News writing exercises
Here are some news writing exercises to help you improve your skills:
Exercise 1: Write a news brief
- Choose a current event or news story from the past week.
- Write a 50-75 word news brief summarizing the story, including the who, what, where, when, and why.
- Focus on providing the most important information in a concise and clear manner.
Exercise 2: Write a news article
- Choose a local or national news story that interests you.
- Research the story and gather information from credible sources.
- Write a 300-500 word news article that includes:
- A headline and subheadlines
- A lead paragraph that grabs the reader's attention
- Supporting paragraphs that provide more information
- Quotes from relevant sources
- A conclusion that summarizes the main points
Exercise 3: Write a news feature
- Choose a news story that has a human interest angle.
- Research the story and gather information from credible sources.
- Write a 500-750 word news feature that includes:
- A compelling lead that sets the tone for the story
- In-depth reporting that provides context and background information
- Quotes from relevant sources that add depth and perspective
- A conclusion that summarizes the main points and provides a call to action
Exercise 4: Write a news analysis
- Choose a news story that has sparked controversy or debate.
- Research the story and gather information from credible sources.
- Write a 300-500 word news analysis that includes:
- A summary of the main points
- An analysis of the implications and consequences of the story
- Quotes from relevant sources that provide different perspectives
- A conclusion that summarizes the main points and provides a call to action
Exercise 5: Write a news review
- Choose a news story that has been widely reported.
- Research the story and gather information from credible sources.
- Write a 150-250 word news review that includes:
- A summary of the main points
- An evaluation of the reporting and coverage
- Quotes from relevant sources that provide different perspectives
- A conclusion that summarizes the main points and provides a call to action
Exercise 6: Write a news Q&A
- Choose a news story that has sparked questions and concerns.
- Research the story and gather information from credible sources.
- Write a 150-250 word news Q&A that includes:
- A list of questions and answers that provide information and clarification
- Quotes from relevant sources that provide additional context and perspective
- A conclusion that summarizes the main points and provides a call to action
Exercise 7: Write a news opinion piece
- Choose a news story that has sparked controversy or debate.
- Research the story and gather information from credible sources.
- Write a 300-500 word news opinion piece that includes:
- A clear and concise thesis statement
- Supporting arguments and evidence
- Quotes from relevant sources that provide different perspectives
- A conclusion that summarizes the main points and provides a call to action
Exercise 8: Write a news obituary
- Choose a notable person who has recently passed away.
- Research the person's life and achievements.
- Write a 150-250 word news obituary that includes:
- A brief summary of the person's life and achievements
- Quotes from friends, family, or colleagues that provide a personal perspective
- A conclusion that summarizes the person's legacy and impact
Exercise 9: Write a news wire story
- Choose a news story that has been reported by multiple sources.
- Research the story and gather information from credible sources.
- Write a 100-150 word news wire story that includes:
- A concise and clear summary of the story
- Quotes from relevant sources that provide additional context and perspective
- A conclusion that summarizes the main points and provides a call to action
Exercise 10: Write a news blog post
- Choose a news story that has sparked interest and discussion.
- Research the story and gather information from credible sources.
- Write a 300-500 word news blog post that includes:
- A personal and conversational tone
- Supporting arguments and evidence
- Quotes from relevant sources that provide different perspectives
- A conclusion that summarizes the main points and provides a call to action
Remember to always fact-check and verify information before writing your news story. Good luck!