JournalisticwritingandEnglishclasswriting.pptVIP

Journalistic writing and “English class” writing Similarities and differences by Candace Perkins Bowen Center for Scholastic Journalism Kent State University Keep these ideas in mind: Each has a different audience. With an English class essay, the writer usually has an audience of one — the teacher. When writing for media, the writer has a much broader audience — the entire school or community. Each has a different purpose. Usually the English essay writer is trying to impress the teacher…and get an A! The journalist needs to clearly and often quickly inform, entertain or persuade an audience.  Not all journalistic writing is the same nor is all “English class” writing the same, but consider these general guidelines.Here are some differences… Journalistic writing has short, concise sentences. JW has simple, understandable words. JW uses short paragraphs, often one or two sentences. “English class” writing has longer, more complex sentences. ECW uses more multi-syllable words. ECW often has paragraphs of 100 words or more, including a topic sentence and its support. Organization varies… Newswriting is traditionally arranged in an inverted pyramid. The first paragraph is the lead -- with 5Ws and H. A summary lead is usually one sentence. Additional paragraphs are short and contain less and less important information. Essays traditionally are five paragraphs. The first paragraph is the introduction and thesis statement. Second, third and fourth paragraphs develop the topic using Compare and contrast Definition Classification, etc. The final paragraph is the conclusion. Organization Five-Paragraph Essay Inverted pyramid Lead - 5Ws H Gets less important Intro/Thesis statement Body Conclusion And information-gathering varies, too… Media writing uses lots of primary sources. Interviews with: Experts Spokespersons Newsmakers ‘People on the street’ Secondary sources include: Official records Reference materials Other media Essays often require material