Learn How to: Write A News Article

Question

What are the qualities of a good news article?

Gerald Posner
Author & Journalist

Gerald Posner is an Author & Journalist based in Miami, Florida. With over 35 years of experience, he specializes in investigative journalism, nonfiction books, and editorials. He holds a law degree from UC College of the Law, San Francisco, and a BA in Political Science from the University of California-Berkeley. He’s the author of thirteen books, including several New York Times bestsellers, the winner of the Florida Book Award for General Nonfiction, and has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History. He was also shortlisted for the Best Business Book of 2020 by the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing.

Gerald Posner

Author & Journalist

Expert Answer

A good news article lays out the facts of a story and lets the reader draw their own conclusions—the author doesn't try to insert their opinion into the story. Opinionated pieces are best saved for the op-ed section of a publication, though.

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Question

How will I end my news article?

Community Answer

With the least important information and/or minor details that could be cut off by the editor and still make your article make sense.

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Question

How many words should be in the lead paragraph?

Community Answer

It can vary in length, however I typically write 2-4 sentences in the lead paragraph. Make sure you include a thesis and brief summary to guide the rest of your article. The lead paragraph should be a guide to the whole article.

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Question

What are some qualities of a good news writer?

Community Answer

The main qualities of a good news writer is the ability to search out a news worthy event or idea that others may find interesting. They are clear, concise, and relate to their audience.

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Question

Is it the same for a school newspaper?

Community Answer

Yes, but think more about your audience, because it will differ from the real world.

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Question

Should the headline of the article have quotation marks and an exclamation mark?

Community Answer

Quotation marks only if you are actually quoting someone, and never exclamation marks.

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Question

What is the best way to write a news article?

Community Answer

Read a lot of articles and take down notes on their strength and weaknesses. Learn from them and find your own style.

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Question

How do I write a science related news article?

Community Answer

Well-written news articles on science topics should be able to explain scientific concepts clearly and understandably to the layperson. You can start by writing about a new study that was done and summarize its results. Get some opinions on the subject by conducting interviews with the people behind the study and other experts. Remember to explain any jargon or complex concepts.

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Question

What is the average length an article should be?

Community Answer

I would say 3-5 paragraphs. But don't limit it to that if your article is not complete. Also, read articles, watch the news, and review your topic before writing.

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Question

Does this apply to school newspaper articles too?

Community Answer

Yes, it does, but you will have to think more about your audience. They may be more or less interested in certain topics. You will also have to consider any rules your school has about the kind of material that can be published.

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Question

How do I write an article to a newspaper on the benefits and misuse of mobile phones in our lives?

Community Answer

Write it the same way you would any other article. Compile your facts, craft a good lead, and support it with the information you gathered. You can also write a less formal letter to the editor to comment on social issues regarding mobile phones.

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Question

How can I use comments as a source for my article?

Community Answer

You can just say something like, "[Username] in the comment section of [website] had this to say," followed by their comment.

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Question

What font should a newspaper article be in?

Community Answer

It should use any standard and basic font without serifs.

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Question

What if I have nobody to interview?

Community Answer

Credibility is key, so it may be very beneficial, depending on the topic. Even interviewing a friend online or in person would be fine as long as they have a different last name. If no one is available, research some primary sources and incorporate those.

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Question

I'm trying to write a news article about something I feel strongly about, but the article sounds like a boring essay. How can I make it more interesting?

Community Answer

Use a thesaurus to improve your vocabulary and include quotations from relevant people.

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Question

How do I start the introduction?

Community Answer

Start with a strong hook/thesis and background information about your topic. It is basically the summary of what your article is going to be.

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Question

How do I write a newspaper article about history?

Community Answer

Gather all the facts about your certain topic, and be sure all your sources are accurate.

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Question

If I want to write an article about a person or company, do I have to get their permission to publish it?

Community Answer

No, you don't.

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Question

What facts that I should consider unimportant while writing a newspaper article?

Sandip Dhal

Community Answer

You should consider the detailed part or anything you have to over explain to be unimportant.

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Question

What is the format of a newspaper article?

Community Answer

A method called the inverted pyramid. Start off with main points of the article. This will be your lead, and make sure it is short, but summarizes and hooks the reader onto your article. This will have the most important information. Then, add a couple short paragraphs that add more essential and detailed information about the main topic. Finish off with the least important details that could be cropped by the editor without your article losing meaning.

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Question

I am doing a university newspaper. What should it be like?

Mysterious Author

Community Answer

Be creative. Write down everything you think of for the university newspaper. It should be interesting and a newspaper that can catch the reader's attention.

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Question

What are the differences between a news article and a regular article?

Community Answer

News articles include only the facts about an event or situation, whereas a regular article may include the opinions of the author.

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Question

Should I use first, second or third person narrative for a news article?

Community Answer

A news article is always written in third person.

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Question

Do I have to write a long newspaper for it to be good?

Community Answer

The word count really does not matter. A good article does not need to be long, it just needs to be well-written and interesting. The only time word count matters is if you're writing for a publication and they have given you specific instructions about how long the article should be.

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Question

I am doing a homework newspaper about David Attenborough. What are a few tips so that I can make it perfect?

Community Answer

You should thoroughly research his life and work, and be sure to mention how he became interested in nature and studying it. Add a timeline of his most famous/significant projects or works, and reference any interviews he has done. Make sure to use quotes, giving credit to the original sources.

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Question

Where do I write a byline on a news article?

Community Answer

Below the headline of your news article.

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Question

Do news articles need a headline?

Victoria

Top Answerer

Yes, all news articles should have a headline. It should be short, yet grab your readers’ attention.

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Question

How many pictures should I put in it?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Make several photos available, if possible, and the editor will decide how many to use.

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Question

Does it matter how old I am?

Donagan

Top Answerer

If they consider you a good writer, no one will care about your age.

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Question

How much information should be gathered before writing an article?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Gather everything available. You don't have to use it all, but it's much better to have too much information on hand than too little. If you include too much information in your article, it can be edited out before publication.

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