News is information about events that are important or unusual. It can be broadcast on television, printed in newspapers or posted online, but it could also be shouted across a classroom or whispered to friends at a party. News can be about politics, sport or the weather, but it can also be about the death of a celebrity or the birth of a child. It is often reported by a journalist, but it can be written by anyone who has knowledge of the event or information about it.
People are the centre of most news stories, because they change the world around them. But events that occur without the involvement of people can still make news, for example a hurricane, a tornado, a flood, a drought or an earthquake. Other non-human news events can include animal behaviour, a crop disease or the launch of a new product. News about food and drink, including shortages and gluts, is a common feature of the media, as are stories about the arts, such as music, dance, theatre, painting or carving.
It’s not easy to write unbiased news, because all journalists have their own prejudices and beliefs which can affect what they report. But some methods can help to reduce bias in news articles. For example, using interviews can give a more personal touch to the story and help readers connect with the subject matter. Also, by using multiple sources and comparing opinions can help to keep the article balanced.
A good headline will catch the attention of the reader and give them a sense of what the news is about. It should be short and precise, but it should also convey the main point of the article. Avoid being vague or using cliches as they won’t stand out to the reader.
After the headline, the first paragraph should introduce the subject matter. It should include the five Ws (who, what, where, when and why) of the story, followed by any additional background information which is relevant. The writer should try to assemble as many facts as possible about the topic, so that the article is complete and accurate.
Writing a news article is a challenge because the information needs to be clear and concise. It is also often read in small chunks and quickly forgotten, so the writer must be able to capture the attention of the reader within the first few sentences. It is also helpful to use facts and figures to make the news article more believable and interesting to read.
Finally, the writer should ensure that all relevant sources are credited. This can be done by naming the people who are involved in the event, giving their contact details and providing links to further information. It is also useful to use a wide range of verbs and adjectives in the article, as this can make it more engaging and descriptive. However, these should be used sparingly to avoid over-writing and obscuring the facts.