CHAPTER 6: IN FOCUS: WRITING

T H E W H O L E N E W S S T O RY

The Mystery in Winning News

Writing Competitions

GROUP 2
JOY ANNE GASMIN
JHOANNA MAE ASSONG
C H E R RY V I N B A R C R L O
SARAH JANE ONDOY
 The Mystery in Winning News
Writing Competitions
One of the prime purposes of this worktext is to provide
aid to contestants joining press conferences in any levels
and in any categories, whether basic or tertiary.

During news writing competitions, the lecturer-judge may

confront the contestants from among the five situations as
motivations in the contest proper.

First, the lecturer judge may compel the contestants to

write about the opening program of the press conference.
Second, he may send contestants to a press
briefing. Sometimes, the contestants are not aware
that they are sent to a press briefing.

Third, he may send the contestants to a specified

venue to identify newsworthy topic of their choice,
gather the necessary data and finally write a five-to-
seven-paragraph news article elementary and
secondary) or seven-to-twelve-paragraph article (for
tertiary).
For gather-date-write-own-story motivation, the prime
technique is to ready to your time. While going to the
venue, quickly anticipate the topic that you want report,
way of your time. cannot afford to waste any time, since
you are only given a very limited time to gather
information and write the article. Your eyes should be
sharp to capture sources of news, primarily persons to be
interviewed and documents to be read. Make sure names,
including their designations, are accurately spelt. Be
careful on time elements, cause and effect relationships
and chronology of events. Get the exact name of the
source, his/her age, and significant detail that will
contribute to source of Information. making the source a
reliable and credible source of information.
The arrange-facts-make-own-story style is the fourth
motivation or situation in news writing competition. Here,
data will not be gathered as they are jumbled a sheet of
paper. The skill that is tested is primarily on the judicious
weighing of the writer on the Importance of catch
information so as to craft the news in its right are true
perspective. In doing so, the first thing to do is to read the
whole set of data understand its direction. By reading it, a
contestant should do it twice, thrice and so or until he/she
comes in a time that he/she understands the situation on
the news. He now labels the facts by numbering the most
important to the least important facts. He she makes
his/her first draft and editing follows.
Finally, the lecturer Judge may opt to use the convert-
document-to-news style This motivation in news writing is
also a challenging play. The contestants are given
document or a set of documents like a municipal
ordinance or school resolution. The will be asked to
convert it into a news item. The contestants should be
skillful to de the angle that will make the news of high
interest to the lecturer- Judge or the reader. When the
perspective is identified, weave the facts into a news
article following the given, say five to seven paragraphs or
so. Do not forget to cite the source the instructions
chronological order, the and effect, the importance of the
act, etc.
 creative writing skill
Other Winning
Tips in News
Writing Contest
In w r i t i n g t h o u g h , t he fo l l ow i ng m a y b e
h e l p f u l t i p s t h a t m a y v e e r y o ur w o rk fro m
the typical entries:

1. When writing a news report, use the active voice. The active voice
is more understandable and has more impact. Make short,
concise sentences with action verbs. Your language needs to be
simple and does not have extra words that do not really
contribute to the focus of the story.

For example, the weather or the fashion statement does not need to
be included unless it has a bearing on the overall story. While you
are writing, try to anticipate any questions a reader might have
while reading your story,
The passive voice is formed by using some form of the verb
"be" with the past participle of an action verb: Is shot, was
shot, has been shot, had been shot, may be shot, will be
shot. The word "by" may also signal the sentence is written
in passive voice. Rewrite sentences to eliminate the word
"by”

Examples: Passive voice: The PTA officers were ordered by

the principal to make the payment. Active voice: The
principal ordered the PTA officers to make the payment.
2. The load needs to be strong so it will grab the readers'
attention and make them want to read more. Remember, the
main verb should be housed within the first six or seven
words of the paragraph. Also, If it is a hard news story,
which is the breaking news or up-to-the-minute news, then
you include as many facts as you can in the summary of the
story. If it is a soft news story, a human interest story or
body of the story, background information, then you put the
facts in the body of the story.
3. The lead needs to tell the reader what the story is about and
why it is Important. The lead tells the reader why he should read
the story. It needs to sound like you are having a conversation and
that you are telling a trend about the latest news.

4. Some errors that are found in leads include the lead having
more than one main idea. When this happens, the reader will be
confused. 5. Leads can exclude certain readers if they are full of
jargons. Make sure the news report is suitable for everyone to read.
6. Make sure your sentences are under 25 words and contain only
one idea.
7. Use a simple subject verb-object form.
8. Do not use too many commas.
9. Paragraphs point 1 to say something new and, like sentences,
they should be short and to the point.
10. Never put more than three prepositional phrases into one
sentence.
11. Never put more than three numbers in one sentence.
12. Keep leads short. Those with 35 words or less are preferred.
13. Avoid starting leads with "when" or "where" unless the time or
place is unusual. Mast leads start with "who" or "what." Avoid
beginning leads with "there" or "this“.
14. in leads about future events, the time, day (date) and place
usually go at the end of the paragraph.
15. In le In leads about past events, the day (date) of the event
usually appears before or after the verb. Sometimes the day (date)
comes at the end of the first sentence or the paragraph if it is a
one-sentence lead.
16. Keep paragraphs short, Those limited to 60 words or less or no
longer than 10 typeset lines are preferred. Paragraphs ted to one to
three sentences are preferred.
17. Remember short paragraphs encourage readers to continue
reading.
18. Eliminate too many that whenever possible.
19. For past events, report it happened "Friday," NOT "last Friday.
Eliminate the word "last“ For future events, report it will happen
"Monday, NOT "next Monday. Eliminate the word "next.
20. Eliminate the "he" verb. Write "she will resign" instead of "she
will be resigning." White in future tense (will) Instead of future
progressive tense (will be "ing").

21. Eliminate words such when asked and concluded. These are
report what was said. weak transitions. Just report what was said.

22. A long title should follow the name., A tide that follows the
name should be lowercased and set off in commas. Shorter titles
that precede names should be capitalized
23. Avoid the contractions of he'd and they'd. He'd' can mean both
he had" and "ha would," and "they'd can mean both they had and
they would.“
24. Always double check the spelling of names.
25. Make sure numbers match the Items listed.
26. Make sure "only" is placed properly in a sentence. The location
of "only" can change the meaning of a sentence.
27. Write Rewrite. Revise. Rewrite, Revise. Edit. Revise. Edit. Edit.
The first version of a story is NOT good enough, Someone once
said, "There is no great writing, only great rewriting.”
28. Read the story out loud to catch awkward sentence
constructions.

29. Be very wary of your time Remember, you are in a contest.

30. Always stick to the instructions and taste of the lecturer judge.
Do not insert what you want. Remember, you are in a contest.
Grammar
31. If "none" means "no one" or "not one," use a
singular verb. Consult the AP Stylebook or Grammar
for Journalists for more information.

Example: None was found guilty.

32. When you use a pronoun a group, the proper

pronoun to use is its NOT they.

Example: The team wants to Improve Its record.

33. Make sure In stories or list other phrases "parallel"
or same in structure when they appear in stories or
list.

Examples: He likes gardening, fishing and hunting.

The fire killed at least 12 persons, injured 60

more and forced scores of residents to leap
from windows.
34. Use third person (she, he, it, its, her, hers, him,
his, they, Chem, their, theirs) in news stories. Only on
rare occasions do you use first person (I, mine, we, our,
ours) or second person (you, your, yours) in news
stories.

35. When "either... or" and "neither... nor are used, the
verb agrees in person with the nearer subject.
Examples: Neither the principal nor the advisers are to
blame. Neither the advisers nor the principal is to
blame.
Miscellaneous
37. When something is not clear, make a drawing of it.
Putting it on paper can clarify the situation.

38. When in doubt, leave it out. This has to do with

questionable information that may be libelous,
Incomplete Information and information the writer does
not have a clear understanding of.
Nonsexist, Non-ageist,
Nondiscriminatory Communication
39. Avoid words that reinforce agent, racial and ethnic
stereotypes.

40. Avoid racial Identification except when it is

essential to communication.

41. Substitute asexual words for "man" words or sexist

words.
 YES
NO
 people, humanity, human
beings, human race
 Mankind
 synthetic, artificial,
 Man-made
manufactured of human
origin
 Manpower
 workers, work force, staff,
personnel
Organization
42. Make sure information Introduced or outlined in
the lead is covered in the same order in the body of the
story.

43. Avoid introducing new information at the end of a

story, All aspects of a story should usually be
introduced or outlined in the first few paragraphs.

44. Transitions are necessary to show the reader that

the writer has a sense of direction A word, phrase,
sentence or paragraph can move the reader from one
thought to another
 Parts of Speech
45. Avoid using "Ike" for "as," The word "like" is a
proposition and takes object "As" is a subordinate
conjunction that introduces dependent clauses or
pronoun.

Example: As the guest speaker was about ta finish, she

conducted a mini-quiz bee

46. Most adverbs are unnecessary, Redundant adverbs

weaken strong verbs. Instead of "tightly clenched
teeth," write "clenched teeth. Instead of the radio blared
loudly, write the radio blared."
47. Most adjectives sparingly unnecessary. The concept
is oftentimes already in the noun. Use adjectives
sparingly.

48. Choose verbs that suggest what they mean. "Active"

verbs add pace, clarity and vigor to wrong, Verbs are
writer's most important tools. Avoid "be" verbs.
Punctuation
40. Use a comma with “according to”

Example: According to the news release.

50. Avoid comma splices and comma blunders. If a

comma is placed between the subject (noun) and
predicate (verb), it is called a "comma splice”

Example: The Fountain of Youth, is not in Uyugan. (The

comma is NOT needed)

If two Independent clauses are joined by a comma, this 15

blander or "comma fault,"
Example: The Fountain of Youth is not in Uyugan, it is in
Mahatao.

(This is known as a run-on sentence. A period or a

semicolon should replace the comma. It a period is used,
the "T" on it is also needs to be capitalized.)

Improved: 1. The Fountain of Youth is not in Uyugan. It is

in Mahatao.
2. The Fountain of Youth is not in Uyugan; It is
in Mahatao.
51. A comma should precede "such as" "especially" and
"including" when those words introduce examples.

Examples:
a. The advertised price of the tour does not cover
some personal expenses, such as laundry, entertainment and
tips.
b. He likes fruit, especially oranges.
c. In newswriting, students sturdy various
approaches to writing, including the inverted triangle,
chronological, narrative, personalized and first person. When
"such as" is used with a restrictive application, the commie is
omitted.

Example: Magazines brash these should be thrown in the trash.

52. Quotation marks go outside commas (") and periods
("). They go inside semicolons (") and colons (“:).

53. In a series, a comma is NOT needed before the "and“.

Example: red, white and blue.

54. The dash is a long mark (or:). There should be a space

before and after the dash. The dash should be used before
words and sentences run as lists.
55. The hyphen is a short mark (-) and is used to divide words
or to link hyphenated adjectives. Do not hyphenate adverb
ending in "ly" with adjectives. Write "Frequently misused
words," NOT "frequently-massed words.

56. Use an exclamation point in only the rarest of situations

and only after brief interjections. Exclamation points are
"graphic tantrums and sometimes demonstrate a lack of control
on the writer's part. The order of the words in a sentence should
he arranged in such a way that they make the desired
impression. Let the reader decide if the content is tent is
humorous or exciting on his or her own.
55. The hyphen is a short mark (-) and is used to divide words
or to link hyphenated adjectives. Do not hyphenate adverb
ending in "ly" with adjectives. Write "Frequently misused
words," NOT "frequently-massed words.

56. Use an exclamation point in only the rarest of situations

and only after brief interjections. Exclamation points are
"graphic tantrums and sometimes demonstrate a lack of control
on the writer's part. The order of the words in a sentence should
he arranged in such a way that they make the desired
impression. Let the reader decide if the content is tent is
humorous or exciting on his or her own.
55. The hyphen is a short mark (-) and is used to divide words
or to link hyphenated adjectives. Do not hyphenate adverb
ending in "ly" with adjectives. Write "Frequently misused
words," NOT "frequently-massed words.

56. Use an exclamation point in only the rarest of situations

and only after brief interjections. Exclamation points are
"graphic tantrums and sometimes demonstrate a lack of control
on the writer's part. The order of the words in a sentence should
he arranged in such a way that they make the desired
impression. Let the reader decide if the content is tent is
humorous or exciting on his or her own.
Quotes and Attribution
57. Use attribution only once per paragraph

58. Attribution is needed when policy change statements are

made, when opinions are expressed or when "professional
opinions from physicians, scientists, engineers and others are
used. Attribution is also needed with direct quotations and
indirect quotations (paraphrased information).

59. Attribution is NOT needed when facts common place and

NOT subject to dispute or when they are accepted and
historically true. 60. Attribution should be placed at the end of
the first sentence when the quote is made of two or more
sentences.
61. When one quote follows another, but the second one is from
a different source, attribution for the second quate should be
placed at the beginning of it. This helps the roader know
immediately that a different person is speaking.

62. "Said is the best word for attribution. Other words can be
used, but they should accurately represent how something is
said.

63. Use past tense verb (said vs, says) for attribution in news
stories.
64. Let quotes begin the paragraph. Show them off. Quote
marks attract the reader's eye. Use them to encourage the
reader to continue reading.

65. Avoid the use of quotes Quote or paraphrase material. Do

not mix the two.

66. Each time a different source is cited, start a new

paragraph.
Sentence Structure
67. Avoid using the same word twice in a sentence.

68. The optimum number of words to use in a sentence is 14 to

17. The average reader can hardly comprehend a sentence with
more than 35 words.

69. When writing becomes cumbersome, tum none lang

sentence into two shorter ones.

70. It a long sentence must be used, place a short sentence

before and after it.
71. Do not have more than three consecutive prepositional
phrases in a sentence Prepositional phrases start with about,
above, against, at, between, by, down during, for, from, in, like,
on, over, through, to, toward, under up, until, upon with.

72. Count the it the words in a story's sentences, s sentences,

Sentence length should vary. Stories become dull when
sentences are all the same in length.

73. Do not start or end a sentence with "however." Start the

sentence and then work "however" into it as soon as possible.
This word is intended to cause an interruption in thought.
Vocabulary
74. Use sample words. Never send the reader to the
dictionary.

75, Words such as "thing" and "a lot annoy some

readers. Avoid using them. (Note the correct spelling of
a lot.") Specify the amount, instead.

76. Be careful how the word "held" is used. Make sure

the object can be "held physically.

Example: Weak: The meeting will be held at noon

Monday In Anthony Administration Building, Room

Better: The meeting will be at noon Monday in…

77. Avoid using words that quality how someone
feels, thinks or sees, "Little qualifiers" include the
following: a bit, a little, sort of, kind of, rather,
around, quite, very, pretty, much, in a very real
sense, somewhat.

78. Avoid technical jargon unless 95 percent or more

the readers will understand it. It technical jargon is
used, and it will not be understood by the majority
of readers, be sure explain each term used.

79. Learn the difference between "affect" (usually a

verb) and "effect (usually a noun). Consult the AP
Stylebook or a dictionary for more information.
80. Know the difference between its (no apostrophe
tor possessive pronoun) and t's (the contraction for it
is).
Examples:
 The dog has a thorn in its (possessive
pronoun) paw.
 It's (contraction) time to go.
81. Know when to use "their" (possessive pronoun),
"there" (adverb) and they're" (the contraction for
they are).
Examples:
► It is their possessive pronoun) project.
► The project is over there (adverb).
► They're (contraction) working together
on the project.
82. Know the difference between whose (possessive
pronoun) contraction for who is).

Examples:
 Whose (possessive pronoun) coat is this?
 Who's (contraction) going on the trip?
83. Know when to use “to” (preposition), “too” (adverb) and
“two” (adjective) .
Example:
 The team is going to(preposition) Palarong
Pambansa in Albay.
 The public relations group wants to go,
too(adverb).
 Some members are not going on the trip
because it will take too (adverb) much time
from their schedules.
 The two (adjective) groups will go to Legazpi,
instead.
84. A person dies "unexpectedly," "apparently of a heart
attack," "after a brief illness, "after a long illness," "of
injuries suffered or sustained." "following or after an
operation" or "of a disease.“

85. In connection with suicides, it is best to say the person

was "found dead" or "fell or plunged to his or her death"
until the coroner completes his or her investigation When
suicide is reported, used died by suicide vs. committed
suicide.

86. In connection with arrests, write: "arrested in

connection with," "sought in connection with," "charged
with" or "arrested on charges of." If a confession involved
but the confession has not yet been admitted as evidence in
court, report only that the prisoner "has made a statement."
87. Injuries are "suffered or sustained," not
received

88. With murder, arrests are made "in

connection with the death of." It should not be
reported that a victim was murdered until
someone is convicted of the crime. In obituaries,
it may be said the victim was "killed" or "slain.“

89. Remember two objects must be moving to

"collide." If a vehicle runs into a parked one or an
object, say the vehicle "struck" the stationary
one.
90. Sometimes information cannot be verified. If doubt
exists regarding a person's name, report the person
"was listed by police as John Dimagiba" or he "gave
his name as John Dimagiba." If a person is dead or
unconscious and there is no identification, he or she
is "unidentified," NOT unnamed. If there are questions
about where a person lives, report "address not given"
or "address unknown.“

91. With fires, a building is "destroyed," NOT

completely destroyed. Buildings also are damaged
"lightly," "moderately" or "heavily." A fire may "gut" or
"destroy" the interior of a building. To raze a building
is to level it to the ground.