Creating a zest for writing in L2

Writing Your Own Newspaper Article

Duration : 1 hr 40 mts

Task

Write a newspaper article on the topic ‘Banning of Tuition Classes in Sri Lanka’. First do a survey to find out the public opinion on this topic and then write your article presenting interviewees diverse points of view. 

Step 1

In pairs conduct a survey in order to find out the public opinion. Design an appropriate questionnaire with your partner and interview at least 7 - 10 people around (teachers, students in other classes, undergraduate/ graduate students, parents, etc.). (30 minutes).

Step 2

 In groups brainstorm on the key elements of ‘thorough reporting’. 

Tips for Writing a Lead

§  The Five W’s and H: Before writing a lead, decide which aspect of the story – who, what, when, where, why, how – is most important. You should emphasize those aspects in your lead. Wait to explain less important aspects until the second or third sentence.

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§  Conflict: Good stories have conflict. So do many good leads.

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§  Specificity: Though you are essentially summarizing information in most leads, try to be specific as possible. If your lead is too broad, it won’t be informative or interesting.

§  Brevity: Readers want to know why the story matters to them and they won’t wait long for the answer. Leads are often one sentence, sometimes two. Generally, they are 25 to 30 words and should rarely be more than 40. This is somewhat arbitrary, but it’s important – especially for young journalists – to learn how to deliver information concisely.

Source: Purdue Online Writing Lab

Step 3

In groups of 4 -5 draft the newspaper article based on the survey findings. You can talk about : 

·  the existing situation

·  who is affected by the controversial issue both positively and negatively

·  what changes could improve the situation

Step 4

Exchange your draft with that of another group, edit it and provide peer feedback.

Step 5

Re -write your article and include it in your portfolio of news items. 

Post teaching reflections

Students did the task remarkably well. This activity energized the students to go out and collect information from strangers and students of other classes. After the survey the students were able to see diverse perspectives of people on the controversial issue. Students found the reporting  task immensely interesting.