If you want to write for a local newspaper or a letter for a small school newspaper, you will want to write like a professional writer if you want to write a good article. If you want to write like a real reporter, the first step to take is that you must decide what to write about. Sometimes you will be given a specific assignment by your editor or instructor. At times you will have to research your own topics to write about.

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If you do have a choice about the topic, you might be able to write an article that is related to your own personal experience or family history. That would certainly give you a strong framework and a dose of perspective. However, you must try to avoid bias. You may have strong opinions that affect your conclusions. Beware of fallacies in your logic.

You could also pick a topic that revolves around a strong interest, like your favourite sport. Even if you are able to start out with a topic close to your heart, you should conduct research right away to read books and articles that will give you a full understanding of your story. Go to the library and find background information about people, organizations, and events you intend to cover.

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Next, interview a few people to collect quotes that reflect the public’s perception of the event or story. Don't be intimidated by the idea of interviewing important or newsworthy people. An interview can be as formal or informal as you want to make it, so relax and have fun with it. Find a few people with strong opinions and write down the responses for accuracy. Also, let the interviewee know that you will be quoting him or her.

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Grace Fleming

You do not put a list of sources at the end of a news story

The Newspaper Report differs from most text types which follow the following format:

• Introduction.
• Body.
• Conclusion

LAND GRABS

Ria Fourie
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each paragraph may be indented.

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**Short eye-catching headline encapsulates the main idea of the article.
The name of the journalist and the place where the article was written usually appears in bold capital letters at the top of the first paragraph. This is referred to as the by-line.

A newspaper article is usually divided into columns containing short paragraphs of about three sentences each.

A line may be left between paragraphs or the first word of each paragraph may be indented.

There is an inverted pyramid structure, which gives information from most important to least important.

The lead paragraph is a short summary** of the article. It should introduce the *who, what, where, when, why and howthat is to follow.

Each fact or idea is then expanded in its own paragraphs.

The tone appears to be unbiased and impersonal, although no text can ever be totally neutral. You 'read between t be able to 'read between the lines' to establish the bias. The emphasis is on facts and not opinions.

Articles are reported in the third person (he, she, it, they). The first person (I, me) is never used.

The use of people's names adds authenticity.

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Use direct speech and inverted commas when people comment or give evidence. This adds interest and emphasis.

Present and past tense verbs are often found in the same article or report.

Source: EBH Joubert, English Grammar
https://www.thoughtco.com/how-to-write-a-news-article-1857250

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