Each week, you will be required to locate an article from one of the news sites listed below and analyze the way it was written. Make sure you choose a full-length article (not a News in Brief article or anything that does not have a byline). You may choose any article from News, Sports, Features or Opinion. You will not be allowed to do the same type of story two weeks in a row, though, so mix it up. Your responses should be in the 300 word range.
You are to create your own posting for each News Friday. Title your post, like this one is above. Underneath the title, paste the url that contains the link to your article. Underneath that, type out the name of the article, the name of the publication and the name of the writer. Then, in a new paragraph, begin your response/analysis.
Here's what to analyze:
- What do you think of the headline? How does it work with the story?
- How was the lead written? What type of lead did the article use? Describe its effectiveness.
- What were the sources in the article? What other sources could have been used? Why?
- What else needs to be in the article? Why? (Don't say nothing)
- What news determinants went into play for this article? Basically, why is this story newsworthy?
- Write a brief personal response to story. Why did you select this article?
The New York Times
The Washington Post
The Wall Street Journal (Yes, you can even review your mentor's articles!)
The last part of the assignment is that you are to comment on at least two other News Friday posts. What did you think of their article? (Yes, you will need to read it!). Do you agree/disagree with what the student wrote about? Why? Don't just write on everyone's post that they did a good job or that you agree. Be more specific. Don't be afraid to disagree.
All of your posts need to be made by 10 a.m. Sunday each week. I would suggest you post your News Friday and then stop back later to comment on the others. Yes, you can write more than two comments. No, you cannot comment on your own original post.
