1. Journalistic writing
and “English class”
writing
Similarities and differences
by Candace Perkins Bowen
Center for Scholastic Journalism
Kent State University
2. 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.
3. 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 “English class” writing
short, concise has longer, more
sentences. complex sentences.
JW has simple, ECW uses more multi-
understandable words. syllable words.
JW uses short ECW often has
paragraphs, often one paragraphs of 100
or two sentences. words or more,
including a topic
sentence and its
support.
4. Organization varies…
Newswriting is Essays traditionally are
traditionally arranged five paragraphs.
in an inverted pyramid. The first paragraph is the
introduction and thesis
The first paragraph is
statement.
the lead -- with 5Ws Second, third and fourth
and H. paragraphs develop the
A summary lead is topic using
Compare and contrast
usually one sentence.
Definition
Additional paragraphs Classification, etc.
are short and contain The final paragraph is the
less and less important conclusion.
information.
5. Organization
Five-Paragraph Essay
Inverted pyramid Intro/Thesis
statement
Lead - 5Ws Body
&H
Gets less
Conclusion
important
6. And information-gathering
varies, too…
Media writing uses lots Essays often require
of primary sources. material from
Interviews with: Reading a particular
Experts work
Spokespersons Drawing on insight and
Newsmakers information from
previous readings or
‘People on the street’ lectures
Secondary sources Applying personal
include: experience
Official records
Reference materials
Other media
7. But keep in mind
why that’s the case:
Different audience
Different purpose
8. BEWARE OF PLAGIARISM!
All writing needs attribution…
Media writing works Essays use various
attribution into the context: citation forms:
“The result is dangerous,” MLA
Mayor Fred Norton said. APA
According to the Health
Commission’s survey, 27
This could include:
percent of the participants Footnotes or endnotes
lost weight. Parenthetical citations
This is also necessary Bibliography
when using secondary
sources the reporter didn’t
interview:
“The result is dangerous,”
Mayor Fred Norton told
the Greenville Times.
9. It’s not quite that simple, but…
Not every assignment in English class is a five-paragraph
essay. Not every story in the media is a traditional news story.
Today’s publications — especially student media — often use
news features.
These start with a “softer” lead
Anecdote
Description
Suspended interest, etc.
Organization varies but generally has
An interest-catching beginning
A “nut graph” to show the focus
An ending that makes it feel “finished”
Plenty of short, interesting quotes
Transition to tie all the parts together
10. Remember, news and features
don’t contain reporter opinion.
While all readers would agree, it’s not a “tragic fire.”
Without a survey or other way to show this, it’s not
accurate to say “everyone owns an iPod.” What is
the source? Who researched this?
And even if “Greenville High School is better off
because she won the award,” the reporter shouldn’t
be the one to say it.
11. What IS the same?
The basic writing process
Brainstorm for ideas
Gather information
Organize and select appropriate information
Write the first draft
Share with a coach
Use coaching suggestions and insight for second
draft
Tweak as many times as necessary, polish and
submit
12. Good writing is still good
writing…
But when you become journalists, you have
to remember you have
Adifferent audience
A different purpose
And that means leaving some of your
English class writing behind.