A good story just puts into writing what you know. In order to know something you have to be a good listener and a good note taker as you hear the news on CNN Student News.
Then you need to find out more facts about a story you have seen. Learning more about a topic will help you write an interesting story. You can use the news links on NewsQuest to learn additional information.
After you have read about your topic and found additional information you are ready to create your own story.
Next think about how to organize the facts you have learned with your own thoughts that you plan to include in your writing about the topic.
You need to narrow the topic to a manageable size. For example, donªt write about Iraq- write about the leader of Iraq, the Iraq debate in Congress, the Iraq fly zone, etc. You are focusing in on one area of a huge topic.
Construct a jot list of the things you want to include in your story. The sentences in your jot list do not have to be complete. Think in terms of the 5 Wªs. Answer who, what, where, when, and why.
Begin your story with an excellent introductory sentence. Remember, the goal is to hook your reader and make them want to read further. Refer back to the PowerPoint slideshow for examples of how to write these opening leads.
Decide on the order you want to put the jot list of items you decided to include in your story.
Create interesting, expressive sentences. Use your CNN vocabulary words wherever you can. Use colorful, descriptive words so that your story will make a picture in your reader's head.
Remember that all stories have a beginning, middle, and end.
Your beginning is the hook for the reader.
The middle gives details, explains your ideas, and provides evidence to support your ideas about your topic.
The end summarizes your story and tells the reader why your topic was important. It also tells your opinions or feelings about the topic.
Plus, good writers always check their spelling and punctuation. They also proofread their story to see if it makes sense and is written in a clear way.
Do your very best! Remember you are representing J. H. House as a member of the NewsQuest Writing Team!!!