Journalistic Writing

Purpose:
• To retell events

Structure:
• Headline
• Byline
• Columns
• Subheadings
• Captions
• Different typefaces

Writer’s Knowledge:
• Clipped style
• Mixture of direct and indirect speech
• Summary of events in first paragraph – when, where, who, what
• Names, ages, places inside commas – ‘Ben Smith’ 10, from Lancashire….’
• Broad view of the story moving towards the details

Content:
• Details to bring events alive
• Use specific names of people and places
• Recount significant events
• End by commenting upon events
• Do not refer to yourself
• ‘It is alleged that ….’
‘there has been some speculation …’
‘ an eye-witness reported that …’
‘ a spokesman for the family claimed …’
‘is currently under investigation …’
‘several previous convictions …’