VOL. I NO. 1 FOR VOX NOVA November 4, 2013 P0.00 Augmenting Campus
Journalism Proficiency: A Catalyst for Change
Campus Journalism
The ABCs of Student Publication WritingMyron Sta. AnaResource Speaker“Campus Journalism
101News Writing
Feature WritingOpinion Writing”____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Primary Objective
By the end of this 4-hour seminar, everyone should have been able to:
Learn and apply the basics of campus journalism by:Knowing how to write news, feature and opinion
articles Appreciate campus journalism’s important role in
keeping the faculty, the school administration, and the studentry informed, interested, inspired, and influenced.
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Basics of Campus Journalism
Campus Journalism 101
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What is Journalism?
According to Wikipedia, Journalism is:
- a method of inquiry and literary style used in social and cultural representation.- it is a public service machinery in the dissemination and analysis of news and information.
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What is Journalism?
Whereas, according to The Free Dictionary, it is:
- the collecting, writing, editing, and presenting of news or news articles in newspapers and magazines and in radio and television broadcasts.
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What/Who is a Journalist?
- a person who practices or prepares journalism.
- a professional who collects, organizes, writes, edits, presents, and distributes news or information via the newspaper, magazine, TV, radio.
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Areas of Journalism
Print Publishing (newspapers and magazines)
Television
Radio
Internet (online newspapers, e-zine, blogs, and vlogs)
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What is Campus Journalism?
- a microcosm of journalism in general in schools.
- journalism carried out by students on subjects related to campus life or issues published in publications only intended for campus distribution and readership.
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Benefits of Campus Journalism
Campus Journalism 101
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Benefits of Campus Journalism?
It serves as a training ground for those who desire to pursue journalism or teaching it as a profession.
It acts as an instrument for keeping students and the faculty informed and updated about everything they are ought to know.
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Benefits of Campus Journalism?
It brings up matters that the school and its stakeholders should be concerned about or proud of.
It is an avenue for freedom of expression or of the press.
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Roles of Campus Journalism
Campus Journalism 101
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Four I’s of Campus Journalism
INFORM
INFLUENCE
INTEREST
INSPIRE
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Campus Journalism Act of 1991
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION
OF CAMPUS JOURNALISM AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Republic Act 7079
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Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy
It is the declared policy of the State to uphold and protect the freedom of the press even at the campus level and to promote the development and growth of campus journalism as a means of strengthening ethical values, encouraging critical and creative thinking, and developing moral character and personal discipline of the Filipino youth. In furtherance of this policy, the State shall undertake various programs and projects aimed at improving the journalistic skills of students concerned and promoting responsible and free journalism.
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Qualifications of a Campus Journalist
Sec. 3 (c). Definition of Terms states:
Must be enrolled for the current semester or term
Was passed or met the qualification and standards of the editorial board
Must likewise maintain a satisfactory academic standing.
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Rights of a Student Publication
Sec. 5. Funding of Publication states:
Funding for the student publication may include the savings of the respective school's appropriations, student subscriptions, donations, and other sources of funds.
In no instance shall the Department of Education, Culture and Sports or the school administration concerned withhold the release of funds sourced from the savings of the appropriations of the respective schools and other sources intended for the student publication. Subscription fees collected by the school administration shall be released automatically to the student publication concerned.
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Rights of a Student Publication
Sec. 7. Security of Tenure states:
A member of the publication staff must maintain his or her status as student in order to retain membership in the publication staff. A student shall not be expelled or suspended solely on the basis of articles he or she has written or on the basis of the performance of his or her duties in the student publication.
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Rights of a Student Publication
Sec. 8. Tax Exemption states:
Pursuant to paragraph 4, Section 4, Article XIV of the Constitution, all grants, endowments, donations, or contributions used actually, directly and exclusively for the promotion of campus journalism as provided for in this Act shall be exempt from donor's or gift tax.
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Characteristics of Campus Journalists
Campus Journalism 101
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Characteristics of Campus Journalists
They should gather and learn information fast and easily.
They should have the right ATTITUDE.
They should set the highest possible standards for themselves.
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Characteristics of Campus Journalists
They should write effectively.
They should have the built-in radar for newsworthy issues and events.
They should possess critical and creative thinking skills.
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Characteristics of Campus Journalists
They should and can engage their audience.
They are multimedia narrators.
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Responsibilities of Campus Journalists
Campus Journalism 101
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Responsibilities of Campus Journalists
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY
PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
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Basics of Campus Journalism
Campus Journalism 101
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Our Agenda
Basics of News Writing- Workshop
Basics of Feature Writing- Workshop
Basics of Opinion Writing-Workshop
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Parts of a News Article
Campus Journalism 101
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Headline
- must catch the scanner’s attention and should summarize the entire story in a few words.
- should be in bolded and larger fonts.
Example:
“P-noy: I am not a thief”Female cop found dead at Crame crime lab
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Headline
Guidelines for Writing a Good Headline:1. Think of it last.2. Shorten or lengthen it according to the
width and/or number of columns provided.3. Capitalize only the first word, the proper
nouns, and the next word after a colon.4. Write a colon after a source’s name or
position.5. Use an active voice in present tense.
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Headline
Guidelines for Writing a Good Headline (cont’d):6. Use a semi-colon to separate two different thoughts.7. Never start the headline with a verb.8. Use the infinitive verb (to report…) if a story is about future events.9. Never use articles at the beginning of the title.
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Byline
- contains the name of the writer and sometimes, his specialty.
Example:
Myron Sta. AnaSports Writer
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Placeline
- refers to the writer’s location or where the story took place/originated.
Example:
New York - …
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Lede/Lead/Hook
- Journalism slang word for the first or two sentences of a story.
- Must interest the reader in the rest of the story.
Example:
Stung by the label of “pork barrel king,” President Aquino lashed out last night at what he described as attempts to muddle the issue of thievery in the pork barrel scam. (31 words)
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Lede/Lead/Hook
Guidelines for Writing a Good Lede:1. Decide which aspect or detail will be
emphasized.2. Summarize the gist of your news but do
not sacrifice specificity.3. Limit it to one or two sentences with just
25-40 words.4. Avoid highfalutin words but make it
catchy.
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Lede/Lead/Hook
Guidelines for Writing a Good Lede:6. Keep it short.7. Get to the point.8. Focus on the action by using the active
voice.9. Hook the reader.
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Body
- it provides details or further information about the lead.
- Must be divided into short paragraphs of brief sentences.
Ex. Days after President Aquino appeared on national television to defend the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) and castigate his critics, Malacañang made clear yesterday Aquino remains firm in his position and is not about to temper his fiscal powers.
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How to Write a News Story
Campus Journalism 101
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1. Research your material
Tips for finding scoops:
1. Ask the right people the right questions.
2. Look around and find them.
3. Be the first to know current events in and around the campus or that indirectly and directly affects it.
4. Read stories, reports, public records, and other printed materials.
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2. Organize your information
How to outline a newspaper article:
1. Begin with a lead.- Indicate the who, what, when, where, why and how.
2. Use the inverted pyramid style.- Most important information first followed by the rest of the details.
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2. Organize your information (cont’d)
How to outline a newspaper article:
3. Source the data.- Include facts and data and mention the source.
4. Include Quotations.- Get quotes from involved and relevant people.
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3. Craft the lead
5 Ws and the H:
WHO is involved? Who is affected? Who is going to benefit?
WHAT is the news about and which matters to the readers?
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3. Craft the lead (cont’d)
5 Ws and the H:
WHEN did the event happen? When will it happen? How long will it last for?
WHERE will the event take place?
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3. Craft the lead (cont’d)
5 Ws and the H:
WHY is the event important and necessary? Why is the story being written and reported to begin with? Why is it newsworthy?
HOW will something work? How is something possible? How is it done?
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4. Elaborate on the lead
The inverted pyramid style:Summary of the Most I
mportant Facts
More details or background
Additional details
Conclusion
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5. Transition well
TRANSITIONS are words, phrases, sentences, and even paragraphs that connect ideas and show their relationships in a news article.
They help organize the flow of the story and make the structure look better and make more sense.
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5. Transition well (cont’d)
How to transition seamlessly and logically:
Show that a new idea expands on what was previously stated.in addition, additionally, and, similarly, also, as well, furthermore, moreover, further, besides, on top of, too, over and above, then
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5. Transition well (cont’d)
How to transition seamlessly and logically:
Show an example, illustrate an idea, or prove a point.for example, for instance, as an illustration, to illustrate, namely, like, as, specifically, particularly, in particular, in fact, the fact of the matter is, in point of fact, the truth is, in this manner, this way, in this way
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5. Transition well (cont’d)
How to transition seamlessly and logically:
Emphasize or show stress.indeed, even, in fact, of course, naturally, obviously, definitely, absolutely, perfectly, actually, certainly, surely
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5. Transition well (cont’d)
How to transition seamlessly and logically:
Show differentiation or contrast.despite, but, nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding, however, although, even though, yet, still, on the other hand, in contrast, on the contrary, conversely, contrastingly, in spite of, albeit
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5. Transition well (cont’d)
How to transition seamlessly and logically:
Show similarities.in like manner, in the same way, similarly, likewise, equally, just the same, in the same manner
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5. Transition well (cont’d)
How to transition seamlessly and logically:
Show logical relationships or cause and effect.because, as, thus, therefore, hence, for this reason, as a result, so, consequently, accordingly, ergo, accordingly, thereby,
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5. Transition well (cont’d)
How to transition seamlessly and logically:
Show time relationships.meanwhile, in the interim, between, during, simultaneously, since, afterward, after, before, earlier, later, then, formerly, immediately, at once, shortly, currently, now, recently, in the end, thereafter
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6. Quotes help
Guidelines for source attribution:
1. Be specific. Cite a person or an organization.
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For example:
A report says that 15 days after the 7.2-magnitude earthquake in Cebu and Bohol, the number of casualties continues to rise with the current death toll reaching 222.
15 days after 7.2-magnitude earthquake in Cebu and Bohol, the number of casualties continues to rise with the death toll reaching 222, according to a report by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
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6. Quotes help (cont’d)
Guidelines for source attribution:
2. Never claim somebody else’s quote as yours. It is either you quote someone you interviewed yourself or you do not quote at all.
If you are going to quote someone you did not interview yourself, have the decency to mention who owns the quote.
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Example (good citation):
“Manny’s camp is making a big mistake if they think Rios is gonna be a pushover,” says Bob Arum in an interview by Boxing Scene.
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6. Quotes help (cont’d)
Guidelines for source attribution:
2. Avoid speculating or judging. Stay away from subjective language like “admit”, “imply”, etc.
3. Never speculate. Refrain from saying “might”, “could”, “perhaps”, “maybe”, etc.
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7. Conclude your article
Options for wrapping up a news story:
1. Restate the lead.
2. State potential future developments regarding the article.
3. Provide information on the next step.
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7. Conclude your article (cont’d)
Options for wrapping up a news story:
4. Indicate where to get or read additional information (give website addresses, contact information, or persons to reach).
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How to Write a Feature Article
Campus Journalism 101
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What is a Feature Story/Article?
Feature Stories/Articles
- are interesting articles that focus on certain people, places, events, or subject matters like career, relationships, money, health, lifestyle, etc.
- are longer, more in-depth, and more elaborate than hard news stories.
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What is a Feature Story/Article?
Feature Stories/Articles
- make use of the upright pyramid style rather than the inverted pyramid approach most of the time.
- are not opinion essays or editorials and should not be confused with creative writing or works of fiction.
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Qualities of a Well-Written Feature Story
Well-researched
Catchy
Descriptive
Exciting
Reflective
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Qualities of a Well-Written Feature Story
Emotional
Engaging
Neutral
Thorough
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Different Types of Feature Stories
HUMAN INTEREST
discusses issues through the experiences of another
person
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Different Types of Feature Stories
PROFILE
talks about the life and characteristics of a prominent person
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Different Types of Feature Stories
HOW-TO
educates readers by walking them thru how a process or
an activity is done
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Different Types of Feature Stories
HUMOR
pokes fun at or draws laughter from a person, place, event,
or any other topics
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Different Types of Feature Stories
HISTORICAL
commemorates important dates in history or turning
points in social, political and cultural developments
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Different Types of Feature Stories
SEASONAL
features holidays, life achievements, and even
social, political, cultural, and business cycles
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Different Types of Feature Stories
BEHIND THE SCENES
highlights what goes on in private with unusual occupations, issues,
details, events, procedures, activities, and secrets that are
not known to the public
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Few Things to Remember
Your opinion and mood are not important to the story.
You should keep yourself out of the story by using the third person.
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Steps in Writing a Feature Article
Campus Journalism 101
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“Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as
you go.”E.L. Doctorow
Famous American Author
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1. Find your story.
How to source stories:
o Observationo Interviewo Background Researcho Brainstorming
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2. Learn more about it by gathering information.
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“If you start with a bang, you won’t end with a whimper.”
T.S. EliotFamous American Essayist and Playwright
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3. Decide on the type you want to write about and its purpose.
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4. Think about the best style and choose the single focus.
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5. Organize the feature into three parts (introduction, body, and conclusion).
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6. Grab the reader’s attention by covering the 5 Ws and the H
How to draw readers in your introduction:
Provoke the reader's interest by making an unusual statement.
Provide any necessary background information.
Invite the reader to take sides by making a controversial statement.
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6. Grab the reader’s attention by covering the 5 Ws and the H
How to draw readers in your introduction:
Heighten the drama of an event or incident to intensify its appeal.
Establish the writer's tone.
Create a relationship between the writer and the reader.
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6. Grab the reader’s attention by covering the 5 Ws and the H
Types of Feature Article Ledes/Leads:
Question Lead – Draws your reader in with a question.Set-up Lead – Sets up the mood or the tone of the entire story in a few sentences.Talking Lead – Starts with a line or two of your or somebody else’s dialogue.Snapshot Lead – Creates a picture of the setting or the person in the reader’s mind
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6. Grab the reader’s attention by covering the 5 Ws and the H
Types of Feature Article Ledes/Leads:
Factual Lead – Uses statistics and hard facts at the outset to gain immediate interest.Quotation Lead – Uses well-known sayings or quotes a famous or influential person and drawing on either oneAnecdotal Lead – Shares one’s or somebody else’s story or just a part of the experience.Surprise Lead – Contains an element of surprise, being unusual, or something that the reader might least expect.
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7. Use short paragraphs but vary the length of sentences for effect.
The body of your article consists of a sufficient number of paragraphs that
expand the lede of the article into details.
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7. Use short paragraphs but vary the length of sentences for effect.
The usual components of the body are:
Subheadings.Facts and statistics which support the writer's content.Opinions from authorities and experts.Quotes and Interviews
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7. Use short paragraphs but vary the length of sentences for effect.
The usual components of the body are:
Anecdotes and stories.Specific names, places and dates.Photographs, tables, diagrams and graphs.Subheadings.
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8. Keep that attention and enhance it by adding creative details.
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8. Leave a lasting impression by concluding it effectively.
How to end the article with an impact:
• Remind the reader of the article's main point or focus.
• Suggest an appropriate course of action.• Encourage a change of attitude or
opinion.• Pose a challenge to the reader.
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9. Then, write the title.
What makes an effective headline:
Something that sticks and persuades the reader to peruse the article.
Something that encapsulates into very few words the main idea of the article.
Something that includes key words that revolve on the focus of the article.
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How to Write an Opinion or Op-Ed
Campus Journalism 101
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What is an Opinion Article?
An opinion story is a quite long article that presents a writer’s (usually one of the editors) opinion on an important social, political, economic, or legal issues and aims to persuade readers to agree on a particular point of view.
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What are opinion stories for?
Editorials are meant to:
Influence public opinion
Promote critical thinking
Cause people to take action on an issue
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Types of Opinion Materials
Explanation – explains the way the writer discussed a sensitive or controversial topic on its previous article.
Critique – gives constructive feedback about other people or groups’ actions, decisions, viewpoints, or situations while providing solutions.
Defense – stands up for an individual or an organization and its actions which are under attack by the society
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Types of Opinion Materials
Persuasion – contrary to the critique, this leads the readers to see the solution and not the problem. This intends to encourage readers to take a specific action immediately.
Praise – commends people and organizations for something done well.
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Types of Opinion Materials
Advocacy – promotes a cause, a campaign, or a decision by backing it up with strong arguments or endorsement
Prediction – explains what will potentially happen or how something might progress or end with facts, evidence or numbers.
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1. Pick a significant topic that has a current news angle and would interest readers
Tip for choosing the editorial issue:
IT SHOULD BE A CURRENT ISSUE
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2. Collect information and facts
INCLUDE OBJECTIVE REPORTING AND DO
RESEARCH
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3. State your issue briefly in the fashion of a thesis statement
For example:
Evidence has shown that music education promotes cognitive development, so funding music programs at all levels of the school system should be a high priority for state governments.
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4. Explain the issue objectively and tell why the situation is important
Offer facts and quotations using the 5 Ws and the H
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5. Give opposing viewpoint first with its quotations and facts
Identify the people, the decision, or the organization that opposes you and state their strong opinions objectively.
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6. Refute the other side and develop your case.
Use facts, details, figures, quotations and pick apart the other side’s logic.
Segue using a transitional word, phrase, or sentence and directly contradict the opposition’s beliefs.
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7. Concede a point of the opposition
They must have some good points you can acknowledge that would make you look
rational and fair if not objective.
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8. Repeat key phrases to reinforce an idea into the reader's minds.
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9. Give a realistic solution(s) to the problem.
Encourage critical thinking and pro-active reaction.
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10. Wrap it up in a concluding punch that restates your opening remark.
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11. Keep it to 500-800 words
Make every word count.
Never use ‘I’.
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What to do and assure before submitting your article for approval and publication
Campus Journalism 101
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Review your work
Here are questions you should ask yourself:
Does your article have a comprehensible structure? Have you presented the facts in an orderly manner?
Are the facts complete and accurate?
Can the your words and grammar be simplified more or presented better?
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Review your work
Here are questions you should ask yourself:
Have you used quotes to make your story more credible and enliven its content?
Have you observed proper and ethical attribution?
Have you read through it again? Can it get any better?
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Proofread for spelling and grammar lapses
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Beat the deadline but don’t beat up quality.
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Social Media and Contact Information
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MyronStaAnaTCS
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/MyronStaAna
Twitter: www.twitter.com/MyronStaAna
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/MyronStaAna
Youtube: www.youtube.com/MyronStaAna
Website: www.MyronStaAna.com
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“I still believe that if your aim is to change the world, journalism is a
more immediate short-term weapon,” said Sir Tom Stoppard – Academy and
Tony Award-winning playwright.