or documents, as you will need to include data information in your article as well. Research the topic you are writing about. For example, research what other college campuses the lecturer has visited and what topics he has spoken about.

7. Write the lede, which is the opening sentence in the article and is sometimes spelled lead. Think of something informative that will also catch the reader's attention. The first paragraph should answer the questions of who, what where when and why?

8. Write the body of the article in a logical manner with a beginning section, a middle section, and an ending section. For example, in the beginning write about the lecturer, in the middle write about this particular lecture and the role of it on the campus, and at the end write about where it will be held, and where the lecturer is visiting next. Write the article in the third person. Don't give any opinions, only state the facts.

9. Attribute every quote and information by saying, "According to" or "So and so said." For example, According to so and so, the lecturer has been to five other campuses this year. Or, "I am excited to attend the lecture," so and so said. Never give information that you have received from someone without an attribution.

10. Wrap up the article with a conclusion that has an interesting or catchy quote. For example, conclude the article by summarizing the details of the event and adding a quote from the lecturer saying, "This issue is important to college students everywhere and I hope I can make a change." Never end an article with the word said. You can write, so and so said, "I love this lecture."

1. 

Tips & Warnings

• Directly after the interview go over your material and eliminate quotes and information you don't want.

References

• Media Awareness Network: Writing a Newspaper Article
• Bedfordshire Libraries: How to Write a Newspaper Article
• Hopkins University: Let's Write a Newspaper Story