Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Feature Story
Voices of Hope was formed last year in Women's Chorale, an all girls choir made up of sophomores through seniors. A now former students' mother was suffering from cancer at the time and the girls decided to out together a benefit to raise money for families experiencing cancer through the Angel Foundation. The event attracted performers form all over the metro. From 7:30 am to midnight, choirs, soloists, staff, and even whole classes from Eastview flooded to the auditorium to sing some tunes to join in the benefit. Other choirs from around the district also participated, and even local bands and singers spread their music. It was a huge hit, and kids were begging their teachers to dismiss them from class to go watch Voices of Hope. Most students ended up parked in the PAC all day watching performance after performance, and the seemed to enjoy every one of them. Each performer was given a tribute/donation form to recognize a friend or family member who is suffering, or has passed from cancer. I hadn't talked to one participant who hadn't made a tribute. It was awesome to see so many participants and supporters who were there to enjoy good music and support those who've battled or passed from the disease.
The Angel Foundation raises money for families who are suffering from cancer. Founded in 2001, the non-profit organization has grown to be more than a helping hand, but a community of hope and support through financial aid, support and education assistance. They help cover anything from medical bills to transportation, to homemade dinners. The differences these organizers and volunteers make in these peoples' lives cant be articulated enough. Any help that these families can get makes the daily stress less painful, and its reassuring to keep in mind that people care. Coming from a family with a grandfather battling the disease, I can say from experience that any help by means of support or comforting makes a world of a difference. We've been fortunate enough to have plenty means of transportation and extended family has been making more frequent visits in town. As tragic and shaking the news is, the worrying about constant updates, and the overall stress of the situation, it gives people the chance to realize what they have together, and to recognize the relationships that mean the most.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Ediotrial Story: Are Standardized Tests Like the ACT an Accurate Measure of Academic Worth?
Just about every college bound student takes an assessment test to prove their accumulated
knowledge over the course of their four years at high school. Whether it be the ACT or SAT, both tests are very rigorous and time consuming assessments of which bear varying levels of stress depending on each student. The ACT’s (American College Testing) purpose of the test is to measure the aptitude of what the student has learned in high school, and to predict how well they’ll do in your first year of college. The ACT is comprised of four required sections, and one optional writing portion. This seems like a conventional way to forsee one’s academic ability in college, until you consider the content of the test. To me, the most effective and accurate academic aptitude test would heavily focus on one’s level of intellect, grasping the meaning of truths, facts and meanings, literature, and then cover the basic topics like math, reading, and writing as more of a supplementary test. The current ACT test is a horrible way to measure academic worth, creating unnecessary stress on students, and is a waste of money. This is a one day test that ultimately determines the place students go to college. Its unfair that students only get one shot during a long four hours of testing. Many, many variables go into a student’s score. The test is graded cumulatively, so the scores of each test are averaged to one final score. Its really important that we take another look at the worth of these standardized tests, and see if there is an alternate to these tests because right now, the system seems faulty and is inaccurate. This tests’ integrity and reputation for academic worth should be questioned and reviewed. These standardized tests are unfair to students and is an inaccurate way to decipher their academic level.
knowledge over the course of their four years at high school. Whether it be the ACT or SAT, both tests are very rigorous and time consuming assessments of which bear varying levels of stress depending on each student. The ACT’s (American College Testing) purpose of the test is to measure the aptitude of what the student has learned in high school, and to predict how well they’ll do in your first year of college. The ACT is comprised of four required sections, and one optional writing portion. This seems like a conventional way to forsee one’s academic ability in college, until you consider the content of the test. To me, the most effective and accurate academic aptitude test would heavily focus on one’s level of intellect, grasping the meaning of truths, facts and meanings, literature, and then cover the basic topics like math, reading, and writing as more of a supplementary test. The current ACT test is a horrible way to measure academic worth, creating unnecessary stress on students, and is a waste of money. This is a one day test that ultimately determines the place students go to college. Its unfair that students only get one shot during a long four hours of testing. Many, many variables go into a student’s score. The test is graded cumulatively, so the scores of each test are averaged to one final score. Its really important that we take another look at the worth of these standardized tests, and see if there is an alternate to these tests because right now, the system seems faulty and is inaccurate. This tests’ integrity and reputation for academic worth should be questioned and reviewed. These standardized tests are unfair to students and is an inaccurate way to decipher their academic level.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
EDiToRiAL PrE wRiTiNg
1. What is a problem/issue that our entire student body (our school, community, country, etc.) faces today?
The ACT is not an inaccurate measure of intelligence of high school students
2. What is your view/position on the problem or situation?
The ACT should be re-evaluted and edited to aim to form qustions confronting decison making, emotional and intellectual aptitude, facts and relationships rather than basic english math and science- which doesnt exactly test even science knowledge- just reading graphs
3. What would you like to achieve with your editorial? (What is the desired result?)
To give peolpe the opportunity to question the ACT's integrity and ability to accurately measure one's intelligence
4. How will you persuade your audience to adopt your viewpoint as theirs? List at least 4 persuasive points.
give them facts. four of them.
5. How will you motivate your readership to action in your conclusion?
give them reasons to question the ACT
6. How will your editorial serve a public purpose?
Because I wrote it
http://www.opposingviews.com/arguments/the-tests-are-not-strongly-correlated-with-college-success
http://www.omniaceducation.com/education-blog/bid/4863/Studies-Show-the-SAT-Still-Sucks-College-Board-Declares-Victory
The ACT is not an inaccurate measure of intelligence of high school students
2. What is your view/position on the problem or situation?
The ACT should be re-evaluted and edited to aim to form qustions confronting decison making, emotional and intellectual aptitude, facts and relationships rather than basic english math and science- which doesnt exactly test even science knowledge- just reading graphs
3. What would you like to achieve with your editorial? (What is the desired result?)
To give peolpe the opportunity to question the ACT's integrity and ability to accurately measure one's intelligence
4. How will you persuade your audience to adopt your viewpoint as theirs? List at least 4 persuasive points.
give them facts. four of them.
5. How will you motivate your readership to action in your conclusion?
give them reasons to question the ACT
6. How will your editorial serve a public purpose?
Because I wrote it
http://www.opposingviews.com/arguments/the-tests-are-not-strongly-correlated-with-college-success
http://www.omniaceducation.com/education-blog/bid/4863/Studies-Show-the-SAT-Still-Sucks-College-Board-Declares-Victory
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Feature Article Topic
Grandad's Brain Cancer
Since this is more of a personal feature story, I wont have any traditional interviews. Instead, I'll incorporate what family members have said in the story.
Since this is more of a personal feature story, I wont have any traditional interviews. Instead, I'll incorporate what family members have said in the story.
Monday, March 8, 2010
interview Questions
Jenni Kistner
Since this will be your second round through graduation process and events, do you feel more or less pressure to meet the senior parent expectations (grad party, grad night, gifts, poster)? Probably less pressure. I know more what to expect and the time it takes.
Do you feel any pressure from your daughter to prepare for graduation? Maddie wants to be part of this process where as Tyler just wanted me to make all the decisions. She knows what she wants which makes it easier and we both are on the same wave length because we will be doing mostly the same as Tyler's.
What are your three biggest priorities to do for your daughter's graduation? Make sure she has all her credits, but really that is her responsibility. Applying for scholarships and she is still making a decision on what college to attend but has been accepted to all her top three choices. My main priorities is creating an album, poster and photo CD for her. I want to do that by mid April. I still need to order invitations which I will do in the next week.
Are you involved in any senior party commities, and if so, why? I am the chairperson for the Tickets/Publicity committee. I was co-chair for 2007 so I know how to do it. Why do I do it....I guess I just feel obligated to help out because I can.
Do you/when are you planning on making all the grad party arrangements?
I have reserved the tables and chairs and smoothie machine last month. I still need to order invitations which I will do next week. The food planning I will do in early May.
Can you elaborate on your duties in the senior party commity?
Promote the Grad Party in announcements, at lunchroom sales, in local papers, on district TV station; Sell and collect tickets, turn checks over to treasurer. Keep a list of all who reserved a ticket. Post list online; Order wristbands and print out labels for night of party to put on wristbands. Print schedule of events. Stuff lanyards with schedule, casino $, raffle tickets to hand out to kids; print out guidelines of party letter and put on chairs before grad rehearsal and go over expectations; Be in charge of getting all kids in the event quickly and efficiently; call parents of kids who don't show; makes sure kids who need scholarships for the ticket know how to get them. Go to monthly meetings and coordinate duties with rest of committee.
Bridget Handke
Since this is your first time going through the graduation process, can you specify on a couple major things that you didnt expect that are a big deal?
The most important component of senior year so far was the college application process. We did the college visits last year so we had that completed. My daughter did a great job in getting everything organized and out the door in time. There were moments of stress. The process was definitely was time consuming and another activity in our household that needed to be managed.
I also didn’t expect to have to start the party planning so early. I was advised to pick a date and order tables and chairs as soon as possible. I will soon be putting a list together of all the things we have to do for graduation. I might know more after that. The amount of work that needs to be done to our house is pretty big and fairly daunting. It might not all get done and I will have to be ok with that.
I didn’t expect Bravo to be as big a deal as it is. It’s a huge gigantic production that takes tons time for my daughter and to a lesser extent, us her parents. Since this is Jenny’s first time in Bravo, it has added a layer of complexity to the senior year I didn’t expect.
The entire senior year is extremely busy for both us and our daughter. She is often so busy we don’t get to see her much at night. She is learning to manage her time very well and it is good practice for when she goes away to college. For us her parents, it is just a peak at not having her around as much next year.
Are you involved in the senior committee, and if so, what do you do?
I am helping out on the ticket sale committee but this hasn’t taken too much time yet. I chose not to be a committee leader due to the other commitments in my life and I am happy with this decision.
How far are you in planning for my senior party?
We have picked the weekend and ordered tables and chairs. I have discussed the budget with my husband and we need to start researching costs. There is a lot left to do.
Are you feeling any stress of pressure to get this all locked in now?
So far there is only pressure from relatives wanting to know the date so they can plan their summer activities around it. Having out of town relatives come to the party may add to the stress on one hand, but could also relieve stress by having a lot of helping hands on the actual party day.
Are you excited to get it over with, or do you want to make it last?
I am not a party planner by nature so I look at the senior party as a task to do. I am neither looking forward to it nor dreading it. As far as the whole senior year goes, I am more conscious that my daughter won’t be around much next year so I am trying to savor every day and enjoy it. I would like to make that part last.
Dan Handke
Since this is your first time going through the graduation process, can you specify on a couple major things that you didnt expect that are a big deal?
The senior year in general is a big deal. It is a milestone event. Happy and sad at the same time. It makes a dad feel old and poor. I had no idea that the graduation party was such a big deal. It's mega expensive. And you tell me that most of the kids will show up just for the free food. I am considering charging a small admission fee. Or I may play the ukulele and sing so that no one over stays their welcome. The biggest deal of your graduation for me is that it is making me think back of fun times we had when you were a little girl -like chasing you around the house with the alligator head until mom made us stop, and of what a great person you have turned out to be.
Are you feeling any stress at all about graduation and everything that goes with it?
I was not until your mom told me how much it will cost.
How far are you in planning for my senior party?
Mom just picked the date a cpl days ago. She has ordered some furnishings so that all those kids who just show up for the free food will have a place to sit.
Are you feeling any outside stress or pressure (from other parents, the school, spouse, or me) to get this all locked in now?
No. Only to support mom with getting the must-have items locked in.
Are you excited to get it over with, or do you want to make it last?
Both. I look fwd to meeting more of your friends. I hope we get a chance to talk in the midst of all the action. It's been an exciting 18 years and I'm just beginning to realize how great it actually was.
Since this will be your second round through graduation process and events, do you feel more or less pressure to meet the senior parent expectations (grad party, grad night, gifts, poster)? Probably less pressure. I know more what to expect and the time it takes.
Do you feel any pressure from your daughter to prepare for graduation? Maddie wants to be part of this process where as Tyler just wanted me to make all the decisions. She knows what she wants which makes it easier and we both are on the same wave length because we will be doing mostly the same as Tyler's.
What are your three biggest priorities to do for your daughter's graduation? Make sure she has all her credits, but really that is her responsibility. Applying for scholarships and she is still making a decision on what college to attend but has been accepted to all her top three choices. My main priorities is creating an album, poster and photo CD for her. I want to do that by mid April. I still need to order invitations which I will do in the next week.
Are you involved in any senior party commities, and if so, why? I am the chairperson for the Tickets/Publicity committee. I was co-chair for 2007 so I know how to do it. Why do I do it....I guess I just feel obligated to help out because I can.
Do you/when are you planning on making all the grad party arrangements?
I have reserved the tables and chairs and smoothie machine last month. I still need to order invitations which I will do next week. The food planning I will do in early May.
Can you elaborate on your duties in the senior party commity?
Promote the Grad Party in announcements, at lunchroom sales, in local papers, on district TV station; Sell and collect tickets, turn checks over to treasurer. Keep a list of all who reserved a ticket. Post list online; Order wristbands and print out labels for night of party to put on wristbands. Print schedule of events. Stuff lanyards with schedule, casino $, raffle tickets to hand out to kids; print out guidelines of party letter and put on chairs before grad rehearsal and go over expectations; Be in charge of getting all kids in the event quickly and efficiently; call parents of kids who don't show; makes sure kids who need scholarships for the ticket know how to get them. Go to monthly meetings and coordinate duties with rest of committee.
Bridget Handke
Since this is your first time going through the graduation process, can you specify on a couple major things that you didnt expect that are a big deal?
The most important component of senior year so far was the college application process. We did the college visits last year so we had that completed. My daughter did a great job in getting everything organized and out the door in time. There were moments of stress. The process was definitely was time consuming and another activity in our household that needed to be managed.
I also didn’t expect to have to start the party planning so early. I was advised to pick a date and order tables and chairs as soon as possible. I will soon be putting a list together of all the things we have to do for graduation. I might know more after that. The amount of work that needs to be done to our house is pretty big and fairly daunting. It might not all get done and I will have to be ok with that.
I didn’t expect Bravo to be as big a deal as it is. It’s a huge gigantic production that takes tons time for my daughter and to a lesser extent, us her parents. Since this is Jenny’s first time in Bravo, it has added a layer of complexity to the senior year I didn’t expect.
The entire senior year is extremely busy for both us and our daughter. She is often so busy we don’t get to see her much at night. She is learning to manage her time very well and it is good practice for when she goes away to college. For us her parents, it is just a peak at not having her around as much next year.
Are you involved in the senior committee, and if so, what do you do?
I am helping out on the ticket sale committee but this hasn’t taken too much time yet. I chose not to be a committee leader due to the other commitments in my life and I am happy with this decision.
How far are you in planning for my senior party?
We have picked the weekend and ordered tables and chairs. I have discussed the budget with my husband and we need to start researching costs. There is a lot left to do.
Are you feeling any stress of pressure to get this all locked in now?
So far there is only pressure from relatives wanting to know the date so they can plan their summer activities around it. Having out of town relatives come to the party may add to the stress on one hand, but could also relieve stress by having a lot of helping hands on the actual party day.
Are you excited to get it over with, or do you want to make it last?
I am not a party planner by nature so I look at the senior party as a task to do. I am neither looking forward to it nor dreading it. As far as the whole senior year goes, I am more conscious that my daughter won’t be around much next year so I am trying to savor every day and enjoy it. I would like to make that part last.
Dan Handke
Since this is your first time going through the graduation process, can you specify on a couple major things that you didnt expect that are a big deal?
The senior year in general is a big deal. It is a milestone event. Happy and sad at the same time. It makes a dad feel old and poor. I had no idea that the graduation party was such a big deal. It's mega expensive. And you tell me that most of the kids will show up just for the free food. I am considering charging a small admission fee. Or I may play the ukulele and sing so that no one over stays their welcome. The biggest deal of your graduation for me is that it is making me think back of fun times we had when you were a little girl -like chasing you around the house with the alligator head until mom made us stop, and of what a great person you have turned out to be.
Are you feeling any stress at all about graduation and everything that goes with it?
I was not until your mom told me how much it will cost.
How far are you in planning for my senior party?
Mom just picked the date a cpl days ago. She has ordered some furnishings so that all those kids who just show up for the free food will have a place to sit.
Are you feeling any outside stress or pressure (from other parents, the school, spouse, or me) to get this all locked in now?
No. Only to support mom with getting the must-have items locked in.
Are you excited to get it over with, or do you want to make it last?
Both. I look fwd to meeting more of your friends. I hope we get a chance to talk in the midst of all the action. It's been an exciting 18 years and I'm just beginning to realize how great it actually was.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Hard News Story: Graduation: Stress on Parents
As the end of the 2010 senior year is quickly approaching, students begin to get anxious for graduation and everything that comes with it. However, seniors are not the only people that are stressing about this time of year. Some parents would go as far to say that they're feeling the same, if not more stress as their student. Parents of students in general have big responsibilities, but its senior year, (especially the spring months) can become very busy, very fast.
For most parents, planning the graduation party and being involved in the senior committee is their biggest undertaking after the application process. Eastview senior parent, Bridget Handke says there were a few important events that she wasn’t expecting as her oldest daughter is the first to go through the graduation process. Bridget says she, “didn’t expect to have to start the party planning so early” and was advised to pick a date early on. For some kids, its easy to bypass the stress of planning their graduation party and leave it up to their parents, but the moms and dads are feeling the pain outside of the house as well. Bridget says she’s feeling “pressure from relatives wanting to know the date so they can plan their summer activities around it”. So far, the Handkes have settled the weekend of the grad party and have ordered tables and chairs. Their family is still working on the details of planning and feeling the urgency to get it done, but parents who have already had a child go through the graduation process don’t seem to be quite as strained about the event. Another senior parent, Jenni Kistner says she feels less stress of the graduation process and events as this is her second round. “I know more what to expect and the time it takes.”. Her oldest, who graduated from Eastview in 2007, decided that he wanted his mom to do all the planning, but her youngest is more involved in the process which takes a bit of the stress of for both of them. As for the Kistners, they’ve already ordered chairs, tables, and a smoothie machine. They plan on getting their invitations sent out this month, and all the food planned out by the end of May. Both Bridget and Jenni are involved in the senior party committee. Jenni and Bridget are both involved in the senior party committee. Both are involved on the ticket sale committee. Jennie has a large role in the committee and helps with tickets, managing the party, sales and much, much more. She promote the grad party in announcements, at lunchroom sales, in local papers, on district TV station; “Sells and collect tickets, turn checks over to treasurer, keep a list of all who reserved a ticket. , post list online, Order wristbands and print out labels for night of party to put on wristbands, Print schedule of events, Stuff lanyards with schedule, casino $, raffle tickets to hand out to kids, print out guidelines of party letter and put on chairs before grad rehearsal and go over expectations, Be in charge of getting all kids in the event quickly and efficiently, call parents of kids who don't show, makes sure kids who need scholarships for the ticket know how to get them, Go to monthly meetings and coordinate duties with rest of committee.”.
For most parents, the graduation process is bitter sweet. You’re preparing to send away your child for months on end, but before that is the hassle of planning and busy weeks. As for the Handkes, Bridget is doing most of the planning. As she deems herself as one to not be excited about planning, she sees the event as more of a task but is, “neither looking forward to it nor dreading it.”.
For most parents, planning the graduation party and being involved in the senior committee is their biggest undertaking after the application process. Eastview senior parent, Bridget Handke says there were a few important events that she wasn’t expecting as her oldest daughter is the first to go through the graduation process. Bridget says she, “didn’t expect to have to start the party planning so early” and was advised to pick a date early on. For some kids, its easy to bypass the stress of planning their graduation party and leave it up to their parents, but the moms and dads are feeling the pain outside of the house as well. Bridget says she’s feeling “pressure from relatives wanting to know the date so they can plan their summer activities around it”. So far, the Handkes have settled the weekend of the grad party and have ordered tables and chairs. Their family is still working on the details of planning and feeling the urgency to get it done, but parents who have already had a child go through the graduation process don’t seem to be quite as strained about the event. Another senior parent, Jenni Kistner says she feels less stress of the graduation process and events as this is her second round. “I know more what to expect and the time it takes.”. Her oldest, who graduated from Eastview in 2007, decided that he wanted his mom to do all the planning, but her youngest is more involved in the process which takes a bit of the stress of for both of them. As for the Kistners, they’ve already ordered chairs, tables, and a smoothie machine. They plan on getting their invitations sent out this month, and all the food planned out by the end of May. Both Bridget and Jenni are involved in the senior party committee. Jenni and Bridget are both involved in the senior party committee. Both are involved on the ticket sale committee. Jennie has a large role in the committee and helps with tickets, managing the party, sales and much, much more. She promote the grad party in announcements, at lunchroom sales, in local papers, on district TV station; “Sells and collect tickets, turn checks over to treasurer, keep a list of all who reserved a ticket. , post list online, Order wristbands and print out labels for night of party to put on wristbands, Print schedule of events, Stuff lanyards with schedule, casino $, raffle tickets to hand out to kids, print out guidelines of party letter and put on chairs before grad rehearsal and go over expectations, Be in charge of getting all kids in the event quickly and efficiently, call parents of kids who don't show, makes sure kids who need scholarships for the ticket know how to get them, Go to monthly meetings and coordinate duties with rest of committee.”.
For most parents, the graduation process is bitter sweet. You’re preparing to send away your child for months on end, but before that is the hassle of planning and busy weeks. As for the Handkes, Bridget is doing most of the planning. As she deems herself as one to not be excited about planning, she sees the event as more of a task but is, “neither looking forward to it nor dreading it.”.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Steps to Writing a Story
Writing a News Story
1. What can I write about? What is news?
On the surface, defining news is a simple task. News is an account of what is happening around us. It may involve current events, new initiatives or ongoing projects or issues. But a newspaper does not only print news of the day. It also prints background analysis, opinions, and human interest stories.
Choosing what's news can be harder.
The reporter chooses stories from the flood of information and events happening in the world and in their community. Stories are normally selected because of their importance, emotion, impact, timeliness and interest. Note: all these factors do NOT have to coincide in each and every story!
2. Identify what kind of a story it is
Hard news (+/- 600 words): This is how journalists refer to news of the day. It is a chronicle of current events/incidents and is the most common news style on the front page of your typical newspaper.
It starts with a summary lead. What happened? Where? When? To/by whom? Why? (The journalist's 5 W's). It must be kept brief and simple, because the purpose of the rest of the story will be to elaborate on this lead.
Keep the writing clean and uncluttered. Most important, give the readers the information they need. If the federal government announced a new major youth initiative yesterday, that's today's hard news.
Soft news (+/-600 words): This is a term for all the news that isn't time-sensitive. Soft news includes profiles of people, programs or organizations. As we discussed earlier, the "lead" is more literary. Most of YPP's news content is soft news.
Feature (+/-1500 words): A news feature takes one step back from the headlines. It explores an issue. News features are less time-sensitive than hard news but no less newsworthy. They can be an effective way to write about complex issues too large for the terse style of a hard news item. Street kids are a perfect example. The stories of their individual lives are full of complexities which can be reflected in a longer piece.
Features are journalism's shopping center. They're full of interesting people, ideas, color, lights, action and energy. Storytelling at its height! A good feature is about the people in your community and their struggles, victories and defeats. A feature takes a certain angle (i.e. Black youth returning to church) and explores it by interviewing the people involved and drawing conclusions from that information. The writer takes an important issue of the day and explains it to the reader through comments from people involved in the story.
Hint: Remember to "balance" your story. Present the opinions of people on both sides of an issue and let the readers make their own decision on who to believe. No personal opinions are allowed. The quotes from the people you interview make up the story. You are the narrator.
Editorial: The editorial expresses an opinion. The editorial page of the newspaper lets the writer comment on issues in the news. All editorials are personal but the topics must still be relevant to the reader.
3. Structure for your article (Typical structure of a hard news story)
The structure of a news story (hard & soft news & features) is simple: a lead and the body.
The lead
One of the most important elements of news writing is the opening paragraph or two of the story. Journalists refer to this as the "lead," and its function is to summarize the story and/or to draw the reader in (depending on whether it is a "hard" or "soft" news story - See below for the difference between these two genres of news stories).
(Hard is all about facts, soft is more literary)
In a hard news story, the lead should be a full summary of what is to follow. It should incorporate as many of the 5 "W's" of journalism (who, what, where, when and why) as possible. (e.g. "Homeless youth marched down Yonge St. in downtown Toronto Wednesday afternoon demanding the municipal government provide emergency shelter during the winter months." - Can you identify the 5 W's in this lead?)
In a soft news story, the lead should present the subject of the story by allusion. This type of opening is somewhat literary. Like a novelist, the role of the writer is to grab the attention of the reader. (e.g. "Until four years ago, Jason W. slept in alleyways...") Once the reader is drawn in, the 5 "W's" should be incorporated into the body of the story, but not necessarily at the very top.
The body
The body of the story involves combining the opinions of the people you interview, some factual data, and a narrative which helps the story flow. A word of caution, however. In this style of writing, you are not allowed to "editorialize" (state your own opinion) in any way.
Remember:
The role of a reporter is to find out what people are thinking of an issue and to report the opinions of different stakeholders of an issue. These comments make up the bulk of the story. The narrative helps to weave the comments into a coherent whole. Hint: Stick to one particular theme throughout the story. You can put in different details but they all have to relate to the original idea of the piece. (e.g. If your story is about black youth and their relationship with the police you DO NOT want to go into details about the life of any one particular youth).
As a reporter, you are the eyes and ears for the readers. You should try to provide some visual details to bring the story to life (this is difficult if you have conducted only phone interviews, which is why face-to-face is best). You should also try to get a feel for the story. Having a feel means getting some understanding of the emotional background of the piece and the people involved in it. Try to get a sense of the characters involved and why they feel the way they do.
(Think about the five senses. Really describe the setting.)
Okay, got it? Let's look at two examples as a way of summarizing the essentials:
Youth are banding together to start an organization. You want to show why are they doing that and the changes are they trying to make in the world. You want to say who they are and the strategies they are using.
An artist is having her first show. Why? What is it that she believes about her art? Is her artistic process rational or from the soul? What does the work look like?
1. Find a topic
dirty dancing, Dawn
2. Find an angle
Why is administration cracking down on it
3. Collect info
Interviews, why, how to handle it, research
4. Gather interviews
Get to people who are involved in the situation
5. Write the story
Tie everything together
6. Edit
yes.
-Lead: most important information
-Limited space... keep it short and sweet.
1. What can I write about? What is news?
On the surface, defining news is a simple task. News is an account of what is happening around us. It may involve current events, new initiatives or ongoing projects or issues. But a newspaper does not only print news of the day. It also prints background analysis, opinions, and human interest stories.
Choosing what's news can be harder.
The reporter chooses stories from the flood of information and events happening in the world and in their community. Stories are normally selected because of their importance, emotion, impact, timeliness and interest. Note: all these factors do NOT have to coincide in each and every story!
2. Identify what kind of a story it is
Hard news (+/- 600 words): This is how journalists refer to news of the day. It is a chronicle of current events/incidents and is the most common news style on the front page of your typical newspaper.
It starts with a summary lead. What happened? Where? When? To/by whom? Why? (The journalist's 5 W's). It must be kept brief and simple, because the purpose of the rest of the story will be to elaborate on this lead.
Keep the writing clean and uncluttered. Most important, give the readers the information they need. If the federal government announced a new major youth initiative yesterday, that's today's hard news.
Soft news (+/-600 words): This is a term for all the news that isn't time-sensitive. Soft news includes profiles of people, programs or organizations. As we discussed earlier, the "lead" is more literary. Most of YPP's news content is soft news.
Feature (+/-1500 words): A news feature takes one step back from the headlines. It explores an issue. News features are less time-sensitive than hard news but no less newsworthy. They can be an effective way to write about complex issues too large for the terse style of a hard news item. Street kids are a perfect example. The stories of their individual lives are full of complexities which can be reflected in a longer piece.
Features are journalism's shopping center. They're full of interesting people, ideas, color, lights, action and energy. Storytelling at its height! A good feature is about the people in your community and their struggles, victories and defeats. A feature takes a certain angle (i.e. Black youth returning to church) and explores it by interviewing the people involved and drawing conclusions from that information. The writer takes an important issue of the day and explains it to the reader through comments from people involved in the story.
Hint: Remember to "balance" your story. Present the opinions of people on both sides of an issue and let the readers make their own decision on who to believe. No personal opinions are allowed. The quotes from the people you interview make up the story. You are the narrator.
Editorial: The editorial expresses an opinion. The editorial page of the newspaper lets the writer comment on issues in the news. All editorials are personal but the topics must still be relevant to the reader.
3. Structure for your article (Typical structure of a hard news story)
The structure of a news story (hard & soft news & features) is simple: a lead and the body.
The lead
One of the most important elements of news writing is the opening paragraph or two of the story. Journalists refer to this as the "lead," and its function is to summarize the story and/or to draw the reader in (depending on whether it is a "hard" or "soft" news story - See below for the difference between these two genres of news stories).
(Hard is all about facts, soft is more literary)
In a hard news story, the lead should be a full summary of what is to follow. It should incorporate as many of the 5 "W's" of journalism (who, what, where, when and why) as possible. (e.g. "Homeless youth marched down Yonge St. in downtown Toronto Wednesday afternoon demanding the municipal government provide emergency shelter during the winter months." - Can you identify the 5 W's in this lead?)
In a soft news story, the lead should present the subject of the story by allusion. This type of opening is somewhat literary. Like a novelist, the role of the writer is to grab the attention of the reader. (e.g. "Until four years ago, Jason W. slept in alleyways...") Once the reader is drawn in, the 5 "W's" should be incorporated into the body of the story, but not necessarily at the very top.
The body
The body of the story involves combining the opinions of the people you interview, some factual data, and a narrative which helps the story flow. A word of caution, however. In this style of writing, you are not allowed to "editorialize" (state your own opinion) in any way.
Remember:
The role of a reporter is to find out what people are thinking of an issue and to report the opinions of different stakeholders of an issue. These comments make up the bulk of the story. The narrative helps to weave the comments into a coherent whole. Hint: Stick to one particular theme throughout the story. You can put in different details but they all have to relate to the original idea of the piece. (e.g. If your story is about black youth and their relationship with the police you DO NOT want to go into details about the life of any one particular youth).
As a reporter, you are the eyes and ears for the readers. You should try to provide some visual details to bring the story to life (this is difficult if you have conducted only phone interviews, which is why face-to-face is best). You should also try to get a feel for the story. Having a feel means getting some understanding of the emotional background of the piece and the people involved in it. Try to get a sense of the characters involved and why they feel the way they do.
(Think about the five senses. Really describe the setting.)
Okay, got it? Let's look at two examples as a way of summarizing the essentials:
Youth are banding together to start an organization. You want to show why are they doing that and the changes are they trying to make in the world. You want to say who they are and the strategies they are using.
An artist is having her first show. Why? What is it that she believes about her art? Is her artistic process rational or from the soul? What does the work look like?
1. Find a topic
dirty dancing, Dawn
2. Find an angle
Why is administration cracking down on it
3. Collect info
Interviews, why, how to handle it, research
4. Gather interviews
Get to people who are involved in the situation
5. Write the story
Tie everything together
6. Edit
yes.
-Lead: most important information
-Limited space... keep it short and sweet.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Law and Ethics
First Amendment:
Speech, press, religion, and petition
The Tinker Standard (Tinker vs. Des Moines School District (1969)):
Student speech cannot be censored as long as it doesn't "materially disrupt class work or involve substantial disorder or invasion of the rights of the others."
-Basically students have those first amendment rights as long as it doesn't disrupt or invade the school's 'rules'.
The Fraser Standard (Bethel School District vs Fraser-1986)
Because school officials have an "interste in teaching students the boundaries of socially apporpriate behavior", they can censor student speech that is vulgar or indecent, even if it does not cause a "material or substantial disruption".
-Schools are prude and easily offended.
The Haezlwood Standard (Hazelwood School District vs, Kuhlmeier-1988)
Censorshop of school-sponsored studnet expression is permissible wen school officials can show that it is "reasonably related to legitimate pedogogical concerns."
-Censor stories in studnet newspaper about teen pregnancy and divorice.
The Frederick Standard (Morse vs. Frederick- June 25,2007)
January 2002, Olympic torch travels through town. Principal Morse cancels school. Senior Frederick unveils banner on the sidewalk across street which reads "Bong Hits 4 Jesus" and the students wer suspended for 10 days.
Speech, press, religion, and petition
The Tinker Standard (Tinker vs. Des Moines School District (1969)):
Student speech cannot be censored as long as it doesn't "materially disrupt class work or involve substantial disorder or invasion of the rights of the others."
-Basically students have those first amendment rights as long as it doesn't disrupt or invade the school's 'rules'.
The Fraser Standard (Bethel School District vs Fraser-1986)
Because school officials have an "interste in teaching students the boundaries of socially apporpriate behavior", they can censor student speech that is vulgar or indecent, even if it does not cause a "material or substantial disruption".
-Schools are prude and easily offended.
The Haezlwood Standard (Hazelwood School District vs, Kuhlmeier-1988)
Censorshop of school-sponsored studnet expression is permissible wen school officials can show that it is "reasonably related to legitimate pedogogical concerns."
-Censor stories in studnet newspaper about teen pregnancy and divorice.
The Frederick Standard (Morse vs. Frederick- June 25,2007)
January 2002, Olympic torch travels through town. Principal Morse cancels school. Senior Frederick unveils banner on the sidewalk across street which reads "Bong Hits 4 Jesus" and the students wer suspended for 10 days.
Monday, February 8, 2010
SUPER BOWL COMMERCIALS 2010
1.
What is the company?
Play Station
Who is the target audience:
Boys (18-30)
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
Humor, action
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
headshots, quick edits, continuity
What is the slogan/message for the company?
"Live in Your World, Play in Ours"
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
No. I'm a girl and I have no interest in any sort of vidoe game.
2
What is the company?
Budweiser
Who is the target audience:
Middle aged football fans
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
Humor, popular interest
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
Replay
What is the slogan/message for the company?
No slogan
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
No, I'm not a middle aged football fan, and I don't drink.
3
What is the company?
Chrysler
Who is the target audience:
"Women!!!! 100 PERCENT!"- Mr. Krebs
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
Celebrity
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
Sleek shots, black and white, looks clean
What is the slogan/message for the company?
Drive and Love
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
Not really, not a fan of the Deon.
4
What is the company?
Pepsi
Who is the target audience:
Men and women (teens-80)
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
Humor, Celebrity
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
Really really technical edits and snaps
What is the slogan/message for the company?
Its a Twist on a Great Thing
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
5
What is the company?
Fed Ex
Who is the target audience:
Anyone whose seen Cast Away
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
Humor
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
Nothing special, maybe some close ups.
What is the slogan/message for the company?
No slogan.
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
Yes, definitely. I will use Fed Ex anytime I need to send a package.
6
What is the company?
Dodge
Who is the target audience:
Gross men.
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
Humor, gruesome
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
Close ups
What is the slogan/message for the company?
"Grab Life By The Horns"
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
Very. Never going to buy a truck.
7
What is the company?
Gatorade
Who is the target audience:
People intersted in basketball/Michael Jordan
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
Celebrity/Professional athlete
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
Grungy, dark
What is the slogan/message for the company?
"Is It In You?"
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
Eh, not really. I like gatorade but I was not included in the target audience.
8
What is the company?
ESPN Sports Center
Who is the target audience:
Men (15-50)
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
Humor, Celebrity
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
Nothing special.
What is the slogan/message for the company?
"This is Sports Center"
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
9.
What is the company?
H&R Block
Who is the target audiene?
People with an income
What persuasive method used?'
Humor, celebrity
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
Locker room, brightness
What is the slogan for the company?
"Double Check"
Was the message effective?
No, not interested.
10.
What is the company?
budlight
Who is the target audience?
Middle aged men and women
What persuasive methods were used?
humor
How did camera shots enhance the message?
Bar scene
Slogan
Make it a Bud Light
Was the message effective?
To those who drink, I imagine so.
11.
What is the company?
Visa
Who is the target audience?
Sports fans
What persuasive methods were used?
celebrities, humor
How did camera shots enhance the message?
Camera pointing up, pointing down from different view points
Slogan
"Its Everywhere You Want To Be"
Was the message effective?
Not really.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
For reading time today: http://www.cnn.com
Definition:
Define “Journalism” in 1-3 sentences.
The telling of of current events that are news-worthy via Internet, broadcast (television and radio) and print (magazines and newspaper).
List and describe the six criteria of newsworthiness.
TITLE DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE
1 Timeliness; issues that are happening now, such as the earthquake in Hiati.
2. Significance; events that impact many people. The more people that are impacted in an event, the more significant it is. Examples could be an election, the super bowl, a natural disaster etc.
3. Unusualness; people care about things that are unordinary. People want to hear about things that are interesting and unusual. "Man Bites Dog".
4. Prominance; Important or famous people attract attention to the majority of society. Noone really cares if Sarah Wiley goes to college, but Mary Kate and Ashley made big news when they attended NYU.
5. Proximity; the location of an event, we care about things that are close to us. An example of this would be the weather, traffic, or special events.
6. Human Interest Story; "feel good", positive stories.
What are the advantages of print journalism?
1. You have the control over when you read it
2. What you read
3.
What are the advantages of broadcast journalism?
1. Video is much more engaging to the audience
2. The news is live, and gives the reader knowledge of whats happening right now.
3. Television is much more accesssible than some other forms of journalism because its virtually everywhere and easy to access.
Why has online journalism (convergent media) become so popular?
Online journalism is very accessible. People have control over when they read it, where they read it and how. Today, we live in a "we want it now" society. People are somewhat more demanding of the information they want and the easiest way to get it is to read online about what they want when they want to read it.
Definition:
Define “Journalism” in 1-3 sentences.
The telling of of current events that are news-worthy via Internet, broadcast (television and radio) and print (magazines and newspaper).
List and describe the six criteria of newsworthiness.
TITLE DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE
1 Timeliness; issues that are happening now, such as the earthquake in Hiati.
2. Significance; events that impact many people. The more people that are impacted in an event, the more significant it is. Examples could be an election, the super bowl, a natural disaster etc.
3. Unusualness; people care about things that are unordinary. People want to hear about things that are interesting and unusual. "Man Bites Dog".
4. Prominance; Important or famous people attract attention to the majority of society. Noone really cares if Sarah Wiley goes to college, but Mary Kate and Ashley made big news when they attended NYU.
5. Proximity; the location of an event, we care about things that are close to us. An example of this would be the weather, traffic, or special events.
6. Human Interest Story; "feel good", positive stories.
What are the advantages of print journalism?
1. You have the control over when you read it
2. What you read
3.
What are the advantages of broadcast journalism?
1. Video is much more engaging to the audience
2. The news is live, and gives the reader knowledge of whats happening right now.
3. Television is much more accesssible than some other forms of journalism because its virtually everywhere and easy to access.
Why has online journalism (convergent media) become so popular?
Online journalism is very accessible. People have control over when they read it, where they read it and how. Today, we live in a "we want it now" society. People are somewhat more demanding of the information they want and the easiest way to get it is to read online about what they want when they want to read it.
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