Objective
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
- Identify the key features of journalistic writing.
- Understand the importance of accuracy, clarity, and objectivity in journalism.
- Analyze examples of journalistic writing and distinguish between different types of news reports.
- Apply journalistic writing techniques in their own articles.
Lesson Duration
- Grade Level: High School / College
- Duration: 60 minutes
Lesson Outline
1. Introduction (10 Minutes)
Engagement Activity:
- Ask students: What makes news writing different from other types of writing?
- Discuss their responses and introduce the concept of journalistic writing.
2. Features of Journalistic Writing (20 Minutes)
Explain the following essential features with real-life examples from newspapers, online articles, or magazines:
A. Accuracy and Objectivity
- Journalists must report facts as they are, without adding personal opinions.
- Verify sources before publishing information.
B. Clarity and Simplicity
- Sentences should be clear and easy to understand.
- Avoid complex jargon unless necessary.
C. Concise and Precise Writing
- News articles should get to the point quickly.
- The inverted pyramid structure (most important information first) is commonly used.
D. Timeliness
- News should be relevant and current.
- Reports must be updated as events unfold.
E. Fairness and Balance
- Present both sides of a story if multiple perspectives exist.
- Avoid bias in language and tone.
F. Use of the 5Ws and 1H (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How)
- Every news article should answer these questions to provide a complete picture.
G. Headlines and Lead Paragraphs
- Headlines should be short, compelling, and informative.
- The lead paragraph summarizes the most critical details of the story.
3. Types of Journalistic Writing (15 Minutes)
Discuss different forms of journalistic writing and provide examples for each:
A. News Reporting
- Covers current events in a factual, unbiased manner.
- Example: A newspaper article about a government decision.
B. Feature Writing
- Provides in-depth information about a subject, often with a storytelling approach.
- Example: A magazine profile on a famous athlete.
C. Editorials and Opinion Pieces
- Express the opinions of journalists or editorial boards.
- Example: A newspapers stance on climate change.
D. Investigative Journalism
- Involves deep research to uncover hidden facts.
- Example: Reports on corporate corruption.
4. Class Activity: Writing a News Report (10 Minutes)
Instructions:
- Provide students with a short fictional news scenario.
- Ask them to write a headline and a lead paragraph using the features discussed.
- Volunteers will share their work, and the class will analyze how well the key features were applied.
5. Conclusion and Homework (5 Minutes)
- Summarize the importance of journalistic writing.
- Homework: Students will find and analyze a news article, identifying the key features discussed.
Assessment Criteria
- Understanding: Can students identify and explain the features of journalistic writing?
- Application: Are students able to apply these features in their own writing?
- Analysis: Can students analyze real news articles effectively?
This lesson provides a strong foundation for students to develop journalistic skills while emphasizing accuracy, clarity, and ethical reporting.
