High School Student Newspaper Conference - Explanation of Writing Categories
News Writing
Just the facts about key issues and concerns that matter to people. Report what happened, answering the basics: Who, What, Where, When, Why and How. News is immediate, time sensitive and active. News writing is totally objective, backed by confirmation and attribution from appropriate, knowledgeable sources.
Feature Writing
All the above with more details and background about a person, place or thing. Lead intrigues reader; story is organized around a theme that engages and sustains reader attention; conclusion stamps the feature in a reader's mind. An in-depth look at what's going on behind the news and the trends that shape and affect our lives.
Editorial/Opinion Writing
A researched, persuasive essay. Introduction presents problem and establishes writer (staff) stance; body supports position taken; alternative viewpoints presented and rebutted when appropriate; original solutions offered if warranted; conclusion restates stance; written in third person (or first person plural when appropriate). Writing is precise and active.
Writing for the Arts (Reviews)
An examination of another person's work, performance, etc., from your point of view. Not just gut reaction; use research to compare and contrast and to show thought and effort. Make your stand at the beginning, in the evaluation of specific and in the concluding commentary. The reviewer's goal is to make and accentuate a few key points, not to discuss everything. Identify, summarize and evaluate.
Sports Writing
Requires detail and allows for colorful, creative language to give readers a front row seat. Tell what happened and how the players made it happen. Focus on the important plays or a key player and build story around it. Tell the story simply and expressively, with no swings at morality or hero worship.
News Writing
Just the facts about key issues and concerns that matter to people. Report what happened, answering the basics: Who, What, Where, When, Why and How. News is immediate, time sensitive and active. News writing is totally objective, backed by confirmation and attribution from appropriate, knowledgeable sources.
Feature Writing
All the above with more details and background about a person, place or thing. Lead intrigues reader; story is organized around a theme that engages and sustains reader attention; conclusion stamps the feature in a reader's mind. An in-depth look at what's going on behind the news and the trends that shape and affect our lives.
Editorial/Opinion Writing
A researched, persuasive essay. Introduction presents problem and establishes writer (staff) stance; body supports position taken; alternative viewpoints presented and rebutted when appropriate; original solutions offered if warranted; conclusion restates stance; written in third person (or first person plural when appropriate). Writing is precise and active.
Writing for the Arts (Reviews)
An examination of another person's work, performance, etc., from your point of view. Not just gut reaction; use research to compare and contrast and to show thought and effort. Make your stand at the beginning, in the evaluation of specific and in the concluding commentary. The reviewer's goal is to make and accentuate a few key points, not to discuss everything. Identify, summarize and evaluate.
Sports Writing
Requires detail and allows for colorful, creative language to give readers a front row seat. Tell what happened and how the players made it happen. Focus on the important plays or a key player and build story around it. Tell the story simply and expressively, with no swings at morality or hero worship.