Write Now: News Article Project
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as journalists, report on current events or personal experiences in a way that informs our community and demonstrates effective communication skills?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How do current events impact our daily lives?
- How can we effectively communicate information through writing?
- What are the key components of a news article?
- How does word choice affect the tone and message of a written piece?
- How do grammar and language conventions contribute to clear and effective communication?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to write a news article between 300-500 words.
- Students will learn the key components of a news article.
- Students will understand how current events impact our daily lives.
Common Core Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsHeadline News Challenge
Students receive a series of bizarre, attention-grabbing headlines stripped of context. They must collaboratively brainstorm the potential stories behind them, sparking curiosity about news writing and the importance of factual reporting.Truth Decay Simulation
The class engages in a game of 'telephone' where a short news story is whispered from person to person. The final version is compared to the original, highlighting how information can distort and emphasizing the need for journalistic integrity.Fake News Forensics
Students analyze several examples of viral 'news' stories, identifying the techniques used to mislead readers (e.g., manipulated images, biased language). This exercise equips them with critical evaluation skills and underscores the importance of media literacy.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Grammar Guardian: Voice and Mood
Students review and practice using active and passive voice correctly, as well as maintaining consistent mood in their writing.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA corrected set of paragraphs demonstrating proper use of active and passive voice, and consistent mood, along with a short explanation of why these corrections enhance clarity.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsFocuses on CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.1.C and CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.1.D, ensuring students can effectively use and recognize verb voice and mood. This also bolsters CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.2 by improving the clarity and accuracy of their writing.Ethical Compass
Students explore ethical considerations in journalism to understand the importance of responsible reporting.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA personal code of ethics for journalism, along with a comparative analysis of news coverage demonstrating an understanding of ethical considerations.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsIndirectly supports CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.2 by encouraging responsible and accurate reporting, and reinforces the importance of clear and unbiased communication.News Article Architect
Students synthesize their learning to draft and revise a complete news article on a current event or personal experience.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA polished news article of 300-500 words, demonstrating effective communication skills, adherence to journalistic principles, and proper use of grammar and vocabulary.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity directly addresses CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.2, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.4, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.6, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.1.C, and CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.1.D, as it requires students to apply all the skills and knowledge acquired throughout the previous activities.News Beat Basics
Students learn the foundational elements of a news article, focusing on structure and objectivity.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed outline of a news article structure with labeled 5 Ws and H, and a paragraph explaining objectivity in news writing.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.2 by introducing the basic structure and components of informative texts. It also indirectly touches on CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.6 as students begin to use domain-specific vocabulary related to journalism.Vocabulary Vault
Students expand their vocabulary to enhance their news writing, focusing on precise and impactful word choice.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA personal glossary of news-related vocabulary with definitions and example sentences, demonstrating an understanding of nuanced word choice.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsDirectly aligns with CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.4 and CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.6, focusing on vocabulary acquisition and application in writing. It also supports CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.2 by enabling more effective communication through precise language.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioNews Article Creation Rubric
News Writing Structure and Content
This category assesses the student's ability to organize their news article effectively, incorporating the key elements of a news story and presenting information in a clear and logical manner.Inverted Pyramid Structure
Demonstrates understanding and application of the inverted pyramid structure, presenting the most important information first.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe article flawlessly employs the inverted pyramid structure, presenting the most crucial information immediately and maintaining reader engagement throughout.
Proficient
3 PointsThe article effectively uses the inverted pyramid structure, presenting key information upfront and maintaining a logical flow of details.
Developing
2 PointsThe article attempts to use the inverted pyramid structure, but some key information may be buried or the flow of information is not consistently logical.
Beginning
1 PointsThe article does not demonstrate understanding of the inverted pyramid structure, and the information is presented in a disorganized manner.
5 Ws and H
Includes all essential elements of the 5 Ws and H (Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How) to provide a complete and informative account.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe article thoroughly and creatively incorporates all 5 Ws and H, providing a comprehensive and engaging account of the event or experience.
Proficient
3 PointsThe article clearly addresses all 5 Ws and H, providing a complete and informative account of the event or experience.
Developing
2 PointsThe article addresses most of the 5 Ws and H, but some elements may be missing or unclear.
Beginning
1 PointsThe article misses several of the 5 Ws and H, resulting in an incomplete and confusing account.
Grammar, Vocabulary, and Style
This category assesses the student's command of language, including grammar, vocabulary, and writing style, to ensure clarity, accuracy, and professionalism in their news article.Grammar and Mechanics
Demonstrates correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe article is free of grammatical errors and demonstrates sophisticated sentence structure, enhancing the clarity and impact of the writing.
Proficient
3 PointsThe article demonstrates correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure, with only minor errors that do not impede understanding.
Developing
2 PointsThe article contains some grammatical errors that occasionally affect clarity and understanding.
Beginning
1 PointsThe article contains numerous grammatical errors that significantly impede clarity and understanding.
Vocabulary and Word Choice
Uses precise and varied vocabulary appropriate for a news article, enhancing clarity and engagement.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe article uses a wide range of precise and impactful vocabulary, enhancing the reader's understanding and engagement with the topic.
Proficient
3 PointsThe article uses appropriate and varied vocabulary, contributing to the clarity and effectiveness of the writing.
Developing
2 PointsThe article uses basic vocabulary, but the word choice is sometimes imprecise or lacks impact.
Beginning
1 PointsThe article uses limited vocabulary, and the word choice is often inappropriate or unclear.
Voice and Mood
Maintains consistent and appropriate verb voice and mood to enhance clarity and engage the reader.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe article demonstrates skillful control of verb voice and mood, creating a consistent tone and enhancing the impact of the writing.
Proficient
3 PointsThe article maintains consistent and appropriate verb voice and mood throughout, contributing to the clarity and readability of the piece.
Developing
2 PointsThe article shows some inconsistencies in verb voice and mood, which occasionally distract from the clarity and flow of the writing.
Beginning
1 PointsThe article demonstrates frequent and inappropriate shifts in verb voice and mood, significantly impairing clarity and reader engagement.
Journalistic Principles and Ethics
This category assesses the student's understanding and application of journalistic principles and ethical considerations, including objectivity, accuracy, and responsible reporting.Objectivity and Fairness
Presents information in an objective and unbiased manner, avoiding personal opinions or subjective language.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe article presents information with exceptional objectivity and fairness, demonstrating a strong commitment to unbiased reporting and responsible journalism.
Proficient
3 PointsThe article presents information in an objective and unbiased manner, with minimal traces of personal opinions or subjective language.
Developing
2 PointsThe article occasionally includes personal opinions or subjective language, which slightly compromises objectivity.
Beginning
1 PointsThe article is heavily influenced by personal opinions or subjective language, demonstrating a lack of objectivity and fairness.
Accuracy and Fact-Checking
Ensures the accuracy of all information presented, verifying facts and citing sources appropriately.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe article demonstrates meticulous fact-checking and accuracy, with all information verified and sources cited impeccably, showcasing a dedication to journalistic integrity.
Proficient
3 PointsThe article presents accurate information, with facts verified and sources cited appropriately.
Developing
2 PointsThe article contains some inaccuracies or lacks proper citation, raising concerns about the reliability of the information.
Beginning
1 PointsThe article contains significant inaccuracies and lacks proper citation, demonstrating a disregard for factual reporting.
Ethical Considerations
Demonstrates an awareness of ethical considerations in journalism, such as privacy, conflicts of interest, and responsible reporting.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe article demonstrates a deep understanding of ethical considerations in journalism, addressing potential conflicts of interest and showcasing a commitment to responsible reporting with exceptional clarity and sensitivity.
Proficient
3 PointsThe article demonstrates an awareness of ethical considerations in journalism, addressing potential conflicts of interest and showcasing a commitment to responsible reporting.
Developing
2 PointsThe article touches on some ethical considerations, but the understanding is superficial or incomplete.
Beginning
1 PointsThe article disregards ethical considerations, potentially compromising privacy or promoting irresponsible reporting.