Headlines:Is that what I meant to say?

Miss MottlePublications

David Anderson High School

We Will…

We will be able to know, understand, and create great headlines for the newspaper.

First, we will look at some headlines that aren’t so great and discuss them.

Second, we will look at the “Do’s and Don’ts” of headline writing.

Finally, we will look at specific articles and create our own headlines for them.

Why?

This will help you to edit or create headlines for your editorials and/or your recent rough drafts. You want to catch the audience’s attention, and you want to make sure that your meaning is clear.

These are REAL headlines that

appeared in daily newspapers. They were featured in

the Columbia Journalism Review's

Lowercase column.

How do you interpret these headlines?

Many businesses say English must be spoken on by

workers

Is there such a thing as “spoken

on?”

Scientists spot plant outside solar system

Ok…

Sikh student suspended over

dagger

Is he hanging from the ceiling over a dagger?

Here is an article that states the topic clearly.

Animal movements

banned

1.6 million Cherokees recalled

Reserves, National Guard: Who can keep them straight?

Brain drain small, but significant, study

says

The “brain drain” they were referring to is explained here.

Nightclub liquor license denied,

close-by Lansing church objects

Don’t Put Yourself in a Stressful Dilemma.

Instead, Choose to Edit Your Headlines!

Do’s and Don’ts

See Handout

You Try

Now, you will receive an article without a headline. Use your list of criteria to help decide what would make the best headline.

After you have brainstormed three sample headlines, post them to the blog.

“Brain Drain.” <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brain_drain>.

Birch, Candy. “Headline Writing is Hard!” <http://www.highschooljournalism.org/Teachers/Lesson_Plans/Detail.cfm?lessonplanid=237>.

Sikh Article. <http://www.indypressny.org/nycma/voices/163/news/news_1/>

Miss Mottle. “Squirrel with Cats Picture.”