• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
  • EDIT Edit this Article
  • EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
  • Browse Articles
  • Learn Something New
  • Quizzes Hot
  • This Or That Game New
  • Train Your Brain
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
  • Education and Communications
  • Article Writing

How to Write a Newspaper Article

Last Updated: March 16, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Gerald Posner . Gerald Posner is an Author & Journalist based in Miami, Florida. With over 35 years of experience, he specializes in investigative journalism, nonfiction books, and editorials. He holds a law degree from UC College of the Law, San Francisco, and a BA in Political Science from the University of California-Berkeley. He’s the author of thirteen books, including several New York Times bestsellers, the winner of the Florida Book Award for General Nonfiction, and has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History. He was also shortlisted for the Best Business Book of 2020 by the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 326,301 times.

A newspaper article should provide an objective, factual account of an event, person, or place. Most newspaper articles are read quickly or skimmed by the reader, so the most important information should always appear first, followed by descriptive content that rounds out the story. By conducting research and following the correct organizational structure, you can create an informative newspaper article in no time.

Sample Articles

newspaper article writing checklist

Conducting Interviews and Research

Step 1 Contact sources for the article.

  • Your sources should be experts in the field your article is focusing on, such as a certified professional, a professor, or an academic. You can use sources that have extensive experience or background in a field that relates to your article.
  • Sources like a witness to an event can also be useful, especially if they have first-hand experience of the topic you are covering.

Step 2 Conduct interviews with your sources.

  • You may need to conduct more than 1 interview with your sources, especially if they are a major source for the article. You can also send follow-up questions to your sources as needed.
  • You will need to transcribe your interviews by typing them up to ensure you quote your sources correctly. Having transcriptions will also make fact checking your article and backing up your sources much easier.

Step 3 Look up public information on the topic at your local library and online.

  • Make sure you cite the information properly in your article by noting the name or organization that provided the information. You should have credible sources to back up any claims or arguments made in the article.

Step 4 Fact check any statistics or numbers before you use them in the article.

  • If you are writing the newspaper article for an editor, they may require you to provide a list of your sources for the article to show you have fact checked your work.

Structuring the Article

Step 1 Create an engaging, informative headline.

  • For example, you may create a headline like, “Teen Girl Missing in Okotoks” or “Congress Stalls on Family Planning Bill.”
  • In some cases, it may be easier to save the headline for last, after you have written the article, so you know what the focus of the article is and can sum it up clearly.

Step 2 Open the article with a “lead” first sentence.

  • For example, you may write a lead like, "An outbreak of flu in San Francisco has led to 3 elementary school closings this week, according to school officials." Or, "A missing girl originally from Okotoks was found Monday in an abandoned cabin in the Minnetonka area, according to local police."

Step 3 Place information chronologically, starting with the most current, important details.

  • For example, you may write, “10-12 students have been diagnosed with the flu and health officials fear it could continue to spread if it is not contained.”

Step 4 Expand on key details in the rest of the article.

  • For example, you may write, “The teen girl was reported missing on Friday afternoon by her mother after she did not come home from a study date at a friend’s house. She is the second girl to be reported missing in the past 2 weeks from the Okotoks area.”

Step 5 Include at least 2-3 supporting quotations from sources.

  • For example, you may write, “‘The girl is shaken, but does not appear to have any serious injuries,’ stated local Police Chief Wilborn.” Or you may write, “According to a statement by school officials, ‘The shutdown will prevent the flu from spreading further and ensure the safety of our students.’”
  • Avoid using long quotes or more than 4 quotes in the article, as the reader may get confused or lost if there are too many quotations.

Step 6 End with an informative quote or a link to more information.

  • For example, you may write, “The girl’s mother expressed relief for her daughter and concern about her community, noting, ‘I just hope no other girls go missing in this area.’”
  • Or you may write, “Local health officials are urging parents to check the municipal health and wellness website, www.hw.org, for updates on when schools are able to reopen.”

Creating the Appropriate Voice and Tone

Step 1 Use specific, clear language that is easy to follow.

  • For example, rather than write, “The missing girl’s mother thought it had to do with school,” you may write, “The missing girl’s mother thought bullying at school may have caused her daughter’s absences.”

Step 2 Write in the active, third person voice.

  • For example, rather than write, “A press conference will be held by local police tomorrow to address the missing girls and the public’s concerns,” you may write, “Local police will address the missing girls and the public’s concerns in a press conference tomorrow.”

Step 3 Maintain an objective, informative tone in the article.

  • For example, if you're writing about two political candidates running against each other in an election, present both candidates in an equal light, rather than giving extra details about 1 candidate.
  • If you're writing an op-ed piece, it's okay to mix some of your opinions with the facts.

Polishing the Article

Step 1 Read the article aloud.

  • Reading the article aloud can also help you catch any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors.

Step 2 Show the article to others for critique and feedback.

  • For example, you may ask others questions like, “Were you able to understand what happened, based on the information in the article?” “Was the language clear and easy to follow?” “Was the article well supported with sources and quotes?”

Step 3 Revise the article for voice, tone, and length.

  • If you are writing the newspaper article for a class, make sure it falls within the prescribed word limit for the assignment.

Expert Q&A

Gerald Posner

You Might Also Like

Write a News Article

Expert Interview

newspaper article writing checklist

Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about writing as a career, check out our in-depth interview with Gerald Posner .

  • ↑ https://guides.lib.vt.edu/researchmethods/interviews
  • ↑ https://www.csus.edu/indiv/o/obriene/art116/readings/guide%20for%20conducting%20interviews.pdf
  • ↑ https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2013/01/22/part-4-what-people-want-from-their-libraries/
  • ↑ https://settlement.org/ontario/daily-life/communication/ethnic-and-cultural-media/what-is-fake-news-and-how-to-stop-spreading-misinformation/
  • ↑ https://www.viasport.ca/communications-toolkit/module-4-how-write-engaging-sports-article
  • ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/journalism_and_journalistic_writing/writing_leads.html
  • ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/735/05/
  • ↑ https://www.lib.sfu.ca/about/branches-depts/slc/writing/sources/quoting
  • ↑ https://lib.trinity.edu/in-text-citation-and-notes//
  • ↑ https://www.csus.edu/campus-safety/police-department/_internal/_documents/rwm.pdf
  • ↑ https://www2.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/tech/evidence-based-practices/finalreport.pdf

About This Article

Gerald Posner

To write a newspaper article, gather all of your sources and verify any facts or sources you plan to use. Write an opening sentence that tells the readers the most essential details of the story. Write in third person, active voice, and maintain an authoritative tone throughout the article. Keep in mind the questions “Who,” “What,” “Where,” “When,” “Why,” and “How” when you’re writing your story, and try to answer as many of them as you can. When you’re finished writing the article, craft a short, engaging headline that tells readers what the article is about. To learn how reading your article out loud can help you proofread it, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

  • Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Atiya Bokhary

Atiya Bokhary

Feb 20, 2017

Did this article help you?

newspaper article writing checklist

Hasini Gunathilaka

Dec 24, 2017

Anonymous

Oct 21, 2017

Anonymous

Oct 19, 2016

Jun 26, 2017

Am I a Narcissist or an Empath Quiz

Featured Articles

Study Efficiently

Trending Articles

How to Take the Perfect Thirst Trap

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round Gift

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

  • International
  • Schools directory
  • Resources Jobs Schools directory News Search

Newspaper checklist and template

Newspaper checklist and template

Subject: English

Age range: 11-14

Resource type: Worksheet/Activity

Sjb1987's Shop

Last updated

2 January 2012

  • Share through email
  • Share through twitter
  • Share through linkedin
  • Share through facebook
  • Share through pinterest

doc, 31.5 KB

Tes classic free licence

Your rating is required to reflect your happiness.

It's good to leave some feedback.

Something went wrong, please try again later.

Useful resources to support the teaching of newspapers. Thanks for sharing this resource.

Empty reply does not make any sense for the end user

Report this resource to let us know if it violates our terms and conditions. Our customer service team will review your report and will be in touch.

Not quite what you were looking for? Search by keyword to find the right resource:

COMMENTS

  1. How to Write a News Article

    Product Company How to Write a News Article Jennifer Calonia Updated on August 29, 2022 Writing Tips News articles report on current events that are relevant to the readership of a publication. These current events might take place locally, nationally, or internationally.

  2. The Ultimate Article Writing Checklist

    9. Photo by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash. When I first started work as a copy editor over 10 years ago, I thought every project would be a unique snowflake. I was woefully wrong. In fact, it turns out most writers, even the very talented ones, repeat the same handful of mistakes over and over again. Arguably, I need this checklist more than ...

  3. Features of a Newspaper article Checklist (teacher made)

    The key features are: The name of the newspaper. A headline that uses a pun, rhyme, or alliteration to catch the readers' eye. A subtitle that gives a bit more information about what the article is about. The journalist's name. An introductory paragraph that contains the 5 Ws (what, when, who, why)

  4. How to Write a Newspaper Article (with Pictures)

    2. Open the article with a "lead" first sentence. The lead, also spelled "lede," contains the story's most essential details. The lead should briefly answer, "Who," "What," "When," "Where," "Why," and "How" for the reader. It should also hook the reader in and encourage them to keep reading.

  5. Writing a newspaper and newspaper features

    Avoid chatty, friendly language in your report as it should be written to inform. Third person. Newspaper reports are written in the third person using the names of those involved and pronouns ...

  6. PDF Writing Articles for News Media. Self-Paced Instructional Module

    .experiences in planning and writing a news article in a practice situation. Your work must conform to the articleplanning worksheet and performance-checklist provided in. the Appendices. (Learning Activity II) III. In art actual work situation, plan, write, and submit an. industry services news article to a local newspaper.

  7. Newspaper Article Checklist (Teacher-Made)

    Students can use this Newspaper Article Checklist to assess a resource for common features of a newspaper article. Students can use this to evaluate a resource they find or their own writing! If you want to use another awesome resource like this one, check out this Newspaper Article Template! Twinkl USA Common Core State Standards English ...

  8. Newspaper Article Checklist

    Newspaper Article Checklist. Subject: English. Age range: 14-16. Resource type: Worksheet/Activity. He4therlouise's Shop. 3.93 1918 reviews. Last updated. 18 December 2011. ... Useful checklist for students when writing a newspaper article. Thanks for sharing this resource. Empty reply does not make any sense for the end user.

  9. Newspaper Structure

    Newspaper structure checklist. Below you will find a checklist to go through once you have finished writing your newspaper article. Use the newspaper structure above, and then use this checklist to double-check you have everything you need for a successful article. A catchy and snappy headline. Byline (name, specialism, social media contact).

  10. Newspaper Article Checklist Teaching Resources

    This resource can be used for Newspaper Article writing.It includes various templates/layouts for newspaper writing that organizes and labels the features needed (byline, headline, lead, conclusion, body, photo, caption).Also included are 2 differentiated checklists depending on how many of the features students are required to use.These can be ...

  11. How To Write a Tabloid Newspaper Article Checklist

    Writing to inform is a key skill for KS3 English students. Ensure your class is familiar with the main features of tabloid newspapers with our How To Write a Tabloid Newspaper Article Checklist, which offers a top-down list of what to include, such as: Intended as a quick and simple method of remembering these features, Beyond's How To Write ...

  12. Checklist for writing and comprehending a newspaper report/article

    Checklist for writing and comprehending a newspaper report/article Your students will benefit from reading. Fiction is great and daily current events and news are an even better way to get their English flowing. Think of the many questions that are formed when enquiry is applied. Have you included a headline? What is a headline? Why have one?

  13. Features of a Newspaper article Checklist (Teacher-Made)

    The key features are: The name of the newspaper. A headline that uses a pun, rhyme, or alliteration to catch the readers' eye. A subtitle that gives a bit more information about what the article is about. The journalist's name. An introductory paragraph that contains the 5 Ws (what, when, who, why)

  14. Features of a Newspaper article Checklist (teacher made)

    If you're looking for a wonderful resource to help your KS2 pupils get to grips with the key features of newspaper reports, then we think that our fab Features of a Newspaper Report KS2 Checklist is just what you need! This handy checklist will help children to identify features of a newspaper article as well as guiding them when creating their own text. It's easy to use: simply download ...

  15. Features of a Newspaper Report Checklist (Teacher-Made)

    Features of a Newspaper Report Checklist 4 reviews What is this checklist for? Stick these handy checklists into your children's books to remind them of the features of a newspaper report, or to help them self-assess or peer-assess a report that they have written in class!

  16. How To Write a Tabloid Newspaper Article Checklist

    Writing to inform is a key skill for KS3 English students. Ensure your class is familiar with the main features of tabloid newspapers with our How To Write a Tabloid Newspaper Article Checklist, which offers a top-down list of what to include, such as: Intended as a quick and simple method of remembering these features, Beyond's How To Write ...

  17. Newspaper checklist and template

    Newspaper checklist and template. Subject: English. Age range: 11-14. Resource type: Worksheet/Activity. Sjb1987's Shop. 3.64 560 ... checklist and template for a newspaper article writing activity. Tes classic free licence. Review. 3 Something went wrong, please try again later. y9840125. 12 years ago. report. 3. Useful resources to support ...

  18. Features of a Newspaper article Checklist (teacher made)

    An understanding of these shared qualities means that your pupils are ready to write their own newspaper articles, and having a checklist for reference is a great way to boost their confidence in writing independently, as well as helping them to remember the key features to include when writing newspaper reports. If you enjoy this resource, we ...

  19. Newspaper Article Checklist

    Newspaper Article Checklist ELA_Team Subject English Language Arts — Writing Grade Level Grades 3-8 Resource Type Assessment License About Resources Reviews Resources Files checklist [1].doc Assessment February 7, 2020 0.1 MB Log in or sign up to download resources. More from this Contributor Lesson Zoo animal posters Presentation | Grades K-2

  20. Features of a Newspaper article Checklist (teacher made)

    The key features are: The name of the newspaper. A headline that uses a pun, rhyme, or alliteration to catch the readers' eye. A subtitle that gives a bit more information about what the article is about. The journalist's name. An introductory paragraph that contains the 5 Ws (what, when, who, why)

  21. Features of a Newspaper article Checklist (teacher made)

    The key features are: The name of the newspaper. A headline that uses a pun, rhyme or alliteration. A subtitle which gives a bit more information about what the article is about. The journalist's name. An introductory paragraph that contains the 5 Ws (what, when, who, why) Information about the main events presented in chronological order.