Student Yearbook Guide

Student Yearbook Guide

Reporting

1.     Good Reporters

a.     Good reporters look and listen for their readers.

b.     Everyone at an activity or event is a potential source.

c.     Some sources offer better insights than others.

d.     Information gathering starts with the five W’s and H.

2.     Research

a.     Research helps reporters understand their stories.

b.     Previously published material is a place to start researching a story.

c.     Primary sources provide background and material that may become part of a story.

3.     Interviews

a.     The better the questions, the better the answers.

b.     Active listening produces the best results.

c.     Good notes contain direct quotes and facts.

Writing          

1.     Notes

a.     After taking good notes and enough detail, review them and find the story. Answer questions the readers would ask.

b.     If there are holes in your notes or questions that can’t be answered, then more reporting needs to happen before you begin to write.

c.     Find specific examples to support the main idea of their story.

2.     Stories

a.     The most appealing stories are about people. They will be packed with information and quotes and details.

                                               i.     Lead – Opening sentence introduces the story, sets tone and angle, and piques the reader interest.

                                             ii.     Quotes – Word-for-word statements from sources add voices and human interest to a story.

                                            iii.     Transitions – Gives context to quotes and make them meaningful. Helps readers understand.

                                            iv.     Conclusion – Ties the end of the story back to the lead. Gives the story a sense of completeness.

b.     Fact, figure, or quote copy formats complement the feature story as a sidebar.

3.     Good Writing

a.     Good copy depends on an angle and substance.

b.     Good copy seems tightly written and lively.

c.     Good copy uses narrative elements.

d.     Good copy seems fresh and original.

Read the article by Mallory Summers & see all the components working together

Writing effective headlines requires creativity, effort, and attention to details

What can you take from this page to help in writing creative headlines?

It has a lead that interests the reader, it talks about people, adds quotes, conclusion connects to the first paragraph.

Describe the 3-step process to writing dynamic headlines

1.     A solid understanding of content results in better headlines

2.     Word play and brainstorming are useful strategies

3.     Guidelines lead to quality and consistency

Captions                        

1.     Content

a.     Captions should do more than state the obvious      

b.     Captions answer readers’ questions about a photo

c.     Caption writing requires reporting

d.     Direct quotes from individuals in the photo add depth

2.     Describe the 3-step process to writing captions

a.     Caption formats range from identifications to mini-stories

b.     Sports captions require specific details and understanding

c.     Joke captions should be avoided

Photography

We will be discussing this section in class