JOUB39 -
Fundamentals of
Journalistic Writing
Class 8 – Structure
Revisited!
Agenda
1 Best of Voice
2 Structure & Structure Exercise #1
3
Structure Exercise #24
What Makes It Good?
Voice Exercise Review
o What's an orange? Have you ever seen the sun? Right, the sun! Not
the sun. Have you ever seen an egg yolk? Yeah! Egg yolk! Not egg
yolks. Have you ever seen a peach? Yeah, peaches! Nothing to do
with peaches. But he has the colours of the egg and the sun and is
smaller than a peach and more extensive than an egg. There's
something unexpected about the taste. After all, it would be best to
peel him off to find the flavour. What? Do you want to gnaw it raw?
I can't help it if that's what you want. Anyway, it tastes more like a
sweeter lime. It's easy and tasty and can be used as an ingredient in
multiple ways.
Voice Exercise Review
The citrus group of fruits have a bold personality. They're a whirlwind of
overpowering taste, bright colors and healthy vitamins and an orange is the
perfect candidate to represent them. Oranges can be easily equated with the
characteristics of an evening sun, with the exception that one can easily hold an
orange in the palm of their hand. Sometimes the orange color resembles the
skin of a Bengal tiger and other times it mirrors the color of your favorite fall tree.
This fruit has a dynamically complicated way of consumption, it is accompanied
by a hard peel to make sure it's protected from the cold freezers of a grocery
store. After peeling away the top layer, there is a generous layer of fiber that
strangely resembles a spider web. Despite the uncanny appearance, the fiber is
consumed with the rest of the orange. It is naturally stacked with individual
pieces that can be broken apart and then consumed. It tastes like a sugary
version of a lemon, consisting of a juicy taste and one might encounter a few
seeds. This fruit is a perfect example of a summer snack and the seeds that you
probably spit out can be used to give you hundreds of these little spheres of
health and taste.
Voice Exercise Review
An orange is a round fruit with a color that dances between shades of yellow
and orange, reminiscent of a sunset. Its surface is slightly dimpled and textured.
Before enjoying its juicy interior, you need to peel off its protective skin. This skin
can vary; sometimes it's thick and robust, while other times it's thin and delicate.
Beneath the skin, the fruit is divided into individual segments, neatly packed
together like pages in a book. When you bite into a segment, a burst of flavor
hits your taste buds: a delightful blend of sweetness with a hint of tangy
sourness, making every bite refreshing. The segments are juicy and tender, and
they separate easily, allowing you to savor each piece at your own pace. The
combination of its inviting color, unique texture, and delightful taste makes the
orange a fruit like no other.
Voice Exercise Review
A round fruit. Or is it? It is indeed a fruit. It is indeed round, round like the sun or
the globe atop Atlas’ back, round like the soccer ball of the children playing
outside. But it’s small enough to hold in one hand, about the size of a stone, just
not as heavy to lift. And, of course, an Orange is orange. Like the evening sky
just as the sun touches the horizon, like the last sparks from hot coal in a
dormant fire, a mix of candy apple red and–maybe– lemon yellow. Its skin is
smooth, but it looks to have pores; like a face that has lived a good life. It peals
easily, segments breaking off and citric wafts in the air; the scent curls around
the fingers. In the mouth it bursts, acidic juice making the lips pucker as if to
kiss–but still better than a common lemon.
Voice Exercise Review
I think oranges are the liveliest fruit. It's like a little ball of sunshine, and with its
bright color, warm aroma and lively flavor, it's a unique presence among many
fruits. I used to name oranges as my favorite fruit for a long time. My mom used
to put an orange fresh and plump orange on my school mornings from time to
time. Its cool touch made me feel cozy. I like to bring my nose to the surface of
the orange and sniff it gently; it's a light, sunny flavor. When I start to peel back
the protective layer of the orange, the air will instantly fill with an aroma that
belongs to citrus. Uncovering the interior of the oranges, they look like small,
juicy jewels next to each other forming a orange segment with a tantalizing
aroma. I closed my eyes enjoying the feeling of the juice exploding in my mouth.
It's a sweet rich combination of flavors. I was immediately transported to a sun-
drenched orchard of pure joy. And the orange peel remains in my pocket. On the
way home I sneak it out of my pocket and get close to sniff it gently. The gentle
fresh scent would save me from the leathery smell of the car. Yes, I mean if you
are a car sick person, orange peel can save you.
Voice Exercise Review
Just like the sky as the sun begins to fall
The colours so vibrant bursts,
Almost eager to escape the coming nightfall.
However those colours are within the palm of my hand.
So small and round
It emulates the vibrant sky too well.
I desperately want to know what is within this fibrous textured little thing
And so I peel.
I peel and I peel the vibrant colour away,
Only to find it once again.
Delicious it looks
and so I take a bite and my mind bursts just as the colours of that vibrant sky.
Sweet yet tart tastes fill my mouth as it waters from craving more.
This small vibrant and juicy piece of fruit leaves me energetic.
What could it possibly be?
Voice Exercise Review
o Think about a large ping-pong ball—with a scaly shell and not
made out of plastic of course. The fruit orange tastes like a lime
injected with some mango juice—making it the perfect combo of
sweet and sour. No, it cannot be substituted for a lime like lemons
but it is part of the citrus family, it’s a fruit that looks like it's a
mixture of the colors red and yellow—sometimes bright sometimes
not. Now that you know what an orange looks and tastes like, I
think it's time you tried your first orange. After all it is BITTER late
than never, right?
Voice Exercise Review
The orange is a round fruit, often of an asymmetrical dimension compared to other
fruits. It has a plethora of pores on its skin, similar to the skin of a human, yet with a
particular hue of bright orange. At its top, there is a stem, which is typically shortened
when provided through mass-chain supermarkets, leaving only a smaller stem, called
the peduncle extremity. Honestly the peduncle resembles a butthole. You must peel
the orange in order to reach the actual edible and enjoyable fruit, called the segments.
When peeling an orange, the skin can be quite thick, so most opt on cutting the fruit in
eighth slices, then sucking and biting the actual segments off of the skin. Optionally,
children keep the skin in their mouths, thinking it resembles a pair of teeth. In between
the peel and the segment of the orange, there is the pith, which has an off-white
colour with a tinge of orange. The pith is not often consumed, as it usually has a bitter
taste. As for the taste of the segments, they have a thin layer of skin covering juice
vessels and seeds – if it's organic. This skin, unlike the pith, is edible and tasty. The
fruit carries a tangy taste, along with a hint of sweet and tarte. This fruit has been
popularly transformed into juice around the late
1940s and rising in popularity ever since as a classic beverage. The taste of orange
juice is similar to that of an un-juiced orange, however, can range in textures,
depending on pulp. Pulp can be understood as the remnants of an orange, typically
made up of the juice vessels, as they too have a thin layer of skin. If a producer of
orange juice removes more or less pulp, this results
in more or less texture.
WSJ Feature Structure
• The story opens with an anecdotal, descriptive, or other lead
• The nut graf follows the lead and generally explains the lead
• The body of the story is supporting information (quotes, facts,
developments)
• The ending includes another anecdotal or description of the
people/person featured in the story
Texting Article Structure
• "Julie Zingeser texts at home, at school, in the car while her mother is
driving. She texts during homework, after pompon practice and as
she walks the family dog. She takes her cellphone with her to bed.”
• Paragraphs 2-4: Nut graf
• Body - looks more in-depth at how text messaging is affecting
teenager's social development.
• Ending - Still, she doubts she will change her text life anytime soon.
"When I don't have my phone with me," she said, "I feel out of the
loop." -
Feature Structure
Title and Headline
• Grabs the reader's attention and persuades them to read the article
• Highlights the main idea of the article.
Lede/Nutgraph
• Provoke the reader's interest by making an unusual statement.
• Provide any necessary background information.
• Invite the reader to take sides by making a controversial statement.
• Heighten the drama of an event or incident to intensify its appeal.
• Establish the writer's tone.
• Create a relationship between the writer and the reader.
Feature Structure
Body
• Subheadings.
• Research, studies, facts and statistics which support the writer’s main
point
• Personal viewpoints.
• Opinions from authorities and experts.
• Quotes and interviews.
• Anecdotes and stories.
• Specific names, places and dates.
• Photographs, tables, diagrams and graphs.
Conclusion
• Reminding the reader of the article's main idea
• Suggesting an appropriate course of action.
• Encouraging a change of attitude or opinion.
Other elements
Writing
• Short paragraphs, each centered around a main idea
• Refer to the audience in second person language
• Engage in literary and rhetorical techniques to engage the reader e.g.
rhetorical questions, anecdotes, imagery
• Don’t overuse adjectives or adverbs.
• Make certain that each sentence and paragraph adds to the impact
of the narrative.
• The story is arranged in a logical order.
• Look at how you are going to transition from one person or idea to the next.
• Learn to “Kill your darlings”
Final Feature
• Headline (5): The headline is creative and grabs the reader’s
attention. It is a strong match to the tone and content of the article.
• Lede (5): The lede is inviting and draws the reader into the story. The
choice of lede is appropriate, it flows well into the nut graph, and it
fits well with the rest of the story.
• Nut graph (5): The nut graph does a strong job of establishing the
story and summarizing the main point or question of the feature.
Final Feature
• Content/Body (25): The content and purpose of the writing are clear.
There is one, clear, well-defined topic/main idea. This main idea is
supported with detailed information. Major points are stated clearly
and are well supported by reporting (research, interviews, etc). The
feature content is comprehensive, accurate, and persuasive. Essential
questions are answered.
• Research and Sources (25): There is clear evidence of strong, varied
research, observation, and interviewing that lends richness to the
reporting. The writer has taken care to include the perspectives of the
relevant key players for the piece, and all sources used for quotes and
facts are reliable, credible, and cited correctly. The piece includes full-
sentence quotes from at least two different individuals used and
attributed appropriately.
Final Feature
• Organization and Structure (15): The structure of the article is clear
and easy to follow, and the flow of ideas is fluid and logical. The story
has a strong narrative and storytelling quality. The writer uses proper
transitions to make the story flow. The tone and voice in the article
are clear and consistent.
• Conclusion (5): The writer draws an appropriate conclusion and
writes it well. The choice of ending is appropriate for the piece.
Final Feature
• Spelling, Grammar and Vocabulary (10): The rules of grammar and
usage are consistently followed. The language is clear and precise;
sentences display consistently strong, varied structure. There is
strong use of descriptive vocabulary. The writer uses vivid words and
phrases that linger or draw pictures in the reader’s mind, and the
choice and placement is accurate, natural, and unforced. here are
very few or no faults with respect to spelling or punctuation.
• Fact-checking and Formatting (5): The article follows designated
guidelines. Information in the piece has been footnoted with sources
appropriately. The article is the appropriate length as described for
the assignment.
Exercise – Describe the Piece
For each of the following assigned readings by Lenti and Gilmore,
answer the following questions:
• What kind of lede is used? Which paragraphs make up the lede?
• After reading the nutgraph, what does the central idea/statement of the piece seem
to be?
• How is the body structured? What are the various sections and ideas in the body?
What evidence is used to support each section/idea?
• What is the overarching narrative/story of the piece?
• Who are the central characters?
• What kind of ending is used?
• What are three things you like about this piece? What is one thing you would
improve?
What Makes it Good? Lenti
o Headline?
o Lede?
o Nut graph? Was it clear what this was about?
o Supporting research, studies, facts, statistics, data?
o Expertise?
o Use of quotes and interviews?
o Visuals?
o Strong conclusion?
o Arrangement, organization, and flow?
o Voice and language?
o Clear, impactful writing?
What Makes it Good? Gilmore
o Headline?
o Lede?
o Nut graph? Was it clear what this was about?
o Supporting research, studies, facts, statistics, data?
o Expertise?
o Use of quotes and interviews?
o Visuals?
o Strong conclusion?
o Arrangement, organization, and flow?
o Voice and language?
o Clear, impactful writing?
Exercise – Sketch out your Piece
For your own piece, answer the following questions:
• Describe an anectodal lede you could use; and a descriptive lede you
could use.
• What do you think the central idea of your nutgraph will be?
• How will you structure the body? What are the various sections and
ideas you could have in the body?
• What evidence are you hoping to use to support each section/idea in
the body?
• What is the overarching narrative/story of the piece?
• Who will be the central characters?
• What kind of ending might you use?
Next Class – Objectivity and Fact Checking
o Two articles on objectivity – Lowery and Mattar
o The Walrus Research Guidelines
o The New Yorker Fact Checking
o Check out the Bad News Game – prize for whoever can get the
most followers! Need to take a picture to verify, hold up a piece of
paper with your name on it by your computer screen with your
follower count.