Any topic (writer’s choice)

We probably all have read a newspaper at some point in time.  Maybe at some point you have wanted to be a journalist; well, heres your chance.  You will write a print journalism news-story for this assignment with some information that will be given to you below.  You are to write this story as if you have done investigation (as if you were the investigative reporter); and, remember, the information below is what you have found out through your investigation.  You are required to utilize the following information to write a news-story (that is, take the following information and create your story):

This is some of what you found during your investigation..The following information is from a police officer by the name of John Stanton (all of this information is from his filed report):
Michael Jenson was arrested for drunk driving and for running into an elementary schools playground.
The accident happened in a school zone during school hours.
The school was Diane Winborn Elementary School.
The vehicle was traveling east on Prince George Lane when the driver literally drove off the road and into the school yard.
The silver vehicle was a Chevy Silverado.
The accident happened this morning at 9:30 a.m.
The truck has been impounded.
The truck was traveling approximately 55 mph in a 20 mph school speed zone.
Michael has been charged with a DUI (received citation).
Michael has been charged with speeding in a school zone (received citation).
Michael has been charged with reckless driving in a school zone (received citation).
Other information you found in your investigation:
Nobody was hurt from the accident.
The vehicle struck a swing set.
Stanton said: We were very fortunate to not have anyone hurt during this freak accident.
Jensons bail has been set at $3,000.
If convicted, Jenson could face up to five years imprisonment or up to a $75,000 fine.
A teacher form the school witnessed the accident.
The teachers name is Michelle Fogerty (the witness).
Fogerty said: If it wasnt for that swing set, he probably would have driven right into a classroom.  I guess the swing set literally saved some kids lives today.
Fogerty called 911.
A school official, Bob Mitchel (Assistant Principal),  mentioned with a smile: Were gonna have to rebuild that swing in the exact same place.
Helpful Hints:

When we write a news-story, we try to tell the story in present tense.
Most stories are written in the inverted-pyramid style of reporting (see the diagram for clarification/help).  Try to write your story in this style (you will not be penalized if you are unable to successfully write your news-story in this style).
You will have to decide what the more important information is and what the not so important information is.  Consequently, you probably would want to write this news-story by keeping the main information you found in your investigation (which is listed above) as the top element of the inverted-pyramid style of reporting (that is, the most important, newsworthy, or dramatic information).  See the diagram for more information.
Be as accurate as possible.
Be objective, and do not be opinionated.
You will want to check out the following sites before you start writing to get an idea how journalists have to virtually write an everyday basis (the links include tips on lead writing, writing in AP Style, and writing in inverted pyramid format):
https://weekly.blog.gustavus.edu/about/staff/organizing-straight-news-inverted-pyramid-style/ (Links to an external site.)
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/735/04/ (Links to an external site.)
http://www.jem200.com/lecture-notes/the-inverted-pyramid/ (Links to an external site.)
http://themediajungle.wordpress.com/2011/01/25/crash-course-on-ap-style/ (Links to an external site.)
http://www.columbia.edu/itc/journalism/gissler/tips/Tip-ledes.html (Links to an external site.)
The following is an overall model breakdown of the inverted-pyramid (your story should definitely include this format):
Model of The Inverted-Pyramid Style of Reporting.

You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Powered by WordPress | Designed by: Premium WordPress Themes | Thanks to Themes Gallery, Bromoney and Wordpress Themes