English 9

Good morning. Today students will explore what it is like to be a journalist. They are given the opportunity to work for Rolling Stone magazine. Students will be asked to do the following:

1. Review recent publications of RS magazine to identify elements of style, details and important information to include in their own writing.
2. Research a band or artist of their choice.
3. Learn how to write an effective lead.
4. Drafting and editing. Write and edit their copy before submitting.

Effective leads (class notes):

• The lead is the beginning of the piece.

• If the lead is not interesting, it is unlikely that the rest of the piece will be interesting. Every lead must hook the reader. A good lead captures the reader's interest, introduces the subject, and carries the reader into the following material.

• Leads can be a few sentences, while others may run several paragraphs.

• Students should write three or four leads before deciding upon their best.

Whatever type of lead you choose for a piece, it must:

 

• Capture the reader's interest

• Introduce your subject

• Move smoothly into the body of your piece

Here are some ways to write leads for non fiction:

• State a problem

• Use an interesting quotation

• Ask the reader a direct question

• Offer an interesting or unusual fact

• Offer an alarming or surprising statistic

• Relate a compelling anecdote, or a joke

 

What...more notes! No, But you need to read this before you begin your assignment.


Just a review before you write. In writing, good organization results in a smooth flow of main ideas and details that carry the reader along. Nonfiction writing is usually organized in a chronological or logical manner. Whatever way you use to organize your information, your ideas must be supported with facts, examples or statistics.

Your turn:

Write a 300-500 word article on an artist of your choice.

1. Choose your artist.

2. Research and gather facts, information, statistics, quotes, etc.

3. Organize your information.

4. Create an outline (5 marks)

5. Write a rough draft (5 marks)

6. Write 4-5 leads.

7. Choose you best lead.

8. Have somebody peer review your work for spelling, grammar, clarity, flow, etc.

9. Revise and write your final draft (12 marks).

10. Hand in all rough work and a final copy.