Transitions & Structure
Name one transition used to show time or sequence.
Earlier today, This morning, Later that day, Meanwhile, etc.
Convert to passive: “Students found a lost backpack.”
A lost backpack was found.
“At ISI this morning, a fire alarm went off during first period.”
Which W or H does “during first period” represent?
When
Define “reporting verb” and give an example.
A verb used to give information (said, confirmed, reported, announced)
One thing news anchors do to sound professional.
Speak clearly, use transitions, control pacing, use professional vacabulary etc.
Add a transition: “The alarm rang. Students exited the building.”
“When the alarm rang, students exited the building.” (or similar)
What two parts form passive voice?
Verb “to be” + past participle
“A guest speaker from Purdue University visited the school today to talk about engineering careers.”
Identify the Who.
A guest speaker from Purdue University.
Use “According to…” in a sentence.
According to ...
What is “pacing”?
The speed of the speaker’s voice.
List one cause and effect transition and one adding detail transition.
Detail: Moreover, Whats more, in addition, additionally
Cause and effect: Due to this, therefore, consequentially, as a result, etc
Why do reporters often use passive voice?
To focus on the event, not the person who did it.
“Students gathered in the auditorium because the robotics team revealed their new design.”
What is the Why?
The robotics team revealed their new design.
A neutral adjective that replaces “crazy.”
unusual, significant, unexpected
Fix this ending: “Okay that’s all, bye.”
“Reporting from ISI, this is ____. Thank you for listening.”
Use “As a result” in a sentence about a school event.
I did not study for the test, as a result, I failed it.
Convert to passive: “Maintenance repaired the door after lunch.”
The door was (by maintenance) repaired after lunch.
He managed to cut fifteen minutes off of his commute time by biking to work instead of walking.
Which words tell us "how"?
Choose the strongest reporting verb that indicates something is absolutely true: said / announced / claimed / confirmed
Confirmed (most factual and official)
Make formal: “We fixed the problem pretty fast actually.”
“The issue was resolved quickly.”
Add transitions to make this sound professional.
“A water leak happened earlier. The hallway was cleaned. Students returned to class.”
“Earlier today, a water leak occurred in the hallway. Shortly after, the area was cleaned, and students soon returned to class.”
Rewrite professionally: “Teachers canceled the assembly because the gym was flooded.”
The assembly was canceled due to flooding in the gym.
Here is a short news-style sentence:
“Yesterday afternoon, staff evacuated the gym after a strange smell was detected near the equipment room.”
Identify ALL of the 5Ws + H.
Who: staff
What: evacuated the gym
When: yesterday afternoon
Where: gym / equipment room
Why: a strange smell was detected
How: detection of the smell prompted evacuation
Restate with professional vocabulary:
“People freaked out when the lights went out and nobody knew why.”
“Students were concerned when the lights went out, and the cause was not immediately clear.” (or similar)
What is the structure of a news presentation?
Lead → Details → Quote → Result → Closing