Campus Journalism-I (Lecture)

Student’ Name: _______________________________

Teacher’s Name: ______________________________

Date: ___________________- _____________________

By: T. Janet Digman

FREFACE

There are numerous types of writing exercises which vary considerably in

complexity and purpose. There are also suggested ways by which these are

presented and discussed. Since there are many currently individual’s variations

and interpretations of each method being used. The choice of teaching approaches

and strategies, all are which seasoned with the teacher’s personal style.

Since this module is planned purely for lecture, it is the teacher’s own technique to

inject the important points that students must keep in mind. It is also suggested to

give samples and/or let them write a sample at their given ample time.

1

Day 1

I. OBJECTIVES1. to define news writing2. to identify the attribute and sources of news3. to sustain interest throughout the lesson.

II. LESSON PROPERA. News: Its definition and attributes

What is news?News is basically about an event, idea or a reaction that is presented

factually and simply in a written form to give the reader an idea of what is currently happening around him or her, particularly on matters of interest to the community.

Examples: A.1 Event: Independence Celebration

Opening of a new collegeA. 2 Idea: Increasing tuition fees

Merger of two academiesA. 3 Reaction: Opinion on increasing tuition fees

B. ATTRIBUTES OF NEWS1. Timeliness - the event, idea or opinion of a certain issue should be timely

interesting.2. Factuality – a news story must be based on real events and happenings.3. Proximity - the nearness of an event or happening to the readers.4. Prominence – refers to both places and people that are popular to the readers

because of something like public officers, wealthy person, etc.5. Significance – an event idea or opinion must be important and should be

interesting to a community or campus.6. Oddity - anything that is unique or unusual is newsworthy.

C. SOURCES OF NEWSPrimary –

Secondary –

D. NEWS GATHERING1. Actual coverage of an event of happening2. Interview3. Writing from documents

Day 2

2

I. OBJECTIVES1. to distinguish a hardness from a soft news2. to explain the inverted pyramid3. to participate actively in class

II. LESSON PROPERHow would you identify a hard news from a soft news?

- Hard news is called the straight news. It is objective, direct and factual.Differences:

Hard NewsA lead paragraph - primary or more important facts.Succeeding paragraph – facts become less importantClosing paragraph - least important facts that can be deleted ________ the story

Soft NewsLead paragraph – least importantSucceeding paragraph – facts become more interestingClosing paragraph – primary or most important facts

THE INVERTED PYRAMID- All straight news are written in the inverted pyramid structure.- A straight news should be able to answer the 5 “WS” (who, what, where,

when, why) and one “H” (how).

FOR COMPONENTS1. Primary or Main Lead – This is a single paragraph and may contain a

maximum of five lines which usually answers the 4 “WS”.2. Secondary or Support Lead – This portion explains or compliments the

primary lead. It is twice the length of the lead paragraph.3. Details or Particulars – to give flesh to the story. It answers the questions why

and how.4. Background – relevant past events are recounted and incorporated here.

Day 3

3

PRIMARY LEAD

SUPPORT LEAD

DETAILS

BACKGROUND

I. OBJECTIVE1. Analyze the facts2. Classify the paragraph which should belong.3. To determine lead paragraph.

II. LESSON PROPERTHE FACTS:

Principle of Andress Bonifacio High School appeals for financial support form both parents and students for the completion of the annex building because of lack of funds.

In a symposium yesterday, the principal of the A. Bonifacio High School appealed for financial support from both parents and teachers for the completion of a new building in the campus.

WHAT QUESTION ARE ADDRESSED?The School Principal, Mr. Edilberto Arsenal, made the appeal during a one

hour symposium at the schools gymnasium attended by teachers, senior high school students and parents.

Mr. Arsenal talked about the need to finish the annex building so that it can accommodate more students in the next opening of classes.

According to Mr. Arsenal

THE LEAD PARAGRAPHThe most important thing to remember is writing the lead is that it should

attract the reader’s attention and sustain his interest to read on.

TIPS IN WRITING A GOOD LEAD1. Use short, simple declarative sentences2. Don’t try to say everything in one sentence. Break up long sentences.3. Never use an important or unusual word twice in the same sentence.4. Avoid repetition of phrases and similar grammatical constructions.5. Be able to answer at least the four “WS”.

Day 4

4

I. OBJECTIVE1. to define the interview2. to differentiate a formal from informal interview3. to discuss the 12 valuable tips in conducting a formal interview

II. LESSON PROPERTHE INTERVIEW

- An encounter between the reporter and his source where questions are asked and answers are given. This is the common method of getting information or gathering materials for the news.

2 TYPES1. FORMAL - conducted prior to an appointment. It can be a face to face or

through a prepared questionnaire and likewise the interviewee has the chance to prepare for his answers.

2. INFORMAL – This is a chance interview knows as ambush interview. ON THE SPOT INTERVIEW including telephone interview.

13 TIPS IN CONDUCTING A FORMAL INTERVIEW1. Dress properly2. Be polite and courteous use “Sir” or “Ma’am” or the title.3. Introduce yourself properly. Show your office ID.4. Be sure you come on the time agreed for the interview.5. Let the interviewee talk and you listen.6. Ask the most important questions first.7. Be sure you have the tools needed, such as recorder, notebook8. When the interviewee says that his answer is off-the-record, put off the tape

recorder.9. Suffer the interviewee, even the interviewee is boring, don’t show his

comfitive.10. If the interview is held in the interviewee’s office and he offers a drink or

snack, partake of it.11. But if the interview is done in a restaurant or coffee shop, and you requested

for the interview, insist in paying the bill.12. Don’t accept any bribe or hush money.

Evaluation: Sample Role Play

Day 5

I. OBJECTIVE1. identify the stories that can be written from interviews

II. LESSON PROPERSTORIES THAT CAN BE WRITTEN FROM INTERVIEWS

1. REACTION STORY: This can be written from an interview with a news source. Reaction of the news source about:a. an earlier event b. a media report c. a proposal

5

Examples:a. stories about the tsunami that hit Southeast Asiab. stories about the latest survey of the Social Weather Stationsc. stories about the plan to increase taxes

2. FOLLOW-UP STORY: This is a story that continues to be relevant because of sustained public interest.

Example: On the continuing rehabilitation of the ongoing efforts of the Scientist regarding the global warming.

Day 6

I. OBJECTIVE1. Take note on the rules of clear and effective writing.2. Cite examples for each3. Participate well

II. LESSON PROPERRULES ON CLEAR AND EFFECTIVE WRITING

1. Think first before you write- clear writing is the result of clear writing- expect clarity, conciseness and accuracy- apply the inverted pyramid

2. Go straight to the point- your main job as a reporter is to inform- tell the readers immediately what is it that you are going to tell them

3. Use familiar or Simple words- in writing news stories, you will have to be simple and direct. Your main

purpose is to communicate and to communicate properly is to use the words that can be easily understood.

Some examples of clear and ____ words are:SIMPLE/COMMON COMPLEX/HIGHBROW

ill indisposedbig monumentalend terminatesee witnessbuy purchaseuse utilizemost majoritylive resideget procurecall summon, etc.

4. Omit Verbal Deadwords- effective writing is concise and precise

6

- drop the unnecessary words, phrases, mostly adjectives and adverbs, every word should tell.Examples:

WORDS PREFERABLEdespite the fact althoughfor the reason that becauseat this moment in time nowat the present time now/todaytendered his resignation resignedaffixed his signature signedunited in holy matrimony marriedheld a conference metmake good his escape escapedis short supply scarcein the event off if/whentake action on the issue act

5. Keep your sentence short- Sentence in the English language are getting shorter and shorter. Today,

the average number of words in a sentence is less than 20.- The logic of writing short sentences is obvious. The reader absorbs the

idea faster.

Average sentence length should be as follows:Very easy – 8 words or lessEasy – 11 wordsFairly easy – 14 words or lessStandard – 17 wordsFairly difficult – 21 wordsDifficult – 25 wordsVery difficult – 30 or more words

Example:Should the supply of gasoline sent to your establishment prove

insufficient to meet the demand, application should be made to office for additional quantity.

This 25 word sentence can be revised to read:“ If you need gasoline, ask us”

6. Shorten your paragraph- short paragraph are better because:

a. they are easy to the eyeb. act as a brake on the writerc. new idea or a transition can be easily gathered

7. Use specific, concrete language- be concrete, be concrete, be concrete- use specific words that stand for things you and your reader can see, taste,

and smell.

7

Some examples of vague words:Tragedy – fire, explosion, flood, tsunami?Accident – collision, slip, a trap in a lift?Organization – YMCA, Boy Scout?Ceremony – wedding, mass?Legal action – suit for damages, criminal case?Document – deed of sale, record, certificate?Community – town, barrio, city?

Day 7 Continuation

I. OBJECTIVE1. To sustain interest on the topics discussed.

8. Prefer the simple to the complex- if you want to write to be understood prefer simple words, sentence,

paragraph to complex words, sentence, paragraph.Remember you write to express, not to impress:

9. Be positive- avoid hesitating or using sound about language

Subject-verb-objectExample:

“ With respect to the question of pets, Mary exercised the right of ownership over a certain Juvenile member of the sheep family”

It simple ways: “Mary had a little lamb”

10. Always use the active voice- Natural of thought is subject-verb-object

Example:a. “Some senators demanded the resignation of a Cabinet official”b. “The resignation of a cabinet official was demanded by some senators”

The first example has the S-V-O, it is simple and clearUse verbs rather than nouns n your sentences.

11. Write the way you talk- use words that are daily used and not the pretentious words.

12. Use adjectives sparingly- properly used adjective can help you write good reports.

13. Revise and sharpen- revising is a good part in writing- Don’t feel slighted if the editor revises your copy. Everybody needs

revising.- The rule therefore, is revise, revise and revise.

Day 8

8

I. OBJECTIVE1. take note the importance of editing

II. LESSON PROPEREDITING AND HEADLINE WRITING

THE NEWSROOM:- The newsroom of the editorial department, is the nerve center of any

newspaper organization. “It called the Desk”.- The news materials are gathered here.

THE COPY EDITOR- The copy editor is the man who “cleans” a reporter’s story, which is called

a copy. COPY FIXING- He makes the story much better or better organized when it is submitted to

him.- He is a member of the editorial team.

THE MANAGING EDITOR- The managing editor is the third highest ranking official of the Desk after

the publisher and the editor in chief under the managing editor are:1. News editor – who handles the news pages of the paper2. City editor – who handles the city desk and gives out

assignments to reporters and photographs.3. Metro editor – who handles the metro section4. Provincial editor – in-charge of domestic news.5. Foreign News Editor – in charge of foreign news.6. Sports editor – who handles the sports section7. Business editor – in charge of the business section8. Lifestyle or Entertainment editor – who handles stories about

culture, the arts, movies, or the lighter stuff.

EDITING WITH GRAMMAR AND SPELL CHECKSMost computers now have grammar and spelling check. But don’t rely too much

on the spell check because it won’t catch errors such as “that” when you to type “than”.

Day 9

I. OBJECTIVE1. determine headlines2. explain some pointer in headline writing3. show interest in the discussion

II. LESSON PROPERTHE HEADLINESHeadlines are the display windows of newspaper. They serve as quick source of

information for busy newspaper readers.

SOME POINTERS IN HEADLINE WRITING1. Make it skeletonized, articles and other unnecessary words should be omitted.

Example:

9

2. Use the present tense. This will emphasize the immediately of the event and will give action or movement to the story.Example:

3. Use the active voiceExample:

4. Avoid “to be” verbsExample:

5. Be specific, use precise wordsExample:

6. Be accurate and direct. Don’t beat around the bush.Example: “Inflation rate to slow down, says official” not

Inflation rate may slow down, says official7. Avoid exclamation points or other punctuations

RULES IN HEADLINE WRITING1. The head should tell the gist of the story simply and clearly.

Example: Board of regents suspends principal2. The first letter of the first word and proper nouns are generally capitalized.

Example: 3. The first line of a two-line or a three line head should not end with a

preposition, conjunction, article or any form of the verb to be unless the preposition goes with the verb like fill in or trade off.

4. Never use the word “may” because it would show the uncertainty of your assertion.

5. Assertion in a headline should have a source or attribution Example: Classes suspended today, says Principal or

Principal orders suspension of classes6. Don’t convert verb into nouns7. Use the shorter word whenever possible

Example: School hike tuition fees

OTHER SHORTER WORD EQUIVALENTS FOR HEADLINE PURPOSESaccord – agreement quiz – questionnab – arrest cop – policemanbare – expose, reveal balk – impede, thwartcite – enumerate, mention link – connectbody – committee junk – to discard, throw awaydip – decrease, go down lull – calmfeud – quarrel, dispute nix – rejectcurb – restrain, control, stop rift – disagreement, quarrelbid, ask – invite, request sang – withoutprobe / grill – investigate bit – attack, assailquit – resign hail – welcome

Day 10

10

I. OBJECTIVE1. identify the common headline faults2. analyze the common headline faults3. criticize the errors constructively

II. LESSON PROPERCOMMON HEADLINE FAULTS1. The gap: This is the practice of leaving wide empty space in the head

Example: Dean suspends students for misbehaviorBetter: Dean suspends erring students

2. Padding: This is the reverse of gap, you fill the gap with unnecessary words.Example: Student council composition to be knows later this monthBetter: Student council member known soon

3. Split phrases and hanging prepositionNever split words that go togetherExample: Gov’t to hike import duties this monthBetter: Government to hike import duties this month

4. Editorializing: Just report the facts; don’t editorialize Example: School dean gives very inspiring talk

The word “inspiring” is your opinion and may not describe the dean’s actual speech.

5. Lack of attribution: all declaration statements must have a source of attributionExample: Tuition fees hiked soon, says Dean

6. Question form: Don’t ask your reader for the answer.Example: Will the Council be disbanded?Better: The council disbanded

7. Don’t use the same word twice in the headline and the kicker.Example: SCHOOL FEES

School fees to be hiked soon8. Be careful in the use of words with double meanings

Example: The teacher can provide faulty headlines and the students will fix.

Day 11

I. OBJECTIVE1. listen attentively in the discussions2. illustrate the common headline patterns3. describe the common headline patterns

II. LESSON PROPERMORE COMMON HEADLINE PATTERNS1. Crossline: This is a single line running over two or more columns. If there are two

lines, it is called two-part crossline.

11

2. Dropline: This type of headline patterns involves two or three lines of types arranged diagonally. They are equal in length.

3. Flush Left: Two or more lines of type each starting flush to the left.

4. Hanging Indention: There are usually three or more lines of type. The first is flush left.

5. Inverted Pyramid: This pattern involve two or more lines of type.

6. Flush Right: This pattern involves two or more lines ending flush right.

The teacher may give exercises. Give headline and students will pattern in different types.

Day 12

I. OBJECTIVE1. take note the significance of new journalism2. discuss the editorial3. name the functions of an editorial

II. LESSON PROPERNew Journalism THE EDITORIAL

12

I. NEW JOURNALISMA Journalism movement allows the use of literary devices (though still debatable in the U.S.) such as dialogue, imagery, monologue, extensive description or dramatic episodes in writing a factual story.

II. THE EDITORIALAn editorial is the stand or viewpoint of a newspaper on certain issues.

FUNCTION OF AN EDITORIAL1. Criticize or attack. If you criticize, be sure that you have suggestions for change

or a solution to a problem.2. Defend: Stand up for the underprivileged group under attack by society or media.3. Endorse: If you support a candidate or a proposal, be sure that the proposal is

workable and beneficial to the majority.4. Compliment: Praise when warranted.5. Instigate, advocate or appeal: Contains convincing arguments6. Entertain: This kind of editorial is good for the soul. It is something worth the

readers’ time.7. Predict: Be sure to support your prediction or forecast with facts.

Components of an editorial1. Introduction: To get the readers attention, include the issue at hand.2. Body: Persuade the reader by giving your arguments pro or con on the issue.3. Conclusion: To prompt the reader into action, make a stand on the issue.

HOW TO WRITE THE EDITORIALSpecs Formula:

S – State the problemP – Position on the problem and how

E-Evidence to support your positionS – Solution to the problem, give at least two

Example:

The knowledge Found in Silence

13

LateRequirements

“You will stay under the sun for one period if you will not keep quiet,” warned

Mr. .Mabiasen to the noisy students.

Yes,we students do not know how to control our mouths even if the teacher is

delivering his or her lesson,even in forming our lines,and worst even inside the

church.most of the time,we act as if we are in crowded market.our voices compete

with one another,which reates an irritating noise.Then,some of our teachers

shouted angrily at us,some just keep quiet,and some would walk-out from the

room.

Schoolmates aren’t you aware that every time you are noisy the teacher is

destructed and will not continue his or her lesson anymore.Instead he or she will

just give an activity or worst he or she ill just wait for the bell to be rang.Likewise

in a noisy class we can’t be able to grasp our lessons that results to failing grades.

Thus,on this vacation,let us learn to discipline ourselves!It does not mean we

should not talk nor recite but we should know when to open and when to close our

mouths!

It’s difficult to change a habit but we can overcome if we are only willing to do

so.Let’s just think that when we use our mouths wisely – we can learn better

things!

Day 13

I. OBJECTIVE4. define what is a column5. describe the content of a column6. analyze the sample given

II. LESSON PROPERA: Columns

What is a column?Columns are news writing that are personal and biased. These are

personal views or opinion on some specific targets like government.’Example:

14

Lesson B: News AnalysisA news analysis is another form of interpretative writing. It analyzes current

issues emphasizing on the effect to the readers or the citizenry in general. Though it is subjective it should, however, be balanced. Example:

Faculty VS Students

Friends, teachers, and students read me for a cause, I am not here to hurt or declare a fight, but I am here to let my thoughts be understood!

Faculty and students should be at peace!

If there are no teachers, there would be not students and if there would be no students there would be no teachers. Thus the two groups play vital role in composing the school.

The school has a vision and a mission which the students ad the teachers should attain. Thus, the two are partners!

But how can they achieve one goal if they don’t have a good relationship? What will happen to the school? Who should suffer the consequences? The answer is both of them!

I am a student, thus let me share what we feel as a student feel.

I respect my teachers, but how can I respect a teacher who does not know how to respect the feelings of a student? And why should I respect a teacher who does not have a good relationship with his or her co-teachers?

I am but a student but I still know the people who deserve respect. I am a believer for the virtue” Do unto others what you want others do unto you.”

As a student, I know what our teachers always think what is best for us but sometimes I feel they are overdoing it .I don’t like to suffer the consequences of the actions done by n=my classmates.

But then I salute our teachers who discipline us and mold us in a way our dignity won’t be stepped on! I love our teachers who could understand our weaknesses and would be fair in giving punishments.

I don’t mean to offend our teachers but my intention is good- I just want to voice out what I feel and what I believe in!

15

The Editorial CartoonAn editorial cartoon is another tool to convey a paper’s stand on certain issues. It

provides visual on the message that its paper wants to convey to readers. Cartoons could be: a) humorous

b) seriousc) sophisticatedd) sad

* Not all are revealed, something is left to the reader’s imagination.

TIPS ON WRITING OPINION PIECES:1. If you make a stand, defend it like in debate2. Your opinion piece should be readable with graphic and expressive.3. Try to coin new phrases4. Balance your writing not only negative criticism5. Rewrite and revise organize and polish

Day 14

I. OBJECTIVE1. define feature in journalism2. note the things included features3. explain the tips and types of feature writing

II. LESSON PROPERFeaturesThe feature story is a soft news. This news appeals to the soul or the emotion of the readers. It focuses on human interest, mood, atmosphere, emotion, irony or humor. To give pleasure and entertainment in addition to information.

10 TIPS ON FEATURE WRITING1. Choose the topic or subject carefully.2. Be sure that it is credible.3. Catch the reader’s interest through relevant anecdote or dialogue.4. Use “I” for personal experience and “you” for the reader to relate.5. Use quotation of famous persons.6. Make your ideas concrete by rising figures of speech.7. Use communication language.8. Keep your paragraph short and snappy9. Include some human interest aspects.10. Link the opening and closing paragraphs dramatically.

TYPES OF FEATURES

1. Personality Profile – insight on a person’s character and traits.2. Human interest stories – show the subjects uniqueness or value.3. Trend stories – about the latest facts.

16

4. In-depth stories – detailed accounts of basic news stories.5. Backgrounders – up-to-date explanation/analysis of a current issue6. News feature – recent event written in a more relaxed style.7. Humorous feature – entertaining story with wit and humor8. Personal experience – unusual experience by the first person9. How to feature article – explanation of a process or a method usually with photos.10. Analytical Essay – an essay in a distinct genre in literature.

Example:

Day 15

I. OBJECTIVE1. describe a newspaper2. enumerate the elements of a newspaper3. give emphasis on the lay-out of a newspaper

II. LESSON PROPERDesigning the newspaper pageMake-upLayout

Display elements on a page1. body text2. headlines, kickers, subheads3. photos4. illustrations and graphics5. white spaces6. rule or column lines

Illustrate this thru example. Bring a newspaper to explain this.

Makeup and LayoutMakeup – the arrangement of the display elements on a newspaper page.Layout – arrangement of these elements in an advertising copy or a magazine page.

3 Functions of the Newspaper Makeup1. to provide attractive appearance2. to show the relative importance of news3. to facilitate reading

4 Qualities of Good Makeup1. Contrast – bold headline and gray body text2. Balance – arranging heavy and dark elements to offset one another3. Symmetry – each page should have a focus of attention4. Unity – the page be attractive harmoniously together

17

A sample of a newspaper is a good illustration of the subject matter.

NEWSPAPER DESIGN1. Horizontal design – multi-columned heads2. Vertical design – single or two column heads with only one banner story

placed across the page.3. Tabloid magazine design – only the headline of the paper’s main story is

displayed on the cover page, usually in bold types.

Day 16-20

I.OBJECTIVE1. To identify the proper places of news item.2. To arrange them accordingly.

II. LESSON PROPERPreparing the Dummy

Dummy – a piece of paper usually the same size of the actual newspaper page. It has empty space with vertical lines representing the columns. It is used for preliminary designing of the page.

Miniature – smaller than the actual dummy but have equal number of columns in the newspaper.It serves as a guide for the paste up section in preparing the page proof.

There would be elaborated lecture on this with the actual sampling.

18