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Writing for Mass Media

A study released by the University of Colorado reveals that 60% of college students studying science, mathematics, or engineering switch majors due to poor teaching and an aloof faculty. Discover the findings and implications of this study.

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Writing for Mass Media

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  1. Writing for Mass Media Spring 2009

  2. Today’s agenda—March 5 • To return Quiz #4 • To discuss your leads • To discuss Story Structure • To review for Midterm Exam next Tuesday • To discuss extra credit points for Midterm Exam • Postpone Due date of Outside Assignment #3 until after Spring Break

  3. News • http://www.txwes.edu/masscommunication/index.htm • IABC Student Chapter • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=831265404#/group.php?gid=66979450750 • http://www.myspace.com/texaswesleyaniabc • Internships and other scholarship opportunities are posted on the IABC Facebook site! • Hard copies of internship opportunities are in my office

  4. Lead information • A study was released yesterday by the University of Colorado. The study was funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. The study said that 60 percent of college students who begin studying science, mathematics or engineering switch to another major. The study cited poor teaching and an aloof faculty as the cause.

  5. Your leads • Sixty percent of college students majoring in science, mathematics and engineering switched majors according to a study released Monday. • On last Friday, a study was conducted; it cited that 60 percent of college students at the University of Colorado switched their major, due to poor faculty teaching. • Poor teaching and an aloof faculty are the cause of the 60 percent of college students whom change their major.

  6. Your leads • The University of Colorado released a study on Monday and found that 60% of college students who begin studying science, mathematics or engineering switch to another major. • The University of Colorado released a study on Monday which showed that 60% of college students who begin with math, science, or engineering majors choose to switch to another major.

  7. Write this lead • A fire destroyed a home on East 17th Street. It was started by a cigarette that was discarded in a sofa. The fire left the husband, his wife and their four children homeless. The fire started at 1 a.m. and caused $30,000 in damages.

  8. Your leads • A family is left homeless when a fire destroyed there home causeing 30,000 in damages. The cause of the fire was a cigarette left in the sofa. • A family of six left homeless after there house burned down, a cigarette was found discarded in the couch. • A family of six was left homeless after a cigarette set fire to their house and caused over $30,000 worth of damages.

  9. Your leads • A fire completely damages a home, leaving husband, wife and their four children homeless. • A fire causes major damage to a home, leaving husband, wife and their four children homeless. • A family is homeless after their house burns down due to a lit cigarette.

  10. Story structure • Remember some of the basics like Inverted Pyramid

  11. Writing a Basic News Story • Inverted Pyramid and Story Focus • The basic news story is told upside down (inverted pyramid), with most important information first to least important information. Results of a news event first. Lead Less important info. Least important info.

  12. Story structure • First you determine your focus=lead • Determine the order • Review your notes from your interview • Categories • Did you have those? • Main points in order of importance • Quotes • Most important to least • Fit in with your categories/main points

  13. Story structure • The kiss-off method for using quotes • Use quotes from the speaker, then kiss them off • Use quotes from a different speaker, then kiss them off • Don’t go back and forth between speakers • THIS IS CONFUSING TO YOUR READER!!!

  14. Story structure • Story flow • Transitions • Chronological terms • First, second, third • And, but… • Repetition of words • Use of quotes • Use specific details • Strong lively sentences

  15. Story structure • Write short sentences • Write short paragraphs • Simplify your wording • Avoid jargon • Write in active voice

  16. Story Structure—in the middle • Parallelism; see page 163 for example • Pacing • Simple sentences for complex information • Lists can help

  17. The End • Future action • Return to the beginning • Quote ending • Just stop

  18. Extra credit for midterm • Choose one of the options • Let’s talk about the events • Basketball • Invisible children • Baseball • Table tennis • How many notes should you take? • Who should you talk with? • What if you need help?

  19. Midterm Exam • Check out the Review on the wiki • http://writingformassmedia.pbwiki.com/FrontPage#comment1236203074 • Come prepared to take the book portion on Monday • You may use AP Stylebook • You will write on Thursday. This portion is 25 points on your test.

  20. Tuesday’s agenda • Midterm Exam • Turn in your notes from your extra credit opportunities

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