Newspaper+Text+Types


 * News article: //objective reporting// of an event/news item **


 * Ø Headline: every news article has a headline to attract the attention of the reader. The headline must state the topic of the news in a strong, short phrase or statement.


 * Ø By-line: this is the line with your name on it. It is called the "by" line because it tells BY whom the article is written.


 * Ø The Lead: Typically the “5 W’s” (who, what, where, when and why) are answered in the headline and the first paragraph. A lead paragraph offers the reader information in a few short sentences.


 * Ø Supportive paragraphs tell the reader HOW the news occurred via description and quotes from witnesses to the news.


 * Ø Typically, paragraphs are very short.


 * Ø Typically, register is formal and objective.


 * Feature article: a //discussion// of an event/issue/topic **


 * Ø Headline


 * Ø Other typical features: sub-headlines, images/photos, captions, quote blurbs


 * Ø The Lead: typically the first paragraph attracts attention and gets the reader interested in reading whole article


 * Ø The Billboard: following the Lead, the billboard gives the background information that the reader needs in order to under stand the later discussion/analysis


 * Ø The Body: the main discussion/analysis of the topic; this is the lengthiest part of the feature


 * Ø The Kicker: concludes the feature; typically, it gives a solution, a recommendation or a thought-provoking idea for the reader to consider


 * Editorial/commentary: an editorial represents the view of //the editorial staff// of the paper; a commentary represents the views of a //named individual//. **

Most editorials/commentaries __are used to influence readers to think or act the same way the writer__ **does.** Not all editorials/commentaries take sides on an issue, but each should have one of the following purposes:
 * Ø Convince: The writer tries to persuade the reader to agree with him/her about an issue.
 * Ø Inform: The writer gives careful explanations about a complicated issue.
 * Ø Promote: The writer tries to promote a worthy activity. Get the reader involved.
 * Ø Praise: The writer praises a person or an event.
 * Ø Entertain: The writer encourages or entertains the reader about an important issue.

Your editorial should be clear and forceful. Avoid attacking others, and do not preach. Paragraphs should be brief and direct. Give examples and illustrations. Be honest and accurate. Don't be too dramatic.

Typically, the first paragraph or two consists of


 * Ø The Lead: an attention-getter (an anecdote, a shocking statement, a narrative, a bit of dialogue, etc.)


 * Ø a brief introduction of the issue (to orient the reader)


 * Ø a committal statement (your thesis, your opinion about the issue)


 * Ø a concession (acknowledging that there is another side to this debate—but showing that this other side is weak; The point is not rebutted; it is conceded; you usually concede the strongest point against your own thesis)

Then, the Body of the editorial has two or three strong arguments for your thesis. The psychology of argument dictates saving the strongest argument for last because (1) the reader will tend to remember the final argument longer, and (2) to end with a weak argument would invite rebuttal.

Finally, your conclusion


 * Ø restates your thesis/opinion


 * Ø adds something extra--a call to action, a recommendation, a solution, a vision of the future, food for thought, etc.


 * Letter to the Editor **


 * begin by indicating the article that you're responding to and a brief statement of the reason that you're writing.


 * explain each point that you want to make to support your argument.


 * follow letter format, beginning with "To the Editor" and ending with a signature

= Review: a description and evaluation of a book, a film, a restaurant, a theatrical, dance, art or musical event =

Most reviews analyze and persuade. The writer, in analyzing the content, format, and context of what is being reviewed, argues that whatever is being reviewed is __either__ **worth** reading or seeing or hearing or attending __or__ **not worth** reading or hearing or seeing.

Intro paragraph: A general description what is being reviewed: title, author, subject and format.
 * details about who the author/director/composer/chef is.
 * how the title/name explains the subject matter.
 * a brief summary of the purpose what is being reviewed
 * its general argument or theme.
 * a statement about who the work is intended for (audience).

Brief summary of content

Analysis of Text
 * Develop a thesis (your opinion about the work) and develop supporting arguments.
 * Use description, evaluation, and, if possible, explanation of why the author/director/composer/chef made the choices he/she did.
 * Use quotations, where applicable, to illustrate important points or peculiarities.

Evaluation of the Text:
 * a final assessment of the work (Do not introduce new material at this point.)
 * a brief summary of all the weakness and strengths you have found in the work
 * the work’s overall effectiveness to the audience it is intended for. (Is it suitable for other audiences as well?)
 * why you liked/ disliked the work