Hard News Story

Writing for the Media
Hard News Story
Task
Write ONE hard news story.
Some suggested topics:
• Politics
• Economics/business
• Sport
• Crime
• Environment
• Entertainment
Requirements
Stories must be at least 150 words long. They can be LONGER.
Stories should have a headline and must contain at least one quote.
They must be written in paragraphs and formatted neatly using font size 12.
Stories may contain photos but photos and captions will not carry marks.
You must create all the information and details and you must use your own words – no copying from anywhere and all quotes from your own mind. Plagiarised assignments receive 0%.
Stories must be word-processed.
No cover page

Marking Criteria/Rubric

Total marks: 15%

2 ½-3 1-2 0-½
1½-2 1 0-½
Headline (2) Clear or very clear, well written, factual and attractive. Aspects of headline writing present but lacking. Missing, completely abstract or irrelevant.
Lead (3) As many of 5Ws and H present, logic, flow, complete lead. Some 5Ws and H, gives an idea of content but incomplete or unclear Only 1 or 2 Ws and H, not well written, unclear, incorrect focus.
Structure/logic (2) Inverted pyramid structure, order of content, no important info at the end. Makes sense and logical. Some effort to present info in order but vital facts missing or at the end, not clearly written and some illogical aspects. Almost no sequence or order, points are muddled, essential info missing. Makes no sense.
Details/facts (3) All facts given are relevant, informative, as the reader expects. Some details and facts present but others missing or irrelevant/illogical. Facts do not link with the story, details are irrelevant or missing.
Quotes (2) Good quotes to support story. Present but not relevant or informative or from irrelevant source. None.
Spelling/grammar (3) Hardly any s/g mistakes, flows well and easy to read and understand. Several s/g mistakes reducing readability. Consistent and serious s/g mistakes that hinder the flow of the story.