300-400 Word Article Assignment

Newspaper journalists usually write a column or are given "inches" to fill for each edition. For an explanation of this, please take a moment to read the short article at this link.

Golden journalist rule: One inch = about 30-35 words.

Today, after your open note quiz, you will write an article in the lab that will be about 8-10 "inches" (300-400 words).

300 Word Articles--the short and long of it!

There is a special kind of magazine/news article known as the 300-word article. Here is your next assignment and some "articles" about it and examples:

1. Use the link below to find a topic you would like to write about:

• http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/06/13/182-questions-to-write-or-talk-about/?_r=0

2. Once you have selected your topic, research and write a 300-400 word article.

3. Write your 300-400 word article by changing your paper to 2-columns (in other words, the writing should appear as two columns on the paper you hand in). Change your paper layout design to accommodate this.

4. Proofread and turn in when completed to complete this assignment.

Tips about writing a 300 word article by journalist Brian Nelson: 

"I am a professional writer and editor. This experience has led me to see that there are two types of three hundred word articles, those that are short and worthless, and those that are the shortest possible way to say something worthwhile.
Three hundred words sounds like a lot, but it only is to a child attempting to fulfill a quota on a boring topic.  To illustrate, I would like to point out that as you finish reading this particular sentence, you have just read 125 words. In other words, by finishing the introduction and half of the second paragraph you have read almost half of a 300 word article.
Thus, four or five paragraphs of three to five sentences each is all that a 300 word article would contain. Both writer and editor may benefit, then, from a template of sorts that ensures both readability and value in such limited writing space.
While many such templates are possible, one of the easiest to use and remember is to write an introduction of three sentences.  Then, a second paragraph which consists of a provocative first sentence.  A second sentence containing an example, and a third sentence summing up the first and second sentence in the form of a conclusion.
The third paragraph is three or four sentences applying the principals discussed in the second paragraph.  Depending upon the audience for the article, this is where the writer would discuss using the information in daily life, business, or for persuading others.  Also, any suggested paradigms.
Lastly, a concluding paragraph consisting of two sentences, one of which restates the introduction and the second of which claims the article supplies the proof or answer, depending upon the article being written.  Using this template, anyone can write useful 300 word articles in just minutes." (--by Brian Nelson)

So, if we take Mr. Nelson's advice, we have the following breakdown template:

• Introduction (1st paragraph) 3 sentences (your hook, your lead-in, and your thesis). 
• 2nd paragraph (3 sentences): a hook (topic sentence), an example, and a concluding statement summing up sentence 1 & 2. This should connect somehow to your introduction.
• 3rd paragraph (3-4 sentences): 3-4 sentences connected to the 2nd paragraph to further discussion of the topic/thesis of the article. This might be a good place to put your facts, details, etc.
• 4th paragraph (2 sentences): concluding statement & last, but not least, a restatement of your claim (thesis) and perhaps a reason we should care. 

Links for further help if you need it:

• www.drostdesigns.com/how-to-write-a-300-word-article-in-30-minutes-or-less/
• an example of a 300 word article: www.donna-warren.com/portfolio/seo.html

HOMEWORK: Complete assignments you did not complete already (see previous HOMEWORK on earlier posts!)

Black Like Me. Please read pages 77-101 (November 15-November 21). As you read, please notice the function of the journalist. Be prepared to discuss how John Howard Griffin is fulfilling that duty and responsibility of a journalist in his book (pages 1-101). Look for textual examples to support your claim.