JOURNALISM 101
A text whose main purpose is to inform the public about a recent event.
News Article
This question identifies the person or people involved in an event.
Who?
The large text at the beginning of a news article that tells readers what the story is about.
Headline
Information that can be verified as true or false.
Source
“School Opens New Science Laboratory” — What element of a news article is this?
Headline
The person who gathers information and writes a journalistic story.
Journalist or reporter
This question identifies the event or action that occurred.
What?
The opening paragraph of a news story, usually containing the most important information.
Lead/hook
A person, document, organization, or piece of evidence from which a journalist obtains information.
Source
“The championship took place Saturday at Central Stadium.” — Which two of the 5Ws are answered here?
When? and Where?
The quality of a news story that means it is based on facts rather than the writer's personal opinion.
Objectivity
This question identifies the location of an event.
Where?
The section of a news article that provides additional details, evidence, and context after the lead.
Body
The exact words spoken or written by another person and reproduced in a news article.
Quote
“Mayor Announces New Public Transportation Program”
— Which characteristic makes this more appropriate for journalism than the previous example?
It is clear, concise, and informative.
The term for information that answers questions such as who, what, when, where, why, and how.
5Ws
This question asks for the reason something happened.
Why?
A short line identifying the person who wrote the article.
Byline
A quote reproduced exactly as the speaker said or wrote it.
Direct quote
“AMAZING!!! BEST SCHOOL EVENT EVER!!!” —
What type of language should a journalist generally avoid in a factual news headline?
Exaggerated/emotional language
“Local Team Wins State Championship” — Identify this element.
Headline
This question explains the manner, method, or process by which something happened.
How?
The organizational structure in which the most important information appears first, followed by less important details.
Inverted pyramid
“By Maria López” — Identify this element.
Byline
“Three Students Win Regional Science Competition” — Which question from the 5Ws does “three students” answer?
Who?